The Five Joys of January

The Christmas decorations are being slowly packed away and we are all getting into the routine again after the holidays. Although the bustle and activities of the holidays are fun and I enjoy seeing friends and family and celebrating Christ’s birth, I really prefer the quiet gift of this winter month. The daylight is shortContinue reading “The Five Joys of January”

The Feeling of Letting Go

 I am a reformed hoarder.  I was the child of sentimental and intentional, but beloved hoarders who incidentally were children of the Depression. My parents hung on to things for different reasons. Some of the reasons were that they wanted to save money and preserve resources. And save money, they did and they left aContinue reading “The Feeling of Letting Go”

    College for Parents

Although it is still August, here is Pennsylvania, there are signs of fall.  The air is cooler and our garden is transitioning from the vibrant colors of spring and summer to more earthy shades.  Another sign that change is here is that the neighborhood is quieter and some social posts from friends have indicated thatContinue reading ”    College for Parents”

 Making a List and Checking It Twice

 In previous blogs, I have mentioned ideas for saving in small ways. Now, let’s look at the bigger economic picture in terms of your money management, long term financial planning, and estate planning.  As a former teacher, I always reminded my students that “sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know.”  With this mindset, IContinue reading  Making a List and Checking It Twice

5 Types of Apps to Help You Control Your Budget

In my last blog post, I mentioned that there were some apps for your phone that could make you more mindful about saving money.   Since your phone is your constant companion, it makes sense that it could have some tools that help you see where the money is going, in real time. Of course youContinue reading “5 Types of Apps to Help You Control Your Budget”

11 Small Changes to Have Big Savings

It’s a beautiful summer day here in Western Pennsylvania, the kind of day that inspires and encourages.  As I reflect on my week so far, I am thankful for many things, like my family and the opportunity to do what I really love, which is write and edit. Last week, I went to the groceryContinue reading “11 Small Changes to Have Big Savings”

The Best Time to Start Something

For several years now, I have tried to start a blog. Originally, my plan was to specifically discuss topics of middle age, because my husband and I seemed to experience a lot of issues. I thought I might take my readers along for the ride and discuss what I was thinking about raising children, caregiving,Continue reading “The Best Time to Start Something”