Fabulous Financials

And the winners of Friday’s contest for the Nuru personal finance cards are as follows:

onlinediva34 with the 14th comment

and…

LobotoME (Jenny) with the 18th comment

The question was “share a tip (or 20) on how you manage your finances during this economic crisis.”  Jenny’s comment made me pause for the cause, so I wanted to share it again for those who missed it:

We are planning for simple holidays this year - we are giving our kids 4 gifts only (plus one from santa). The 4 gifts are in these categories.

1 Want
1 Need
1 To Do/Create
1 Read

We are also doing more to help others…while our bank accounts/401k accounts have taken a hit, we still have our businesses and our home..and our health…a lot to be thankful for. So this is a good time to teach compassion and empathy to our kids and help those less fortunate.

When I read her comment, I paused - literally.  I felt selfish for thinking about all the things I will do for myself and my family.  I felt selfish for not thinking about the people who were already struggling, and will now struggle even more.  I felt selfish for thinking about how I can save more, without a single thought about how I can give more.

Then…after I let the comment marinate, I felt motivated, empowered, and happy again.  For one…Christmas depends on BabyGirl’s report card - she’s currently trying to resuscitate that C in trig/pre-Cal.  It aint looking good.  And two…I don’t intend to buy gifts for the entire family like I have in the past - let the fat guy do his job, he gets all the credit anyway. Hmph!  That alone is a savings of at least $200!  In addition, I’m on track with my planned financial changes, so another couple hundred can be used to help a family in need.  I’d already completed the holiday program donor form at one of my favorite charities, so the timing is perfect.  I can’t think of a better way to change my finances by minimizing excess at home and helping those less fortunate.

Wooo weee for me!

…and CONGRATS to the winners!