Invigorate Your day With These Helpful Tips.

For many people, the strain of the holiday and Christmas season frequently triggers emotions of melancholy and depression. People frequently suffer from what we refer to as the "Christmas Blues" for a variety of reasons, including concern about money, grief over lost loved ones, and more. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of respondents to a National Alliance on Mental Illness survey stated they were stressed out or experienced the "holiday blues." For some people, particularly those who are financially strapped, the holidays can be challenging. Your eagerly anticipated holidays may be marred by financial stress. Having said that, gift giving and attending Christmas parties tend to be the most stressful activities, particularly if you are hosting the event this year. Remember that you're not by yourself!

Stress, anxiety, and hopelessness are typically experienced around the holidays (we all know that). Therefore, allow me to lessen some of that strain by sending the blues away with a few of my energizing and useful suggestions that can be helpful when you're having a bad day. 

   1. Visit a friend or give then a ring-a-ling-a-ling.

   2. Get a journal and write down what you are feeling (be honest about it).

   3. Make one healthy change to your diet.

   4. Limit/reduce alcohol intake.

   5. Put on your music and go for a jog or stroll.

   6. Sign up for a group activity (like volunteering).

   7. Simplify everything.

   8. Pamper yourself/Self-care.

   9. Watch something funny (movie or stand of comedy).

   10. Try meditation.

These suggestions are all effective, many of them simple, and all feasible. You can write them down on a note card, save them in the Notes app on your phone, or use daily timers and calendar invites to remind yourself.

Consider them as remedies for enhancing your capacity to deal with difficult situations, enhancing your quality of life, and preserving your health and pleasure despite stress. As we approach the Christmas season, let's offer ourselves the gift of becoming more aware of the stressors in our lives and the actions we can take to combat them.  Enjoy the season, I believe in you!  

Is 2022 the best time to buy a home?  The good thing is there are no “acceptable” or “unacceptable” answers to this question.   The most important question to ask yourself and answer is, are you ready personally or financially to buy a house?   Here are some tips and tools if the answer is "Yes"!

FINANCIAL BLOG FROM YOUR CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Title: 7 Strategizes to Energize Your Gift Giving This Holiday Season!

It’s that time of the year again.  The Holidays, yeah!  Thankful and grateful for this new season of sharing and enjoying gatherings again with families and friends.  But hold on!  Let’s not go crazy with all the money we have saved during the pandemic.  You will want to budget your holiday spending to maximize all your dollar$.

1. Set Up a Spending Budget

Track your income and expenses. When you keep record of your spending you are likely to spend less, or at least not spend more than you should.  Shoppers who make a list to purchase are more likely to not exceed their budget.  This means making a complete list and staying with the plan.

2. Put Work Bonuses Towards the Holidays

If you get a work bonus throughout the year, put that extra money away in savings for the holidays. You may have been the lucky one to win one of the employee vaccination incentive drawings or received the vaccination incentive bonus; consider using those incentives towards your holiday spending.

3. Take advantage of 0% APR credit card

Keep your credit card usage to a minimum, especially this holiday season since we are still watching to see how well we will bounce back from this economy downturn. If you need a credit card to make a holiday purchase that can’t be passed up, use a credit card with 0% interest. The credit card companies are busy this time of the year, enticing you with zero percent credit card transfers; please be careful.  If used correctly, this can help you save money and give you that cushion you may need to get you through your gift giving escapade. Remember to read the fine prints and pay attention to the expiration date to ensure that what was transferred is paid off within the time given.

4. Become a Smart Shopper

If you plan and take a little extra time, you can save money fast by becoming a smart shopper, especially during the holiday season.  Smart shoppers compare prices, buy things on sale, buy generic vs name brand, and use coupons. In addition, make better choices when you are shopping or browsing. Be conscious of your spending and ask yourself “do I really need this”. If you are thinking of buying something, hold off at first. Then a week or so later, if you still want it – get it if it is in your budget.

5. Re-visit your closet

Sell items you do not use any more like clothes, toys, and furniture. In fact, when we get new electronics, furniture, etc. we sell the old ones to help pay for the new items. Furthermore, we have the kids pick 3 toys they don’t use/play with anymore and sell them before a new batch of toys comes in during the holidays.

Happy holidays and happy budgeting.  Please stay healthy and safe. Your best years are ahead of you, plan better for the future!