Hi Everyone,
We’re entering the season of miracles again. Last year about this time I wrote to you about how around this time of year for a four or five weeks seemingly miraculous things happen to me. Last year the miracle was meeting my beautiful wife. I don’t know what this season will bring but I’m always a little amazed by this season. All is not well for me this season however and I want to share my frustrations. A few months ago we had an unexpected expense hit us. Over the intervening months I’ve rearranged our finances to deal with this unexpected expense. To pay for this expense we’ve also made sacrifices in our lives. We were planning to go out west this fall so that my wife could see that part of America and meet my family and friends who live there. We decided not to. We also have some things we’d like to do around the house. Instead of spending lots of money my wife used her creativity to make our house cozy using the materials we already have. And over the holidays people I might buy presents for I will now be baking for instead.
Please do not feel sorry for me. I’m telling you all of these things to make a point. I know that everyone has unexpected expenses hit them from time to time. When an unexpected expense hits you what do you do? Do you make the sacrifices necessary to pay the expense as soon as possible or do you continue with your life, business as usual, and potentially make the problem worse? If the latter best describes your approach I have to tell you one thing, “STOP!”
And while I’m at it I might as well ask you one more question. Have you budgeted for the holidays yet? Or are you going to go out and spend unconsciously? Please don’t. Please remember to save a little too during this season. And how about giving your children a present that they can use for their entire life? Open an account for them here at the credit union. It’s simple and you can open a children’s account with only $5.00. Some of our best members have accounts that were opened for them by their parents many years ago. Teach your children to live below their means by setting an example and then teach them the idea of saving and investing. It could be the best present you ever give them. As I’ve written these words I’ve just realized something. Maybe this unexpected expense was this season’s first miracle because it helped me to prioritize what I spend and it helped me realize yet again the things that are truly important in my life. I hope that this season is filled with miracles for you.
Till Next Time,