Budget 101 - Giving! (Week 3)

Week 3 in this series is Giving.  I know, your thinking why talk to me about giving - that is personal.  Yes that is true but I want to share two stories about giving, then give some practical advice.

First, I was visiting a relative a few years back.  Her home was gorgeous!  The kind that looks straight out of a Better Homes and Garden Magazine.  There was a pool, boat and it was in a tropical location.  Just beautiful all around.  As I was mentioning the beauty of all that was around - my relative shared something with me.  She said it was all a gift from God.  That it wasn't always this way, and that all the years of marriage their family had faithfully tithed and she felt that this was the blessings from God for that faithfulness.

Now I don't believe in prosperity Christianity one bit. The bible talks often of the poor and that it is better to be poor in wealth but rich in spirit.  However I can see how God blesses us - when we are faithful to him.

Now a more personal story.  A few years back my husband was laid off.  It is only by God's grace and will that we were able to pay any bills.  We literally had zero income at one time.  Yet each time a bill came God gave us the money to pay it.  He fulfilled our food and house needs EVERY TIME. We had just started going to a new smaller church and to say that money was needed for repairs is an understatement for our 100+ year old building.  I felt the call to tithe and to be faithful about it.  Then the hard time struck and I wondered... would I be able to give when we had so little and could barely and sometimes not at all afford our bills and food cost?

 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. - Psalm 37:25

God put it on my heart to give anyways and I'm so glad I did.  Every bill was paid and we never lacked food or warm shelter!   I believe it was a test to see if hard times would harden my heart!

So I'm asking you to pray about giving!  Really see what God has for you in this area.

We don't just give money - we give time, meals, clothing... it all is giving.

Here are some tips for successful giving:

1.  Set aside the amount FIRST  - Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase - Proverbs 3:9

2.  Set aside that money in your bill account so you don't use it. 

3. Be cheerful when you give - Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7

I hope this post has helped you.  As always any decisions you make should be with your spouse and with prayer and guidance from The Lord.  

 You can find the rest of the series here:

Budget 101: What comes in and what goes out! (Week 1) 

Budget 101: Seperating Funds (Week 2) 

Budget 101 - Giving! 

Budget 101: Thrifty Ideas For Stretching Your Money 

Budgeting 101: Emergency Money (week 5) #budget101

Budget 101: Spending (Week 6) #budget101

Budget 101: Seperating Funds (Week 2)

Last week we talked about our earnings and our bills.  You can go back to that post here.

This week I'm going to introduce the idea of having two separate  accounts. 

I have two.

I named them.

The first one is the Bill Account.  This is where I deposit weekly (or bi-weekly if you are paid that way) the amount of money needed to cover the bills.

Sticking with the original example:

Income is $800 weekly or $3200 monthly. 

Bill total is $2148.

So if we take our bill total and divide it by 4 (4 weeks to a month - average).  You will see that you need to deposit  $537 a week in your Bill Account to cover all of your re-occurring bills.

Doing this will mean that you will always have the money to pay your bills.  You don't TOUCH this money every!!!  It is set aside just for bills!!

This will mean freedom because the math and the separation is done.

***

The second account - I like to call it - the spending account.  This is the account you will use to pay for everything else not listed on your bill list (post 1).  So if you buy groceries, gas, co-pays, Christmas presents - it all comes out of this account.  

So if you look at our example - 

paid $800

$537 goes in bill account

$237 is what is leftover for everything else.

Sadly that number isn't wonderful.  You can try to cut down your bill cost or take on a side job - I can't really help you with that.  I can tell you that if you don't spend over the $237 your staying within your means and on budget.  that is a good thing!


 You can find the rest of the series here:

Budget 101: What comes in and what goes out! (Week 1) 

Budget 101: Seperating Funds (Week 2) 

Budget 101 - Giving! 

Budget 101: Thrifty Ideas For Stretching Your Money 

Budgeting 101: Emergency Money (week 5) #budget101

Budget 101: Spending (Week 6) #budget101

Top 5 #reviews for Moms of Masterbooks

Every December we Moms of Masterbooks share our top 5 reviews of the year!  These are the books we have narrowed down from the awesome 11 of the year!  It is a hard choice!  I picked the ones we talk about the most in our homeschool! 


Not in any special order!

It's Not Greek To Me: 10 Lessons in Greek DVD

 

The Flood of Noah : Legends & Lore of Survival

The New Astronomy Book

Bugs: Big & Small God Made Them All

 

44 Animals of the Bible

 

 

 

Whether you are supplementing curriculum or doing an unit study - Masterbooks really does have an awesome selection!  We have some awesome books planned for the new year!  

 

If you are interested in purchasing any of these books they available at your local retailers as well as online at nlpg.com and amazon.  

Budget 101: What comes in and what goes out! (Week 1)

Thank you for joining me on this series!  It is my prayer that these post will be a blessing to you!


The first thing I want you is figure out what your income is.

This is any money that comes in monthly, weekly, daily.  For our purposes don't include bonuses unless they are monthly and something you are guaranteed. 

For our household we get paid on Fridays.  My husband is our income earner and he gets paid every week.

You might have a job, your husband has a job.  Then you would want to include both of those incomes.

(If you are all keeping separate money - I want to encourage you to rethink this idea.  When you got hitched you became one in the eyes of God and everything should be combined - including finances - well that is just my humble opinion.)

So add up that amount.

That is the TOTAL amount of money your household COULD spend each month!  So if you have $2000 coming in you can only have $2000 going out!  This is so important!!! If you spend more than you make you are over extending budget and you will never get control of your finances. 

*****************

This next part is possibly the hardest!  I want you to make a full list of all your outgoing bills.  Just bills.  (Don't include grocery!)  

Things on this list:

• mortgage/rent
• car payment
• car insurance
• electric/gas/oil
• cable/phone/internet
• cell phone
• water/sewer
• medical insurance
• credit cards
• subscriptions - netflix
• property taxes

This should be any reoccurring bill.  Include quarterly bills as well.

Next on your bills I want you to write the amount due each month.  For things that fluctuate pick a high estimate.  For example our gas/electric is very high in the summer and the dead of winter but much cheaper in the fall and spring.  So I allot $400 a month for the two and if I don't use all the $400 I have a surplus but if it goes to $400 I'm covered for that month.

For quarterly bills figure out the quarterly payment and divide by 4 - that is the amount you need to have each month so the money will be there when the bill is due.

So you should have two lists by now.  Your income and bills.

Now add up that total.

Now I want you to take your bill total and subtract from your monthly income.

For our example  the income is $800 weekly or $3200 monthly. 

Bill total is $2148

So after the bills are paid our budget is left with $1052 a month.

This is where we will stop!  Hold onto those papers because next week we will talk more about them.

 Check out the rest of this series here:

Budget 101: What comes in and what goes out! (Week 1) 

Budget 101: Seperating Funds (Week 2) 

Budget 101 - Giving! 

Budget 101: Thrifty Ideas For Stretching Your Money 

Budgeting 101: Emergency Money (week 5) #budget101

Budget 101: Spending (Week 6) #budget101

Chuck E. Cheese & Paddington Bear! #PaddingtonMovie

Have you seen the adorable previews for the Paddington Movie which comes to theaters January 16, 2015?  I know my kids have been talking about it.  That is why we were excited to be part of the Chuck E. Cheese & Paddington Promotion that is going on at Chuck E. Cheese right now!

What is it?

From now until December 28th, kids can get a FREE Paddington travel tag with the purchase of a meal or token package at any Chuck E. Cheese’s location. Then, every time they return to Chuck E. Cheese’s with the travel tag through December 28, they will receive three more tokens.

Who doesn't love FREE Tokens!  

Be sure to visit Chuck E Cheese on these social media sites for additional information: 

 

Facebook

Twitter (@ChuckECheese)

Here are some pictures from our recent visit:

This was my little guys first time to Chuck E Cheese!  He had such a blast!  He loved the pizza, rides and games!

Showing us his #PaddingtonMovie travel tag and some tickets!

 One lucky reader will win a gift pass to Chuck E Cheese!  Enter using the Giveaway Tool Below!

Entry-Form

Budget 101 - A New Series

*** Updated*** 

Scroll to the bottom for links to the Series!

I'm going to be starting a basic budgeting series beginning next week.  This isn't some detailed course.  What I'll be sharing is how God taught me to get control over my finances in a big way.  I'm still growing and learning - it takes baby steps!

What you will learn:

• What comes in and what goes out!

• Separating Funds

• Giving!

• Thrifty Ideas

• Emergency Money

• Spending 

I hope you will join me on Wednesdays starting  December 17th for this exciting series.  If you have never budgeted - this is the series for YOU!

If you are constantly wondering how you will pay your bills - this is the series for you!

If there is anything specific you would like me to touch on please leave a comment or email me at aruplife@gmail.com.  I am no expert but I will try to give you practical, biblical advise in answering your budgeting needs.


 Check out the series here:

Budget 101: What comes in and what goes out! (Week 1) 

Budget 101: Seperating Funds (Week 2) 

Budget 101 - Giving! 

Budget 101: Thrifty Ideas For Stretching Your Money 

Budgeting 101: Emergency Money (week 5) #budget101

Budget 101: Spending (Week 6) #budget101

Quilts of Love | SWEPT AWAY – Kindle Giveaway, #REVIEW & “Merry Quilted” Facebook Party!

A Rup Life received a copy of this book for review purposes.  This post contains affiliate links.

I have been loving the Quilts of Love series!  Each book is unique but has the same theme of quilting.  Swept Away was just awesome!  I loved how each character had painful pasts and how they had to work through that with the help of God.  I also loved the clear plan of Salvation our Broom-man gives.  What a wonderful weaving of God's plan for us into a book.

I know I've said this for just about every book in this series but I will be looking up Swept Away's authors - Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven - to see what else they wrote.  I just loved their style and how the story unfolded.  Of course it was easy to like Drew and Sara, however the way the story was woven was awesome! This review wouldn't be complete without mentioning the character "Grandma" - she was delightful.  Her overpowering love for her grand-daughter and somewhat meddling ways were actually very sweet!  She was one feisty gal!


About the book:

Sara doesn't think she wants love. But her grandmother has other plans.

Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don't always go as planned.

Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past---and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane's grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer's granddaughter.

Still, it doesn't take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn't what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life---and her heart---forever.

  You can purchase your copy of Swept Away at your local book retailer or online at stores like Amazon. 

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

Additional Information:


Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven. November’s QOL release is a spark of romance and fun just in time for the holidays.

Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th. 

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
• Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
• Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 9th. Winner will be announced during the "Merry Quilted" Christmas Facebook party on December 9th. RSVP today and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors (Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn) for a "merry" evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on December 9th!

Fire Up the Romance this Holiday with @RobinLeeHatcher’s “Love Without End” Kindle Fire Giveaway & Book #REVIEW

I just finished reading Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher.  This is a story of two adults who have been hurt in love.  They have to heal from their own pasts to see if they can move onto a better future.   I found that I loved both characters and I was rooting for them both to find love and happiness after being profoundly hurt before.  However Anna McKenna steals the show with her wonderful life story and how amazing she still is.  This is a matriarch we all wish we had in our families.

About the book:

 
Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.
When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/EjjGc

Additional Information:


Fire up the romance this holiday with Robin Lee Hatcher's latest offering in the King's Meadow Romance series, Love Without End. For two single parents with bruised hearts, it’ll take more than a little courage to get back on the horse when it comes to love.

Celebrate love rising from the ashes of tragedy with Robin by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway.

 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Love Without End and the rest of the King's Meadow Romance series from Robin Lee Hatcher

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 14th. Winner will be announced December 15th on Robin's blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Weekly Recap

Already a week gone in December!  I can't believe how fast the time is flying!  This week we had a practice with our homeschool group for Christmas caroling.  Next week we will go sing at the nursing home.  You'd be surprised how many verses there are in God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.  It was funny to see the kids singing some songs they had never heard - but were classics from my day!

Now onto the blogging:

Holiday Gift Guide: Looney Tunes Platinum Collection Vol 3 #review 

24 Days of Books

 

Why You Should Shop Online withEbates! 

 

Why You Should Try Amazon Prime *TODAY*

 

AsTheyGrowUp.com

 

The Gospel of John on Netflix #review #JohnOnNetflix 

 

Worry Woo Monsters ~ Twitch #review

 

Holiday Gift Guide: Cooper Kit #review 

 

Truly's Natural Deodorant #WIN *Stocking Stuffer*

 VeggieTales In The House & Netflix Giveaway! #WIN...

Why You Should Try Amazon Prime *TODAY*

Amazon Prime is one of the best little things on the internet.  You get Streaming like Netflix plus music and FREE 2 Day shipping!! Need that book by Friday - no worries order by Wednesday and it will be on your doorstep! 

If you've never tried it now is the time! Sign up for a Free 30 Day trial and see if Amazon Prime works for you!  It is a must have in our homeschooling house! 



* Instantly watch over 40,000 movies and TV episodes with titles for everyone
* Borrow books from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library
* Get unlimited FREE two-day shipping with no minimum order size


Join Amazon Prime - Watch Over 40,000 Movies & TV Shows Anytime & enjoy free 2 day shippng- Start Free Trial Now


*This post contains affiliate links

Why You Should Shop Online withEbates!

If you do any online shopping I want to encourage you to check out ebates.  This is a portal shopping site.  Basically that means if you want to go shopping to say Kohls.com.  You first visit Ebates.com then you search for Kohl's on their site.  Click on the shop now button and you will be on your way to earning a rebate back on that purchase.

In addition you can still use coupons codes on the site.  So if Old Navy is having a coupon for 20% off your purchase you can still use that with Ebates.

You get paid 4 times a year by check.  I've earned over $100 in the last two year just doing my NORMAL shopping!

It is a great way to earn a little extra money while doing something you were already doing. 

*This post contains an affiliate link.

Book Advent - 24 Days of Books

 “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

I saw this idea floating around the blogs last Christmas - so I take no credit for it personally.  The idea is simple - 24 Days of Books - A Book Advent - to be opened for the month of December. I loved the idea! Kids love opening presents and seeing that stack under the tree adds to the excitement.

Last year I was like how on earth can people afford that?  However I got wise!  Over the course of the year I collected books on Christmas and Winter! It was easy at second hand sales and picking up a few new ones from Amazon.

In fact when the time came I had to eliminate books because we had too many! I looked on my preschool shelf and it was filled with amazing books for this project! I even had some vintage Little Golden books to add to the mix! So I carefully chose some of my favorites and I rotate out some each year.

I encourage you to look on your shelves!  I bet you have enough to do the 12 days leading up to Christmas! Then you can plan for next year!

A few of our books:

As you can see I really did pick a blend of religious, winter and fun! So go check your shelves and see - I bet you have quite a few books for this project, just like I did!

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Are you a member of Amazon Prime?  Tis' the season to try it out!  Enjoy free streaming and FREE 2 Day Shipping during your 30 day trial!  What better way to shop for Christmas than with FREE shipping!!

Shop Amazon - Give the Gift of Amazon Prime