Thrive to Survive!
Downsizing for eventualities—Make things simple by looking at the entire year every month. Puerto Vallarta Mirror, March 5, 2021
By Christie Seeley
vallartasounds.com
With the chaos caused by COVID-19, we have all probably been battling for some kind of financial equilibrium. For my “pandemic influenced” financial planning, I am happy I have the habit of keeping a spreadsheet listing all income and all expenses on google docs. I go out six months and track how I am doing. The document is not a history but a guide to keeping me within bounds. At the end of each month, I create a new month in its place. Here are some things I have learned that may be helpful to others in planning for a challenging year.
Choose a budgeted energy payment option if available in your area. They average your electric and gas usage and charge you accordingly. This way, you will avoid substantial seasonal spikes.
Average your garbage and water bills and plan for it monthly if it is billed several months at a time.
Cut your cell phone plan to what you need.
Look at insurance coverages—how many miles do you drive? Maybe you can pay less.
Homeowners insurance deductibles. Can they be higher, resulting in a lower premium?
Make a budget for food and stick to it—wine included. Trader joe is my go-to supplier in California. I am sure Costco and Walmart are great too. A familiar place often avoids tempting but unnecessary excess purchases.
Housekeeping—What can you get away with and still not lose your resource, the person who has been with you forever? Try to make it easier on her too. I found a neighbor to pick up my eliminated days.
Personal care—Extend times between hair cuts and color—who is seeing you anyway! Time it for special events and travel.
Mani-Pedi—go naturally on hands and stick to Pedi only when at the beach.
Brows—you can do it. Let the hairdresser give a free or discounted color touch-up with your color appointment—after all these years, mine will do it.
You can do your bikini wax with Sally Hansen strips if you are brave.
Clothing—take a good look at your closet and weed out what you will NOT wear again. You'll be surprised how many nice wearable things you will find hiding in there.
Don't buy anything new that is dry clean only! Choose hand washes or wash carefully on a gentle cycle.
I know this is controversial, but I never buy used clothing. I feel there is always a reason I get rid of something—a zipper that won't stay zipped, for example. On the other hand, I know people who only buy used and look stunning!
Always have a slush fund for home repair and auto repair if applicable because these expenses will come up eventually. In your emergency saving, a must for homeowners, you want to be prepared for large items—paint, new roof, replacement appliances, etc.
If you are on Medicare or its equivalent, thank the Lord! Otherwise, seek out the best solution for you. My senior advantage plus Medicare will reimburse paid medical expenses while I am away from the Kaiser system, for example. Even a broken arm can set you back $20,000 these days without coverage.
Well, that's my two cents worth. I hope you might find some helpful ideas here. Or maybe you have some suggestions you would like to share! Now, just enjoy the sun, the music and the beach!
Downsizing for eventualities—Make things simple by looking at the entire year every month. Puerto Vallarta Mirror, March 5, 2021
By Christie Seeley
vallartasounds.com
With the chaos caused by COVID-19, we have all probably been battling for some kind of financial equilibrium. For my “pandemic influenced” financial planning, I am happy I have the habit of keeping a spreadsheet listing all income and all expenses on google docs. I go out six months and track how I am doing. The document is not a history but a guide to keeping me within bounds. At the end of each month, I create a new month in its place. Here are some things I have learned that may be helpful to others in planning for a challenging year.
Choose a budgeted energy payment option if available in your area. They average your electric and gas usage and charge you accordingly. This way, you will avoid substantial seasonal spikes.
Average your garbage and water bills and plan for it monthly if it is billed several months at a time.
Cut your cell phone plan to what you need.
Look at insurance coverages—how many miles do you drive? Maybe you can pay less.
Homeowners insurance deductibles. Can they be higher, resulting in a lower premium?
Make a budget for food and stick to it—wine included. Trader joe is my go-to supplier in California. I am sure Costco and Walmart are great too. A familiar place often avoids tempting but unnecessary excess purchases.
Housekeeping—What can you get away with and still not lose your resource, the person who has been with you forever? Try to make it easier on her too. I found a neighbor to pick up my eliminated days.
Personal care—Extend times between hair cuts and color—who is seeing you anyway! Time it for special events and travel.
Mani-Pedi—go naturally on hands and stick to Pedi only when at the beach.
Brows—you can do it. Let the hairdresser give a free or discounted color touch-up with your color appointment—after all these years, mine will do it.
You can do your bikini wax with Sally Hansen strips if you are brave.
Clothing—take a good look at your closet and weed out what you will NOT wear again. You'll be surprised how many nice wearable things you will find hiding in there.
Don't buy anything new that is dry clean only! Choose hand washes or wash carefully on a gentle cycle.
I know this is controversial, but I never buy used clothing. I feel there is always a reason I get rid of something—a zipper that won't stay zipped, for example. On the other hand, I know people who only buy used and look stunning!
Always have a slush fund for home repair and auto repair if applicable because these expenses will come up eventually. In your emergency saving, a must for homeowners, you want to be prepared for large items—paint, new roof, replacement appliances, etc.
If you are on Medicare or its equivalent, thank the Lord! Otherwise, seek out the best solution for you. My senior advantage plus Medicare will reimburse paid medical expenses while I am away from the Kaiser system, for example. Even a broken arm can set you back $20,000 these days without coverage.
Well, that's my two cents worth. I hope you might find some helpful ideas here. Or maybe you have some suggestions you would like to share! Now, just enjoy the sun, the music and the beach!
