"You mean more than any earthly thing...won't you rain on me again..."
Ask and it'll be given..(Matthew 7:7). When it comes to learning how to "budget" you money, I try to ask the Provider-Heavenly Father for "wisdom" as Solomon did in the Bible: Old Testament....
6 Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for�both riches and honor�so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." 15 Then Solomon awoke�and he realized it had been a dream. "-1 Kings 3
It is better to give than to receive, which you hear a lot! I've heard so many stories of people who got out of financial debts through giving. I do my best to take 10% of my weekly pay check and give it to my local church. Then 10% and up, I give it to some charitable church focus non-profit cause or ogranization...see 10% cause
Personal Testimony-Financial Breakthrough
I was raised in a family with financial challenges and I didn't want to go through the same trials when I got older. After seeking financial wisdom from God through his Word and others that He has put in my life, I'm proud to say I'm financially free from any debts (currently a co-signer for some credit companies for my brother and a friend of mine). I want to share my story with as many people as I can to help them get out of financial debts. Instead of hiding this knowledgleable resources, I want to share this with as many people as I can. Feel free to contact me on any of this or if you have any suggestions, feedback, questions, or even prayer requests....
After doing a budgent analysis 2 years ago, I was able to break down some categories where I put most of my money in. These are the following categories I got in order by month:
-Washing Machine
*my mom's washing machine just broke down this morning (Saturday, November 24th of 2007)
-car payments
*paid off as of Jan 04'-praise God!
-Fuel Efficient Cars
CBS News Top 10 for 2005
Consumer Reports: Tips for Saving Gas and Fuel, from smartmoney.com
"You can also visit the EPA's Web site, www.fueleconomy.gov to find data on fuel-efficient cars.
Edmunds Top 10...
Top 10 Gas Misers
+Hondas
Compare Honda Cars
Compare Honda Models, from price quotes.com
Honda Accord History, from edmunds
Buerkle Honda, in St. Paul
Richfield Bloomington Honda
+Toyotas
Golden Valley Auto Sales, the Toyota Corolla 2000 is on the tops of my list
Toyota City-Luther, in Brooklyn Center
Walser Toyota Scion, in Bloomington
TOYOTA COROLLAS
Toyota Corolla 2000 (Golden Valley Auto)
Toyota Corolla 2000 31-38 mpg, from fueleconomy.gov
*A-Z Minnesota Dealers, from keep it local Toyota Auto Parts The Auto Channel
-Brakes
CAR X
Midas
-Gas (prices in Twin Cities)
-Calculations?..
How Much Car Can You Afford?
CarFax, VIN#?
+Financing:
Capital One Auto Finance
ELoan
"For most people, 15% of after-tax monthly income is appropriate for total monthly car payments"
-Car Maintenance
*radiator flush, etc...
fuel pump, through midwayauto.us
Discount Tires
Alexandria Area-Yellow Pages
(Tire Plus-directions)
-parts
Car Parts
ONLINE/CLASSIFIEDS
Other Tips:
DMV
Auto Check
Info Link Screening
Car Buying Tips
Free Spreadsheet Download, for selling car
Federal Trade Commission: Used Cars
Driver and Vehicle Services from Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Report of Sale, online form for MN
Nada Guides
-*instead of wasting gas, get a bicylce=>
Bicycle Buying Tips, from bikesnspeds
Bicycle Buying Guide-Errand or Commute Bike
Cycling Forum, oiling chains
Fixed Gear on the Cheap
Twin Cities Bicycle Shops
KHS Town & Country, for commuting
-moving violations
Common Moving Violations, from Minnesota State Courts
-shows
-Checks?
How to write a check?
-Credit Unions
NCUA
Credit Unions Online
St. Paul Federal Credit Union
Bikes
*gas saver
Blue color Huffy 10 speed Bike (bought for $15 from a guy from Hoffman, MN) in May 23rd of 2007
Cell Phones
WARNING (can cause cancer!-Cell Phones Causes Radiation..., from Environment, Health and Safety Online)
*info sent by a good friend (Pon from Indonesia on Jan 07')
Cell Phone Cards
-
Cell Phone Services
-
Accessories:
Extended Life Lithium Ion Battery for SPH-A620 / VGA-1000, $25 from factorydirectcelluar
Batteries4less $19.95
cellphoneshop $12
BEWARE of E-MAIL: -
Classes
Coupons
Don't get caught in this trap of being on debt! I remember back in college (when I turned 18), I was "sucked" into the free prize when you sign-up for a new credit card account. I ended up getting over 5 different cards and used all of them to help pay for this "get rick quick" business "opportunity". I sure learned my lesson the hard way!
Types:
Getting harassed by creditors? Know your rights!
-Federal Trade Commission
-Law Help Minnesota
What about Credit Cards? From my personal experiences, I think having 1-2 isn't too bad. It actually helps build your credit, which will help you when it comes to applying for a loan (e.g. car, house, etc..) in the future. However, they are very, very, very bad if you don't pay in time or don't budget. For example, I had 5 credit cards while I was in college after applying as many as I can to get FREE stuff. Well, they hurted me for awhile as I used these credit cards to pay off a business investment (Equinox International-similar to nowadays Amway-long story!) opportunity that went bankrupt.
Your name is listed in all these credit bureaus, which is why you get all that "junk" mail. To get your name off the list, you can contact the following. I personally called Equifax-Opt Out and left my name and address for them to mail me a 1 page sheet to sign to get my name off the list. I believe they say that you are off the list for a certain amount of time and you have to call them back again:
-Get a Credit Card Request Form (from ftc.gov)
*Tip: The above following credit bureaus is obligated to send your personal credit report to you at least once a year if you ask them.
Debt?
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender-Proverbs 22:7
-Credit Report
Student Loans:
Co-Signing and Student References, from student platinum
One Simple Loan
Frequently Asked Questions
Education Loans, from Chase Student Loans
"Federal (Stafford) loans [Student Loan Consolidator] do not require a cosigner, but do require references. "
Int'l Student Loan
Signature Student Loans, from Sallie Mae
"Even if you have an established credit history, you may be eligible for a lower interest rate if you apply with a cosigner."
Electronics
-VHS to CD
Converting Your VHS Tapes to DVDs or CDs
Converting Your VHS Tapes To Video CD or DVD, Part 1
By: Brien M. Posey
"Now that you’re familiar with the hardware requirements, let’s review the necessary software. As I said earlier, you’ll need to be running the Windows XP operating system, but you’ll also need some software to do the video capturing and editing, as well as some software to burn your finished video onto a video CD or DVD.
Windows XP actually comes with a program called Windows Movie Maker, shown in Figure C. While this program will work, it only covers the basics. I recommend springing for some commercial grade video capture and editing software. I’ve personally had great luck with Sony’s Studio DV. It’s easy to use and is specifically designed to work with Sony camcorders."
How to Transfer DV Camcorder Tapes Directly into DVD, from allformp3.com
CNET How-To: Convert VHS to Ditigal
"Most of us have videos of weddings, birthdays, and a plethora of other important personal events. But up until the last couple of years, we've had to capture them on analog tape (VHS, Beta, and so forth) that not only degrades with each playback, but with the passing of time, as well. Want to avoid the "every copy looks a little worse than the original" curse? There's only one solution: go digital."
-Video Camcorder
Panasonic Model No: PV-GS15 (purchased on 12/04)parts; warranty 1.800.211.7262 (Sears Panasonic MiniDV Digital Camcorder, 2-1/2 in. LCD Monitor, Digital Still Camera)
" So, as i was reading an article about HYIPS on
http://business-reviews.com/business_opportunities/hyip.php , i came across another link to another type of investissment. Strangely, i'm kind of curious about this one. Actually, i've always been a adventurer, someone who likes betting on life and new ventures (otherwise, i wouldn't have left my job in NY and come in Morris in the first place to try something new).
I don't really know what to think of this http://www.mazu.com/offer.html"
BONDS:
-Treasury Direct
-U.S. Savings Bonds
COINS:
$5 Indian Head
-About Coin Collecting
-Coin Shop
-Lynn Coins
-Coin Resource
-US Mint
catalog
Sacajawea 2000 Gold Coins
infoplease.com
coin-collector-shop (rolls)
Center Coin
-1998 U.S. Mint Proof Set
$34.50 on ebay
lynncoins.com
miscellanous sites: ubid.com
COLLECTIBLES:
-Sports:
Becett
Baseball
-Kirby Puckett memorabilia
Basketball
-Michael Jordan 91' Upper Deck Baseball Card
Football
footballcardshop.com
-1986 Steve Young Topps - Rookie 374 TB $12.50 Sold Out
usfreeads.com
Wrestling
-1985
ddtdigest.com
Wrestling Trading Cards.com
STOCKS:
-American Funds
-Bethany Gift, tips on investments
-Edward Jones
-Hartford Investor
-Putnam Investments
-Diversify Options:
World Gold
TIPS:
-Investing With Conscience
Links to selected religious and general socially conscious mutual funds and indexes. , from beliefnet.com
Timothy Plan (morningstar)
Fundaising Ideas
-Pine River, cheese, chocolates, and sausages from Wisconsin
*I just ordered (9/18/05) bacon cheese dip and cajun sausages from a co-worker, who was selling this for her daughter's school
-Schwans Fundraising
...
support the local
Morris Community Special Olympics Team (physically challenged)
"
click on �Start Shopping� (near the right side of the screen) and you will be asked to enter a campaign ID# 1002615, click the start shopping button on the welcome page and begin placing your order. You will be asked to provide the name of an Athlete/Coach/Volunteer you are supporting upon checking out. (This is above the area where you will enter your credit card information.) I will get Credit for each order received from you!!
THE PRIZA CODE IS 11W"
-Sweet Treets by Karen
-UC Berkeley Fundraising Ideas
-Your Big Adventure, from Readers Digest (magazines, cd's, etc..)
*did this door to door with a teen I mentor (9/04)
Giving (e.g. tithes and offerings"
"Better blessed to give..." (do it "cheefully"-2 Cor 9:7)
-Blessings in All Forms [e.g. food, (Proverbs 22:9), needs (Deuteronomy 15:11, strength to the weak (Psalm 41:1), kindness (Proverby 19:17), overall (1 John 3:17)
-Tithes and Offerings to Local Church/Missionary Support/etc (do it "secretly"-Matthew 6:1)...
"Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops"-Proverbs 3:9
Personal Testimony: I try to make sure when I get my pay check every other week, I automatically write a check of 10% of it to my local church (covers 2 weeks). Then the next week, I give part of another 5% to misisons, community service, or some other way to bless others. I have seen the fruits (don't expect this all the time!) of mine giving in return ("sow" & "reap"-2 Corinthians 9:6). For example, I remember moving to another house where my rent was going to quadruple ($45 to $200). I was invited to go on a mission trip (see Mexico Trip 01'), which I hesitantly joined "last minute" after receiving $200+ (Proverbs 11:24 "give..gains") just for helping a friend move. When I received this money, I wanted to use this to help cover my "new" next month's rent. I felt God gave this money for my first short-term mission trip, so I had to obey!
Haircut/Barber
-Saving money while students learn, discounted haicuts by students in the Twin Cities
Minnesota Cosmetology, 704 Marie Av. S. St. Paul 651.451.6447 $8 for 1/2-1 hour
Minnesota School of Cosmetology-Globe College 7166 10th St. N. Oakdale $8 @9:30am
Model College of Hair Designs coupons in St. Cloud
Regency Beauty, St. Cloud, Blaine, Burnsville
Scot Lewis Schools-Paul Mitchell, 1905 Suburban Ave. in St. Paul 1.888.242.6352 800.508.4804 $10 for 1+ hour with tips; @9am and evenings
St. Paul College-Cosmetolgoy, 651.846.1329
HAIRSTYLES
Hairfinder, int'l hair directory
Men Hairstyles, different pictures (beauty.about.com)
-dental hygiene
-medical checks
-prescription medications/over the counter drugs
"Insurance most people can do without"
Hotels/Motels/Lodging
-Lodging.com twin cities rates
-Orbitz, cheap motels
-Twin Cities Search
-Grinnel Mutual Reinsurance Company, all types!
*just signed-up through my agent at Bremer for auto and home (paying only $300 for auto as of Nov 2006)
-Insurance Resources
-Extended Warranty: Auto, Home, Etc..
-Accident
-Employment:
AFLAC
Gardner & White
-Life: (Whhole-Life)
FAQ:
*Wikipedia
Which Life Insurance Is Best?, from Smart Money
Agents/Services:
Food
-groceries
Loans
Lost & Found Property
Moving?
Quick? Money Makers
Phones
Phone Cards
Phone Online
Retirement
"But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he
stands."-Isaiah 32:8
Rewards
Savings Account
"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a
sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come
no collections will have to be made."-1 Corinthians 16:2
TIP: compare interest rates with each bank
Minnesota-Bremer Bank, Anchor Band, etc...are some examples of "good" interest rates accoring to a recent newspaper article.
Secret Shopper
Stuff!
Taxes
-airfares
Local:
Rentz Agency Inc
PO Box 596
517 Atlantic Ave
Morris, MN 56267
ph: 320-589-2442
State:
-Agencies
Nation:
-airlines
-bus
Greyhound
*RVSP as soon as you can (3 weeks ahead) to get a good deal!
-road: automobile (personal road trip stories)
-train
Amtrak
Utilities
-Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home
- 100 Water Saving Tips, list forwarded by Ledat "Robert" Thach, UMM Alumn, from Cali on 5/3/04!
Video Games
-Free PS2 (new small size)
What about Credit Cards? From my personal experiences, I think having 1-2 isn't too bad. It actually helps build your credit, which will help you when it comes to applying for a loan (e.g. car, house, etc..) in the future. However, they are very, very, very bad if you don't pay in time or don't budget. For example, I had 5 credit cards while I was in college after applying as many as I can to get FREE stuff. Well, they hurted me for awhile as I used these credit cards to pay off a business investment (Equinox International-similar to nowadays Amway-long story!) opportunity that went bankrupt.
Your name is listed in all these credit bureaus, which is why you get all that "junk" mail. To get your name off the list, you can contact the following. I personally called Equifax-Opt Out and left my name and address for them to mail me a 1 page sheet to sign to get my name off the list. I believe they say that you are off the list for a certain amount of time and you have to call them back again:
*Tip: The above following credit bureaus is obligated to send your personal credit report to you at least once a year if you ask them.
As you can see, most of my money goes to "materialistic things" that really don't benefit me long term-espeically eternity!
"We enter this world naked and we leave this world naked"-Job
more...
-Teen Years
This is a question that is an on-going learning experience! It�s been over 4 years since I graduated from college and I�m still learning, so I�ll share what I�ve learned so far. First, you need to know what you are trying to work for? How are you going to spend the hard work money for? I started saving sometime before high school as I wanted to attend college. I got my first �real� job at age 12/13 delivering newspapers (see work experience), which was an experience that build my responsibility skills. Before this, I had some �odd� jobs-babysitting, helping my dad with maintenance work in his rental properties, and the typical weekly allowances from your parents by doing household duties. Each job, there was a different motivation for working for that �pay check�. When I was younger, I collected baseball cards, which motivated me to do the �odd� jobs mentioned above. Before, during, and after high school-I saved money to help pay for college.
-College Years
I was blessed many ways to pay for college-especially after coming to that personal relationship with the �Provider�-Heavenly Father! Before college, I was all worried on how I would be able to attend college because my parents (with jealousy and envy of others) didn�t start a �college savings� that some of my peers had. I applied for scholarships, which I was turned down with several of them; however, I got accepted with several others! My savings and scholarships still didn�t cover all my tuition! In order to cover the remaining cost, I took on 2 jobs during the summer vacations between each year in college. Despite the �busy� summer vacations with these 2 jobs, it gave me a clearer perspective on what I wanted to do after college. After each summer experience, my career objective became more clear! However, I wanted God to give me guidance, so I stayed in Morris after graduation for the Summer Institute of Ministry Training School!
-After College
Well, praise God-He provided all my needs to get through college. Now what? I wanted to serve God, but I didn�t know how? I ended up finding a job in-town to get me through the summer only while attending this ministry school. God provided a job working at a group home, which He touched my heart here and I�m still here! When college students get all worried wondering what they�re going to do with their lives, I laughed inside and tell them that �you need to take each day at a time and trust Him. He�ll take you to places that you never thought of doing, it�s like what Jesus said�
�Seek first the Kingdom and all these things will come�?
What comes? Everything you need (family, friends, finances, food, clothing, etc�) to get through life to accomplish His will for you (if you are faithful to His Word and His will in your life!), like how He got you and me through college! College was a preparation time or season, so you can look back and remember that He�ll �never forsake you�! Yes, I do still have thoughts wondering about what I�m doing is in God�s will or is it mine? I still ponder about this after 4 � years since I graduated from college in 1999! What I try do is take each day at a time spending time with Him seeking (though prayer, reading the Bible, fellowship, etc�) how I can do His will everyday.
Lord of Your Finances?
When I accepted Jesus to be �Lord� of my life, I really didn�t fully understand it in the Spring of 1996. However, I�m beginning to learn more what it means everyday! Recently, it became more clear in my mind and heart that God wants to take care of us if we let Him do so! We need to totally depend on Him and give everything you have to Him-that means your money too! I was watching some sermon on t.v. about this, and God really convicted me about how I haven�t really made Him-Lord of my finances. For example, when you get a paycheck, do you automatically give that 10% to Him or you just give him the �left overs� of what you have remaining from spending all your money (e.g. bills, groceries, etc�).
Advisors
Need?
Banks
Articles
Biblical Teaching
Books
The Money Answer Book, Dave Ramsey
"This quick and simple, question and answer book is the perfect resource for equipping individuals with key information about everyday money matters. Questions and answers deal with 100+ of the most-asked questions from The Dave Ramsey Show-everything from budget planning to retirement planning or personal buying matters, to saving for college and charitable giving. This is Dave in his most popular format-ask a specific question, get a specific answer"
Financial Advisers
Ministries
Shopping Online
Television
Video
Common Sense - Episode 1
"Common Sense is a three episode series featuring the Greene family. It was produced for Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA, and was meant to supplement Dr. Tom Smiley's message series about finances. The Greene family is a formerly wealthy family which finds themselves on the other end of the financial spectrum. Not only have they lost their wealth, but they continue to make bad financial decisions with the little money they have left. This series is an obvious spoof of the popular television show "Arrested Development." It was produced as an homage to "Arrested Development" and as a learning tool of what NOT to do with money."
Money Don't Grow On Trees
"Comedic example of foolish money handeling."
*see Greedy
Ways to Make Money
Thank you for visiting my page at Angelfire. Please come back and visit again!
