Do you want to do more in less time?
Or perhaps you just want to pamper yourself! Maybe you want to run your home
more efficiently. There's something for everyone in Tiplets
The Balanced Woman
March 2002
Issue 34
Jackie Hale, Editor
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By subscription only! Welcome to another issue of:
"THE BALANCED WOMAN".
Thanks to all of you who have encouraged your friends to subscribe! You are important to
us. So rest assured we will NEVER sell or give away your email addresses to anyone!!
We realize that not all of the email programs available can accommodate our size. So you
can also find this issue of The Balanced Woman at:
http://angelfire.com/sd/BalancedWoman/issue34.html
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> Welcome
=> Feature Article: "Defeat Debt"
=> Household Hint
=> Web Pick
=> Fashion Tips
=> Money Matters
=> Classified Ads
=> Pampering Yourself
=> A Little Laughter
=> Site Updates
=> Recommended Resources
=> Recipe of the Month
=> Help Others without Spending a Dime
=> Subscribe/Un subscribe information
Tax time is quickly coming upon us so this month's theme is money! I've changed the format
slightly to encompass this new focus. Instead of including the normal parenting tip, I've
replaced it with a money tip. If you don't like it, just let me know, it can always be
changed back :)
I know I, for one, could really use some new recipes to help me get out of my cooking rut!
So send in your quick and easy dinner concoctions and if I feature it here, you'll win a
copy of my latest ebook, "Maximize Your Moments, The Busy Mom's Guide to Time
Management". Send you entries to jahale95@yahoo.com
with recipe in the subject. Each month I'll feature a new one, so each month you'll have
another chance to win!
I came across another newsletter I know you'll like. It's the award-winning author Mimi
Doe's free biweekly newsletter: Spiritual Parenting Thought for the Week. It's full of
action ideas to create
closer, calmer families without giving up your own dreams and goals. Sign up today at: http://www.SpiritualParenting.com
Enjoy this issue!
jackie
PS Don't forget, our site updates and easy recipe of the month are at the end.
We just made having a home based business an attainable goal. Put family first. Keep some
balance in your life. Work share and profit share. The only home business model that fits
around you. http://www.powerwomancentral.com
Put some SPIRIT in your job search with:
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Practical Guide for the Downsized, Outsourced and Displaced"
You deserve a position that fulfills your practical needs AND provides you with a sense of
accomplishment and joy. "Losing" your job is the first step in finding it!
Chapters include Marketing Yourself into a Job, The Courage to Say No and Salary
Negotiation. Available for $8.95 in e-book format exclusively at http://www.booklocker.com
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Feature Article: Defeat Debt
By: Jacqueline McLaughlin Hale
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According to a recent Gallup poll, the number one concern of women today is money.
Surprising? Not really. It’s probably the number one concern of men as well. But
it’s not just the lack of money that creates problems, having money has its problems
too. If you’ve got it, you have to invest it so that your money makes money and is
used wisely. Unfortunately investing well is not easy! If it were, there would be far more
millionaires in the world today! However, more often than not, the issue with money is not
what to do with the extra but how to get enough in the first place.
There are many obstacles to accumulating wealth but one of the biggest is credit card
debt. Did you know that the average American has $7,000 in credit card debt at an average
interest rate of 18.9%? According to American Consumer Credit Counseling it’s true.
What’s more is that if only the minimum monthly payment is made, that $7,000 debt
will take 375 months and $11,638 in interest to pay off. That’s more than 31 years!
The beginning of true financial freedom comes with the end of credit card debt! Sound
difficult? It’s not as hard as you might think. In fact, it’s actually very
simple, though far from easy.
To solve any problem, it must be defined. Eliminating credit card debt is no different. So
start by precisely defining your debt. Pull out all of your cards and their statements.
List them along with their balances outstanding and corresponding interest rates. Total
the balances to arrive at exactly how much you owe. You may be surprised. Believe it or
not, many families have no idea as to just how far in debt they are!
The plan of attack must begin with the card that carries the highest interest rate.
That’s the one to focus on first.
Make the absolute minimum payments on all other cards and put any money freed up from
doing this on the card with the highest rate. Continue in this manner until it is paid
off. Then take the money that you had been using to pay off the debt with the highest
interest rate and use it to make payments on the debt with the second highest interest
rate. Follow this plan exactly until all of your credit cards are paid in full.
To expedite the process try to find even more money within your existing budget to
reallocate towards credit card debt. Many families spend hundreds of dollars per month on
things they don’t even think about. For example, you may regularly purchase 3
Starbucks coffees a week. At $3.00 per drink that’s $9.00. You might go out to lunch
another 3 times per week. At $10.00 per lunch that’s $30. Finally, your family may
treat themselves to dinner out once a week. That’s easily $25 and more. All of these
expenditures added together total $64 per week or $256 a month. If they were eliminated
completely they would provide an extra $256 for paying down credit card debt!
If it sounds like $256 per month cannot possibly make that much of a difference, consider
this. If you limit your credit card payment to only $256 per month, that $7,000, 18.9%
debt, will be paid in full in 37 months with $2,245 in interest. That’s a big
difference from the 375 months and $11,638 in interest resulting when the minimum payment
is made! So yes, an extra $256 makes a HUGE difference.
As cards are paid off, close them out. You cannot simply cut them up. Cutting them up does
not prevent charging on them. You must write to each creditor and ask him/her to close
your account. Do not be tempted by all the offers they will make to try to keep your
business. You really only need one or two cards, at most, for emergencies. Remember that
the cards got you into trouble in the first place. So solve the problem at its root, close
them out completely and pay in cash (or with a check)!
Finally, if you find that you’re really way over your head in debt, look up one of
the many credit counseling organizations in your area. Most of them are non-profit
institutions designed to work with your creditors to pay off debts quickly and with
minimal damage to your credit report. The payment and budgeting services they provide are
well worth the time and effort. Work WITH them, rather than against them, and you will
never find yourself in a debt-ridden situation again (barring any emergencies)!
For better or for worse, we have become a society that demands instant gratification and
it is presenting itself in the skyrocketing debt numbers we all face daily. Being too far
in debt and living beyond our means takes its toll emotionally, spiritually and
physically. It’s no fun and it’s not healthy to constantly worry about money and
expenses. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get a handle on your debt now and
start your journey towards true financial freedom.
Jacqueline McLaughlin Hale is a CPA and the editor of Between Friends: Resources for
Mothers (http://www.betweenfriends.org)
Between Friends contains household hints, time management tips, articles on organization,
parenting, money management, career, self employment, self improvement and more! Subscribe
to its FREE monthly ezine, The Balanced Woman. Visit today!
Webmasters and publishers may use this article in their ezine or website, as long as the
*entire* article is used, and the *copyright notice* and *resource box* are left in tact,
including this notice
Get extra cash from grocery store debit machines. Talk about convenient! You can pay for
your groceries and get cash back! Most banks do not charge fees for this. So you incur no
extra costs and save a trip to the bank!
"Mortgage rates, CD's, auto loans, credit cards, mortgages and more!"
Bankrate.com has it all, in simple, easy to understand language. If you want to get your
finances under control, spend a lot of time at Bankrate. You'll be glad you did!
Parent like you mean business! Stop nagging and fighting with your kids! Get your home
running more smoothly than it has ever run before. Discover a simple, effective and proven
system for putting sanity back into your life with the new ebook THE BUSINESS OF MOM!
What can you do if you aren't an “average” size? I
mean, what choices do you have if you're small, thin,
big, or heavy, and every clothes-shopping trip you
take becomes an exercise in frustration?
Well, don't give up! There are a number of things you
can do—IF you understand a few basic tenants. Let's
review them:
1. Don't Expect Chocolate In A Sea of Vanilla
The fashion industry offers the largest bulk of its
merchandise in “standard sizes”, which encompasses
women sizes 4-14, 5'4” to 5'8” in height (European sizes 34-44 and 1.6256-1.7272
m), who also have an hour-glass shape. Because so many women fit these parameters, this is
the most profitable ready-to-wear market.
If you don't fit this description, your choices are
considerable reduced...but not non-existent. You just
can't go into a regular, “vanilla” clothing store, and
expect to have success in finding your non-standard
size. If you do find what you need, consider yourself
lucky. Otherwise, head for specialty clothing stores.
Have a large bust but small hips? Have large hips but
no bust? Need one size on top and another size on the
bottom? Then accept it and move on. Your goal is to
dress the shape you have, not the shape you wished you
had. Yes, it's common sense advice...that's ignored
much too often, I'm afraid. Accept your body and move
on.
3. Learn Some Sleigh-of-Hand Tricks
You can appear larger or smaller depending on what
kind of clothes you choose. Some elements to beware
of include:
*Lines – horizontal lines on a garment will make you
look wider; vertical lines will make you look taller
and thinner.
*Color—light colors will make you look larger; dark
colors will make you look smaller.
*Texture—smooth textures make you appear smaller;
chunky or shiny textures add bulk
4. Experiment With Different Elements
Once you've found clothes that fit your shape and
size, try experimenting with different clothing
elements to bring about the desired effect.
For example, if you're heavy...
*Try adding a long beaded necklace or pendant to your
ensemble to give you a slenderizing vertical line.
*Avoid clothes that add visual bulk, like chunky
sweaters, horizontal stripes, or light-colored
fabrics.
*Opt for monochromatic looks, blending colors from
head to toe.
Or, if you're very thin...
*Use gathers and soft fullness to visually add pounds.
*Use multiple layers to create fullness and interest.
*Wear contrasting colors on top and bottom.
Once you understand your body shape and realize that
you're going to have to hunt down retailers to serve
your non-standard size, your clothes-hunting duties
become a lot less frustrating. Make a list of stores
where you know you can find clothes that fit, and
stick with them. Ask for recommendations from family
and friends. Go online and look around. Then,
experiment to find what looks best on you.
Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image
consultant and editor of "Fashion Savvy", a monthly
online newsletter dedicated to helping women achieve
more success through dress. You can visit her online at http://www.fashionforrealwomen.com
If you talk about money enough, it seems that you'll continually hear the same word
popping up over and over again---portfolio. "It depends upon your portfolio",
"What's in your portfolio?" "What are you trying to accomplish with your
portfolio?"
But what exactly IS a portfolio? It is a selection of various investments used to generate
an income or produce a return. In other words, it is comprised of all the places in which
you have put your money, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money markets,
CD's, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, etc.
A BETTER LIFE:ITS YOUR FUTURE!
Enjoy Humor, Inspiration, Romance, Fitness, Nutrition & Personal Finance- all aimed at
helping YOU to take control of YOUR future! Subscribe FREE at: http://webmarketingezine.com
BE HAPPY BE HEALTHY LIVE LONG & PROSPER
WEB MARKETING EZINE
Let us help YOU succeed on the Web with Tips, Tools, News & Views on Web Marketing and
E-Commerce, from a street-smart Marketer. Subscribe FREE at: http://webmarketingezine.com
THE HUMAN FACE OF WEB
Go to a nice department store. Approach your favorite cosmetics counter and make an
appointment for a makeover. Many cosmetics companies will offer this as a complimentary
service in an effort to sell you the products they offer.
A man asked his wife what she'd like for her birthday.
"I'd love to be six again," she replied.
On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a
local theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the
Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear everything there was! Wow! Five hours later she staggered
out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach upside down.
Right to a McDonald's they went, where her husband ordered her a Big Mac along with extra
fries and a refreshing chocolate shake. Then, it was off to a movie - the latest sci-fi
epic, and hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi Cola and M&Ms. What a fabulous adventure!
Finally, she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed. He leaned over and
lovingly asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being six again?"
One eye opened. "You idiot, I meant my dress size."
The moral of this story is: If a woman speaks and a man is actually listening, he will
still get it wrong.
(If you have liked what you've read, please forward this newsletter to friends or family
members who you think might enjoy it! It might encourage them to subscribe. Thanks!)
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THE WHAT'S FOR DINNER COOKBOOK
More than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. Free chocolate and Sunday breakfast recipes with
every order. Click here to order. http://hop.clickbank.net/hop.cgi?jahale/recipeclub
DIVORCE WELL
"Divorce Strategy for Men and Women" reveals the secrets of men, women, lawyers,
financial tax experts and private investigators! This book a must have for those going
through divorce. http://www.divorcewell.com
RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
Express-Line Supper: Chicken and Biscuits
If you don't have leftover roasted chicken on hand, pick up one of the rotisserie chickens
now available at most major supermarkets. The other ingredients in this recipe are
standard pantry or refrigerator staples, so the bulk of your prep time here will be a dash
through the supermarket express checkout line. If you like, buy the sliced carrots,
mushrooms,
and green onions from the salad bar.
Chicken and Biscuits
Makes 4 Servings
3 cups cooked chicken
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed chicken broth
1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 teaspoon fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
8 (2-inch) ready-to-eat biscuits
1. Combine chicken, broth, peas, carrots, mushrooms, green onions and thyme in a large
skillet or chicken fryer that holds at least 2 1/2 quarts and is pretty enough to go to
the table. Bring mixture to a boil and cook until carrots are tender, 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, stir milk into flour in a small bowl and heat biscuits in a toaster oven, if
desired.
3. Stir milk mixture into chicken mixture; bring to a boil and cook 1 minute. Top with the
biscuits and serve.
The appearance of advertising in The Balanced Woman should not be interpreted as an
endorsement by the editors of the service, product, business, or program being advertised.
We take no responsibility for claims or representations made in any ads. The Balanced
Woman is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The ideas and information
expressed in it have not been approved or authorized by anyone either explicitly or
implicitly. In no event shall Jacqueline McLaughlin Hale be liable for any damages
whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this
information or its publication, including any action for infringement of copyright or
defamation. The opinions expressed by our columnists are not necessarily the position of
The Balanced Woman.
Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001 JA Hale
Editor's Comments: If any of you have any ideas, comments and suggestions on how we can
improve this e-zine please let me know. Just send an email to: jahale95@yahoo.com
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