ADVICE ON FINANCES...C.E.O. of the family finances, a serious job for a joker like me.............

But SERIOUS it is, and SERIOUS I do take it. I have been both a stay at home mom, and a working mom, but the families finances have always been my responsibility. One of the most important things to remember is PAY YOURSELF FIRST. Always save something out of each paycheck. And make your savings plan realistic, so you can stick with it. If you bring home 100 a week, don't try to save 50, you will be discouraged when you can't keep up, and scrap the whole thing. But by the same token, 1.00 a week at that income is practical, and you will be satisfied when week after week, you can keep your nest egg growing. If you can do more, by all means do, but always set aside the original amount you decided on.Next, remember fun, no matter what income you are in. A loaf of bread, some baloney and koolaide for a picnic in the park with your family isn't gonna bankrupt anyone! Or fix your regular meal, and cart it to the park, the extra effort will be worth it. There are lots of free or cheap things to do for fun year round, if you use your imagination.Then there are those less fortunate to be remembered. What? I can't make ends meet now, and you want me to give things away that cost me money? Yeppers, I sure do! A plate of food from your supper to an ailing neighbor, the coat you were gonna put in the yard sale to a child whose coat is worn and tattered, etc, etc, get the idea? And all the while you will be teaching your family important values, and immensely increasing your own self esteem!Next, pay your bills on time, or make arrangements with your creditors if you have to be late, but never ignore them. Pay ahead, and if you have a mortgage, and some extra money, then pay the extra on the principal, and save yourself some interest charges in the long run!Next, be frugal, but not fanatical! You will have a much happier family if you remind them that if the electric bill is lower this month, you can spring for a movie! But if you nag and belittle, at best you will get grudgeing compliance, {and then only when you are LOOKING!}Then, save by by substituting, and cutting back by just a little in every thing you use: food, electricity, {candlelight instead of lightbulbs,} cut back on consumption of all goods by 10%, and I bet your family won't notice, or feel deprived if you are creative in how you do it. Use your imagination, and be creative, there are lots of things that can substitute for other things, and a lot less expensive.Next, always buy all you can afford when it is on sale! Even the tighest budjet can buy an extra can of peas when they are on sale for a quarter. And you know if you only get one package of cookies at Walmart, you can buy those gloves on closeout for a buck, and put them up for the kids for next year! Last but not least, laugh and love in all you do, for these things will bring you the best kind of wealth, the kind that will help you manage ALL areas of your life, including your budjet!