http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn.html Caro Cordo www.destroydebt.com Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:14:17 GMT webmaster@destroydebt.com webmaster@destroydebt.com http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/309-scared-of-shares.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/309-scared-of-shares.html Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:14:17 GMT Well, given the current economic climate, you'd be right to be scared of shares. Many people have been burnt recently, but I know the lure of big bucks can be very strong. What I have done, over this year, is to pick two stocks, and follow them, in the newspaper, through the ups and downs of the...
What I have done, over this year, is to pick two stocks, and follow them, in the newspaper, through the ups and downs of their progress. It has been a good thing. I had got very excited about a particular company when they launched their prospectus, and I wanted to jump on board.

I didn't have the requisite cash available, so I couldn't buy. But I decided to keep an eye on their progress to see what I was missing out on.

What I was missing out on, after ten months or so of following them, is a bit of excitement when their prices went up and up and up, and then distress when the price plummetted! So, my lesson has been learnt - this is not the way to quick cash, unless you truly do have the ability to see into the future, which most of us don't have.

With the late October 2008 crash, those stocks crashed too, down almost as low as they've ever been.

The other stocks I've been following have been a different story. This company has been there for many years, and they are still above where they were six months ago when I started watching them. If I'd bought into that one, I still be happy, even with the crash.

But I still don't have the spare cash to try it out, and I'll continue keeping an eye on the two and smile at the results.

I hope people out there are doing OK. These are interesting times, and there is a Chinee curse that makes sense - 'May you live in Interesting Times']]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/261-school-holidays.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/261-school-holidays.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:23:30 GMT The kids are home, you're home. What on earth can you do to make the holidays fun without breaking the bank? For starters, get the kids involved in making the decision on what to do. You might have plans for super-educational things to do, but your kids are probably in chillout don't think mode. ...
For starters, get the kids involved in making the decision on what to do. You might have plans for super-educational things to do, but your kids are probably in chillout don't think mode. So ask them.

Here are a few no/low cost items to run by your children:

- visit the beach - only low cost if you don't have to drive too far

- learn something - libraries often put on cheap fun things during school holidays - my son decorated a rock and made a new rock friend that still lives in his room years later!

- go to the zoo - the animals are interesting and sometimes just watching them interact can lead to lots of fun, as you all try to work out why certain animals do certain things

- the library again - there are so many books out there, and so little time to read usually, make the most of holiday time and read!

 ]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/252-time-is-money.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/252-time-is-money.html Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:09:36 GMT Nobody has time to spare these days. That’s the reason why they can’t spend time with their kids, can’t cook food from scratch, can’t make their own clothes, can’t keep in touch with relatives and friends, can’t do anything!   But is it really true? If you were to track a person every day for ...
 
But is it really true? If you were to track a person every day for a week, chances are there’d be lots of moments where good things could be done.

Time on public transport could be spent writing letters or phoning friends and rellies. Tim sitting flaked out in front of the television could be spent doing something artistic or crafty, or writing –a love letter, a poem, a letter to a politician, it doesn’t matter, it’s more constructive than vegetating in front of the box.

 
If we stopped mindlessly watching TV we’d have much more time – time to make stock, make fruit roll ups or muffins. We’d have time to interact properly with our children and we wouldn’t feel guilty about ignoring them – the lack of guilt would mean there’s no need to spend guilt-money as a way of saying sorry – your time is more valuable than any umber of video games. 

 
It can be cheaper and healthier to cook your own biscuits, cakes and such. Making baked in the oven wedges is far cheaper thatn oven cooked frozen chips/fries. Get out your recipe books and do a little research!
 

Spend time and save money!]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/243-visit-to-a-financial-consultant.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/243-visit-to-a-financial-consultant.html Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:35:57 GMT Well, I bit the bullet and made the appointment. I scratched around and located some of the items the consultant told me to bring. On the day I showed up and waited, pondering the wonderful pieces of advice I might receive. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I have to say I wasn't disappointed. ...
No ground breaking bombshell, just confirmation in my mind that I wasn't in a position to do anything exciting with our finances the way they are at the moment. The person I saw agreed the plan my husband and I were following should work, so keep on doing what you're doing - but BUDGET!

He showed me his budget excel document and said it worked beautifully well, you use it to show how you're going, and whether you're going well or badly. OK, I said, I need that on my computer!

He emailed it to me, I was very grateful and then I lelt. I deposited the money I'd been carrying in my purse for the past few days, on the off chance he would have magic place I could put it to turn it into lots instead of just a bit, but the bank was the best bet I had.

I'd been worrying about carrying $200 in my purse, fearing accidental loss or theft. The back was much safer. I drove home thinking about the money we'd save once we had our budget sorted out.

And what have I done? Well, I've looked at the budget document, and thought about it. Soon, perhaps tomorrow, I will get to work on it and attain fiscal wisdom!

 

 ]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/237-have-puppies-will-save.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/237-have-puppies-will-save.html Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:09:26 GMT Well, Holkschter Kennels have eight beautiful puppies, just over five weeks of age today. In the past, we had pups, sold them, splurged on the money and moved on, no better off financially, really. Now, I'm intent on not going down that path. I'm firmly committed to doing it better this time. Our s...
Our son wants a laptop computer, an air rifle, a trip to Canberra (Australia's centre of government - I'm Australian).

My husband wants an air rifle (he's willing to share with son), he wants... lots of things, but he's learning better ways finally.

I want financial security and savings in the bank for the first time since I turned twenty.

How are we going to do this? We're going to have careful family discussions regarding how we spend the money we get for our puppies. That's if we can sell them all (seven anyway - we're keeping one for our newest show dog). There are no guarantees - we may not be able to sell any of them. If any of us think too hard about spending the money now, having these things may become must have items, instead of gee, I'd like to have that someday when I can afford it.

I know it is possible to become much better off. I know it's possible because I know our household has a lot of  money coming in every payday. I know because our expenses are not excessive. It's just that at the end of the month, the numbers don't always come out how they should.

The reason? Spending without thinking. Spending without considering other options. Spending without considering the circumstances.

I declare an end to it all!]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/236-budget-food.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/236-budget-food.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:41:28 GMT What to eat? How do you save money with what you eat? In our househol, no-one buys lunch during the week. Husband and so both take theire luch from home and save quuite a bit by doing it. My son has a sandwich, an apple and something nibbly - minimal cost, maximum health. Husband has a similar luch...
In our househol, no-one buys lunch during the week. Husband and so both take theire luch from home and save quuite a bit by doing it. My son has a sandwich, an apple and something nibbly - minimal cost, maximum health. Husband has a similar luch and we all benefit in financial ways and health as well.

For dinner we will usually have home cooked meals, take-away and dine out only as an occasional treat. I can do wonderful things with mince meat, and we just love the versatile mushroom. Fruit and vegetables are cheaper than buying ready made meals, and baked wedges made and cooked at home are cheaper and much healthier than fries bought at McDonalds. My home made burgers are nicer too!

Healthy food is usually not really expensive. We all need to be careful healthwise and with our money, so it's a no-brainer- eat well, eat cheap.

I make muffins and freeze them for a quick snack - thirty seconds in the micowave once they're made - yummy! I feel like one now - walnut and blueberry muffin and coffee. Got to go now!]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/235-want-to-buy-something.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/235-want-to-buy-something.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:36:04 GMT If the next 'must have' thing is something you must have, why not look at it rationally first up. Step back, take a deep breath and really think about why you have to have this thing. I know, it's a drag, but it's not as much as a drag as having creditors knocking on your door, or ringing you at all...
Make a list of why you have to have this thing (car, dress, house, puppy dog).

Make a list of what is in the way of you having this thing.

If the major reason for not being able to have this thing is not having the money, then your problem is simple - you just have to save the money to pay for it. Of course if the 'must have' thing only costs hundreds of dollars, then saving isn't that hard - firmly put into your mind what it will be like when you have this thing, imagine how much better your life will be, and it becomes easier to turn down invites to lunch, holidays or whatever - you just say 'Thanks but I'm saving for my puppy, (or whatever).

Saving for a house isn't as easy, and of course most people get a loan from the bank or other financial institution. So in this case, you will save for a deposit. It is a great start if you can at least own some of your new home. It is a great feeling. If you can go to the bank and say 'I have $X deposit, how much are you prepared to lend me?'

The bank is happier to lend to you if you have proven you are capable of saving money - you are a safer bet for them. And you are happier because you will be less in debt over your dream home. You can be proud og yourself for what you've done, and then you can start saving to furnish your home!

If in making your first list you realise it's not really that important, well done, you've saved yourself money!

If in making your second list you come up with lots and lots of things in the way of having this ting, then it's time for a re-think. If your 'must have' thing is a puppy, and the reason you can't have it include living in a one room apartment on the 78th floor with a rule against pets, then you've got to do a serious re-think. Perhaps you could offer to walk dogs for other people, or visit with friends with dogs. Whatever, you have to come up with a solution - realistic is the way to go. Dreams are fine, but reality is what you have to deal with.

The list making can take a while, and you may realise that the 'must have' item becomes old hat if you take long enough over it. You save money! And that's a good thing!]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/219-carocordos-blog.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/carolyn/219-carocordos-blog.html Mon, 26 May 2008 12:27:33 GMT OK first up, I have a confession. I have not managed my money well. I have thousands of dollars coming in about once a year, from breeding dogs. But the money has frittered away on what? I'm not really sure. I've reduced a little debt here and there, and my husband and son have a lovely new/sec...
I no longer have any store credit cards, the lines of credit on bank accounts are all paid out, as are my two credit cards. I am never going to use my mastercard again - I'll cut it up next week. I have spoken seriously about money and debt problems with my family for perhaps the first time, and I am committed to doing this thing the proper way.

I have begun saving my money, little bits here and there, and bigger bits. It doesn't matter how cute a handbag is, it has to be saved up for, and rationally thought about. How many bags are enough bags? I've one gorgeous little black bag that I can fit my cell phone in a little money, and not much else, and that will have to do, until I find just the right bigger bag and save for it. The little bag cost a couple of bucks from an Op shop, and that's where I'll do most of my looking for the larger bag. Op shops are great - I've sourced yarn for my crocheted rugs there, finding amazing colours and texztures. I have the most comfortable pre-worn jeans that fit beautifully well, for only three or four dollars. I would never pay big dollars for jeans again, now that I know the benefits of pre-worn!

OK, I'm a forty-something wife and mother, so I don't have to look totally gorgeous all the time, but I know I stand up taller and look better when I'm comfortable. I've also finally realised I'm not a 'pink' person, so I no longer waste my money on clothes that are not the right colour. My best advice to women is to know what season you are, and stick to that colour range.

I'm Autumn/Fall - reddish hair, pale skin, freckles. I wear the colours of the fallen leaves and earthy natural colours, and when I'm wearing my colours, I feel beautiful, or happy at least. I never waste money on clothes now. I know what suits me.

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