Dear Reader:

You might remember that I have talked earlier about my “obsession” with security that keeps me in a worry condition way too much of the time. It is like I feel if I let go of the reins for even awhile,  the carriage and horses will leave me sitting in the dust  in the middle of a road all alone. My promise to myself is to stop wasting time worrying, turn it over to God, and instead use that time to live life more “abundantly.”

It should start with this sign being pasted on my mirror each morning. Many of you are familiar with it, but how quickly we forget when we settle in and “milk” our financial pity party mood.

Wealth is a state of mind. We forget that fact… especially growing up in our affluent country too often. If we are surrounded with caring people, have a roof over our heads and food in our mouths, then we are wealthy.

If we run out of money before our monthly budget is up or an unexpected car or appliance problem pops us…we (me) can quickly freak out when, in reality,  this worst day scenario happening to us… for someone else living in a third nation….or in our own country living below the poverty level… would perceive it as the best financial problem they ever had because it amounts to nothing in their world.

…”That’s all” they might say incredulously at our despair…Just use a laundromat or wash your clothes by hand or walk to work or catch a bus….”What’s the problem?” “It’s just an inconvenience…it’s not a life and death situation for heavens sakes?”

So for 2017 I am setting my mind alarm… by turning it on mute. I will not react ridiculously to any unexpected financial burden…but instead deal with it as best I can and move on to more important things like living the best life I can.

This time of year we are undulated with weight loss, healthy eating, and financial help infomercials. These businesses love January because everyone is ready to hop on the change bus...and then hop right back off  in February.

I did, however, come across one savings plan that I am going to try and I will keep you up to date on how it is going or if I change buses during the year. I am hoping I can pull this off….If I do I will get a photo taken of me holding up my savings at the bank the last day of December 2017.

Here is how it works. (I already have my 2017 monthly calendar broken down into 52 weeks with the amount by each week I need to set aside.)

Quarterly this year I will let you know my savings amount and how things are going…move over Suze Orman….hopefully this tortoise will win the race…using back- to- basics savings programs.

I think my real problem is that I am a “Nickel and dimer” spender…nothing big or elaborate…but enough “small” things that add up each month that I could definitely do without…and not lose anything that deters from living a wonderful life.

My “nickel and dime” habits remind me of a story I heard over the holidays about this South American vine, know as the “matador” or murderer that appears innocently enough as a small green plant…but over time invades and kills the tree while blooming (almost tauntingly) when it strikes the final blow. The poor tree never saw it coming…it got so used to it being a part of its daily life.

“The Matador”

Steve Arterburn

New Life Everyday Devotions

A strange species of vine known as the matador grows in South America. Roughly translated, the Spanish word matador means “killer.” This plant has certainly earned its name. The matador begins its life growing at the foot of a tree. At first, it looks like a harmless little plant. But as it grows, the matador relentlessly winds its way around the tree, makes its way to the top, and slowly strangles the tree. When the matador reaches the tree’s top, it bursts forth in flower—as if celebrating its kill and crowning itself victor.

Many habits in our lives are like the matador. They seem harmless at first and grow slowly. But left unchecked, they’re dangerous.

Is there a matador-like habit winding its way around your life right now?

So until tomorrow…the Boo has a plan….to go live life and have no regrets…compass straight ahead. Let’s go 2017!

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

*I am off! One dollar down and $999 to go! Wish me luck! Mother’s old lock box is my inspiration. She was amazing with handling finances…a mentor to me.