How Much Having a Pet Is Actually Costing You

 Initial costs for our pets:  Yorkie, $500; Shih Tzu, $100; Maltichon, $0 ...

🎜  It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood ... 🎝

**

Federal Reserve: Dave Ramsey Agrees With Bernie Sanders On This?

The Fed [Reserve Board] is using a hammer ... overkill, overkill, overkill... the Labor problem is not due to economic inflation. It is due to the Pandemic... and your efforts to "flatten the curve ..." -- Dave Ramsey

**

Is Dave Ramsey Still Right About The Housing Market Not Crashing?

 Is money expert, Dave Ramsey, wrong or correct about the housing market?

**

Average Car Payment in USA September 2022

Whoa!!! 😦😠😧

***

Weird Jobs That Pay Over $125,000!

 I would apply for the golfball-diver job 😁😀😁

**

College Life: When a Federal Student Grant (Pell) Must Be Repaid

Son recently received a letter from Wheaton College (Illinois). 

He had to repay his Federal Pell Grant!! 

    😮😕😧😯😐😑😮

With all the political-talk about student debt forgiveness, what the heck was this?!!

Pell Grants do not ever need to be repaid by a college student.  However, there are a few exceptions (there may be others):

When You May Have to Repay a Grant

Here are some examples of why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant:

• You withdrew early from the program for which the grant was given to you.

• Your enrollment status changed in a way that reduced your eligibility for your grant (for instance, if you switch from full-time enrollment to part-time, your grant amount will be reduced).

• You received outside scholarships or grants that reduced your need for federal student aid.

• You received a TEACH Grant, but you did not meet the requirements of your TEACH Grant service obligation.

Yep, my dear son fell in one of the few cracks regarding this federal grant and was obligated to repay it in full.  I am proud to say that he did it within a few days -- with tears in his eyes, certainly,  but with determination to work harder than ever.  His small treasure trove of hard-earned cash got lessened by 2K, but our estimation of his maturity as a man increased tenfold. I am so very proud of you, my beloved boy ❤💙❤💚  (Repost from May 2021)

This phone call from another college student made me angry 😠 😖 

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

Proverbs 11

Federal Student Aid

**

Favorite Tech-Free Summer Activities

Inexpensive, yet fun 👍 activities with your children during these dog days of Summer 2022 (by Rachel Cruze):

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.( John 16:33)

***

Rachel Cruze: Chic fil-A Hacks to Save Money $ at the Drive-thru

George Kamel, wikipedia

It's Summertime!  

Treat your kids at Chic fil-A once in a while and not feel so poor $$ afterward. 

Below are good, easy money-saving ideas from Dave Ramsey's daughter, Rachel Cruze, and Dave Ramsey co-host, George Kamel.  Watch their facebook video about this with the link below:

We went to Chick-fil-A to test some money-saving drive thru hacks! Try these hacks and let us know what you think! 👇

🔴 BLT: Just order a toasted bun with bacon, lettuce, and tomato. A great sandwich for about $2!

🔴 KID YOURSELF: Order a kids meal, and swap the toy for an Ice Dream in cup or cone. Food, drink, and dessert for under 6 dollars!

🔴 TWO SANDWICH HACK: Get two sandwiches on the cheap by getting an order of 4 count chicken strips and two buttered buns. Should save you about $2!

📍*exact prices will vary depending on your location

🠊Link to Rachel Cruze's  Facebook video 🠈

**

List of US States With the Most Millionaires $$$$

Rounding out the top ten are . . .

6. Pennsylvania

7. Arizona

8. New Jersey

9. Ohio

10.Massachusetts

A millionaire is someone who has a net worth of a million dollars. Net worth is what you own minus what you owe. For example, if you have no debt besides a mortgage, a large emergency fund, and a retirement account. Subtract what’s left of the mortgage debt from everything else and you’ll know your net worth.

Based on our national study of over 10,000 millionaires, more than 50% of millionaires live in a neighborhood where the average household income is below $75,000 a year. 6 out of 10 millionaires live in a house valued under $500,000.

A millionaire isn't always someone making 6 figures with a flashy car and a mansion. Millionaires look a LOT like everyday people. YOU can be one too. You just need to gain control of your largest wealth-building tool... your income. Kick debt out of your life, live below your means and follow the rest of the 7 Baby Steps. You CAN do it! -- Dave Ramsey, Facebook

How to Be on the Millionaire List

Remember ....

**

 

Proof That Political Conservatives Are Less Stingy

 The chart is based on the book by Arthur Brooks called Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism

Fiscal Conservatives in action!

I have asked hubby to check out Arthur Brooks' book at our local library. It is available for purchase on AMAZON .

But my God shall supply all your need 

according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

**

PragerU: What It Takes to Become a Millionaire

How to become one of the 11 million Millionaires in the United States.  

Studies show that one of the main reasons these Millionaires were "lucky" with money was that they live in the United States?  Hoooorah, I've got a leg up already 😀 😁 😃

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: 

and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16

***

Crossing a Rubicon, Part 2 (+ Happy Birthday, Dave Ramsey!)

 An eye-opening episode from The Ramsey Show (youTube).  After prayer for wisdom from God above, this next step is crucial. Simplifies many of Life's seemingly complicated decisions quite a bit.

 BTW, Happy Birthday (Sept. 3rd) to Dave Ramsey!

Children do what feels good; 

Adults devise a plan and follow it - Dave Ramsey

According to Suetonius, Caesar uttered the famous phrase alea iacta est ("the die is cast"). The phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has survived to refer to any individual or group committing itself irrevocably to a risky or revolutionary course of action, similar to the modern phrase "passing the point of no return." Caesar's decision for swift action forced Pompey, the consuls and a large part of the Roman Senate to flee Rome in fear. Caesar's subsequent victory in Caesar's civil war ensured that punishment for the infraction would never be rendered. This took place during the time of the Roman Republic. - Wikipedia

Dave Ramsey

**

Building Wealth: Emergency $$ Fund

Good Idea!  Do you have an Emergency💲 Fund? Minimum amount per Dave Ramsey is $1000.  

Ours is in our bank's safe. We do not keep this stash 💵💲around the house because it might get spent in a non-emergency situation (read: pizza night, shopping), LoL.  A smaller $ stash is nearby -- just in case 😉

in Christ alone, my hope is found!

***

Why Used Car Prices Are Skyrocketing

In spite of  the high cost of an out-of-town yet needed car part, we gave the Mechanic the green light  to go ahead and repair our old Toyota 2007 SUV. 

Refurbished part, be damned. As long as it lasts a good many years. God help us!

Nowadays, it is a cheaper/wiser  option to repair or keep a vehicle, than to purchase new, or even a pre-owned.

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

(James 4)

***

Tuesday Tip: Inspiration From a Professional Basketball Player

 Do These 4 Things to Stand Out From Your Competition

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. (Proverbs 22 )

Wade Manson Baldwin IV

**

College Life: When a Federal Student Grant (Pell) Must Be Repaid

Son recently received a letter from Wheaton College (Illinois). 

He had to repay his Federal Pell Grant!! 

    😮😕😧😯😐😑😮

With all the political-talk about student debt forgiveness, what the heck was this?!!

Pell Grants do not ever need to be repaid by a college student.  However, there are a few exceptions (there may be others):

When You May Have to Repay a Grant

Here are some examples of why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant:

• You withdrew early from the program for which the grant was given to you.

• Your enrollment status changed in a way that reduced your eligibility for your grant (for instance, if you switch from full-time enrollment to part-time, your grant amount will be reduced).

• You received outside scholarships or grants that reduced your need for federal student aid.

• You received a TEACH Grant, but you did not meet the requirements of your TEACH Grant service obligation.

Yep, dear son fell in one of the few cracks regarding this federal grant and was obligated to repay it in full.  I am proud to say that he did it within a few days -- with tears in his eyes, certainly,  but with determination to work harder than ever.  His  small treasure-trove of  hard-earned cash got lessened by 2K; but our estimation of his maturity as a man increased tenfold. I am so very proud of you, my beloved boy ❤💙❤💚

This phone call from another college student made me angry 😠 😖 

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

Proverbs 11

Federal Student Aid

**

LIST: Do 3 Things to Avoid Poverty

 Dare I say it?  It's as  simple as 1, 2, and 3! You want proof? Look around at any people for whom you have an ounce of admiration for the stability in their lives. I bet you $20 that the majority had done these three. 

**

Stupid Debt: Over $1 Million in Student Loans

We, the American taxpayers, will ultimately be paying for the above Orthodontist's (federally-guaranteed) loan!

Trouble for Student-loan Program

U S Dept. of Education

Tax Break for Upper Income Grad Students

\

********

Are You on the Millionaire's List per Fidelity?

D Ramsey's advice on consistent,
long-term savings

In the past year, there has been a 50% increase of 401(k)  balances of $1 million or more, per Fidelity Investments.

We are thisClose.  What has kept us back?  Repeatedly dipping into our retirement funds to pay for our children's college education (whatever scholarships or financial aid don't cover) & their other high-ticket outlays.

Has this financial regression been worth it?
YES. They're "educated' according to the world's standards and have begun their adult lives on the right footing.  We are beyond proud of each of them and their accomplishments.

NO.  The $$ return on our "investment" has been zero (thru non-investment) or pennies (or less) on the dollar via repayment. We are partly to blame.  We walked on eggshells regarding paying us back, and never put it in writing nor made it legal. We didn't push it because it's the duty of us parents to provide for children right up to and including college, right? Riiiiiiight.

But if any widow have children or nephews, 
let them learn first to shew piety at home, 
and to requite their parents: 
for that is good and acceptable before God.
(1 Timothy 5:4)

Internal Revenue Code 401(k)

List: Largest Publicly-traded Financial Services Companies

Fidelity.com

Fidelity Investments Inc

********

Student Loans: Why We Should Care about Debt

Student Loans