Hair Cuts

I just cut Adam and Calvin's hair tonight. I started cutting hair when Adam was just building his business and didn't have time during the day to get to the barber. I bought a $30 pair of clippers from Target. I had a husband that was willing for me to learn on him, and a mother-in-law to give me some tips. I started out slow, and learned more the more I practiced. As Calvin got older, he asked me to start scissor trimming his hair, rather than using the clippers so his hair could be a little longer. It took me a long time to get up the courage to do the girls' hair. It takes longer, and it's so more evident when I screw up. I've figured out how to do a little bob that looks pretty good. My little girls love their hair short. Now I cut everyone's hair. Thomas is like shearing a sheep, his hair is so fine. I'm the only one in our household that pays for a haircut. I figure at about $15 for a cheap haircut, I save between $30 and $75 a month, depending on how many need haircuts in one month, and I can do it when it's convenient for me, less appointments to keep! Don't be afraid to try. It's a good skill to have under your belt.

Mortgage Rates!

There is a way to glean something good from our crazy economy. Mortgage rates are so low right now, fixed 30 year rates are around 5%. But you have to be smart about how you choose to take advantage of this. By only refinancing what you currently owe on your house (leaving your equity in tact) you can reduce your house payment by reducing your interest paid. Adam figured that if we refinanced and kept paying our current house payment for the next six years, and then at that time paid an additonal $150 per month, we would have the house paid off in 15 years. If you just need a smaller house payment, refinancing would be great too. Each person's situation is different, and you'd have to check it out for yourself. Beware of cashing out your equity, it will only lead to more debt. Talk to your mortgage broker and see if this is a good deal for you.

My 2008 Chirstmas List

I have a more no-nonsense sense of gift giving this year. It seems like time is speeding up, and life is happening so quickly. There isn't any room for frivolity, and I really feel the need to get back to basics. I think it will be good for my kids to have a simple Christmas. I take inspiration from Adam's grandparents. There have been years when our gift from them would be a case of canned peaches or pears. A gift was never more appreciated or received with such love. There was no doubt in our minds of their concern for our happiness. Isn't that the purpose of gift giving?

Now, Santa will still come to our house, of course. But our four kids may just get pajamas, shoes, and flashlights from mom and dad. When thinking about what others might get for me, I thought I would put together a wish list of things I've been wanting to acquire for my homemaking or preparedness needs. Here it is:

Kitchenaid mixer
Heavy duty blender
Victoria Strainer (for canning applesauce and tomatoes)
Handheld Wheat Grinder
4 more zero degree sleeping bags (we have 2)
Flashlights
Shortwave Radio, crank operated
Any Food Storage Items
Big blue water barrels

This is my list so far, I'm sure it will change as I learn. My plan is to work toward acquiring these things gradually based on need. But to have a list of things I really need rather than receiving jewelry or purses (which I love) may help for those who love me to know what I would like the most for Christmas. This is where my heart is right now, in my desire to make my family prepared. What's on your Christmas list? Have you thought about giving gifts that will help your loved ones to be prepared?

Emergency Savings

One of the things I've been concerned about is having some money in the house in the event of an emergency. If a disaster happens, if the power is out, the banks won't be open and our debit cards most likely won't work. What would we do if the stores were only accepting cash? I knew I had $100.00 that I had saved from last Christmas, a gift. That was my start. Now any time I receive extra money that we weren't planning on, like when Adam fixes a computer for a friend and he gets $20.00 it goes in the emergency fund. I keep it with our important papers so if we ever have to leave the house in a hurry, I can just grab it all at once. Little by little, we will have enough saved for our emergency fund.