Live Free or Die

In this economy there is a lot of stress.  I see it every day, people worried about how they will pay their bills, buy groceries, have their nails filled….

Pay the cell phone bill, maintian their cable accounts….

and it gets even scarier than that…So, what would you do if you lost your job today?

Let’s talk seriously today about the home remedy for financial stress.

First of all, a question.  Are you defined by your job, by the work you do, by how others see you?  Think for a minute before you answer that.  You probably are.  We all are to one extent or another.

Anything that you are totally dependent on is a god to you.  If you are Christian and you are totally dependent on the Lord then you are o.k. with the ebb and flow of live and the economy because you are not defined by your work.

But if you aren’t..then there can be a real problem.  Jobs are lost, income is reduced, outgo is increased.  If you are locked into the 9-5 job mentality then it can be a real ulcer-maker.

So first, do you really LIKE what you are doing?  I mean, would you continue to do it even if you didn’t get paid?  IF not, what would you rather be doing?

My viewpoint of income has always been rather odd.  I prefer that it come in from many sources than just one.  We own three houses, two are investments and produce monthly income…we have Marc’s disability, we have my writing income, we sell Registered Nigerian Dwarf Goats, I sell the excess herbs and things from my vegetable garden when I can…and I am about to start a new venture in the New Year.

We are by no means rich but our needs are taken care of…and if one venue dries up there are several more that will continue  until we find a replacement for the one that stopped producing income.

We try to keep our needs simple and our lifestyle unencumbered with stuff.  WIth six kids at home that is not always easy to do.

My point is that no matter who you are, or what you are doing right now you have hope.  You have something to offer.

When Marc got sick and was unable to work I was a homeschooling mom that sold stuff on ebay once in awhile for a little pocket money.  Less than two years later I am the main source of income for our family.  If I can do it anyone can.  I had nothing to offer but a willingness to try new things and make an effort.

Here are some suggestions if you are ready to be somewhat free of the tides of the economy…

• Get out of debt.  Stop using your credit cards and pay them off.
• Make a budget and follow it.
• Save 10 % of your income, give 10 % of your income to something you believe in.
• Pay cash when you can.
• Be optimistic
• Sell your stuff and use the money to pay off bills.
• Start promoting something you like to do.  Open an etsy shop or sell things on ebay…do cakes or cookies for neighbors…be a personal chef…babysit…There is something you can do.
• Don’t put your eggs in one basket.  If you are making a little money from baking cakes start selling your handmade notecards on etsy as well.
• Arrange your priorities.  What is most important to you?
• Figure out what you really want and go for it.
• Live with passion, generosity, and love.

That’s it.  I am not successful by most people’s standards..and I am certainly not wealthy…but I am rich in the things that matter and there is no way an economic slow down is going to knock me on my butt or make me miss a meal.

Look into 2009 with optimism.  Freedom is worth fighting for.  Every bird jumps before it flies.