The Frugal Files: It's Tax Time!! Get Ready to File!!

Hey frugalicious ones!! It's tax time!!

By now, your W-2s should be rolling in, as they are to be made available to you by January 31!! So check your mailboxes and if your place of employment is savvy, check your email. It's time to get your taxes done!! The earlier the better, be it you get a refund or you owe. If it's the latter, you'll want the extra time to get your debt paid by the April 15 deadline.

*Note* For those gungho about filing and you did so already...there could be a delay in your refund, if you're expecting one of course. USA Today reported the IRS has installed new safeguards in their systems to prevent fraud, so taxes filed before January 26, will have to wait another week for refunds. Check here: Tax Refund Delays Sorry...

This week's blog isn't about how to file your taxes, because I'm no accountant, but I can share how to get ready to take care of your tax filing business. First, if you have a simple tax return, meaning 1-2 W-2s, then filing yourself should be an easy task. Here's a freebie I posted on my Facebook page for free advice from the friendly people at Turbo Tax. If you have a simple return, you can get started for free!!

As for getting yourself prepared for your preparer, let's get started. If you're expecting a complicated filing experience, then it's best to be ready so that it goes smoothly. You’ll need a file folder, paper clips and post it notes. Separate all your "stuff" into like item piles and label them. Everyone in your household should have their own pile.

Income

- All W-2s from each job worked in the previous year

- Check stubs from any other income received (self-employment, contract positions, jury duty)

- If no check stubs, then write down any additional income you received

Interest Statements

- All 1099-INT forms received, that reflects all interest made the previous year

*Note: if your interest was less than $10, most financial institutions won't bother giving you a form. Write it down if you like, but you probably won’t need it.

- Those with mortgages, put your Annual Tax and Interest Statement in this pile

Misc Forms

- If you have college students, don't forget to grab the 1098-T form. You should have received it in the mail.

If your child isn't that old yet, here's a link for other tax benefits, just for being a parent: 10 Tax Benefits for Parents 

- Large, out of pocket medical bills? You got it, create a pile for that too.

Investments

- Whether it's a 1099-R, 1099-DIV or other investment tax form, put it here. The IRS needs a record of what you invested and what you made on those investments.

- This paperwork includes your statements for 401ks, IRAs, mutual funds, etc.

Ask about a credit known as The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit or Saver's Credit. You may qualify.

Charitable Contributions

This is my FAVORITE pile and the biggest. All year you've been (I hope) donating to non-profits such as church, goodwill, and other tax-deductible 501c3 organizations. Now is the time to make them count. You should have been keeping track in your checkbook, marking the donation as TD (Tax Deductible) and if the organization is professional, they would have sent/given you a thank you note/tax deduction letter.

On a separate sheet of paper, list both cash and in-kind donations; donations done in goods and services. So your clothes and electronic donations, as well as your volunteer time count in your favor. So your pile should include:

- Receipts from all donations

Don't have a receipt, but wrote a check? Print/provide your returned check copy.

- Receipts from items you purchased for 501c3 organizations

Did you ship a donation or purchase food for a community service function? Receipts for that postage and grocery store run go here.

- Records of mileage used for non-profit organizations

Do you volunteer regularly? Track your mileage to and from there and add to this group.

Now that you're equipped with your paperwork, you're ready to file. The IRS is always helpful to the taxpayer, so check out their site to start. It's free!! IRS Free File

My tip for next year's filing: When filling out your deductions or withholdings for your check, read it carefully. A savvy, frugalicious belle will be sure to get her money when she earns it, instead of letting Uncle Sam borrow it all year long, not pay her interest and then give her back her own money later. Purpose to break even next year and get more money throughout the year, but if you MUST have a refund the good news is you can track it. Are you asking Where's My Refund? Ask the IRS.

Frugalicious Diva

Weekly Motivation 01.29.12

"You cannot dream yourself into a character; 

you must hammer and forge yourself one."

  ~James A. Froude

Artwork: Belle-Noir Magazine February 2007 "Re-Invent You" cover

 by Jean "JNESS" Nerestant. To view more of his work, visit www.bbwartbyjness.com 

Want to see your artwork featured with our Weekly Motivation posts? Email us at 

editor [at] belle-noir [dot] com for more info.

What is your calling?

I have been struggling lately with life in general. As I have written about before, my dad's death 9 months ago has given me a new set of glasses when looking at my life. I see things so differently now and it has forced me to re-evaluate my life. It has caused me to question my calling in this life. Why am I here? What is my purpose in this life?

I believe, whether you believe in God or the Universe or whatever, that we are all here for a reason. We each have our own calling, our role in this world. The foundation of that belief is believing in something. Some people talk of the universe, goddesses, and so forth. But you have to believe in something, a higher power, in order to believe that you are here for a reason. That's what I think, anyway.

Some of us are meant to be mothers. Some of us are meant to be teachers. Some of us are meant to care for the sick. Some of us are here to inspire others. However, your calling is not merely a job, it is your highest purpose in life.

During our lives, we are shown signs of what our calling is. Those signs are shown in the little things we do. For example, if your calling is to teach, there may have been moments in your life where you helped someone read or taught someone a new word or explained a math problem. You felt passionate about helping others with these little things. This is you being a teacher in the making. This is you being shown that your calling is to be a teacher. Your calling encompasses what you like to do, what comes natural to you.

Now once you realize what your calling is, it doesn't mean it's so literal. Let's use being a teacher as an example. Let's say that being a teacher is your calling. Despite that being your calling, that might not mean you're going to teach in a classroom. You could be a teacher in other ways. You might become a public speaker where you are educating the public on important topics. You might turn out like Oprah and have a TV show where you reach millions of viewers and educate them on life and its ups and downs. Your calling has a main role but consists of many facets within that role. Using Oprah as an example, her main calling may be to teach others but within that calling, she has been able to become a successful celebrity, philanthropist and helper to others. Finding your calling is truly tapping into what is in your heart; what draws you in...what makes you happy.

We're all called. If you're here breathing, you have a contribution to make to our human community. The real work of your life is to figure out your function—your part in the whole—as soon as possible, and then get about the business of fulfilling it as only you can. ~ Oprah Winfrey

No matter what your calling is, everyone's calling has the same goal: to serve others. When you serve others, you not only make yourself feel better but you heal yourself a little with each moment. You feel better because you are fulfilling your destiny and walking your path. Think of your calling as a unique mission. That unique mission is the greatest gift you can give to the world and you don't even have to work hard at it. It's who you are. No mission is too small. Once you know your calling, you are already fulfilling your purpose. You might not get public credit - not all of us will end up on the cover of Time Magazine. But it's not about being validated by the public. It's about how you feel as you walk your path, living out your calling. That dream was put in your heart for a reason. While you are gifting the world with your calling, you are also gifting yourself.

I know what my calling is; to help and inspire others. There is no denying it. I guess with everything that has happened to me in the last 3 years, I have been forced to clean-up my life. While this has made me confused at times, angry, and sad, it has also made me feel re-born. It has made me feel like my life is finally back on track. It's hard for us to see the very things in our lives that hold us back when they are our norm. Sometimes the norm makes us lose sight of our calling and what we are meant to do in this life. Normalcy equals comfortable, consistent and predictable. And honestly, life is not meant to be that way all the time. In order for us to fully realize and live our purpose, we will be challenged and tested at times.

Just because we have been shown the way does not mean we will go that way. Fear of the unknown holds us back from taking a chance and not choosing an easy path. That higher being (whatever you believe that to be...God, The Universe, etc) will show us the way but at the end of the day, we have free will and make our own choices. The funny thing about life is that while we make those "easy" choices, our purpose (those things we are meant to do in life) will constantly show itself in signs until we make the right choice. For some of us, like myself, it takes a while. I'm going to get it right this time and I feel it in my heart that I am.

What's your calling?

The Frugal Files: How to Survive Seven Days without Spending

Hey frugal folks!!

We’re here another week hoping you’ll join the Frugalicious Diva in a Frugal diet of sorts. You know I’m the Challenge Queen and it’s good to stretch our thinking and confront our habits periodically. It’s always easy to say you’ll join this and take on that, but sometimes we don’t do well because we don’t know how to do it.

This week's focus is ZERO SPENDING, for the last few days of January; a good way to end the first month, discipline ourselves to combat instant gratification and best of all, save money.

So, how do we do it?

Planning and careful execution is a key to achieving any goal. “Winging it” only creates confusion and lack of focus. So, let’s put together a game plan.

Plan Meals

Since we’re not going to the grocery store, take an inventory of what you have. Ration it out with precision and make do. Plan for breakfast, pack lunches and cook and freeze dinners for the whole family. Experiment with items you don’t normally use; the food that’s always left in the cupboards after all your favorite stuff is gone. In my house, it’s pasta and cornbread, but they will both make a grand entrance this week.

Tips for frugal eating: Suggest everyone drink water before each meal and brush their teeth directly afterward to ward off any unnecessary, excessive hunger pains. Sit at the table and eat as a family, not in front of the television. Look at each other and talk, chew your food and enjoy the flavorful meal while you engage in meaningful conversation. Further distract the family with an activity like board games or trivia. Avoid television, especially commercials. For dessert, give fruit or something that can stretch like jello.

By the way, don’t worry, this challenge doesn't call for you not to pay bills. Those things, because they are necessary, are exempt from this test of willpower. Let’s move on.

Entertainment

I set my budget for entertainment and I exhausted it for the month. It ended with a great time at my Book Club meeting. Great ladies, great book and a hilarious and insightful time!! It’s once monthly and I promise you, that when you plan for it, it's much more fun. How else can you prepare for leisure activities?

If you’re a homebody, then staying home and finding something to do is a great way to save money. No spending, no driving. Many complain of being bored at home, but there are a myriad of domestic things to do. You have your normal reading, housework (tip: use cold water for laundry, as it saves on your heating bill), and family time like games and chatting. However, doing something for yourself will ensure your commitment to doing it again in the future.

Finish a DIY project in your bathroom or bedroom. Write your business plan for that awesome idea you had last year. Have an unusual hobby? Start a blog and interact with others online who share a similar passion. Commit more time to meditation and centering yourself. If you've always wanted to learn how to Samba, grab a video and follow along.

If you tend to get stir crazy, then go ahead and venture out, on foot. Take a walk around your neighborhood and leave your wallet at home. Go chat with your neighbors or watch the ducks at the pond. Head to the Farmer's Market and inquire about growing your own veggies. You'll pick up a great deal of knowledge, but no goods, since you left your purse.

Other places to keep hold of cash include your local library. It not only has books, but music, movies and magazines, events for all ages and it's typically free. Seminars, public speakers, classes (I'm in a 3 week Tai Chi class) and show displays abound if you visit. Museums have free exhibits, good for date and family fun. Does you zoo have "free" days? Do you have a national or local monument? Pack up the kids and go. It's free to see!!

Food and entertainment are two major categories where people spend money and most times they go hand in hand. By taking a different approach to them, you can get through the next seven days without spending money on either. You can do this, I'll be joining you. Feel free to email me at FrugaliciousDiva@yahoo.com what you did daily to save money and focus on you. Stay Frugalicious!! Have a great week!!

Frugalicious Diva

Weekly Motivation 01.22.12

"A friend accepts us as we are 

yet helps us to be what we should."  

~Author Unknown

Artwork: Belle-Noir Magazine January 2005 "New Beginnings" cover

 by Jean "JNESS" Nerestant. To view more of his work, visit www.bbwartbyjness.com 

Want to see your artwork featured with our Weekly Motivation posts? Email us at 

editor [at] belle-noir [dot] com for more info.

I Am Me

I am me. I am the oldest of 2, the only daughter and the first one in my family to graduate from college. I'm a book nerd and loved to hide out in the library when I was a kid, surrounded by books and great tales that provided me an escape from the horrible, judgmental world I lived in. I also loved to write. I could become anyone I wanted to be in my stories. I could be me and no one would criticize me or insult me. I could be accepted for me in that world. I loved music and played the flute from 7th grade and onward. I loved the escape that music also provided and how it would make my heart sing. I look back and now believe books, writing and music saved my life; it made me want a better life; it made me want to go to college and be a better person. I am me.

I am me. I spent my whole life being big and have only been skinny when I was a baby. I used to hide myself in my clothes by wearing a size bigger than I was and would never wear bold colors, white or prints. I used to get so sad when I could not find my size at the local store and not wear what my thinner sisters were wearing. I felt so unattractive because of the clothing limitations imposed on me because of my body. I owe my fashion re-birth to my dad, who one day, when I was 13, gave me a pair of his Levi's 501 jeans, which fit me perfectly. I was so happy, especially when he told me that I should never feel like I am different because of my size; that I just have to work with what I got. I took those jeans, let out the hem, frayed it and bedazzled them. I was given a do-over and a fashion superstar was born that day. I will no longer hide in my clothing and I cannot look back, only forward. I am me.

I am me. I have been called every name and insult out there, from fat bitch to whale. I have had guys reject me, telling me that they would only date me if I were to lose weight. I have also had guys who want to date me but in secret. I have had family members call me huge or tell me that I need to lose weight. I have had total strangers tell me that if I lose weight, I would be so beautiful. I was hurt for so many years, so angry at the world. I had to come to peace with the fact that while the world may feel a certain way, they do not dictate how I feel about myself. I am me.

I am me. I had people who did not want to be my friend because they didn't want to be seen with me. I had people who thought I was disgusting and because they never wanted to be like me, didn't want to be around me. I used to think I wasn't good enough. I used to feel like the odd one out. I thought no one understood me. I later found out that wasn't true. I had to accept me for me. I am beautiful. I am me.

I am me. I was told growing up that I was not dark enough to be considered Latina. I was told that I talked "white" because I used big fancy words when I spoke, acted like a "white" girl and that my white skin was not attractive. I was told how lucky I was that I could "pass" and would have a better life if I acted like I was not Latina. I was so lost for years, not knowing my identity and where I fit in. I had my epiphany moment one day when a woman came up to me at a bus stop in the Bronx and asked me in Spanish, what bus stopped there. I asked her, "How did you know I was Latina?" and she replied in a confused tone in spanish, "Because you look Latina." I realized that day that my skin color does not define who I am and where I came from. I am proud to be a "white" looking Latina. I embrace who I am. I am me.

I am me. I wake up every morning, thankful for another day, another do-over, and hopeful at the thought of a brand new day. I feel like the sky's the limit and I can do anything I set my mind to. I am comfortable in my big body and am in awe of my beauty from within. I know I have something to offer this world. I love me, even my flaws and imperfections. I am not perfect but I am happy with who I am. I didn't always feel this way but after everything I have been through on this journey, I am finally in a happy, accepting place. I am Marcy. I am me.

Who are you?

Image courtesy of notsalmon.com

The Frugal Files: Mission Student Loan, Be Gone!!

Hello! We're back for another edition of The Frugal Files!! I'm glad to be here and excited you join us here at Belle-Noir Magazine every week for sharing about money, self love and motivation!!

Last week we chatted about getting our children ready for the future; they are our future. I touched on proactive preparation to send our children to college; be it community college, university or trade school, someone has to pay for it. I know we don't mind paying because we love our kids, but should it cost us our life savings or our sanity, when we can simply put it aside gradually? I think we both know the answer.

College educations and future planning is something we can act on right now. It's time out for the belief that we have plenty of time. While you're changing diapers and thinking like this, your child will be be in preschool before you throw pamper away; will be hitting puberty before you pick up all his crayons and will be going to Prom before you pop his first zit. It's coming and soon, not "one day" but soon. Prepare yourself or you just might find yourself...

...in the same boat as YOURSELF. Do you still have student loans hanging over your head? Aren't you tired of paying them? Well, PAY THEM OFF ASAP!!

Last week, I had an ongoing, frugal discussion with an online group regarding debt reduction. The revolving theme for many was student loans. All my life I've heard people complain about student loans, in many cases from those who'd been out of school ten or more years. This dialogue was no different, but what was different was the amount owed in contrast to what I've heard over the years. While I revealed knowing people who owed $50,000+, some of these women admitted to only being responsible for a few thousand dollars. I was so shocked they were still carrying that little bit around, drawing interest, no less.

Then the challenge came...

For 2011, this group had a debt reduction challenge for all members. The moderator who proposed it was inspired by Dave Ramsey's radio show, one of my favorite money gurus. We were to report all monthly debt payments including mortgage, credit cards, as well as car, personal and even payday loans. Oh, and of course, the reason we're here today; student loans.

I'm unsure of the final results, but I can say I was pleased with my own debt reduction, shaving several thousand dollars off my mortgage. For 2012 though, Frugalicious Diva decided to provoke the ladies in my group to another dare; one I know they can achieve and be proud of their results!! I want them to say GOODBYE to their student loans FOREVER!!

I introduce to you "Mission Student Loan, Be Gone" (pronounced with a long "o") to you and anyone else who wants to pay off student loan debt this year!! I don't care how you do it, just get it done; no amount is too small. Here's a few suggestions while you're making your plan:
- put it on an autodraft
- donate a portion of your personal or business sales to it
- give up a luxury or a bad habit and put that money on your loans
- work it into your current budget

You can try anything you can handle, except bankruptcy. You won't be very successful trying to rid yourself of them that way, as they are rarely cleared. I have one tip for those of you fortunate enough to be in the helping fields; you might be eligible for student loan forgiveness. Take a look here for resources to jump start your research: Student Loan Forgiveness

Now, while the prize is only for those in the group, paying it off will be reward enough. This year, purpose to not be a slave to student loans anymore (even if the interest rate is low). Whether it was for your undergraduate or graduate degree, do your research and pay them off!! I would love for you to let me know when you do!! I will celebrate with you and might even send you a small token of Congratulations!! Let's do this!!

Frugalicious Diva

New Year, Improved You: Be The Person You Want To Meet

I spent the first week of the year, sick in bed with the flu. What a way to bring in the new year! At first, I was miserable, thinking how much it sucks that I had to spend New Year's Eve and the first week of 2012 being extremely sick. However, looking back on the time I spent sick, I realize that being sick was also a blessing. I know it sounds weird so bear with me here...

While in bed, I read so many magazines and watched 5 seasons of Dexter (lol). And the one constant thing I kept seeing is the phrase "New Year, New You". And that made me reflect on my own life. It also annoyed the crap out of me. Just because it's a new year does not mean you have to be a new you. What's wrong with who you are now? Or who you were in 2011? I guess to me, that phrase just comes across as if someone is telling me that the present me is not good enough so I have to become a "new" me because it's a new year. And I think that's ridiculous.

A new year is a time for renewal. The key word is re-newal, as in "re", which is repeating something aka a do-over. A do-over, to me, is getting another chance to get it right, whatever you are trying to do. However, that does not mean you have to become a completely new person for you to achieve that change or goal. It just means you learned the lesson from past mistakes and now you are going to make a better decision. But while making this decision, you are still YOU. You're just an improved you, not a new you.

Being sick reminded me that the best way I can improve myself is to take better care of myself. That means taking care of my mind, body and spirit. When you take care of those 3 key things, you become the person you want to meet.

Mind: The mind can be a beautiful thing or your biggest saboteur. The quote "It's all a state of mind" is so true. I wrote last week about creating vision boards and that is one way to change your way of thinking for the better. It will also help you with recognizing and focusing on your goals. It doesn't have to be a vision board, though. It can be as easy as making a list. I am the queen of lists. They help me stay focused and organized. You can make a list of goals that you would like to achieve in 2012. A few things on my list are: I want to get my driver's license, eat more healthy, exercise more, and clean up my credit. When you make a list, you are validating your inner wants and dreams. You are making yourself accountable; you're making those goals a reality by listing them. Once you have a list, you can then focus on how to obtain those goals. Following your goals will help in getting yourself right because you are improving your life for the better.

Body: A mind cannot be fully healthy, if you feel like you're going to pass out after walking up a few steps or not having any energy at all. How are you supposed to follow your goals if your body is not right? Ladies, if you're over 35, you must get a mammogram once a year. We all need to get a yearly physical and a pap smear every 6 months. We should educate ourselves on food by reading labels, making substitutions where necessary and really looking at our portions. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day and limit your soda intake.

If you make small changes to your diet, it will work wonders. I'm not talking some fad diet or fast weight loss. Being healthy is a lifestyle that you have to commit to long term. It's okay to indulge every now and then. But for the most part, you have to fuel your body with the right things in order for it to work right at any size. Do your research online. Look up recipes and learn how to eat well with healthy food that tastes great. It's all about eating healthy foods you like, eating three meals a day with two snacks a day, and moderating your portions.

Eating well is not the only way to get your body healthy. Living an active lifestyle is essential as well. You don't have to join a gym to exercise. You can walk around your block. You can find a flight of stairs that you go up and down a few times on. You can dance in your living room, using the gaming system like the Wii or xBox. I love to exercise using the fitness on demand channels that my cable provider offers. My fave is the walking channel. You walk in place in your living room and the instructor changes it up, asking you to lift your arms, step back and then front, or bending your leg...all of this is done without you stopping. Before you know it, you have walked a mile. It's amazing. Always check with your doctor first before starting any exercise regimen to get his/her blessing on what exercise is good for your body.

Spirit: Your spirit goes hand in hand with your mind. Your spirit affirms what the mind is thinking and pushes you to go after your goals. So you have to get your spirit right or the mind won't be right and then it affects the body. Affirmations are a great way to nurture your spirit. I wrote a few weeks ago about the importance of daily affirmations, surrounding yourself with positive people and doing things that make you happy. These are all things you can do to make your spirit the best it can be...nurture it and give it a boost when needed.

So while it is a new year, YOU as you are is pretty amazing anyway because as I always say, there's only 1 you in this world. However, there is always room for improvement and as we evolve, our goals and needs change. There's nothing wrong with being an improved you. Strive to be that person you want to meet, whether it's as a friend, colleague or romantic partner. As Oprah once said and I blogged about previously, you are responsible for the energy you bring into a room. Whatever energy you put out in the world is what you'll get back. With that said, if you know your worth and have high standards for yourself, you will not want to have people in your life who are not worthy of you.

2012: The Year of YOU....not a new you, but an improved you. You can do it! Let's get it!

Our January/February 2012 Issue is Here!

Good Morning Belle-Noir Peeps!

Our Facebook Fans were the first to hear the news on Saturday night: the new issue of Belle-Noir Magazine is available now! Our theme for the issue is Renewal, and it is definitely a time of renewal at Belle-Noir!

So what's in this issue you ask?

• Our cover model is the legendary Ms. Martha Wash! I sat down with her to speak about her new record label, and her plans for 2012!
• Our Thursday Blogger Marcy Cruz did a sensation article with Queen Grace Collection creator & CEO, Ms. Marina Zelner! The two discussed the plus industry and the need for more empowerment and a revolution within the plus community (we're all for that!)
• The Frugalicious Diva delievers a great and motivating article about renewing your goals for 2012 and beyond!
• A new addition to the Belle-Noir Team, Chef Jeffrey Rogers provides some delicious Recipe Remixes for some of your favorite comfort foods

And...well, I can show you better than I can tell you! Peep the new issue below and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Open publication - Free publishing - More black women

The Frugal Files: College Savings, Start Now

Hey all!!

What an exhilarating time for Belle-Noir Magazine!! Have you seen our new Renewal issue? We're back and in full effect, bringing you the best in lifestyle for the Big, Beautiful You!! Get your digital copy and don't forget to check me out on pages 34 and 35!! Belle-Noir Mag: January/February 2012 Issue

This week I dropped my daughter off to her first day of college. She graduated in June, but decided she wasn't ready to jump into college life right away and instead opted to work for six months. After much discussion, we agreed on terms and she proceeded to get a second job to increase her income, specifically  to purchase her own vehicle.

She worked and finally started to consistently utilize her budget sheet. Best of all, she is learning to pay her bills on time. In case you're wondering, she is responsible for paying rent, half of the gas for the car and her portion of our shared cell phone bill. She also has been mandated, by the Frugalicious Diva, to save weekly. But I digress...

After much preparation, which she handled with maturity, the day has come and I was a proud Momma indeed. She had all her paperwork, her books and of course her style together, heading to her first class. I reflected a bit, thinking just how blessed we are. She is able to go to school without much out of pocket expenses from me, due to grants and let me just say, they go much further at a community college. Starting off here will also prove to be beneficial to her, truly preparing her for her next step in life.

My parents were blessed to run in circles with people who also sent their children to school for free. Because of my excellent grades in grade school, I was recommended for a scholarship incentive program  for minority students. The deal was to maintain a "B" average in high school, while participating in activities that involved cultural awareness, civic duty and community service. In turn, the program would provide a full ride tuition. Shout out to Toledo Excel!!

Programs like this and Upward Bound make college educations both possible and accessible to minority and underrepresented students, many of whose families live in low to moderate income communities. Scholarships are one of the best ways to get full or partial assistance with college tuition. Have your student meet frequently with her guidance counselor, but also be proactive and start your own search for scholarships, especially those geared toward minority students. Here's a site where you can start: Black Excel's 100 Minority Scholarship List

If you haven't guessed by now, we're discussing college expenses this week. It's becoming a strain and stress for many parents, especially those who fall into the middle class bracket. Last year around this time Facebook was buzzing with parents who were in dismay about upcoming college expenses and they are wondering how they are going to make it. Listen, I don't have all the solutions, but I do know we need to start planning early and it's likely that we'll have to contribute to our children's higher education aspirations.

Most of us wait until our children are in high school before we think about college expenses, but it should really start at birth. Like you have savings and life insurance, one should create a savings plan for college. That plan is called the 529 Savings Plan. It's a tax deferred investment plan/savings account to which you contribute. The great thing about it is others, like friends and family, can also contribute to it. So here's an idea, set up an account and in lieu of birthday presents for your children, ask your relatives to contribute to their college funds.

Want to be stress-free when your kids get ready for college? Then find you a plan that works for you and save for it. Some grants are still available, but in this current economy, grant money is not available for all. Check out this site and learn more, as they have links to types of 529 plans and a list of professionals you can contact to discuss them: Saving for College

Stay tuned for next week's blog, which will address paying back Student Loans. There will be some exciting news attached to that blog, so be sure to check it out!! Until then, stay Frugalicious and Save!!

Frugalicious Diva

Happy YOU Year!

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." ~ Albert Schweitzer

A new year is upon us! And I am declaring 2012, the year of YOU.

Last week, I had lunch with my boss, the fabulous Gwen Devoe (creator of Full Figured Fashion Week) and she truly gave me the best gift to usher in the new year: a spirit boost. After the year I have had, I needed to be around someone who would rekindle my inner spirit. She is always someone that offers such a honest view of things, while still being optimistic and inspiring. She is actually the person who gave me the idea of declaring this year, the year of YOU. After our lunch, she posted on my Facebook wall: "Happy YOU Year, Marcy! Best Wishes for more of everything GOOD!"

This really made me reflect on my life. While we all have things we want to change, there are things in our life that are already good. Gwen's message made me think that instead of dwelling on what I don't have and wishing for something good to happen, I should look at the good things I already have in my life and wish for more good things to happen. It's all a state of mind. The power of thinking can really determine how you live your life. If you constantly dwell on the bad stuff and dismiss the good things, you are really standing in your own way of welcoming good things into your life because you don't see the good things that are already there. You only see the bad things...the disappointments, the setbacks, your flaws, and what is missing from your life.

In this year of YOU, it is the time to take your power back and revive the revolution. The revolution that is your life. When I say "revolution", I mean, the power of YOU and what you can do in this life. We sometimes stray on our journey and at times, we stop on the side of the road and sit. But eventually, you need to get back up and resume your journey. Leave 2011 in the past where it belongs and look forward to 2012. Because you cannot move forward, if you keep looking back at the past.

I know that the usual thing people do when a new year is upon us is to make resolutions. Sometimes these resolutions are not realistic so they end up not being completed. The key to resolutions is not to just make them for the new year but to have goals all year around. They should be lifelong realistic goals that will help to make you the best person possible.

For the last few years, I have been creating a vision board for the new year. Vision boards are a great tool to keep you focused and help you discover what you want in your life. It's as easy as taking some poster board (which you can find at your local crafts store like Michaels, Joann's and AC Moore) and making a collage on it with images and quotes that reflect what you want in life. The whole point of this is to surround yourself with images of what you want to become, where you want to live, or any life changes you want to make. Once you dream it, the next thing is to believe it. Vision boards help you to believe in your dreams and goals because it is a constant reminder of what you are seeking. After you finish your vision board, you must hang it up on the wall where you will see it often. This is a way of reinforcing your positive thinking and energy and putting that out to the Universe.

You can get images from magazines, online, even draw your own if you feel compelled to. Your vision board is your creation...it's tailored just for you. So you can do whatever you want to create a board that suits your vision, hence "vision board". You can google "vision board" for more information and ideas.

A vision board is one way to revive your revolution and get you back on track. As I mentioned above, another way to revive your revolution is to change your way of thinking. Stop being so hard on yourself and enjoy what good things you always have. As I always say, there's only one you in the world and that is such a beautiful and empowering thing. You have the power to make your life an amazing one. Life is all about choices. To make those choices, we have to believe in ourselves and tap into that inner power we all have.

So while it is a new year and you might feel inclined to make a laundry list of resolutions to get accomplished now for the new year, think about this: You just don't get a do-over once a year. You get a do-over every morning when you wake up to a new day. So many do-overs and chances to get it right - that, in itself, is pretty powerful. So start your revolution today...it could be a small change but have big results. It's all about making that choice to continue on your journey while still being content with the present and what's already there.

Happy YOU Year! I just know 2012 is going to be fabulous for all of us.

The Frugal Files: New Year, New Skin, New Ways!!

Hey there Frugalicious folks!!

Welcome to 2012!! This is a great time of the year because it's a time for complete transformations and rejuvenation. Everyone is excited about a new year starting because it symbolizes a new beginning; a new start for relationships, goals and healing. It's a feel good time that many of us use as a jump start to accomplish things we had not in the past and it gives us the extra confidence to actually get it done.

What I have found in all my years, is the newness sometimes wears off like the shine on something you received for Christmas. Right around March and April, when the season changes, we begin to forget all the goals we were so gung ho about in the beginning. By summer we're back to old ways and relaxing in the sun without a goal in sight. So what can we do to make our goals stick this time? I had to ask myself that question, because we're all guilty.

I've always heard if you do something for 30 days, it becomes a habit. Why is it that bad habits are always hard to break and good ones are hard to begin? It's baffling that we always want things that are not good for us and we see the good things as a deprivation. You know what we need? A paradigm shift. We have to look at our lives as the abundant lives they were created to be. In order for us to live it, we have to live it daily.

So what does that mean? It means if you want wealth, you can't carry around debt. Purpose to set a payoff plan on a regular basis that you can follow. Pay your debt, like you pay your other bills like you would pay your parents bills. You wouldn't want to leave your parents in a bad situation would you? Then think of them the next time you sit down to write your checks. If you learn to sacrifice upfront, you can live well the rest of the ride. You just have to make that first step.

Decide what you really want today financially:
- Pay off debt including credit cards, car and house loans, etc.
- Start or increase an Emergency Fund
- Start or increase a Living Expenses Fund
- Sign up for your 401k/403b (for non-profits)
- Purchase a home
- Open a mutual fund or IRA
- Set up a 529 Plan to save for your children's college fund

Map out a plan to accomplish your goals. Are you willing to make sacrifices? If so, then:
- Decide to cook instead of dine out
- Only entertain at home with what you already have
- Earmark all bonuses and extra money to pay down debt
- Clip coupons and check for sales on needed items
- Participate in clothing and food swaps where give and take is both free
- Tell your children "NO" and then get them on the Budget Train with you

I've read articles arguing to be realistic with goals, otherwise you won't achieve them. I'll challenge that though. How has it helped you to "be realistic" and allow yourself a break? If you're still where you were a year ago, then that reality definitely needs a check. I'm calling for extremes. Purpose to have a certain number of days where you won't spend money. Make it a game and see how many days you can go without spending, then brag about it to family and friends. I certainly do.

You will eventually make it a habit to only spend when you need to. Once you've had a taste of paying less, you'll be addicted to paying less than retail every time. Don't you want more for yourself and your family? Don't you want to get out of your self-inflicted rut? It's time to "be hard" on yourself. I don't mean beat yourself up, I mean toughen yourself up. Have what you really want in the long term, instead of just what you want right now. Set weekly goals and review them on a quarterly basis. Check where you stand and what you want next. When you make this a lifestyle, your momentum won't be lost by mid year; you'll be prepared to evaluate the goals of the first six months and be happy to set your latter six into motion.

Let's make 2012 the best year yet!! One where we truly make our dreams come true and our bank accounts swell!! Eliminate debt and resurrect wealth!!

Frugalicious Diva

Weekly Motivation 01.01.12

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank.
We are going to put words on them ourselves.
The book is called Opportunity
and its first chapter is New Year's Day."

~Edith Lovejoy Pierce