The Frugal Files: See Yourself, Saving Yourself

Hey frugal folks!!

Welcome back to The Frugal Files with your host, the Frugalicious Diva!! I thought about continuing on with another Substitute to Save post, but thought the three posted were good all their own. Furthermore, I thought it would be good to just be a bit transparent with everyone. Today’s blog is really a chastisement for myself, but if anything I speak about applies to you, consider yourself whipped too.

It’s just been a whirlwind in my life for the last few months and it’s been an emotional roller coaster. So many things in my life are in transition and as we get ready to change seasons, it’s good to talk about these things from time to time. Some days are up, some are down and some things have been down right depressing…financially, physically, emotionally, romantically…

You all know I’m very much into affirmation and speaking positively about our lives. Sometimes it gets hard out here. Don’t you agree? Moping and crying, although MAY feel therapeutic then, will not help the situation get any better. Trust me…

Anyway, I’ve done a little studying on Feng Shui and have even arranged some of my home areas around for maximum “chi”. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and when you don’t take the time to pray and meditate and all the other positive things you need to in order to keep sane, the stress catches up to you. When it does, it can manifest in many different ways.

For me, the manifestation came in the form of my lawn and yard areas. I took a shortcut last year, which proved to not be frugalicious at all!! I allowed an ex-boyfriend to tend to it, under the guise that he knew what he was doing. Not!! Where I previously just had a few weeds here and there, became a forest for Barbie and Ken. Ridiculous. So, I started pulling weeds monthly, enlisting my daughter only sometimes (she was not with it).

After months of doing this, and the rain made it 10 times worse, I was irritated every time I drove up and every time I left my home. I felt anxious, helpless, angry and like the weeds, out of control. I was started to realize, it was mirroring my own life. After begging people to help me, even calling the culprit out to “clean up what he messed up”, having him come for the “consultation”, but not show up for the actual job, finally, I decided I’ve had enough!!

I am not helpless and I will no longer live this way. I DECIDED that THIS week, I would get myself together; ALL the way together. I don’t know where I fell off, but I’m getting back on immediately. It’s what our affirmations are all about; speaking life into your situation, your circumstances and your life!! I challenge you to find out what your surroundings are saying about you and act on it today!! I don’t know where you need to start, but I needed to start in my yard and I did.

I went to a cousin, who previously mentioned how great her lawn guy is. I told her to give him my number because I had work for him THIS WEEK. He called and he took the tour of my domestic jungle and we made a deal. He came back the same day to tackle the front lawn. I am so grateful and pleased. I will sleep better knowing I’ve accomplished something. I haven’t completed all the assignments to get my life back on track, but at least, I’m back on the road and in the right lane. I hope this inspires you to do the same. We know better and we can do better!! We can live our best lives!!

So here’s an affirmation for the road:

“Spirited resolve moves me toward my own goals 
with confidence and determination."

Until next time,

Frugalicious Diva

Follow me on Twitter at @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Finding our Motivating Mantras

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing- that’s why we recommend it daily.”
~Zig Ziglar

Lately, I have been lacking the motivation to clear the space and declutter even though there are parts of my life and space that desperately need it.

True story…my home office desk is usually a mess. No matter how many times I attempt to clear the space, I just end up moving clutter for one side to the other; total paper pushing. Unfortunately, the mess is never contained to the actual desk, but the entire surrounding area. A friend, who I have been assisting with shredding old papers, came by last week. Since she knows paper clutter, she set out to help me with this issue. She found a place for everything and put me to work to address the piles and put away the files.

After it was completed, the entire room looked lighter and it was a refreshing to sit at the desk and not have to fight with other objects for arm space. In addition to the office, she addressed my sellable item clutter, as I had things sprawled all over. I decided to dedicate a closet to those items and once they were put away, I almost immediately received an email for the sale for those specific items. I truly believe decluttering, not only figuratively, but literally cleared the space for the new to come in. Thank you Universe for sending over my friend to set me straight and for getting me the sale.

Here are three ways I want to help you (and help me) to get you motivated and keep you motivated to get the junk out of your life, so that you can welcome what you desire!! You should know by now, it will involve your participation. Don’t worry though; it won’t hurt. It will just require your diligence in repeating a few words, a few times daily; some call them affirmations and I call them motivation!!

ASK FOR HELP

Whether your help is a prayer, a friend, or a licensed professional, call on them. It’s great when we can solve our own problems, but it is acceptable to lean on others for the support and motivation to take on a task. It’s like when you were learning to ride your bike and you needed training wheels. Then even when they came off, you still may have had to have an adult hold on to the back of your bike until you were steady and ready to finally go at it alone. Getting help builds confidence, so use your resources, as you grow stronger. Your personal life, professional life and financial life will thank you.

Affirmation: I attract those that help me reach my goals and I am happy and motivated when I achieve them.

JUST DO IT

This isn’t about Nike, but they had the right idea with this slogan. If you just get started then, motivation will meet you half way. Sometimes we get so caught up in the idea of getting motivated that we don’t trust ourselves to provide it. You don’t have to know how to get started; you don’t have to know how it will finish; you don’t need to repeatedly prepare for the idea of getting started. Just simply start and as you take one step, the next step gets easier and before you know it, your achievement will start to unfold before your very eyes. You can do it!!

Affirmation: I stay motivated and energized when working toward my goals.

HELP SOMEONE ELSE

You’ve heard of the Law of Reciprocity, so set it into motion by being of assistance to someone else. Motivate and help them with their dreams and goals. Not only will you feel good about it, you’re bound to walk away with a motivation to reach toward your own aspirations. In addition to that, you’ve opened the door for someone to step in and assist you. Remember, no good deed goes unrecognized and I promise it will be rewarded.

Affirmation: I am so motivated that others get motivated just by being around me.

This is truly how it works. Ask. Believe. Receive. When you want something better, you have to make room for it in your life. I have been getting unctions for about a week to “Clean it Up”. I believe God has been telling me to do this in all areas of my life and I know it’s specifically because I am in this transitional time in my life. Things are on the verge of happening for me and I have to be ready. Don’t you want to be ready for great things? Listen to that inner voice and move when it says move!! Let’s go for it frugalicious divas!!

Frugalicious Diva

The Frugal Files: Respect Your Money; It'll Reciprocate!!

Welcome back to the Frugal Files!!

We're spring cleaning around here; learning how to tend to our money so, like the flowers in the springtime, it will grow and flourish. I know we see cliches and clever sayings all the time about "getting our money right", "taking care of our money" and "letting our money work for us", but if you apply a few simple principles those things really can come to fruition.

If we truly want to obtain wealth, we have to look at it different than we have in the past. Really, if you're not where you want to be financially, how well are those current thought patterns working for you? I'll wait...

Okay, well then, let's chat!! Years ago, I remember watching a video from one of my favorite money gurus, Suze Orman. It was an older video with late 80s/early 90s hair and dresses, but the advice I took away from that video was not only timeless, it was priceless (literally, it was a library video; just had to add my frugal spin)!! That advice seriously changed my life and my mind about money and it's relation to my life. Since then, I've been on a path to RESPECTING MY MONEY!!

Having respect for money can be determined any way you like because it is exactly how it sounds. Respect it like you would a person you love. That may sound crazy to some, but if you've practiced this, then you know it's not crazy at all; it's imperative to your money life. It's the Law of Attraction and whether you are versed in it or not, you live it out every day of your life regarding yourself, your family, your career, your own happiness and of course your financial existence. Whatever you are feeling about your money, it will react to you based on those feelings.

Want to foster a good, positive relationship with yours? Then take heed to the following advice:

1) Expect to have it. This is self-explanatory. Simply EXPECT to have money; in your pockets, your wallets, your bank accounts, etc. Develop the feeling of what it's like to have the amount of money you desire. Instead of complaining about "all these bills", envision money constantly coming to you. Things may not go your way all the time, but does that mean you should expect bad things? Try changing your mind and expecting the good. Wake up and face the day with gratitude for what you do have, then the good will begin and continue to flow.

Here's an easy affirmation you can use several times daily:
"Money comes easily and frequently." Say it, believe, expect it!!

2) Speak good to it and of it. Speaking of affirmations, adopting them into your fiscal life will prove to be profitable...literally. Even before I really starting using them, there were signs that I should watch what I say about myself and of course my money. This is one quote I found and it resonated in me so heavily, I had to take it seriously. It is by Brian Tracy, a self-help author and motivational speaker.
"Never say anything about yourself you do not want to come true".

These word truly motivated me to change my words, so I gave my vocabulary an upgrade, especially when it came to my finances. I removed words of lack like "broke" and "poor" along with the "I ain't got it" mentality. I replaced them with positive affirmations and a wealthy living mindset. Adding "prosperity" and "abundance" proved to give me a lift in spirits and it showed in my wallet.

3) Physically treat it well. Take a look in your wallet or wherever you keep your money. How does it look? Do you have bills all over the place? Crumpled and torn? What about your checkbook; is it balanced? Do you know how much you have available at any given time?

If your money is out of order, take a look at your life. Is it out of order too? Chances are, it is. If your money is wayward, so is your life. When you take time to learn about it, neatly put it in your wallet, balance your checkbook and review your bank account, life will follow suit and be easier. If you are not where you want to be financially, organizing your money is the way to begin the wealth journey. Order allows you to address issues directly instead of being forever bogged down with searching for this receipt or trying to recall where you put that $20.00 you had earlier.

Learn to respect your money and your money really will respect you back; growing to it's fullest potential. Since we're getting organized, you will be in position to address next week's topic: credit reports. Again, we are getting finances in order this spring. We will see the growth and the fiscal bloom before you know it. See you next week.

Frugalicious Diva

‘Tis The Season to Channel Your Inner Superstar

The holidays are usually a time when many people get depressed and sad. We miss our loved ones that are no longer with us or dwell on what we don't have, like a relationship, kids, money, etc. I am no exception. I have been depressed, missing my dad. I have been frustrated with my life. Yes, even me, Ms Positivity, has her moments. I'm human. However, while I have my moments, I do know that I ultimately make the choice on how I let my emotions rule my life. Am I going to let them get me down? Or am I going to learn the lesson, let it go and move on? We all have that power, that choice. Even if you're down and continue to stay that way, you are making that choice to stay in that funk. Making that choice to not be depressed/sad sounds like such a simple concept but yet so hard to fully act out...

The one thing that I have been doing, which has been great for my spirit and helps me with making the right choices in my life is having a daily affirmation. An affirmation is a simple statement that you create or get from another source (like a book, website, etc), which relates to the goal you want to achieve either for that day or long-term. It can be 1 sentence or 4. There is no strict format for an affirmation. It is simply a positive statement that is tailored to fit you and what you need to speak on to the world to heal your own soul and help you get your focus back on track.

When you say an affirmation, you are speaking out positive things to the universe. You are making the decision to speak positivity into your life. You are controlling what kind of energy you keep within yourself and bring into other's lives. Affirmations help you make the choice to look at life differently. You become focused on your greatness instead of your limitations. You are focusing on the positive, which will help you feel better, more motivated and eventually helps you to change your outlook on life and manifest positive life changes.

And to think, it's as easy as saying a sentence or two out loud daily, as soon as you wake up in the morning. You can lay in bed and say your affirmation. You can look in the bathroom mirror and say it. You can even look out the window and say it. Just say your affirmation a few times and let it resonate within you. Think about what you're saying. Feel what you're saying and let yourself truly internalize the words.

I was introduced to affirmations and the power behind them by my friend Latisha, also known as The Frugalicious Diva, who writes her weekly Frugal Files for this blog. Latisha posted the best affirmation on my Facebook wall this morning because she knew I was having a rough day yesterday. As it gets closer to Christmas, I am thinking of my dad even more and dwelling on the things I have lost in my life. So when I saw the affirmation that Latisha gifted me with, it really meant a lot to me because it was what I needed at the right time. The affirmation was the following:

I choose to be happy at the start of each day.

Such a powerful statement in a short sentence. Honestly, that is what an affirmation is. I said it a few times as I looked out my window. The more I said it, the more I felt it to the point where I made the decision, yes I am going to be happy at the start of each day. According to Wikipedia, an affirmation is a declaration that something is true. And by us speaking these affirmations out to the world, we are declaring that they are true. How empowering is that?

You'll be amazed at how easier it becomes to achieve your goals and succeed. Your inner superstar is there within you. You just need to work a little to get her out. Affirmations can make the world of difference with helping you inspire yourself and build your self-esteem.

My Christmas gift to all of you superstars this year is an affirmation that we should all say a few times throughout the year to remind us that we have to love ourselves first and foremost:

I am happy with who I am, just as I am.

I will not waste the person I am because I love me, flaws and all.

As I have said before, there's only one you in this world. So you have to take care of yourself and love yourself as much as you can. So this holiday season, channel your inner superstar by saying your own daily affirmations. You're giving the best gift you can to yourself by doing this. Declare your happiness - make it a true thing. Take control of your life. Make that choice to live your life as great as you can. It’s your choice – what do you choose?

The Frugal Files: In the Short-Term

Hey there folks!!

The Frugalicious Diva is back for another week!! Can you believe 2011 is almost coming to an end? It seems the year went by so quickly, but I thought before the year ended they we might a jumpstart on our goals for 2012. So, this week we are going to begin to think about our short-term goals. Short-term goals are good to update periodically. For the sake of this conversation, it can be whatever you want to accomplish within the next three months.

In order to make this a fun exercise, we’re going to play a little game. I’m always looking for a new challenge; something that will challenge the mind and spark our creative interests. This is how it goes: I’ll give you a category and you write down what goals you have in the short term.

In order to help you get started, I will give you examples of goals, an action step or plan and an affirmation to keep you motivated.

Saving:

            Goal: Save $500 in either an Emergency Fund or a Living Expense Fund

Action Step: Set up an Automatic Savings draft from your checking account to the bank account that houses this Fund.

Affirmation: “I am grateful that income is CONSTANTLY increasing.”

An Emergency Fund is money you put away for emergencies ONLY; situations like car or home needs. Many financial experts suggest you keep a minimum of $1000 in this fund. We’re just getting started, so $500 is better than $0.

A Living Expense Fund is the money you put away for rainy period; for instance if you lost your employment for some reason. The amount you save here should be a minimum of six months worth of you EXPENSES. So add up your rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries and any other regular expenses you have for one month and multiply that figure by six. That’s how much you should have in that fund. It is only used if you have a loss of income, so you can still stay afloat.

Debt Busting:

            Goal: Pay off one debt (preferably the easiest one to pay in three months)

Action Step: For the next three months, give up one habit that will yield you enough money to pay off your debt (i.e. skip the beverage, dining out or monthly shopping trip) Put what you would have spent on your debt to pay it off.

Affirmation: “I am grateful I can pay bills and I do so with love and happiness.”

Declutter:

            Goal: Clear out the junk in my basement

Action Step: Make a list of items of which to dispose and put it on Freecycle for them to take away and clear this space.

Affirmation: “I am making room for only abundance in my life and my home.”

Give:

            Goal: Give a monthly blessing to someone else.

Action Step: Donate to your favorite charity or give someone something you know they could use and will appreciate. You can share what you already have.

Affirmation: “I give knowing that I will receive.” or “I am sharing my prosperity with others because I know that it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Frugalicious:

I added this category because often times when we set goals for ourselves, it’s usually to do something we need to be doing. Well, being the Frugalicious Diva, I say we NEED to be living our life to the fullest. It’s not just about work, it’s us enjoying ourselves too. With that said, choose something fun or interesting that you can accomplish in 3 months.

            Goal: Take a Belly Dancing class

Action Step: Look in your city’s art/music district or newspaper and look for an affordable class to learn something new and exciting.

Affirmation: “I am awakening my mind to the prospect of prosperity in every area of my life.”

See, it’s easy to set your goals!! Now, it’s time to implement them; one step at a time. Say your affirmations, believe them and watch how your life changes positively. You can reach any goal you set out to achieve. Wishing you the best!!

Frugalicious Diva

Follow Me on Twitter @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Seeking Abundance? Write Away!!

Hey folks!!

I try to find the significance and reason for my every experience. I learned a long time ago, that EVERYTHING happens for the reason. The previously frustrating thing about that fact is that we don’t always initially know the reason. Sometimes we never find out, but I’ve learned to trust that is it ALWAYS for my good, directly or indirectly.

I’d done some non-profit film work for a friend of mine I’ve known for years. We worked together years ago. I was happy to do it because I’m interested in both building my acting resume and community service. It was a good match. As a small token of appreciation, she gave me this beautiful yellow journal. It has brown pages, which remind me of parchment. It was bound with a cute lilac ribbon. As much as I cherished the thought and gift, I didn’t know what to do with it. As a writer and lifetime creative, I have tons of notebooks and journals. Here’s another one for the pile.

You know, I ALMOST gave it away in a freecycle giveaway, but I couldn’t bear to part with it…for some reason. I wasn’t sure of that reason, until recently. I belong to a Yahoo group called Million Dollar Manifesting Circle. I get quite a bit of mail from that group, but my own participation has become nonexistent. I receive the emails, but barely read them. One early morning, I’m about to delete them, when I got an unction to keep these specific emails. So I open them to read.

There, I was given instructions…to build and bring in wealth. The idea of an Abundance Journal was presented; for me it was born. I found a purpose for my new journal. It is my Abundance Journal. If you have a special notebook or even a bunch of scrap paper, it doesn’t matter. Start your Abundance Journal and journey today. You know anything I share, I’ve tried, or I invite you to do it right along with me. We’re all finding our way to wealth and frugalicous living!!

Here are some instructions to using our journals, many thanks to the Manifesting Circle. They are simple and easy to follow. The rest is up to you. You define your own way to wealth. It’s three painless steps:

1)      Write down how you are and have been focusing on abundance.

For instance, what did you attract today or this week? In my Frugal Sisters Yahoo group, I found I was already recording this in our daily ‘What three frugal things did you do today?” prompt. My examples are: I found money on the ground; I received an item I wanted from freecycle; I used a coupon I was given for a free sample of my favorite perfume.

2)      Meditation: Think about it and Receive it

I know this word sometimes has an intimidating connotation, mostly because we often associate meditation with gurus who do so for hours. I’m not necessarily suggesting that. I am suggesting that you take time to focus on wealth and abundance, even if just for a few moments. This is our way of believing that what we desire is possible. It’s where we envision ourselves in a more abundant state. We can see how we’re abundant; feel it. If we can conceive it, we can achieve it.

3)      Attitude of Gratitude

I added this one because it’s so important to me and hopefully to you. It’s here that we learn to truly appreciate all that is manifesting in our lives. The more grateful you are, the more you will receive for which to be grateful. It’s that simple. Abundance and prosperity is available to ALL of us, if we want it. When you began to see it unfold, mind our manners. Even as children, we were taught to say, “Thank you.” It is always the polite thing to do.

So now, we’ve learned to Ask, Believe and Receive with gratitude. Our affirmation this week is this profound one; a fortune cookie quote I saw in a Feng Shui book: “You and your world are the product of your thoughts.”

Now, go and write yourself into abundance!!

Frugalicious Diva

For more affirmations and abundance inspiration

follow me on Twitter @FrugaliciousDva

The Frugal Files: Abundantly Thinking!!

Hey there folks!!

It's The Frugalicious Diva again and one of the things I really wanted to share with you today is about changing our mindsets. So the kids are off to school, starting a fresh new year, so the adults in their lives should do the same. Let me share one thing with you: we have all we need to be who we have been created to be and because of this, we can and are in position to receive all that the Universe has for us. However, we have to be willing to release all limiting beliefs about money, prosperity and abundance.

Many times we get caught up in “life”; the struggle and stress of work, home, family, health and of course money. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle, we do not take the time appreciate or even truly see what we already have. More importantly, we don’t understand that our feelings about being stressed simply cause more stress.

Just like we make a conscious effort do our jobs well, we have to use that same drive to create or enhance our financial lives. This same principle applies to all parts of our lives, but the Frugalicious Diva, is just going to address healthy finances. It begins with your mindset about money.

One of my favorite financial gurus is Suze Orman and I remember watching one of her older videos, where I first heard the idea of having respect for my money. She mentioned if you take care of your money, then your money will take care of you. She even went so far as to mention the way you placed your money in your wallet was significant. If you line the bills up neatly and orderly in your wallet, then you were respecting your money. It's easier to find and use when needed. Likewise, if it is crumpled, tattered and thrown in your wallet, it meant your financial situation was typically not in order. How can you keep track of your money when it is in that state?

Also, how can we expect our money to grow if we do not plant the seed and water it? This means being accountable for all our financial matters. First, we should pay bills joyfully and pay them on time. Have an attitude of gratitude that you have the means to pay what you owe. Try this affirmation: “I pay my bills with love and happiness!”

Next, we should owe less. We can owe less if we spend less. Take control of our desires and recognize what we need vs. what we want. Needs first and if there is a surplus, then get what we want. We often do this backwards and justify it by saying we deserve a treat. Remember back to your childhood. Treats were only once in a while and because we did something to deserve it. If you're having a hard time, then try this affirmation: “I know that all my financial affairs are being blessed and I am prospering beyond my wildest dreams.”

Lastly, we want to see growth in our financial lives. This includes saving for the future and even investing your money so that you are securing yourself and your family in your later years. By sacrificing something we want now, we can save for something we want more later. By learning to discipline ourselves, we can stave off feelings of instant gratification. This will also encourage a change in mindset. Set your goals, get to work and say this aloud: “I give thanks for all my prosperity that is rapidly multiplying.”

Looking to grow your finances and create an abundantly life? Then let go of the poverty mentality and begin to give of yourself. Give your time, talents and yes even money. Whatever you want more of that is what you give. Sow into someone else’s dream as a seed for your own. Say this affirmation with me…”I am sharing my prosperity with others because I know that it is better to give than to receive.”

Trust and believe you are already creating a life for yourself with your thoughts, so shouldn’t they be positive thoughts of abundance instead of lack? Say these affirmations day and night and believe them when you say them. You will see the results and attract more abundance to you. Let me leave you with one more affirmation to use:

”I release any limiting beliefs about what I can have and what I can accomplish financially.”

Last thing, write an Abundance Check. Pay to your name and in the spaces where you would normally write the dollar amount, write “PAID IN FULL”. Sign the check “The Law of Abundance”. Don’t bother dating it because you do not want to limit when and what is in store for you. Place it in a safe place, forget about it and watch abundance come to you!!

Frugalicious Diva