Supplemental Income

In these tough economic times, we might just need a little extra income to pay the bills and to get or stay out of debt. Or you might need extra income to build up your emergency fund or pay for upcoming Christmas expenditures. No matter your reason, a small supplemental income can really make a difference.

Every family and individual is different; everyone has different needs, talents and abilities. The key to finding a supplemental income that works for you is to start by listing your needs and your strengths. What amount of income do you need? What kind of time commitment and hours can you allocate? Do you have to work out of your home or do you have flexibility to work at a business?

In listing your strengths and talents, consider what interests you. What are your hobbies? Do you have any unique skills that you can market? You will be more successful in earning a supplemental income if it is something you enjoy as well as something that you are good at. Get creative and involve the whole family!

Be cautious in considering work from home jobs. Do your research to make sure that what you decide on is legitimate and will work for the needs of your family. The Better Business Bureau and online forums can be of assistance. Any job that requires you to pay money to start is most likely not legitimate (with the exception of some home sales businesses that require you to purchase product or demonstration supplies).

Some ideas include:
• Sales – home shows, [Tupperware, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, etc]
• Seasonal jobs – many retail stores and restaurants are hiring for the Christmas season and sometimes seasonal jobs can become more permanent
• Deliver newspapers or phonebooks
• Write freelance articles for local papers or online forums
• Keep a blog or website (earn income from advertising on the website)
• Create unique items to sell at farmers markets, craft fairs or online stores like ebay or etsy (Use those awesome crafting skills!)
• Sell your skills - music lessons, tutor, photography, handyman, electrician, face painting, balloon tying, catering, sewing/alterations, etc
• Sell plasma
• Substitute teach
• Clean homes or small businesses
• Be a companion for the elderly – cook, clean, etc
• Sell your stuff – your junk is someone else’s treasure
• Start a childcare or preschool from your home

Gratitude for What We Have

In speaking of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, President Thomas S. Monson said in October’s General Conference: “Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had—and a miracle followed: ‘And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.’ (Matthew 15:32-38) We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, ‘He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.’”
(The Divine Gift of Gratitude, October 2010 General Conference)

Let us be grateful for what we have been blessed with, instead of focusing on what we lack. We will be blessed as we acknowledge and express that gratitude to our Heavenly Father.

72-hour Kit Reminder

REMINDER:
Don’t forget to check your 72-hour kits and rotate out the perishable supplies. Update any clothing items as your family grows and make sure that all important medications are included and haven’t expired. Also, verify that all important information is current (insurance, credit card, etc).

October is also a great month to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and change batteries.



Let’s be prepared!

’Tis Almost the Season!

The holidays are now upon us. What a fun and exciting time of year. Above all, there is the lingering question: How do we keep the true spirit of Christmas front and center in our families amidst all the hustle and bustle? For many, the pressure of finances can get in the way of feeling the spirit of Christmas. Here are a few tips that might help in your efforts to be a wise steward during the holidays:

#1 Agree on a budget. If you haven’t already, decide now how much you are going to spend on gifts, decorations, food, etc. Now for the hard part: STICK TO IT! If it’s not in the budget, do without. If you feel like it’s important, write it down so you can budget for it next year.

#2 Don’t go into debt. We’ve been counseled again and again not to go into debt for things we don’t need. A wise steward plans ahead. Saving money beforehand gives you freedom and peace of mind. If you didn’t save up this year, make it a priority for next year.

#3 Get the family involved. Especially in lean years it’s important to keep the whole family appropriately involved. Young members of the family can learn valuable lessons about service and frugality. They also might surprise you with innovative ideas to save money. Above all, it’s a great way to bring a family closer together when you are all working toward a common goal.

#4 Start Now! Now is the time to put plans into action. If cutting back on what you spend on gifts is in your plan, start now to prepare for creative ways to get into the spirit of giving. Homemade gifts, gifts of service, even letters of kind thoughts, these can be more memorable and meaningful than a toy or a sweater.

The following is a quote by Pres. Thomas S. Monson from his Christmas devotional message from December 2003: “There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord our God with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much, he who gives time gives more, but he who gives of himself gives all.”

If you have money to give, Great! If you have time to give, Even Better! To give of ourselves is our goal and the surest way to keep the principles Christ taught in our homes during this wonderful time of year.