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Mastering Your Budget: Essential Tips for Financial Health

L.M. Hosler

I called and interviewed my friend over the phone.

My friend is a very busy person, involved with her church and various other organizations. She has been the treasurer of one or more of those organizations. She also volunteers to teach others responsible money management.

Q: What do you think is the most important part of people handling their finances?

A: Starting with a good budget. People should start by having a budget that covers their basic needs. Housing, food, utilities are basic needs.

Q: Where do you start with a budget?

A: Start with basic needs. Then, create an emergency fund. Put in enough money to cover living expenses for three months.

Q: What about money for fun and entertainment?

A: After the emergency fund has been fully funded, then you can put money aside for other purposes. Vacations, eating out, movies, whatever it is that you want to do for fun.

Q: What are some things that should be cut out of anyone’s budget or at least reduced.

A: Well most people don’t like to hear this but there are many expenses that can be reduced. Things like cigarettes, tattoos, alcohol are a few things that are not necessary for survival.

Q: What success have people had after listening to your advice.

A: Quite a few people have come back to me. They thanked me for helping them get their finances in order. One couple finally managed to buy an older home of their own which was their main goal.

Q: Any final words of advice for those having financial difficulties.

A: Get started as soon as possible to take control of your finances and life will be much better. Pay yourself first by saving even a little bit every week. Trust in God and faith are also important.

Daily writing prompt
Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman — and write a post based on their responses.
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Embracing Change: My Journey Through Anxieties and Hobbies

L.M. Hosler

Right now I feel wonderful about the great weather we are having. It’s nice and cool. The type of day that you feel good and energetic. So I have been busy cleaning my house this morning and I really dislike cleaning. It is amazing how good weather can affect your overall mood and attitude.

I am also feeling anxious because I have been unable to find regular work. I work as a private care giver and I lost three of my clients to nursing homes recently. I found a few jobs that didn’t last very long. My client either passed away or had to be put in a nursing home. But on the other hand I am enjoying retirement and time for hobbies and social activities. I can concentrate on writing and creating quilts and crafts more. I have always looked ahead to having time to enjoy those hobbies. I especially look ahead to Thursdays when I get together with friends to play cards.

I am also feeling like I need to make myself go to the gym more. I know it’s good for me but sometimes it is hard to be motivated. I am not sure just how to get myself motivated to go exercise.

But it feels like today is going to be a great day, no matter what I do.

Daily writing prompt
How are you feeling right now?
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Embracing Evening Bliss: My Favorite Time of Day

L.M. Hosler

I love mornings when I don’t have to rush getting out of bed. I don’t have to rush off to do a million things that need to be done. But every day I look ahead to when the craziness of each day turns into enjoying a relaxing evening.

But my favorite time of the day is evenings. Supper has been enjoyed, kitchen cleaned up and dishes put away. Then it’s time to sit with a cup of tea or a soda on the front porch. In the summer, the heat lifts a little bit and children are sometimes catching lighting bugs. I relax to the sound of the birds doing their evening serenades. I enjoy talking with the neighbors if they happen to be outside. It’s also a great time to relax with my favorite book until dark forces me to take the book inside.

Then it’s time for pajamas and maybe some television if I am lucky enough to find something worth watching. And it’s snack time. Time for the goodies to come out. Popcorn, chips, or some chocolate make evenings my favorite time of the day.

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite time of day?
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What Drives Motivation During Retirement

L.M. Hosler

I am basically lazy. I am retired and enjoying retirement. I love getting up later, and not having to set an alarm clock. But if an opportunity to make money presents itself then I become motivated and work hard towards that end. In the past I have also been motivated by pursuing educational goals. I worked hard at them and achieved those goals. I managed to obtain a degree in accounting and a diploma in computer programming. Both have been helpful in different areas of my life.
I can also be motivated when it comes to having fun and doing things I enjoy. Going on vacation will motivate me and get me moving. A fun day at the beach excites me. Traveling to somewhere new encourages me to explore.

Each of us are motivated by different things. It would be quite interesting to hear to hear how others find motivation in their lives. Now, if anyone knows how to get me motivated about cleaning my house I would love to hear that advice.

Entertainment, Uncategorized, writing

Exploring Fiona Davis “The Spectacular”: A Book Review

L.M. Hosler

A few years ago I joined our local book club. I love reading and I hoped to find new authors that I would enjoy reading their books. I have indeed found a few new authors that I am now trying to read all of their books. I really enjoy John Grisham, Linda Castello, and Nora Roberts. Now, I am going to read more books by Fiona Davis.

I have just finished the book “The Spectacular” written by Fiona Davis. I found it very interesting and entertaining. It first starts off in 1992 then reverts back to 1956. The story begins with Marion, the main character, being escorted back to Radio City Music Hall. For a short time, she had been one of the famous Rockettes. Then the story shifts to 1956. At that time, she faced difficult choices about her future. She needed to decide what she really wanted to do with her life. In the 1950s, many believed that women should be wives. They thought women should stay at home as mothers. But Marion had taken dance lessons all of her life and loved dancing. For Marion, this led her to difficult family issues.

The New York City Bomber

As Marion moves ahead with her life, relationships shift and change for her. One of these relationships is with her sister Judy. Marion and Judy’s relationship had been strained for several years. Just when their relationship appeared to be improving, the New York Bomber sets off a bomb at Radio City Music Hall, endangering both the audience and the Rockettes. The New York Bomber had been setting off bombs in public places for years throughout New York City and never been caught.

The Handsome Young Doctor

Marion meets a young doctor. He is working with the mentally ill. They set to work together to try to find the bomber. Peter Griggs creates a profile on the bomber. However, the police don’t put much faith in his profile. But working together, Marion and Peter Griggs just might be able to find the bomber when the police can’t.

In conclusion

I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were very real and it was a great story. I love history. This was the first time I had ever heard of the New York Bomber. He really did exist and terrified New York City for some years. The book is fiction but the bomber was real. The bomber added excitement to the book and held my attention. It also kept you interested. You wanted to find out if Marion would follow her father’s wishes and marry her high school sweetheart. Alternatively, would she follow her heart?

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People Who Talk Too Much Bores Me

L.M. Hosler

My sister calls me antisocial. She doesn’t really mean that but I am no social butterfly for certain. I like to be around people for a few hours and then I am ready to head home. I have several good friends I do things with. Love to go to lunch or shopping with them. But the people who bore me do nothing but talk. Talking is their hobby. They talk about other people that I don’t know or care about. They talk and talk till I get tired of listening to them and try to get away from them. One time I dated a man who talked all the time everywhere we went. If I went with him I carried snacks, drinks and a book with me. My survival kit.

Daily writing prompt
What bores you?
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Beach Sandals

L.M. Hosler

My favorite pair of shoes has to be my beach sandals. I bought them in Florida and wore them everywhere. I wore them to the beach and put my feet in the sandals under the water to rinse them off. I wore them to pools and got them wet. They used to be so comfortable that I wore them all the time. I wore these beach sandals in Florida. I brought them home with me to Pennsylvania. And they have gone with me to beaches in Maryland, New Jersey, and North and South Carolina. Alas, foot problems began and I was told to wear shoes with support, good sneakers. But I still have those beach sandals and they still go to the beach and the pool with me.

Daily writing prompt
Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.
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Discover Pennsylvania’s Historical and Fun Attractions for Kids Part 2

L.M. Hosler

Two Historic Cities In Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is certainly one great city full of America’s exciting history and historic buildings. Nevertheless, we can add some other interesting places in Pennsylvania. These are marvelous places for families to visit. Gettysburg is a historic battlefield and full of history about the Civil War. Lancaster is a charming city where many Amish live and many great places to explore.

Gettysburg, Pa

Gettysburg has been called the turning point of the Civil War. The south had been winning the war up to the point of Gettysburg. It was at Gettysburg that the Union Army stopped the southern army’s march to the north. It was at Gettysburg that President Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address Speech. Gettysburg is dedicated to all the great men who died there.

Gettysburg National Military Park

Your first stop at Gettysburg might be at the Museum and visitor center where there are plenty of parking spots. Inside the 2200 square foot museum there are cold drinks, snacks and bathrooms. The museum offers exhibits, a gift shop and a ranger to answer questions. There plenty of historic exhibits from the Civil War including guns, uniforms and even a large cannon.

Tour The Battle Field

There are various ways of touring the Gettysburg Battlefield and learning about Gettysburg and the famous battlefield.

  • By Car. Using your car, you are free to go at your own pace. You can view what you are most interested in seeing.
  • Guided car tour: An experienced tour guide accompanies you. They are there to answer questions. They know the best places to show you. These tours have varying fees.
  • On horseback: Tour the battlefield on horseback like the soldiers who fought at Gettysburg. Horse rental fees are generally charged.
  • Walking the trails if you are a hiker.
  • Car and Walking: This is a great option as the park has 6000 acres. Driving on your own allows you to stop and view whatever you what to see.

Significant Spots To Visit At Gettysburg

Confederate General E Lee Memorial at Gettysburg Battlefield
  • Little Round Top was a significant area where fierce fighting took place with Union soldiers eventually winning the hill.
  • Cemetery Ridge which was the headquarters for General Meade and the Union soldiers made camp.
  • Big Round Top which is the highest point of the Gettysburg Battlefield. There are five monuments at the top of the ridge.
  • Sachs covered bridge which some say is haunted by confederate soldiers who were hung from the bridge.
  • There are multiple museums throughout Gettysburg that are worth checking out.
  • Jennie Wade house. Jennie Wade, a civilian was killed by a confederate bullet while she was making bread to feed the Union Army.
Little Round Top Gettysburg Battlefield
Sachs Covered Bridge Gettysburg Pa

Lancaster, Pa

Amish children on the way to school

Lancaster is famous for it Amish population. It’s the largest Amish community in America. The Amish are famous for still living without electricity, cars, and modern technology. Most Amish still dress in traditional clothing and use horse and buggies. They are well known for their country cooking, quilting, religion and furniture building. Let’s check out some interesting things you can find in Amish country.

  • Amish farms which can offer tours and buggy rides.
  • Kitchen Kettle is an outdoor type of market but with about forty indoor shops. These include shops that sell canned goods, jams & relishes, and leather goods. There is a yarn shop that also offers free classes and workshops. You can also find sweet shops and cheese shops. There’s also a restaurant and homemade ice cream. I was here once and would love to go back.
  • Green Dragon Flea Market is 60 acres of a local farm market and flea market combination. It has indoor and outdoor shopping. It boasts seven large buildings with some one hundred vendors showing their crafts and wares.
  • Amish quilt shops: There are many quilting shops throughout Lancaster. No trip to Lancaster would be complete without shopping for a quilt. Make sure you have plenty of money or a credit card. These beautiful handmade quilts can be quite expensive.
  • Amish restaurants are the place you will want to eat at in Lancaster. The Amish are famous for their home cooking. Two well know restaurants are “Bird in Hand Restaurant and Smorgasbord” and “Shady Maple Smorgasbord.
An Amish family traveling by horse and buggy

Entertainment in Lancaster Pa

  • Sight and Sound Theater: This theater is for young and old. It does plays based on Bible stories using live animals. I have seen Joseph, David, and Samson at this theater and enjoyed every one of them. Currently the story of Noah is playing.
  • Dutch Apple Dinner Theater offers a great dinner and a musical. It also has a children’s theater for the little ones.
  • Dutch Wonderland is a smaller version of Disney Land. It features over thirty rides and a show. Duke’s Lagoon is a small water pad to keep the kids cool on a hot summer afternoon. There’s also fifteen acres of campgrounds for family camping.

These are two cities in Pennsylvania which offer a lot to families. They offer history lessons for the children as well as a fun time. Warm weather and summer vacations are just around the corner. You might want to consider visiting the great state of Pennsylvania and having the time of your life.

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Discover Pennsylvania’s Historical and Fun Attractions for Kids Part 1

L.M. Hosler

Vacation in Pennsylvania and Bring The Children

Pennsylvania is the place to bring your children on a fun filled and educational vacation. Here in Pa, children can visit a working farm. They can learn about the Amish. They can see sites where history was made. Children can also visit zoos and wildlife parks. They will have fun learning every day.

History in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pa is full of history for the whole family from children to grandparents, there’s lots to learn and enjoy. Philadelphia, Pa was the site of the first Continental Congress and the first capital of the new country, America. In 1776 The Declaration Of Independence was read by John Nixon from the steps of what is now Independence Hall. This document was the beginning of the separation of the thirteen colonies from England.

Also in Philadelphia, you can visit several museums. These include the Ben Franklin Museum and Museum of Art. There is also The Franklin Institute, which deals with science. Additionally, the Betsy Ross Museum and The National Constitution Center are also museums worth checking out. Some of these museums charge admission fees, while others are free. There are many more museums in the Philadelphia area worth visiting.

Visiting the Liberty Bell is a must see.

Students viewing the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pa

The Liberty Bell is another piece of American history. It can be seen in Independence Hall sporting its famous crack. The Liberty Bell was ordered by the Pa Assembly in 1751 from White Chapel Foundry located in London.

Pennsylvania Zoos

Historical marker for the Philadelphia Zoo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

There are several nice zoos around the state of Pennsylvania.

  • ZooAmerica located in Hershey Pa is eleven acres which is actually a part of Hershey Park. ZooAmerican showcases some 200 species of North American wildlife
  • Tobias Lake is a wildlife park which was began in 1965. It features a Safari tour, where you can view most animals in their natural habitat. There’s an African lion, a Bengal tiger, an a giraffe. There’s also a reptile building where kids can learn about reptiles. There’s exotic birds, monkeys and a petting zoo. Take a picnic lunch and the children will love it.
  • While you are in Philadelphia don’t forget to visit the famous Philadelphia Zoo. The Philadelphia Zoo was the first Zoo in America. It covers forty two acres and has nearly 1300 animals. The zoo also features a great collection of botanical plants.
  • Penn’s Cave & Wildlife encompasses sixteen hundred acres. You can take a guided tour in a flat bottom boat through the caverns. Additionally, you can take a ninety-minute tour through the wildlife park. There are about fifty steps to the main entrance of the cavern. This is not suitable if you are handicapped.
  • T & D’S Cats of The World is located in Penns Creek, Pa. It is a refuge organization that takes in abused and mistreated animals. Starting mostly with wild cats, it now has bears, foxes, parrots and a bird Aviary.

The above is just a small list of family-friendly and educational places in and around Pennsylvania. Kids would enjoy these places and have fun learning. These places are great for home schooled students.

Discover Pennsylvania’s Historical and Fun Attractions for Kids Part 2

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How Smart Spending Can Beat Financial Struggles

L.M. Hosler

Many Americans have been struggling financially for the last four years. For some, it’s been a lifetime struggle. So what are your options and do you even have any options. What can you do to make your income stretch further?

How You Spend Your Money Matters

Does this sound like what you are dealing with every week? Payday is a day away. You have a dollar or so in your pocket. That’s if you are lucky. Now you find the milk is gone. The car is running on gas fumes. You still have to make it to work. You are in a tight spot now. Sadly, this happens to you every week. The paycheck just doesn’t reach the end of the week for you. How stressful this can be for anyone of us. Many of us have experienced this at one time or another. Maybe it is time to consider making some changes in your earnings and your spending. If you are truly tired of living from paycheck to paycheck, it may be time. Explore better ways to manage your money. Focus on improving how you handle spending.

Spending and Saving

Before you start looking for a second job, examine your spending habits. See if you can cut expenses enough each week. This way, you will not have to go searching for part-time work or other income.

Strategies To Get You Started

  1. Cutting back on your gas expenses by staying home more, walking, riding your bike, carpooling or taking a bus if that is an option
  2. Check around for car insurance to see who offers the best coverage for the lower price
  3. Clipping coupons can slash the grocery bill to save quite a tidy sum of money. When using coupons, be sure you are going to use the items. Also, check to see if the store brand is cheaper. Sometimes the coupons on name brands ends up costing you more than buying the store brand. Clipping coupons also takes time & organization. But they can save you money if you shop carefully. Check the sales and if an item is on sale then using a coupon can help bring the price down
  4. If you eat out a lot, it is time to start cooking at home more to save on expenses. Learning to cook good cheap nurturing meals will save you money and nurture your body. Buy some cookbooks and have fun experimenting with new recipes
  5. Use left over meats in pot of soup. Soups with a side of bread can make a lot of meals
  6. If you are a smoker, decrease your daily smoking or roll your own cigarettes. Or better yet, throw those cigarettes away for good
  7. Check out your library for entertainment. Most libraries offer quite a few services such as renting or borrowing books and DVD movies.

Ask yourself if it is something that you really need. Is it worth struggling through the rest of the week? Consider whether you will have enough money to last the whole week. These are a few ideas to reduce expenses. By the end of the week, you may have an extra dollar or two in your wallet. Most of us have some areas where we can cut down on expenses. You will feel less stressed as the week goes by. You will know that you have enough money in your pocket to last all week.