Financial Security Reflection!

It's amazing... The message.... Wants & Needs seems to be everywhere! I think I'm trying to be given a message!

Sitting quietly after dinner - I was reading one of my favourite quote books....Meditations & Reflections....Special messages...One for every day of the year.... & you wouldn't believe what the message was about.... You guessed it.... Wants & Needs.

The entry was for Financial Security......A special message I wanted to share with you...

Actually we are slaves to the cost of living.
~ Carlina Marin deJesus ~

All of us have to cope with the cost of living. Existing gets more and more expensive, and living seems sometimes as if it's only for the wealthy.

We have lost track of the difference between what we want and what we need. Everything has become a need. If we don't have what we think we need, it lowers our self-esteem and our feelings of worth. We can hardly remember what is important anymore.

We are important. Our children are important. Our relationships are important. The planet is important. Our lives are important.

LEST WE FORGET What We Are All About, Let's Stop Today And Remember! .......

Distinguish between Wants and Needs…..

In my previous post I mentioned…. Is this really a Want or a Need?

It was an amazing morning in more ways than one… The cicadas were again singing up at my place threatening another hot day, the sun was shining.

As I drove round the DY beachfront the fog hung heavy in the air….I wondered what the day had in store as the wind had started to whip up. The radio station said Centerpoint tower in the city could not be found.

My girlfriend & I headed out for one of our morning Manly beachfront walks.

We always stop at our local restaurant ‘Cristals’ for our coffee kick… We are supporting our local café during their time of controversy with the local Manly Council…. Now that’s another story!

Then off to check out Humphreys’ Newsagency for the latest Scrapbooking Magazines or card designs or other bargains (they have great book bargains) before we do our return journey.

My friend had her eye on a certain item & quickly had it clutched in her hand. As we strolled round the aisles she looked at the item & said to me “Is this really a Want or a Need?”

I almost fell over & told her that this was exactly what I’d posted on my blog this morning. We had a good laugh.

My friend resisted the temptation & placed the item back on the shelf…. It turned out to be a Want & Not a Need!

Want or Need!

Distinguish between Wants and Needs…..

You will save a lot of money if you don't mistake Wants for Needs.

Needs are those items that are necessary to sustain: Shelter, food, clothing, transportation.

Wants....are those things that enhance or possibly improve your family life. A car is a need. Unless necessary for your business, a flashy expensive sports car is a want.

Have you ever heard (or said) "I absolutely need...?" when the actual meaning was "I really want?" …. If you’re anything like me… I already know your answer!

This is not to suggest that you shouldn't be able to have the things you want.. you deserve a splurge now & then….Just don’t delude yourself into believing that a want is a need…and busting your budget in the process… This is a recipe for your financial disaster.

With the Xmas sales ahead of you this is a time when the Wants are screaming at you… Buy Me!! Buy Me!..... If you can’t resist just stay away from the sales!...

Just think... You'll not only save yourself money... but also your Sanity!

Asking yourself this simple question when tempted can keep money in your pocket….. Is this really a Want or a Need?

Insurance Coverage Savings!

This is an update on my previous post about correct Insurance coverage savings.

I received my amended insurance notice in the mail. I usually pay by direct debit to credit card, but noted that an additional $3.50 AU each month ($42 yr) would be charged for this service.

I decided to save the additional $42 per year & pay it in one payment on my credit card with no additional charge. I have a credit card with a points system so it’s a win, win situation….. even better, because I will pay the balance of my credit card in full.

So let’s have a look at my total savings… wait… forgot to tell you the best part. When I rang up to pay the amount in full a very nice young fellow gave me an additional $30 deduction.

He mentioned I was a long standing customer & hadn’t asked for any reductions. Well…. My mouth was sealed (for a change) I certainly wasn’t going to mention the $130 reduction I had already received.

So back to the total savings…. $130 + $42 + $30 = $202 Savings!!

So… The lesson here… always ask for a discount… if you don’t succeed the first time, ring back. All you have to do is ASK! If I can make this type of savings... YOU can too!

Correct Insurance Coverage

Insurance Coverage Savings!

Ask yourself this question.... "When was the last time I checked that my Insurance coverage was correctly documentated?".... Been a while?

If you don't check you may be being charged for additional items not required. As I was...

Let me tell you a story..... The other day I received a call from my Insurance co. wanting a few minutes of my time to check my coverage.

Thankfully, I took the time & didn't brush the caller off as we are all inclined to do at times... must admit they always seem to ring right on dinner time!

Anyway... back to the story... It was discovered that as I had a combined contents & building policy I was being charged for motor burn out on both sections. Totally unneccessary, as I don't have air conditioning ( I wish) or a pool... now that would be wonderful, especially in the heat we are having. How this mix up occurred in the first place makes me wonder!

This was a saving of $25 year! Next I asked about other card owner discounts.... Finally we had a saving of $130 ... now that's more like it.

So... Take the time to check your Insurance policies & make sure you aren't being overcharged.

Payments - Go Electronic To Save Time!

Time Saving Services!

Long gone are the days when you had to stand in a queue during your lunchtime to pay your bills.

Telephone banking, Online Banking, ATM's & BPay are just some of the time saving services that banks have introduced to make life easier for their customers.... Take advantage & save your precious time today!

Next time you have to make a financial transaction, ask yourself.... Could I do this electronically?

Welcome to Money Talk$!

Discovering The Secrets To Financial Freedom!

Along our 'Journey of Discovery' I will share with you tips & techniques that I have learnt... To help you save money in your everyday life.... working towards a 'Secure Financial Future' for you and your family!

.... As ol'Ben Franklin used to say, "A penny saved is a penny earned."....

To Financial Freedom Success & Surviving The Costs of Everyday Living!