So, my sister, Stacey, sent a text message asking, “who’s up for a challenge?” And of course, we all responded with “I’m in”.  I’ve now seen the chart floating around on various social media, blogs, websites, etc. Saying yes was the easy part; the real challenge starts Monday when we have to make our first deposit. The tougher challenge may come throughout the year as the amounts grow higher, relatively, the hustle and bustle of everyday living, and the costs of everything else we have going on, etc. But don’t be discouraged. Start now. Deposit more when able, but don’t give up. $1,378 may not be a lot, but the timing would be perfect for Christmas shopping, paying down some debt, or taking that holiday getaway.  Or if you’re like me, the money could go towards dues for every organization you’re involved in.

So, who’s with us? The way it works is to save $1 per week, and increase in $1 increments per week. If you feel working your way backwards will be better for you, go for it. Happy Saving! If you’re feeling brave, check out the 52-week challenge on steroids. I found this on the ‘goldieandoshow’ blog (for the chart click on the link below).

Stay Charmed,

CC

Related articles

• 52-Week Money Challenge on Steroids (goldieandoshow.com)
• Take the 52 Week Money Challenge and Easily Save About $1,400 (lifehacker.com)

What, wait? In a world of instant gratification, who wants to wait? I know I certainly don’t, but when hitting “send” can dramatically change your entire life, for better or for worser (I know), waiting may not be such a terrible idea. What does it mean to wait? Merriam Webster defines wait as “to stay in place until an expected event happens, until someone arrives, until it is your turn to do something”, and my personal favorite, “to remain stationary in readiness and expectation”. So why, do we as a society, fear waiting? Nowhere does it imply don’t, can’t, or won’t happen if we insert a little patience. There is something to be said and done in the waiting process. Waiting says, it is not time to jump right now. Maybe I need to do a little more research, maybe I am not ready to move on to the next relationship, maybe the world isn’t ready for what I have to offer. In the waiting, I can prepare myself for what it is to come. The market may shift and there is a greater need for what it is that I have. Waiting is not passive. One does not sit around and wait for things to fall into place. If I am unemployed, job applications do not fill themselves out. Don’t waste time being inactive while you wait. Get busy. The bible says in Isaiah 40:31, But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Get renewed. Run when it’s time to run and slow it down when it’s time to walk. Trust that things are working out while you wait. Don’t be so anxious to do something, to hit “send, post or comment”, or to pursue. Wait.  Do your due diligence and when the time is right, pounce. There is a time and place for everything. So while we are all making our New Year’s resolutions, be reminded that while it may not have taken you 4 months to gain 10 lbs, it may take 4 to lose it. A relationship that took a text message to ruin, may take months to repair. Time is key to a lot of things, but time alone won’t get us where we need to be. Get busy while you wait!

Stay Charmed,

CC

Related articles

• I Don’t Want to Wait Anymore … and no, not THAT wait … (ijustwanttobeamother.wordpress.com)
• Don’t Wait, Start Today! (therockpreacher.wordpress.com)