This Together on Tuesday's topic is related to managing money. This is actually a very important subject, especially if you are in a relationship, since I've heard many say that it is one of the top reasons for break-ups. I can see how this could be, considering money issues can cause all types of added conflict and stress.
Fortunately, my household has a pretty good plan set up to budget finances. It is definitely a team effort. My husband and I are actually opposites when it comes to our style of budgeting, however we have found a way to make our differences compliment each other in this area.
I'm the spender and he is the saver. We make this work by essentially having three accounts. We each have individual accounts, as well as a joint account. We have found several useful budgeting spreadsheets, and once we chose the best one for us, we actually created three different tabs to coincide with the three accounts. We use the joint account to pay for the household expenses, that we have calculated on a monthly basis, and contribute set amounts from each pay check to ensure all of these expenses are taken care of. This works out because we know that there will always be a set amount of deposits in the joint, to coincide with the set amount of expenditures. We do leave a little cushion for bills that have some type of fluctuation on a monthly basis. We also take into account annual expenses such as vacations or property taxes and include those in the monthly amounts that we contribute, so that the funds are there, when needed. We then use our individual accounts to pay personal expenses, such as individual credits cards, or our day to day spending money.
My husband takes care of day to day bills, since he pays more attention to details and I handle more of the longer term items, since I have more of a financial and investment background. My husband and I have found it very useful to use our individual bank's bill pay option to schedule when bills are paid, and we find that this saves us lots of time each month, as well as cuts down on the possibility of missing something or being late. We also find it important to budget splurge money, so that we don't feel like we are constantly depriving ourselves of extras. Overall, I believe that our budgeting style works for us. Since I am the spender, I honestly am still working on better management of my individual account, but I do have reassurance in knowing that my spending habits will not affect the household bills.
Happy Budgeting!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Grass is Always Greener
This week's Together on Tuesdays topic is The Grass is Always Greener: if by some twist of fate you had the option to move to some wonderful destination, would you take it-or would you stay where you live now?
I would have to say that my dream destination would be in Jamaica. Just about any city would probably do, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be Montego Bay, Jamaica. I have had the opportunity to visit this wonderful paradise several times and fall in love with it even more, with every visit. First, the weather is perfect all of the time. Not too hot and not too cold. My home would be beachside next to the clear blue water and beautiful white sand. I absolutely love the personalities of the Jamaicans, as it is very similar to mine, in that it is very laid back and calm. Their favorite saying is "No Problem Mon". They have this attitude about not sweating the small stuff, and just relaxing and having a good time. The food is also wonderful. My favorite Jamaican dish is the Jerk Chicken with plantains. It is just the right amount of spice, mixed with sweetness.
Another thing that I love about Jamaica is the music. They are most known for their Caribbean style Reggae, with the live bands and melodic harmony. I could listen to it all day. It's real music in one of its purest forms. I love how everyone still celebrates one of the most popular originators of Reggae music, Bob Marley. You can't go many places without hearing "Every little thing, is going to be alright", which again references their carefree outlook on life.
One of the drawbacks to Jamaica is the state of the local economy. You have all of these beautiful resorts and landscapes, and then when you go into town where the locals live, you often times see such poverty and people struggling to bring up their standard of living. This however does not affect the core of who they are. I like that everyone seems so driven and determined to reach whatever goals that they have set for themselves. They still maintain their carefree attitude, while working hard to go to the next level. If given the chance to live in Jamaica, I would actually take this opportunity to offer the needed services to those who desired it, whether it was additional education, or more technical skills. There are already so many talented Jamaicans, who just need the resources to sell many of the arts and crafts that they hand make and I would do what I could to make this happen.
I would realistically gladly take the option to live in Jamaica, as long as I had the financial resources to visit my family back in the States, at least once a month. As much as I would love all of the wonderful things about living in Jamaica, I could not let too much time go past without being with my family, as we are very close. Although I have a feeling that they may want to come visit me, more than I visit them, which could work as well.
I would have to say that my dream destination would be in Jamaica. Just about any city would probably do, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be Montego Bay, Jamaica. I have had the opportunity to visit this wonderful paradise several times and fall in love with it even more, with every visit. First, the weather is perfect all of the time. Not too hot and not too cold. My home would be beachside next to the clear blue water and beautiful white sand. I absolutely love the personalities of the Jamaicans, as it is very similar to mine, in that it is very laid back and calm. Their favorite saying is "No Problem Mon". They have this attitude about not sweating the small stuff, and just relaxing and having a good time. The food is also wonderful. My favorite Jamaican dish is the Jerk Chicken with plantains. It is just the right amount of spice, mixed with sweetness.
Another thing that I love about Jamaica is the music. They are most known for their Caribbean style Reggae, with the live bands and melodic harmony. I could listen to it all day. It's real music in one of its purest forms. I love how everyone still celebrates one of the most popular originators of Reggae music, Bob Marley. You can't go many places without hearing "Every little thing, is going to be alright", which again references their carefree outlook on life.
One of the drawbacks to Jamaica is the state of the local economy. You have all of these beautiful resorts and landscapes, and then when you go into town where the locals live, you often times see such poverty and people struggling to bring up their standard of living. This however does not affect the core of who they are. I like that everyone seems so driven and determined to reach whatever goals that they have set for themselves. They still maintain their carefree attitude, while working hard to go to the next level. If given the chance to live in Jamaica, I would actually take this opportunity to offer the needed services to those who desired it, whether it was additional education, or more technical skills. There are already so many talented Jamaicans, who just need the resources to sell many of the arts and crafts that they hand make and I would do what I could to make this happen.
I would realistically gladly take the option to live in Jamaica, as long as I had the financial resources to visit my family back in the States, at least once a month. As much as I would love all of the wonderful things about living in Jamaica, I could not let too much time go past without being with my family, as we are very close. Although I have a feeling that they may want to come visit me, more than I visit them, which could work as well.
The Taste
I am so excited to be joining the Together on Tuesdays Blog group. Although this is a little late, I wanted to get my feet wet, by starting with something. This week's topic has to do with local events that have become traditions. While living in Southern Indiana for the last few years, I have had the fortune of experiencing Derby' at least from a far, and I think my fellow blogger, Charlotte, has done an excellent job giving a great description of just about everything Derby.
Being originally from Northwest Indiana, more specifically Gary, Indiana, I had the privilege of living in what we call, an Indiana suburb of Chicago, as we were less than a 30 minute drive. Part of the appeal of moving to southern Indiana, was the fact that I was right over the bridge to Louisville, KY. I like the small city feel, with the option of a bigger city nearby, which was my experience living in Gary, and only being a short train ride away from Chicago.
One of the most memorable events that I experienced growing up near Chicago, was The Taste Of Chicago. The Taste of Chicago is the world's largest food festival, which takes place in Grant Park in Chicago on an annual basis. There are usually tons of food vendors, along with a variety of music venues for everyone to enjoy. It typically was about a two week event, that occurred around the 4th of July each year. In recent times, it has been shortened to more like one week, but still draws millions every year, which, if you are adverse to crowds, may be the one drawback. It is free to enter the event, and you just have to pay for what you decide to eat.
I can remember catching the Southshore, which was the train from Northwest Indiana to Chicago. To me it was the best way to go, because you didn't have to worry about parking or traffic, which if you are from the Chicago area, you can really appreciate this advantage. I can remember my excitement building on the short train ride, in anticipation of all of the different varieties of food and entertainment that would be available.
With the vast amount of food options, everyone is sure to fine something that they like. My favorites, which just so happen to be some of the most popular food venues, are the Chicago style hotdogs, pizza and wings.
Favorite Hot Dogs - Gold Coast Dogs http://www.goldcoastdogs.net/
You have not had a hot dog, until you have had the delicious Vienna Beef hotdog with the sesame seed bun, onions, ketchup and relish, or whatever you like to add to your hotdogs.
Favorite Pizza - Pizzeria Uno http://www.pizzeria-uno.com/
The Chicago style pizza is deep dished, with a buttery crust and loaded with tons of cheese and lots of toppings.
Favorite Wings - Harold's Chicken http://www.haroldschicken55.com/main.html?src=%2F
All time best wings in the world come from Harold's Chicken. They are crispy, with the best sweet barbeque sauce that you could have.
You can't leave the Taste of Chicago, affectionately known as "The Taste" without tasting some sweets. My favorites would have to be the cheesecake and anyone that knows me can guess the other favorite is Garrett's Popcorn.
Favorite Cheesecake - Eli's Cheesecake http://www.elicheesecake.com/
One of the best cheesecakes ever, so rich, creamy, and sweet, with such a variety of flavors. I really like the original with strawberries and the snicker cheesecake.
Favorite Popcorn - Garrett's Popcorn http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/
Many have tried to imitate, but I have found that Garrett's is truly the best gourmet popcorn and my favorite is the Chicago Style mixture of cheese and caramel. This popcorn is truly addictive.
These are just a few of the many delicious vendors that are available year after year. A big part of the fun is being able to try so many different types of food, and the live entertainment is another bonus. If you haven't been to the Taste of Chicago, I would suggest that you add it to your list of places to go. You will not be disappointed.
Being originally from Northwest Indiana, more specifically Gary, Indiana, I had the privilege of living in what we call, an Indiana suburb of Chicago, as we were less than a 30 minute drive. Part of the appeal of moving to southern Indiana, was the fact that I was right over the bridge to Louisville, KY. I like the small city feel, with the option of a bigger city nearby, which was my experience living in Gary, and only being a short train ride away from Chicago.
One of the most memorable events that I experienced growing up near Chicago, was The Taste Of Chicago. The Taste of Chicago is the world's largest food festival, which takes place in Grant Park in Chicago on an annual basis. There are usually tons of food vendors, along with a variety of music venues for everyone to enjoy. It typically was about a two week event, that occurred around the 4th of July each year. In recent times, it has been shortened to more like one week, but still draws millions every year, which, if you are adverse to crowds, may be the one drawback. It is free to enter the event, and you just have to pay for what you decide to eat.
I can remember catching the Southshore, which was the train from Northwest Indiana to Chicago. To me it was the best way to go, because you didn't have to worry about parking or traffic, which if you are from the Chicago area, you can really appreciate this advantage. I can remember my excitement building on the short train ride, in anticipation of all of the different varieties of food and entertainment that would be available.
With the vast amount of food options, everyone is sure to fine something that they like. My favorites, which just so happen to be some of the most popular food venues, are the Chicago style hotdogs, pizza and wings.
Favorite Hot Dogs - Gold Coast Dogs http://www.goldcoastdogs.net/
You have not had a hot dog, until you have had the delicious Vienna Beef hotdog with the sesame seed bun, onions, ketchup and relish, or whatever you like to add to your hotdogs.
Favorite Pizza - Pizzeria Uno http://www.pizzeria-uno.com/
The Chicago style pizza is deep dished, with a buttery crust and loaded with tons of cheese and lots of toppings.
Favorite Wings - Harold's Chicken http://www.haroldschicken55.com/main.html?src=%2F
All time best wings in the world come from Harold's Chicken. They are crispy, with the best sweet barbeque sauce that you could have.
You can't leave the Taste of Chicago, affectionately known as "The Taste" without tasting some sweets. My favorites would have to be the cheesecake and anyone that knows me can guess the other favorite is Garrett's Popcorn.
Favorite Cheesecake - Eli's Cheesecake http://www.elicheesecake.com/
One of the best cheesecakes ever, so rich, creamy, and sweet, with such a variety of flavors. I really like the original with strawberries and the snicker cheesecake.
Favorite Popcorn - Garrett's Popcorn http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/
Many have tried to imitate, but I have found that Garrett's is truly the best gourmet popcorn and my favorite is the Chicago Style mixture of cheese and caramel. This popcorn is truly addictive.
These are just a few of the many delicious vendors that are available year after year. A big part of the fun is being able to try so many different types of food, and the live entertainment is another bonus. If you haven't been to the Taste of Chicago, I would suggest that you add it to your list of places to go. You will not be disappointed.
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