The New Banking

Something so simple, the other day, turned into a monumental neon sign for me.  I try to keep my family in natural health care products, but one daughter and sometimes my Mom insist upon paying.  I tear up my daughter's checks, but Daddy doesn't like to refigure his checkbook, so when I know Mom is sending a check, I just send extra product . . . It's how we roll.  Anyway, none of the family interaction was the bad experience.  The bad experience came at the bank, Arvest bank.  For years I avoided Arvest bank, simply because some of the major shareholders are also the major shareholders of Wal-Mart.  I really didn't want to be a part of the big corp connection, but . . .

When I began an online business, and online booksellers began carrying my books, everything changed.  In order to transact business online and accommodate clientele, a Paypal account seemed essential.  In order for online booksellers to sell my books, they insisted upon an account for direct deposit, so . . . all of a sudden, Arvest didn't seem so bad.  It was already part of the big corporate order and I could keep my internet business out of my personal business, to a point.  I am well aware, somewhere behind the curtain, it's all connected.  I'm sort of a cubby hole kind of thinker, so Paypal, amazon, and internet book sellers could all have access to an Arvest business account and my personal account in another bank, would stay as personal as the banking system allows.  Business accounts are about the only free accounts at Arvest, anyway, so my personal business is preferred elsewhere.

Mom had made the check out to me, personally, rather than my business.  Since it was for product though, I wanted to run it through my business account, to make sure I didn't overlook it, regarding my income taxes . . . My attempt at honest business integrity turned into a prohibited banking procedure.  Remember the days when someone could endorse a check made out to them, and give it to another person.  They were called two party checks and I had no idea that option no longer existed, or least is not an option at Arvest Bank.  Now this was no anonymous or questionable two party check.  I am the authorized signature on the business account, so I thought I was simply signing over a personal check to be deposited in a business account in which I am authorized to make deposits as well as write checks.

The young man at the drive through window informed me, they could not cash the check, nor could I deposit it in the business account.  When I made inquiry as to why, the response was;  'it was simply bank policy.'  I informed him, I had not received the memo.  His suggestion is what put me over the top.  He suggested I take the check to Wal-Mart . . . I hope my expression gave him a clear indication of what a profoundly stupid idea I found that to be.  It was then, I realized, there really is more going on here, than meets the eye . . . How can a store process a two party check, while a bank cannot?  If in fact, Wal-Mart accepted my two party check, which I haven't been to a Wal-Mart in over a decade, but if the Super Center did, why would they not have the same problem I was experiencing?

My first thought after all this was to just tear up the check and deal with Daddy, but I decided to see if I could run it through my personal account.  No problem, no questions, no hassles.  I had a bit more business to tend to, and then headed back to Arvest bank to make a sizeable withdrawal.  There's simply no reason to let them use my money, when I have no say over $20.00 in the account.  I walked in and asked the minimum balance required to maintain a business account.  The poor teller thought I wanted to open an account.  We quickly resolved that misunderstanding and the young man who had mis-dealt with me earlier slinked back into the shadows of the drive through . . . The reality was, even with the written policy regarding accounts, the teller and the manager could not tell me how much was needed to maintain the account at no charge.  I had my check book in hand, ID, which they required twice . . . and I don't use a debit card or bank online.  I can't even imagine what I'd gone through if I didn't have my very own paper trail in dealing with this situation.

I wrote a check to reduce the account balance and that required my ID again, as well as what I considered a strange processing procedure.  This is the same bank, where an employee informed me I needed to use their online banking.  When I told her I preferred a paper trail, just in case; she actually stated that "banks don't make mistakes."  I believe that was before the BailOut was given.  Now this situation wasn't over a huge sum of money, but what I considered was the fact it also wasn't my only option.  What if that $20.00 check was actually needed to put food on the table or gasoline in my car and what if that Arvest account was the only one I had?  Would I have had to take my "two party check" to Wal-Mart to buy my food?

What Will Raising Minimum Wage Actually Do?

If minimum wage is raised from $7.25 to $15.00 an hour, then what?  Seattle, Washington is apparently the trend setter in this notion, and the increase is slated to take place over the next three years.  Right now, according to this website, the current minimum wage in Seattle is $11.00 an hour.  While the wages increase annually toward $15.00, what will the cost of living do?  If we can learn anything from history at all, the cost of living will probably increase right along with or just ahead of the wage increase.  The wealth war between minimum wage and the elite will not be resolved by increasing minimum wage.

A part time job, even a full time job making $15.00 an hour will not close the wealth gap.  What it will do, however; is decrease the buying power of all those currently making between $10 and $30 an hour.  Even if minimum wage is doubled, we have to consider the fact that the earnings of most positions presently above minimum wage, will not be doubled.  This will negatively impact most of what's left of the Middle Class, as the pay scale for most nonfarm employment falls between $10 and $30 an hour.

It's time to wrap our mind around a simple fact.  Those earning the lowest income are always going to struggle, economically.  If minimum wage is raised to $50.00 an hour, the cost of bare basics will be commensurate with that figure.  There is no one who will be impacted positively by doubling the minimum wage.  What happens to those who are now earning less than $15.00 and hour but more than minimum wage?  Did you know beginning salary in some areas for firefighters is $11.00 an hour?  How will cities, which are already on the brink of bankruptcy, double their salary?  Surely no one believes a firefighter should be paid less than those flipping burgers.  Pharmacy Technicians earn an average of $11.86 an hour, which is an annual salary under $25,000.  Forty hours a week at $15.00 an hour amounts to $31,200.

 We also have to consider the number of people on fixed incomes and how that would compare to a doubled minimum wage.  There are also many state and health workers who are not earning $15.00 an hour.  Patient Care Technicians average about the same as Pharmacy technicians and we need to face facts, health care is huge in this country.  There are a number of people making less than $15.00 an hour taking care of people on fixed incomes that are nowhere near $30,000 a year.  

The entire concept of entry level positions and counter help making $15.00 an hour is simply ludicrous.  The economy would be shifted off center, with no stabilizing foundation.  The two things it would accomplish, is the absolute final destruction of the Middle Class, and fully impoverish those dependent upon government provision.  

A Reminder of "My Place"

A recent purchase came with the sad reminder the days of being a customer are long gone . . . Even in a rather high dollar purchase, there was absolutely no customer service, until the very end.   Every time I made a phone call, it was reminiscent of watching Gilligan's Island in syndication.  As I dialed the various phone numbers and was answered by the automated voice telling me that my call was important . . . just like watching the castaways, I knew at the end of that conversation, I'd still be right where I was when I dialed the phone.

It all began with the idea of installing a couple of carports.  I had spoken with a gentleman whose company builds wood structures, because he was now carrying carports as well.  He was honest and said, the installation crew kept their own schedule and didn't seem to be in much of a hurry to actually install them.  I appreciated his honesty and when I called again, he said he would be changing installation companies but that was still some time down the road.  This is where Morrie enters the picture.

Although I never did actually see Morrie, I picture him to be a rather large man that sits at a desk most of the day selling used cars and taking orders for carports, while surfing the internet for entertaining sites.  I feel relatively certain that in my deal, the only activity he performed was sending an email and dialing the phone.  Upon saying he'd email me the contracts for signature, he took all the pertinent information, including my credit card number.  Once I looked over the contract, I had second thoughts about the whole deal, so I called Morrie back.  As it turns out, Morrie had already processed my credit card for the 10% down payment upon order and has a no refund policy.  He also informed me that there was no need to even sign the contracts!  Great . . .

Not ready, yet, to feel stranded on the deserted deal, I decided to contact the main office by email.  For the response, I waited, and waited, and waited . . . Five days later, I found a phone number for customer service.  Although my call was important, I was on hold for thirty minutes, with the gals in the office checking on my periodically.  One asked me if she could take my number and have the service manager call me.  I said I'd waited almost a week for an email response.  I also told her, I could understand that their customer service department a.k.a. complaint department, would be overrun with calls.  Suddenly the service manager was available.  This conversation was even less encouraging than the one I had with Morrie.  Christopher gave me his personal email address, since the email on the main page was not monitored . . . He then informed me that he was aware of my order and had no control over Morrie's policies.  By the end of this episode, all I could think was, "I want my time back."

I was gone on a Thursday, when I got home to 5 messages from various offices involved in Eagle Carport, all telling me the construction crew was ready to install Monday, and to explain their payment policies . . . I just wanted a coconut cream pie and to talk to Gilligan.  By 4:30 Monday, no one had arrived.  Two more phone calls made to two more dead end responses . . . The woman promised to call back, but never did, and Morrie said, the day wasn't over yet!  At dusk, the crew arrived.  I told them it was too late to start working.  The first time I heard the term customer, was when the foreman said, "You're the customer, we'll detach the trailer and return in the morning."

The construction crew was wonderful, but I will sound the warning about Eagle Carports.  Even the construction foreman in his very heavily accented English stated there was a communication problem within the company, the franchises, and the instructions for the installation crew.  As they pulled out, I just shook my head in the realization that even with seemingly major purchases, we're no long customers, but consumers, and Eagle Carports remind me of my place in the transaction.

Cutting the Waste

Here is a link to an interesting way to identify ways we waste money.  In identifying those ways, we can hopefully, curb the waste.  

http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/10-ways-you-waste-money/

The War On . . .

The war on drugs was declared back in the 70s I believe, and that seemed to increase the problem, while also making a nation of legal addicts with millions of prescriptions.  The war or terror has certainly increased the pockets of terrorist activity and locked down a number of freedoms.  Both of these wars have also made a booming business of the prison industry.

Now there's a new war.  It's the war on cash and both of the previously mentioned wars are cited in the reasoning . . . I use the term "reasoning" quite loosely.  It would seem The Powers That Be hold to the firm belief that drug dealers and jihadists keep their money in banks.  I have no idea why anyone in either of those lines of work would risk a paper trail for the current interest rates, but that's their story and they are sticking to it.  The war on cash is actually, of course, aimed at the average citizens and independent businessmen.  The war on cash is the slow desensitization toward the mark of the beast for buying and selling, not to mention tracking us.  Since most people have automatic deposit for their paychecks, pensions, and SS, the only reason to further monitor bank accounts would be for those who legitimately operate in cash, buying and selling without credit and payments.

This one hits rather close to home.  I have never used a debit card.  I average writing two checks a month and for the rest, I operate in cash.  It's not a large amount of cash, just for the feed store and a few incidentals.  I'm certainly not going to hit the designated amount mentioned in the article, on a regular basis but paying cash for larger items could easily hit the $5,000.00 marker.  Most folks selling a used vehicle want cash.  They don't take payments and nobody wants a check.  

I think of the truck I just purchased.  I purchased it from a dealer, so there is a paper trail, but I counted the cash out on the desk.  That kind of cash isn't laying around my house, so obviously, the cash withdrawal at the bank would have been flagged.  This new oversight truly seems just too Big Brothery to even try to sell to the American people.  There is no reason to track the average business person's bank account, and for people like me with little money and few transactions, it's one more invasive policy clearly outside of the stated purpose.

Ranting

Last week, I was in a restaurant in Joplin, when an 18 wheeler rolled into the neighboring parking lot.  The logo and tagline on the side of the trailer caught my eye.  The Sealy mattress company appears to have been able to particularize America's economic and moral situation in a single statement and a picture that is definitely worth a thousand words.

I don't consider myself a prude, but considering the tagline, the "sex appeal" in marketing seemed over the top.  As I sat there contemplating aloud, I realize sex appeal is used in marketing and a play on words always grabs attention, but a different tagline would have been much more appropriate with the image.  Yet, the image and tagline truly does sum up the condition of America and I simply don't like the reality.

I know there was probably no way to put various images of working people into some sort of collage to portray the message, but I do wish more Americans realized hard work is essential to a strong backbone, both physically and economically.  I wish more Americans felt the need to actually have a backbone, which relates spiritually and morally.  The term backbone has so much more meaning than this image portrays!  Maybe I'm ranting, maybe I read too much into it, or maybe the reality is just too overwhelming.

The backbone of our society really does seem to be about sex and relaxing . . .  And without a doubt, America needs to wake up!

Waiting Isn't Doing Without or Longing

This "waiting" covered a number of years, but it wasn't a situation of doing without or longing.  Before becoming a believer and entering ministry, I was a funeral director.  The firm for which I worked recovered and transported a great many coroner cases for several counties.  Not to be too graphic, but many of the cases were far from pristine circumstances and our company had a black Silverado pickup with a shell for some of the messier situations.  This was the late eighties.  My boss knew he could send me alone to a site and I'd receive help, whereas if he sent a man, he'd have to send two, because they wouldn't be so apt to receive assistance from other responders.  Yes it was sexists and that's just the way it was.  So, frequently I drove the Silverado.  I really enjoyed driving that vehicle.  I'm a General Motors girl at heart, so I've also enjoyed Cadillac driving, yet I digress . . .

When I left that career and was living in town, I had no need for a truck.  Down the road, Mr. B had just purchased a truck the week before he met me, so after we married, I still had no need for a truck.  I wasn't crazy about his little S10, but it served it's purpose.  Actually, driving his S10 on the Interstate felt a lot like driving a go-cart at Nascar, but again, it wasn't my deal and it served it's purpose, until things just started needing repairs . . . the nickel and diming had officially begun.  That's when Mr. B mentioned looking for a new used truck.  I knew I didn't want a Ford, and although everyone loved their Dodge Rams, I could take 'em or leave 'em.  In checking the trucks made by General Motors, there were basically five beyond another S10.  There was the mid-sized Chevy Colorado, the full sized GMC Sierra, the Escalade, the Avalanche, and Chevy is still making the Silverado.

There is no need for a new vehicle, so I did some checking for used trucks.  As you have probably already guessed, there is now a Chevy Silverado in the Land of Goshen.  As I think back to that first one I drove, all those years ago, it certainly wasn't a popular style, it was the way it handled and the dependability that appealed to me.  It had a rugged stability that felt durable and dependable.  They still build them that way!  I didn't spend 25 years wishing I had a Silverado, I had no need for a truck, but I also didn't spend the money on other things.  Thankfully when the time came that the truck we did have began to need repairs, we didn't allow it to become a money pit.  A mechanic was delighted to purchase the S10, and I'm thankful to have not settled for something unnecessary along the way.    

Had I purchased a Silverado back when I first liked the one I drove at work:  A. it would be very old by now, when I actually need one; and B. it would have undoubtedly involved payments, to have a truck for which I had no need, at the time.

The Dream

When my friend called me the other evening to let me know her husband had passed, it was so difficult to hold back the tears.  They were truly "a couple," and one I admired greatly.  Even though he was a believer and she is a woman of great faith, my heart broke for her.  Fifty doesn't sound young to everyone, but dying just short of your 50th birthday is young and becoming a widow at 50 does seem early.  As she and I talked briefly, both guarding our voices from cracking, she made a simple and eloquent statement.  She said, "We got to live our dream."

I have no idea if they are members of the "Other 1 Percent" or if their due diligence, good management, and land acquisition has caused them to be blessed of our Creator, self made "One Percenters."  Their children are now grown and married with children of their own, well on their way to being the respected successes their parents became.

There were two adorable anecdotal accounts the widow had shared with the minister who shared them through the service.  These two people were married two months after this gentleman farmer graduated from high school.  In a day and time of throw away relationships, they married at 18 and were blessed to celebrate a 31st wedding anniversary, this past summer.  First, was the marriage proposal.   After he got off work, he went to see the love of his life where she worked.  He waited for her break time, and they went outdoors.  He was a man of few words.  He said, "I'm going to buy cows, do you want to get married?"   The minister went on to tell how those two kids went to Wal-Mart bought her bridal set and his band, married, went to Branson for their honeymoon and after two days, said, "Enough of this, let's get our life started."

The second memory she shared was also one of precious innocence and strong determination, from her now more mature perspective.  When they got home from their honeymoon, the young husband announced to his new bride, they needed to talk about money.  She sat down to listen, unsure of what she would hear.  He told her he had a savings account.  She asked him what that was . . . He then stated he had $3000.00.  All these years later, she's laughed telling that story saying, when he said $3000.00, she thought she'd married Bill Gates.

Sunset on their farm

While most of their generation and the one before them chased "the American dream," those two 18 year old kids did invest that savings account into Jersey cows and land.  The dairy farm has earned them a nice living, but more importantly, they actually worked the land, tended the animals and as she said, "lived their dream."

Further Developments

Oil prices haven't really gone up significantly, but gasoline prices are once again climbing.  I've lost track of how many cargo ships can't enter port to be unloaded, gold is still more expensive than platinum; and yet we continue "business as usual."  How much longer will the house of cards we call the American economy continue to stand?

Actually, our economy which is based upon perpetual motion could be collapsed possibly months before the ripple effect stops.  There's been so much borrowing and kicking the can down the road, we may not recognize an actual collapse, even if it were to be sudden.  Many would just presume it to be another glitch or bump, until pandemonium ensues.  According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the price of beef will continue to increase.  Although the article was written in November, it is stated the increase will be passed on over several months at the grocery store.  The link is included below.

America has placed ourselves in a very precarious position of global dependency, then out priced ourselves to each other with strikes looming at the refineries and the docks.  The price of livestock on the hoof is higher than I've seen it since I began homesteading.  The cost of grain and hay are at some significant lows due to bumper harvests and multiple cuttings.  The cost correlation really isn't making any sense for a stable recovery.

This time, the American economy will not collapse with the closing of banks.  Control and rationing of food and health care will enslave all those who are dependent.  So much is already in place, the next economic collapse may actually look like complete care and provision . . .

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/largest-nationwide-oil-refinery-strike-in-30-years-expands/

http://gizmodo.com/why-are-these-massive-cargo-ships-trapped-at-29-u-s-po-1686637422

http://www.wsj.com/articles/cow-prices-jump-over-the-moon-1415302201

Economic Imbalance

For the most part, the other 1% doesn't invest much in Stock Market, Bonds, or precious metals, but we do watch them.  The stock market is manipulated and bonds are government controlled, but when precious metals get out of balance, I know fear and manipulation are contributing to the imbalance.  Whether it's manipulation to cause the fear or fear driving the buying or selling, the love of money and fear are a toxic combination for an economy already in critical condition.

Not to beat this dead horse, but it seems the news of disgraced anchorman, Brian Williams, should alert us all to the fact, we may not be hearing the truth and it may be several years before the actual facts are discovered or made known.  We know the Wall Street fat cats will manipulate and take a raise with taxpayer bailout money.  We also know the reputation of Washington politicians.  The integrity of mainstream media has been questioned years before Mr. Williams gave confirmation to our doubt.

The bottom line is, the dollar is in trouble.  The Federal Reserve has just printed too many.  I did take the time to notice the newer $5, $10, $20, and $50 has an eerie colorization similar to MONOPOLY.  The five has a pinkish background behind the oversized Lincoln face.  The ten is yellowish, the twenty - green, and the fifty has a bluish background in a patriotic motif, but the correlation between currency and game money is oddly recognizable.  With the dollar in trouble, while oil has devalued, is significant.  The OPEC nations can't pump oil like the Feds can run the printing press!

The stock market is absolutely manipulated beyond recognition, so it is rather irrelevant in the equation at this point.  I think we're at the point of paying interest on the interest of national debt and bonds.  I've looked at some real estate, and once again the prices are incongruent with an actual market, while the real estate market seems to be nearly flooded with commercial property . . . That is an indicator that independent businesses are not surviving the so called "recovery."  Precious metals and land are not commensurate in dollar value at this time.

With irregularity amidst the metals as well as inconsistency in real estate, we may discover this "economic recovery" is more political rhetoric and headlines, than actuality and bottom line.

Disney?

As I read, yet another article on the heated debate regarding measles and vaccinations, I noticed the measles problem began in Disneyland.

I continue to be surprised by those claiming to be discerning believers in Messiah who take their kids to Disneyland or Disney World.  It's been a well known fact for years that Disney was part of the dark agenda to claim our kids.  So why are we dividing amongst ourselves?  Disney has been inundating America's children with sexual programming, magic, and sorcery for over half a century.  There should be no surprise that Disney would be a part of the push for pharmaceuticals in the last days.  The end results of promoters and users of pharmakeia were prophesied centuries before Big Pharma came into existence.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/measles-outbreak-debate-among-moms-over-vaccinations-turns-ugly/?ftag=YHF4eb9d17

Rather than argue amongst ourselves, perhaps it's time to recognize the wake up call to truly come out from among them and be separate.  Rather than vaccinations, the solution may be to stop mixing holy with profane.  Do our children really benefit from being introduced to "The Magic Kingdom?"

DBA

DBA is the acronym for "doing business as."  Here in America, the independent business person is getting a lot of pressure to give up their personal convictions to maintain their business.  I've watched the situation with Chick-Fil-A and of course a number of Christian owned bakeries being attacked by the Gay Agenda.  I know in my own business, my politics and personal spiritual beliefs make and break several business deals.  I meet folks through fellowship and common interests, who become customers.  Patrons and friends have been gained when I've reach out to help with an alternative or natural product or suggestion.  By that same token, a clash of political or spiritual beliefs have resulted in loss of business as well.

Other than thinking both parties are just two heads of the same serpent, I don't have a lot of political clashes, as I am bipartisanly annoying.  There are those who believe I'm shirking my patriotic duty by not participating in elections, but I believe I have a stronger voice through media than by way of ballot . . . and that voice still isn't much.  Political leanings don't seem to have the influence on customers of the Big Corporations, like those of the independent businesses.  For instance, those who boycott family owned businesses over the gay agenda, aren't too upset to buy gasoline provided by the OPEC nations, which for the most part rule homosexuality to be punishable by death . . .  By the same token, those who are adamantly against abortion, are many times still purchasing pharmaceuticals from the same companies that manufacture abortifacient drugs or patronize pharmacies that carry and sell abortifacient drugs.

Independent business folk can lose customers over religious differences of the same G-d, yet products from China continue to be purchased.  China is a Communist country.  The Communist Party claims to be atheistic. China is markedly pro-abortion.  Many products come from India, a predominantly Hindu nation, and Pakistan is predominantly Islam, but we buy items from those nations without a second thought of the religious views of the factory worker or owner.

Why do Americans monetize our differences, personally, yet are willing to finance many things we don't agree with, when the offending entity is faceless?

Social Programming

Our society has programmed most of us to believe, debt is required to attain a goal.  Whether it's home ownership, an automobile, or even education, debt has become part of the equation.  This concept that the road to success is paved with debt is not a new concept at all.  The farms lost through the Great Depression were lost because there was a mortgage or lien against them.  Sadly most of those farms were inherited, so the land had been used as collateral.  By the time WWII ended, most all Americans could obtain debt for whatever their dream involved.

Probably the biggest issue I have had all along with large debt like mortgages and cars is the amount of money required to qualify for the debt.  I'm not against home mortgages and even short term car payments, but the idea that our net worth is based upon how much we can borrow, is problematic.  We've already seen that when the housing bubble burst.  Qualifying for debt seems to be the road to paying more for something than it will ever be worth, and that is a problem.  Figuring an amortization for a  mortgage is a great example of just how much we pay for something compared to it's actual value.  A 30 year mortgage on a $70,000 house, which is basically unheard of in today's culture would result in an individual paying nearly double the amount at only a 4% interest rate.  Interest rates are very low, which is why so many are able to qualify for huge loans with large down payments.  Fees and upfront costs have replaced interest rates for the banking industry.

I haven't been able to verify that this appeared in the Chicago Tribune in 1934, but I haven't been able to find any source to say it didn't.

When an economy is based upon the perpetual motion of debt, history is doomed to repeat itself and where the blame falls really won't make any difference.  It will just be re-explained for acceptance and the programming will continue, if . . . the society doesn't completely crumble. 

Impoverished Indulgence and Entitlement

The Other 1 Percent seems to have more areas of agreement than most other "groups."  It's not that we agree on everything, but we agree on a number of basics and that's enough to not focus on the differing details.  Also, there's the fact that the Other 1 percent is busy and doesn't really have a great deal of free time to play the blame game.  We know the system of perpetual motion can't self start or self-recover.  We already know that, as well as realizing money is like water, in that, it will seek it's own level . . .

As some are just sure raising the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour will repair this broken economy, others are flying to the other extreme, just sure it will collapse the economy.  The economy is already collapsing under the printing presses.  Increased minimum wage will only reduce the buying power of what's left of the Middle Class.  I've been in ministry long enough to hear folks' various economic struggles and it's really not about the income, it's about management and priorities.  Scripture says we are to be faithful in the little things and we'll be given much.  I know for a fact and have shared with others, G-d will not give us more of what we already cannot handle . . . and that includes money!

Consider this, in regard to raising the minimum wage.  There are already people making between $14.00 and 18.00 an hour that still can't make ends meet.  There were people making that wage back when minimum wage was $5 something and they were still going upside down in cars and houses.  And that is not about distribution of wealth, that's simply a choice of lifestyle.  If there were to be a redistribution of wealth, within a matter of months, the wealthy would once again be holding the majority of the money and the people now crying for redistribution would once again have empty pockets.  When someone chooses to live beyond their means, they are going to be behind, all the time, with an excuse every time; regardless of how much they make.  We've all read about real estate moguls and millionaires filing bankruptcy.  It's possible to live beyond one's means on every level of income, and it is also possible to live within one's means on even low income levels, as long as one is willing to work and prioritize responsibly.  

I remember my days of being poor, and that's certainly not to say I'm wealthy now, but my days of not being able to make ends meet was a clear case of not being right with G-d and not being responsible with my income.  I wasn't a partier, I just simply lived with poor priorities and kept company with folks who did the same.  Americans make choices, then try to create an image of success or victimhood, but the choices are made. Many simply choose other priorities and indulgences knowing, yes knowing, someone will provide their basic needs.  There's no reason on earth, someone making $12.00 an hour cannot afford their own groceries, but there are many.  If the family is large, then assistance is available on that income, but management is still the key that makes the difference between independence and need.

Whether it's SNAP cards, automatic deposit, food pantries and community services, taking the shame out of begging has created an atmosphere of impoverished indulgence and entitlement.  

52 Week Money Challenge - Savings Plan

I'm a couple of weeks late, posting this, but there's still time to catch up . . .  This is mathematically sound and been proven.  I did discover one thing, however.  I preferred to do it backward and begin with the large number while the enthusiasm is strong.  Once I gained momentum on the plan, I was "rewarded" with a relative large sum early, and a decreasing weekly deposit.

Either way, it's a great savings plan.  I can't take credit for it and I can't find the original site for this calculation, but it's certainly worth sharing.

Independent Business

Independent business are quickly becoming a part of American history.  The independent business man has, for the most part, been replaced with corporate chains and franchises in suburbs and the edge of town.


As a business woman, I've noticed something that seems to take place in dealing with individuals, while the guys at corporate headquarters, remain untouched.  When we are dealing with an independent business man, we hold them to a higher standard than a corporate chain.  I know I recently made a negative decision about patronizing a locally owned business based upon very poor service and rude treatment, by the owner!  I have also made very positive decisions to patronize locally owned businesses, not only based upon good service, but also to encourage those of us who are still trying to stay in business.  It's an investment in independent business.

The way a business person conducts their business is definitely to be considered, but I've noticed many folks make a negative decision based upon a difference in beliefs.  Chick Fil A comes to mind, as does Hobby Lobby.  Both of these businesses have received increased patronage as well as boycotts and protests.  Which brings to mind a strange disconnect in the way we choose to do business.  When someone disagrees with my beliefs, I lose a customer, but people who complain about the greed of the Walton family still shop at Wal-Mart . . . The disconnect seems to be more of an arbitrary line that applies personally, but not enmass.  

When we choose to be divisive on some personal fundamental level, we still have to take our business somewhere, and that seems to be widening the gap between the fat cats and the huddled masses, as well as eliminating the independents.  Most of the "working class" will never be a part of a political lobbying effort of corporate America, but we do have a power we overlook.  We don't need to wine and dine Congress to be heard.  All we have to do is stop complaining and complying.  We can become more independent in our creativity and patronize the local business owners for those things we cannot make ourselves.    

Credit Offers

I didn't catch this right away, but in looking back over the past year, I can see, a "kahootzing" unfolding.  Clearly, the banks knew quantitative easing was coming to an end and interest rates would no longer be stagnate at ZERO.  Was this conjecture based upon past trends?  I don't think so, since this economic disaster, compared to the Great Depression and there is now a global economy.  This is no conspiracy theory, and no history that is comparative.  This is simply the way an economy of perpetual motion operates.

Since the interest rates plunged and remained at basically 0%, literally flat-lined for five years, banks have had to get creative to make money and keep folks interested in letting them "hold" their money.  In this time of low interest rates and job insecurity, the average folks don't have so much money to hold.  Once the Big Banks were bailed out, they could start making some interesting credit offers to get the perpetual motion rolling again.  Credit offers are not always made based upon a good credit history, but increased expenses, times of struggle, or even poor money management can be part of the equation.

I knew when the last long term CD matured, I would not renew it.  It wasn't a great rate, but it was by far better than 0.5% for 5 years.  Interestingly at that same time, I heard Abba speak of enlarging the tent, so a sizeable expense was about to take place.  As it turns out, two additions were added for about the same cost as the value of the CD.  Abba is so economical.  Now, here is how I got into the world of credit offers . . . The retailer of the building supplies offered a discount if one used their credit card.  Rather than just pay cash, I would actually be saving money to use their card with a discount, provided I paid the balance in full when the bill arrived.  The mature CD made that a simple task, but, it got my name in some sort of active credit card offer pool.

Suddenly, the bank that carries the one credit card I have had for over twenty years, offered balance transfers at 0% interest for a year, but there was a 4% transaction fee, up front.  The bank, which could borrow money at 0% interest could pass that savings on to me, but actually make 4% interest by calling it a fee.  The fine print was really great.  If I'd taken them up on this wonderful offer but didn't get it all paid back in the 0% time frame, the interest rates would soar on the remaining balance and my old card would then have a brand new interest rate.  The new credit card with sizeable charges had placed me in database with a presumed balance.  When these opening discounts or special rates are offered, the lender is planning on a balance to be carried, which is backed with statistics.

When I started my business, which had very minimal start up costs, the credit offers came pouring in.  All I had done was register my business name with the state.  I had credit offers before I had a bank account, which made me wonder . . .  The line of credit I was offered was enormous and clearly not commensurate with the possible, potential profit of a new business.  I was immediately offended.  I felt like they wanted to own my new business and me!

I could go on and on . . . but the point is, with every credit offer, came the reality of potential bondage.  Paying my monthly balance on a single card didn't bring new credit offers from every direction.  Signing up for a new line of credit and starting a business opened the door to an avalanche of offers, which for many, literally results in an economic avalanche.  These banks and credit companies know that!  They bank on it.

The Cost of Living

With the price of oil plummeting, I'm expecting to see other costs destabilize.  At this point and time, I'm not even sure what that really means or could possibly entail, but without the gold or silver standard, and so many global currencies; oil is really the global standard.  If the American dollar now has more buying power regarding a barrel of oil, I think that usually means deflation or inflation is coming.  I think both are on the horizon.  Economy experts have forecasted an improved 2015 for America's economy, but much of that is based upon oil and gas, while the price of oil has dropped dramatically.

I believe we're going to see another drop in the value of tangible assets, or at least the selling power of them and I think we're going to see an increase in the cost of living.  The Great Repression of 2008 brought about a real change in the economic climate of this country, with a severe drop in the standard of living for the Middle Class.  In going back to campaign rhetoric of our current leader, he frequently used the term "working class" in reference to what used to be the Middle Class.

In recent conversations, I've experienced not sticker shock, but what I would call "Cost of Living Shock."  I truly had not realized how far out of the economic loop this homesteading lifestyle had taken me.  My daughter started it, last year when we were talking about her sister's move.  I had said something about them being here for a month and giving me $200.00.  My daughter just looked at me over her wine glass and asked, "Two hundred dollars, what's that even begin to cover?"  I then stopped and thought about how much my kids talk about their cost of living, especially the one who had given $200.00 . . . so I certainly quit feeling guilty for having taken almost enough money to cover the cost of my internet overage through their stay.  I have now heard others speak of their income, their monthly expenses, and in many cases, their continued need for assistance.

Obviously, some of the cost of living has to do with money management.  I choose to be frugal to a point, but really, I buy what I need and usually what I want.  I just don't require a lot of high tech gadgetry and I still prefer investments to just purchases.  I don't know that I'll be here in 40 years, but if America is still in business, some of the things I've implemented here in Goshen could still be operational and of course, much of the homesteading lifestyle is perpetual.  As others describe their income, I'm shocked.  I've been out of the mainstream workforce for so long, I had no idea people actually complained about the level of income I'm hearing about.  I can't imagine how they find a way to be broke with that much income!

Our economy did not recover and it's shaky.  We can't keep mismanaging our income and expect G-d, government, or charity to continue to provide.  Wealth does not begin in the wallet, it begins in the way we think and manage.  

Tax Deductible

As we will soon be entering the tax preparation season, there are some things we might want to consider.  Actually, it's two major things to consider that apply to a number of areas of our life.  There is no free lunch and that includes tax deductions and credits.  Tax deductions or credits basically fall into two categories.  People and stuff.  When we receive a deduction or credit regarding a person in our life, that individual is one of the millions who is now collateral for the national debt.

A couple cannot file a joint return without a marriage license.  The marriage license is a contract between two people and the state.  Parents cannot claim their children without providing social security numbers of the children.  That has not always been the case.  I am 56 years old.  I did not need or acquire a social security card or number until I wanted a job and a driver's license.  A birth certificate with a social security card application is really quite recent.  I'd have to ask my ex-husband to be sure, but I don't think we had to list social security numbers for our kids on the tax returns, and I know there was no social security card application when filling out a birth certificate when I was having children.

When it comes to credits or deductions for people, that is literally assigning a monetary value to a human being.  Oh, we don't use that term, and for the most part, none of us even considered it, but with the rising national debt, and the requirement of documentation, the correlation should be obvious.  The statement:  "For social security and tax purposes -Not for identification" actually used to be printed on social security cards.  Now, for most any monetary transaction, we are asked at least the last four numbers of our "social."  How many times have you heard, "What are the last four of your social?"  That question literally makes me cringe, every time I hear it.

When it comes to deductions or credits involving possessions, the deduction is based upon a percentage of the payments.  I was getting my house in order, thinking now that I have one entire room dedicated to my business and one entire room for ministry, I'd be figuring my taxes differently this year.  Then it dawned upon me.  Without a mortgage, I have no percentage to figure to deduct the room.  Without a 501c3 the government doesn't even recognize this ministry.  The only figures our tax system is interested in when it comes to this ministry and my business are the figures of income . . . PERIOD.  And those are taxable!

As you prepare to figure your taxes in the coming, really consider the cost of the deductions and credits that are offered.

Strange Business Experience

I was in town the other day and decided I would stop in the jewelry store.  I'm not one to just shop and the jewelry dispersal amongst heirs is already written in my will, so I'm not really looking for any new pieces.  I wanted two silver chains, matching but of different lengths to replace a short one and a broken one.  There are two very different charms or pendants that I wanted to wear simultaneously, and to do so, required separate chains.  In my mind I'd "pull" the two very different pieces together with matching chains.  So, I stopped in the local, family owned jewelry store.  I used to think the third generation collapsed family businesses by spending profits rather than investing back into the business, but I witnessed another way, the third generation puts the family business out of business.

When I walked in, a nicely dressed young woman asked if she could help me.  I told her what I was looking for, and as we walked toward the display case, the owner acknowledge me, telling me he was eating lunch.  I didn't think much of it at the time, as he looked at his notepad and ate some sort of carry out.  As the young woman looked through the case for what I wanted, she asked her boss something.  He quickly walked over to where we were.  I made a light hearted comment about disturbing his lunch, to which he brusquely responded with an expletive and having thrown it away.  I wasn't sure what to do with that odd response as I'm in business myself and I'm old school.  When it comes to the customer, they come before break time.  I was sure his father and grandfather before him, also held to that business practice.

He then took over the sale, while talking over me as I attempted to ask a question three times.  He then got out his big catalogue showing me various sizes and strengths of chain while offering a completely ludicrous metaphor.  Just as he finally finished and I attempted to ask my question, yet again, a young lady walked into the store.  He turned around to ask his sales clerk what she wanted.  She was looking for a job.  He then proceeded to tell her the business next door was looking for help and he'd take her over there as soon as he "finished" with me.  He turned back around and asked me what my question was.  By that time, I'd forgotten, so that's what I told him.  I then said, it would be better to bring in the charms and pendants to get a better idea of what I was interested in.  He made some comment about increasing the cost of the sale and I simply thanked him for his time as I walked out.

The customer service I received, from the owner, was shocking.  Although I have a style all my own, the jewelry I wear is quite nice.  He should have taken note.  As I left, I thought of my dear Uncle Bert who owned a jewelry store and my friend from Temple, who also owned a jewelry store.  They would have never treated anyone that way, on the street, much less in their own store.  I'd have expected that sort of customer service from a teenager working in a jewelry kiosk at the mall.  That jeweler actually sabotaged his own sale . . .  So, I shrugged my shoulders and went on about my day.

After receiving a great discount from my computer guy, for debugging my laptop, my faith in the independent business man was renewed.  As the town checklist dwindled, I thought of the business that buys and sells precious metals and jewelry.  It's a father/son partnership and they're always quite customer friendly, even if they don't have what I'm looking for.  So, I stopped in.  The son was there and although it was also his lunch hour, was more than happy to leave his desk and come to the counter with a smile.  I asked him if he had any silver chains.  He immediately responded with, "not too many" as he placed the velvet box on the display case.   Are you ready?  There were two matching chains of different lengths, exactly what I was actually looking for.  Oh, and the price of estate silver versus new jewelry?  I bought both chains for less than the price of the smaller chain at the jewelry store.

As I headed home, I thought of the way the day had gone.  I expect to be treated impersonally, even as a pain, in large department stores and chains, but I make a point to take my business to the local independent business men.  I still will, but with or without a discount, I will absolutely patronize those who give good service!