I call this photo 'BRIDGING THE GAP' - at least there is one thing we all have in common in a recession...

New Bern’s strong African-American Heritage is rich in culture as well as historical fact. It chronicles the rise of a proud race from slavery to independence and prominence.

In the 1700s, New Bern became known as a popular town
for both slaves and free blacks in Colonial America. Over the course of many
years, a large black population created institutions and had a political,
economic, and cultural influence in the area. As far back as 1800, New Bern’s
slaves outnumbered the whites.

I read this information; it seems appropriate to put it here - fortunately, 'recession' knows no 'race' - it doesn't discriminate based on creed or religion - at least we get all get to share in this experience...

Oh yes, some of us are also 'sharing the experience' of getting an IRS 'stimulus' refund check!

What stimulates me about this? Well for us, it means I definitely can insure the fact my mom will get her cataract surgery done; get that new set of tires for her car...

Here's a link to the IRS information on your stimulus check...

Stimulus Payments are being issued on a schedule according to the last 2 digits of the primary social security number (SSN) shown on your 2007 tax return.
You should check the Payment Schedule prior to using this application since your payment information will not be available on this tool until the time that your payment is scheduled.

To get to your Stimulus Payment information, be ready to enter your:
Social Security Number
Filing status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow
Number of Exemptions shown on your 2007 tax return
Okay now, you've checked the schedule and you're ready to find out Where's My Stimulus Payment?
Our other popular online tool, Where's My Refund?, is also available if you want to check the status of your most recent Tax Refund.
Don't fall for any email scams about your Economic Stimulus Payment! IRS never initiates emails! Click here for more info about email and Phishing scams.

Now, my husband cringes a bit, as I share 'our status' - well, why not...I'm not a fearful or distrusting person! Still, I don't recommend doing this - just in case. In fact, as I re-think this, I'll eliminate the more critical information, but here (at least) is the 'schedule' that was shown to us as of May 4, 2008:

Filing Status:
Married-Filing Joint Return
Number of Exemptions:
2
We are sorry. Specific information about your Stimulus payment is not available.
Possible reasons include:
* Your payment may still be coming, but has not yet been scheduled. Information will be available here as payments are issued based on the last two digits of the primary SSN shown on your 2007 tax return. Specific information about your Stimulus Payment will not be available until about one week before your payment is scheduled to be issued. See the complete Payment Schedule below for more information.
* You did not file a tax return for 2007 or your return is still being processed. Additional information about filing requirements is available.
* The information entered did not match our records. Be sure to check the information you entered. You may Re-Enter your information as necessary.
Remember, to qualify for the Stimulus Payment, you must meet the eligibility requirements. Please allow 6 weeks after filing your tax return before checking on the status of your Stimulus Payment.
Payment Schedule
Please allow 2 weeks from the date shown on the schedule to receive your payment.
DIRECT DEPOSIT
Last two SSN digits:
Payments will be transmitted no later than:
00 through 20
May 2
21 through 75
May 9
76 through 99
May 16




Paper checks will also go out based on Social Security number. For Social Security numbers ending in 00 through 09, the paper checks will be mailed starting May 9 and will continue through May 16. A similar process will be repeated in the following weeks.
PAPER CHECK
Last two SSN digits:
Payments will be mailed no later than:
00 through 09
May 16
10 through 18
May 23
19 through 25
May 30
26 through 38
June 6
39 through 51
June 13
52 through 63
June 20
64 through 75
June 27
76 through 87
July 4
88 through 99
July 11

These are my parents who helped me through their 'recession' - their years of poverty; but with love & ingenuity...

Like all good mothers, my mom was a WHIZ at 'saving'. In fact, I think this young mother is doing a darned good job too - take a look! http://www.moneysavingmom.com/

Okay, I'm not 'nuts' - this does belong on the topic of RECESSION - and learning how to 'roll'...

First things first! This painting was done by Robin Uron - http://eyeconart.net This 42-year old lady has had to be ever so resourceful with her money so she can continue to live 100% off the small income she receives.

Robin receives a large sum for her works; but few can buy beautiful art in times of tight money, right?

Robin has rented a large home; she sub-lets rooms to ARTISTS. They pay
what they can; if they have little, they pay little - if they have more, they
'catch up'...they are loving people helping each other.

Robin adheres to the Buddha thinking - she sent me piles of information on 'what she believes', and frankly, my old eyes are just too tired to read through all of it.

However, what she did send - and what caught my tired old eyes is this:

The Precepts
All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course:
to abstain from killing any being;
to abstain from stealing;
to abstain from all sexual activity;
to abstain from telling lies;
to abstain from all intoxicants.
There are three additional precepts which old students (that is, those who have completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers) are expected to follow during the course:
to abstain from eating after midday;
to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations
to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.

Of course this looks a bit 'antiquated' to most of us, right?

Still, most 'monks' rarely want for anything - and while I'm not advocating living 100% like a monk, if you look closely, you can see some things that might appeal to you.

As a nation in the USA - we can see the high cost of war; a myriad of questions are now being asked about the problems its causing for our citizens.

You can think of 'stealing' - money or goods, but how about the time you 'steal' when you fail to use it wisely; lovingly, and with your thinking cap on as you plan out your cost-reduction/reduction-of-expenses program?

Are you telling yourself lies? Are you trying to console yourself that you're 'okay' at this time when things might be tougher than you want to admit?

Aside from 'intoxication' for alcohol (and that costs money too), are you intoxicated with your own 'self' - your 'ego'...watch out, don't be too proud to read the rest of this 'blog' - or the many others, that are reaching out to give you an idea or too....we care - all of us, that's why we're taking the time to create this information for the betterment of all.

The eating habits suggested will save you money on the food bill.

Not clamoring for expensive bedding and all the frills that go on your bed, will save you money.

The sensual activity is clear; I know of at least 4 stores in our area, that charge a lot of money for this 'pass-time'. Also, it can lead to 'sexual' activity - that can lead to an unwanted child.

Please don't add a 'new babe' to this world, if you're not able to care of that child properly.

See, as you think through all of this, it's pretty good stuff I think!

Do your electricity, gas, and water bills 'fluctuate' ; does your usage chart look like this?

We live in the desert; we have very high power bills in the summer-time as our air-conditioner whizzes along keeping us cool.

About eight years ago, I was tired of the 'up and down'
monthly billing, so I decided to estimate the annual over-all usage, and divide by
12. I sent that amount each month so my budget would 'stay
balanced'. At the end of that first year, I now had 12 bills with 'actual history', to recalculate about what the annual costs were for each utility. The next year, I worked with that amount plus 10% (to allow for rate increases), and I still 'beat the heat', and saved the budget.

When you 'bill yourself' - and you stick to that amount, it's a
wonderful relief to know that you're building up a credit reserve on your
various utility accounts.

Now when the heat soars, our monthly bill already has a credit
balance, so I continue to pay the same amount, and never feel the
'pain'....

Also, for easy calculation in your check-book, just round up the amount 'due' - if it's $236.23, make it $240 that you deduct. Slowly, but surely, you'll be getting a 'silent savings' each and every month - at the end of the year, you'll be surprised at what you've accumulated; maybe time for a treat to yourself - or enough for a contribution to a vital charity in your neighborhood.

Oh yes: Something I probably won't write again, but
I noticed the date on this post...

4/20/79 - A wonderful day - I met L. V. Tomasetti -
V.P - General Electric; we had a marvelous time entertaining some great people
at the Cincinnati plant.

4/20/80 - My husband and I were awarded a sizeable
contract with Boeing; a contract we fulfilled, and it brought great opportunity
for us because of our hard work.

4/20/81 - I received notice my 2 younger sons were finally
going to rejoin me in my home - a 6-year difficulty - something that with
persistance, and fair-play = success.

I remember this always - fair-play; respect for the other
person's viewpoint, and if there is conflict, 'time and understanding', will
ultimately bring about the best and most peaceful result.

As I see the 4/20/79 date, I realize that is 29 years ago
- I realize a lot of time has passed since then; how much I've learned and
accomplished, and it makes it even more important to me that I try to add
information to this 'blog', that can help others not ony get through a difficult
time, but be able to 'look back' after nearly 30 years have passed in their
lives, and remember the things they did to optimize their life-style.

For me, I've had more than one chance
to 'roll' - and when I do, I keep the music going in my life. I play my piano; I
play up-beat music that inspires and motivates me. I strive to keep a positive
out-look, because I know I'll become what I believe.

Be what you are; act on and
out, what you truly think. Radiate confidence to
others...when you do this, you're like the sun on a summer's afternoon - your kindness is like the gentle breeze, and your understanding is like a spring rain that brings the flowers back to life. Attitude in good times; or rough times - this more than anything, will get you to the next chapter in your life, with a minimum of disappointment.

Do you feel like this if you are trying to lay out a budget?

Just as 'frugality' is not a dirty word, neither is the word 'budget'.

How many times have you told your subordinates to
'budget' their time? Have you ever told your children they have to live
within their 'allowance money'? Is that 'budgeting'???

It's pretty easy to do - put down the word 'NEED' on the left-hand side of a sheet of paper; then 'WANT' on the right side; put in the item, and the cost of that item.

Put down your FIXED OBLIGATIONS - get that done first;
you can't even start to make a change in your 'budget', until you know what's
left.

FIXED OBLIGATIONS are those items that you 'owe' - have to pay; regardless, each and every month.

Don't forget those periodic costs
such as taxes; insurance, tags for the car - other items that 'pop in' just when
you don't need it.

TOTAL UP THOSE PERIODIC COSTS - THEN DIVIDE BY 12 - THIS IS WHAT YOU
MUST SET ASIDE EACH MONTH IN YOUR SAVINGS OR CHECKING ACCOUNT.

A secret we've used for 30 years: We deposit $1,000 (or did 30 years ago) into the checking account; then we do NOT add it into the balance. We've never had a bounced check; this is a great way to 'hide' a few dollars, and avoid ever getting charged $35 for a returned check fee.

Once you've added your monthly OBLIGATIONS to those pro-rated PERIODIC
OBLIGATIONS, start examining your insurance programs - see if a bigger
'deductible' on your car insurance, might yield a better rate. Do you need that
road service? If your car is less than 5 years old, you might consider
eliminating 'road service' - older than that, hang on to it.

Is your liability coverage enormous? You can
think about reducing that liability for bodily injury and property damage just a
bit.

As you examine those 'fixed expenses', how many of them can be modified or reduced to something less - look at your cost for the many phones you're paying for. Reduce if you can; we get a 15% discount with our carrier because my husband is retired - and retired military as well.

Do you need a land-line service? Think about
that 911 feature; how critical is it to you to have a 'fixed' house
phone...

Do you really need every single channel on television? We cut out everything - went back to 'basic cable' - that saved us $70 each month (we now send $50 of that to one of our chosen charities).

Do you need those magazine subscriptions? I cut all of mine since
90% of them were 'on the web' anyway. I also go to my local library (I can walk to it and save gasoline costs) where they have plenty of magazines I can read through. They let me copy an article for 10 cents; can't beat that price.

Also, they have book sales 4 times a year; you can buy used books for 50 cents - it takes a little digging through the bins, but it's worth it.

Remember, the WEB is your 'machine gun' in the time of 'war' - the war to find information, and you need it quick! I use it all the time; I don't call an accountant or an attorney - I simply 'Google' my topic or needed information - rarely do I ever come up 'short', in finding what is essential for me to know.

We paid off our credit cards a year ago; now we pay
them off each month - we don't want to pay interest. When you have to use that
interest, make sure it's only for something that is imperative, and of course an
'emergency' is never something you can predict, so don't groan too loudly when
you do have to use that credit card.

Use the credit card for purchases that are on a 40% or more 'discounted price'. Figure that what you pay in interest, is paying full price for that item you needed - feel lucky you bought it on sale, and again - don't groan too loudly.

Buy out of season items - this is
something I've done for years. Set up a closet just for 'gifts' and
'things' that you got on sale, and check your inventory when a sudden 'gift' is
needed, and you don't have ready cash.

Shop the many dollar stores that are out there; never pay for brand names when it's just a dish-drainer that sits in your sink; labels don't count here, and saving money does.

Buy 'house brands' at the store; name brands are
elevated to cover their advertising costs - rarely are they truly
superior.

Patronize your Good-Will store (they need the revenue); go to Salvation Army - find those things that you need - the key word is NEED always when times are tight.

Ask your grand-parents for ideas; they usually have
had experience with tough times, and can give you guidance...they'll be happy to
share, I'm sure.

Create a local buying club with your neighbors; buy large quantities at discount - break out the items, and realize probably 10% to 25% in savings for all.

Rather than 'partying' at the local pub - have a 'pub
night' at each other's homes...share the costs, and think of it as a 'private
club' - sounds better now doesn't it!

A recession can mean a chance to cultivate friendships; create a bond that will end up bringing you closer to your community, and finding a joy you never knew you had!