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SHOW MONEY WHO’S BOSS: 12 lessons learned

Dec 03, 2019 Spotlight News Parenting Columns


SHOW MONEY WHO’S BOSS: 12 lessons learned


By HEATHER E. SCHWARTZ

As I write my last column for Parent Pages and look back, I realize I’ve learned a lot on this leg of my … what shall we call it? A financial fitness journey? I’m not loving it, but in any case, I hope by sharing my experiences, I’ve helped other people, too. To sum up, I offer these 12 lessons I like to think of as statements of fact, meaning please take them as free and clear of judgement.

Kids are expensive. Whether you’re shelling out for a new pair of boots, saving for a future college education, or buying yet another Lego set because you’re too tired to say “no” (and it’s Target), kids are going to cost you.

Life will get in the way of earning money. Like, for instance, when you have a baby and decide to stay home with him for the next 15 years or so. Sometimes we choose, other times decisions are made for us. Either way, every phase of life isn’t meant for major money making.

A budget only works if you stick to it. Yup.

Credit cards like realistic movie villains. You may hate them for their high interest rates. But they’re not all bad. Credit cards can get you stuff and buy you time, too.

Clutter can be costly — or it can bring in bucks. I can’t be the only person who’s ever bought a pair of slippers only to discover I already own a duplicate. Well, at least one set can go to the consignment store.

Chipping away at debt means exactly that. Debt takes time to grow and time to shrink. Just like a weight loss journey, the growing time is fun and the shrinking time is slow and sloth-like. So, now we know.

A budget only works if it includes enough money to cover your expenses. Yes. That, too.

There isn’t just one solution. And that’s not bad news. Because the truth is, there are many.

A fluctuating income can be managed. When money comes in, try not to spend it all in one day on bills and whatnot (my old system). If at all possible, make it last by doling it out to yourself as a salary (my new system).

Overspending happens. Because sometimes the cat gets sick and has to go to the vet or you need a new muffler or you see something shiny. Try your best not to go overboard. And then when you do, try again.

Life will make room for earning money, too. The toddler needing your attention every second of every day is eventually going to grow up and get his own life. If you can’t seem to find more time for money making right now, just wait.

Nobody’s perfect. When I started writing this column, I felt such shame about my debt. I chose to open up about it for a couple of reasons: 1) I wanted to share ideas and help others in a similar predicament. That said, one of the most critical lessons I’ve accepted this past year is that getting financial problems under control is a process. You don’t have to do it perfectly, and you definitely shouldn’t wait until it’s all resolved to let go of your shame. It’s a lot easier to make positive changes and work a plan when you’re not constantly berating yourself for past (or present) mistakes.

I embarked on this project because I’m a writer and improviser, and I’ve been exploring different ways to grow as an artist. When artists allow themselves to be seen and vulnerable, they help us feel validated, less alone. I’m learning how to do that in my work, and this column has been an enormously valuable experience for me.

So thank you for reading and taking in any helpful tips I may have offered to whip your money problems into shape. But thank you especially for reading about my financial failures. It felt surprisingly good to let them be seen. Turns out imperfection isn’t so shameful after all.

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Empire State Plaza Events

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Empire State Plaza Events

‪The first Hannaford Supermarkets 🆓 Skate Rental Saturday has begun! ⛸ ⤵️‬

‪Saturday & Sunday Open Skating:‬
‪12:00-2:00 p.m.‬
‪3:00 - 5:00 p.m.‬
‪6:00 - 8:00 p.m.‬
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‪The first Hannaford Supermarkets 🆓 Skate Rental Saturday has begun! ⛸ ⤵️‬

‪Saturday & Sunday Open Skating:‬
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‪3:00 - 5:00 p.m.‬
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Empire State Plaza Events

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‪#FYI! State Street will be closed TODAY, December 7, 2019 between South Swan St. and Eagle St. Please seek alternate routes!‬

‪More Information: www.albanyny.gov/Government/CityParkingandTrafficAlerts.aspx
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‪#FYI! State Street will be closed TODAY, December 7, 2019 between South Swan St. and Eagle St. Please seek alternate routes!‬

‪More Information: https://www.albanyny.gov/Government/CityParkingandTrafficAlerts.aspx
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Is the ice rink open today?

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15 hours ago

Empire State Plaza Events

#TravelAdvisory | Tomorrow December 7, 2019, State Street will be closed between South Swan and Eagle Streets starting at 8:00 a.m. in preparation for Albany's Last Run 5k.

More info & additional closures see www.albanyny.gov/Government/CityParkingandTrafficAlerts.aspx
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Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

24 hours ago

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Thank you to everyone who has take a ride on CDPHP Cycle! ... See MoreSee Less

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CDPHP Cycle! rides surpass 40,000 trips taken for 2019

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CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. — The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and CDPHP wrapped up the third season of the CDPHP Cycle! riding season with more than 41,000 trips taken and
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Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

1 day ago

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

Join us tonight on the Capital City trolley for the holiday light display in downtown Albany at 5pm and First Friday!
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Our trolley will also be running tomorrow from 12-2pm for the Hot Chocolate Stroll downtown☕️
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Download the Cityfinder app for trolley stops and real time arrivals at your fingertips! 📱
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Join us tonight on the Capital City trolley for the holiday light display in downtown Albany at 5pm and First Friday!
.
Our trolley will also be running tomorrow from 12-2pm for the Hot Chocolate Stroll downtown☕️
.
Download the Cityfinder app for trolley stops and real time arrivals at your fingertips! 📱
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The trolley lit up...

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

2 days ago

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

Join us tonight in @saratoga_ny for the Annual Victorian Stroll!❄️
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Stay warm on Our free trolley, running from 4:30pm - 9pm, with a trolley arriving every 15-20 minutes🚎
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Visit: Saratoga.com/events for more info!
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Join us tonight in @saratoga_ny for the Annual Victorian Stroll!❄️
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Stay warm on Our free trolley, running from 4:30pm - 9pm, with a trolley arriving every 15-20 minutes🚎
.
Visit: Saratoga.com/events for more info!
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There's the trolley yayyy

What time does the last bus run going to schenectady

The Spinney at Van Dyke added 8 new photos — at The Spinney at Van Dyke.

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The Spinney at Pond View

1 week ago

The Spinney at Pond View

All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving. We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends! We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then! ... See MoreSee Less

All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving.  We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends!  We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then!
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The Spinney at Van Dyke

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All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving. We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends! We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then! ... See MoreSee Less

All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving.  We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends!  We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then!
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The Spinney at Pond View

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