Hello all my hopeful people!

It is official – it is Spring. The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and there are signs of life popping up in gardens. As you think about moving forward after your person’s death, think of this time of year like a butterfly emerging out of a chrysalis. You may not feel like it yet, but you do have your “wings”. They just may need to get strong again. I hope this month’s newsletter will inspire you to spread those “wings” and enjoy the extra light we have.

 Ever hopeful,

Carolyn

Having friends and being a friend costs us our time but it is free for the enjoyment.

This Month’s Financial Tip

Budgeting

If you need or want help with your budgets, please reach out, we have worksheets that can help.

941-841-6564 OR email me at [email protected]

Sara’s Car Buying Dilemma

Sara contacted me recently asking about leasing a car vs buying a car. Her big concern was what could she afford. Her big concern was that she was spending too much money and time on her existing car maintenance.

Cars are so complicated now with the built-in electronics which increases maintenance costs.

In reviewing her income and expenses, and addressing the miles that she drove each day, leasing the car did not make as much sense as buying a car. Leasing can be expensive if you drive many miles/year.

We then reviewed a new car vs a gently used car.

A gently used car (there are many cars with few miles and minimal wear and tear from leases expiring) was what she chose to buy. She put down 25% and had a small payment for 6 years. She felt she could afford to pay off the car in a year.

She wanted to have a low payment in the event she needed to tap into her emergency savings. She paid extra each month and had the car paid off in 11 months. Hurray for Sara. She now has a reliable car.

Takeaway

Budgeting Anxiety? Start Here.

Create a Spending Tracker

Include items such as: Childcare and education, court ordered obligations, debt payments, eating out, entertainment, gifts and donations, entertainment, gifts and donations, groceries, healthcare, household supplies, housing and utilities, personal care, pets, savings, job related expenses, transportation.

It is easy to keep receipts, paper or electronic. Review them at the end of the week

You can also subscribe to an electronic version for tracking such as Quicken. You can link your accounts to your software and review it more easily.

Please reach out with any budget questions – Email or phone [email protected] or 941-841-6564

Given the price of eggs recently, I saw where a bride-to-be requested a dozen eggs/week be sent for a year to her and her soon-to-be husband. That is an expensive gift.

Maybe take a dozen eggs to your next event. Your hosts may get a laugh and appreciate the gift.

Articles Worth Reading

Since we are talking budgets, I thought this article may be insightful!

6 Things Frugal People Never Spend Money On

If something you read today made you think of another friend or family member, share this newsletter with them

This Month’s Recipe

Creole Gumbo Classic Recipe

We have just had Mardi Gras with its fun celebrations. This recipe is one of my favorite family recipes that we make during that time of year or anytime. This Creole specialty is seasoned with gumbo filé, a mixture of sassafras and thyme leaves. If you can’t get it where you live, use 1/2 teaspoon powdered thyme and a bay leaf.

Ingredients

1 Rotisserie Chicken – skin and bones removed, cut in pieces
6 cups chicken broth
4 slices of chopped bacon
1 cup chopped onion
1 19 oz can of tomatoes
1/3 cup of flour light can be gluten free
1 box or package of frozen okra
2 teaspoons gumbo filé powder
1 ½ pounds of shrimp
18 oysters (optional)
Tabasco

Directions

1 • In a large kettle, fry 4 cut-up slices of bacon until golden.
2 • Stir in 1/3 cup of flour until slightly brown.
3 • Add 1 cup of chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
4 • Add 6 cups of chicken broth (I usually use chicken bone broth).
5 • Add 1 can of tomatoes chopped.
6 • Add gumbo filé powder.
7 • Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
8 • Add the okra, cut up chicken pieces, and cook for 10 minutes 9 • Add Shrimp (and oysters if using) and cook 5 minutes prior to serving.
10 • Add a little tabasco and serve with rice. Tabasco can be added by each person if they like the spice.