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Money Talk
 Dear Readers,
During the election last year, the topic of CHANGE was endlessly bandied about. Many of us were indeed engaged by the concept of “change we could believe in.” I certainly was. One year after the near total collapse of the US economy we find, unfortunately, that change remains elusive.
While headlines are proclaiming an end to the current recession, a jobless recovery won’t change the many economic challenges so many Americans face today. For the men and women experiencing higher expenses and lower (or no) wages and living with the threat of job loss, health care loss, foreclosure, bankruptcy and homelessness, the economic data which is measured to determine a recession, or the end of a recession, has little relevance.
The national and global financial problems today require major reform which remains, unfortunately, unlikely. In our own country, the contentious debate around health care, global warming, consumer protection and banking reform, to name just a few of the key issues, demonstrates just how challenging accomplishing any level of governmental change can be. So how likely is it that we can anticipate the level of individual change that would help men and women to create sustainable, long-term financial behavioral change?
Individual change occurs on a micro level and requires education, motivation and on-going support. It's important to focus on this model as we do all we can to help ourselves and our clients to take control of their money and to gain control of their lives.
With all of this in mind, and even though it is only September, it seems that the holiday season is upon us. Mailboxes are stuffed with catalogs and stores are filled with holiday displays. I am hopeful that this holiday will be the one where consumers choose to begin to create sustainable, long-term financial behavioral change by forgoing the financial anxiety and stresses of holiday shopping and focus on more meaningful and less expensive ways of demonstrating their love for family and friends.
Several years ago we developed a Holiday Spending Log for use by those who created and committed to a Holiday Spending Plan. Every year, in the spirit of the season, we make this reproducible "Holiday Spending Log" available to our readers, for themselves and for their clients use, just by clicking on the "Holiday Spending Log" link above, so we can share/send it with you.
For a less costly and more meaningful holiday, try to remember:
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What’s good for the economy is not good for consumers.
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What seems to be a reasonable cost for a gift today will cost many, many times more, as interest accrues over time, if purchased with a credit card.
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The joy of giving a gift fades with the stress and frustration of a mailbox filled with bills in January, February and beyond.
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Commercialism has nothing to do with true meaning of the holidays or with holiday spirit and everything to do with separating you from your hard earned money.
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How many hours of your life you trade for the money to pay for each gift and how that time and money might be better put to use.
Plan now for a holiday filled with more meaning and fewer things. Reeta
PS I have a very intense travel schedule for the coming months which I'd like to share with you, in the hope that if I'm teaching, keynoting or training in/near where you live, or at a conference you will be attending, you will contact me, so we might meet.
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Rutgers University School of Social Work and Institute for Families, October 5, 2009
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Northern Plains Initiative Conference – Billings, Montana, October 7-9, 2009
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North Carolina Asset Building Conference – Durham, NC, October 13-14, 2009
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NASW-Indiana State Conference – Indianapolis, Indiana, October 15-16, 2009
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The World EAPA (Employee Assistance) Conference – Dallas, Texas, October 21-24, 2009
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National Community Economic Development Conference/National Community Action Foundation Energy Conference - St. Petersburg, Florida, November 1-6, 2009
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The National CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) – San Antonio, Texas, November 6-9, 2009
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NASW-NC State Conference – Asheville, NC, November 20-21, 2009
- Follow Reeta (1reeta) on twitter to receive timely articles and thoughts on what's happening financially that could affect you personally and professionally.
- Join the Financial Social Work social network where professionals can network and learn from each other, as well as ask/respond/comment to questions, blogs, discussions, etc,. from others doing similar types of work. Take a look at some of the current topics and people already participating and JOIN.
The Center for Financial Social Work is dedicated to helping men and women to feel more hopeful about their personal and financial futures; to always be a TRUSTED RESOURCE which provides knowledgeable guidance and support and free and fee based materials that contribute to SUSTAINABLE LONG TERM FINANCIAL BEHAVIORAL CHANGE - because until and unless behavior changes - NOTHING changes!
Reeta
CLICK HERE to receive your own copy of this e-newsletter delivered to your inbox; be the first to learn about special events and special pricing packages.
Reeta Wolfsohn, CMSW, is the founder of Financial Social Work; she can be reached at 800.707.1002 or at
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FSW Certification (for social workers and non-social workers)
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Currently, Certified Financial Social Workers, Counselors and Educators/Coaches across the US and in one foreign country work with cancer patients, dialysis patients, HIV-AIDS clients, domestic violence, adolescent pregnancy, the EAP department of several national and international companies, the US military, veterans, schools, the elderly, families of autistic children, criminal justice, foster care, Departments of Social Services, the federal government, in private practice, etc.
Eliminate Pre/Post-Holiday Spending Stress with These Tips
Begin by distinguishing between materialism and consumerism and the true meaning and spirit of the holidays. In addition, try finding new, less expensive ways to demonstrate your feelings for the important people in your life this holiday season.
This year, give yourself the gift of time – time to plan how to spend less and enjoy more of your holidays; time to share the joys of the holidays building new traditions that cost less but mean more and help to reconnect you and those you love with the true spirit of the season. The best gift you can give yourself and others who care about you is a debt-free holiday.
Plan Ahead
- If you haven’t saved money to pay for this year’s holiday with cash – start an account now for next year’s holiday.
- Make purchases throughout the year (particularly when things are on sale - right after major holidays.)
Create a Holiday Spending Log
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Use it to help you plan your expenses and stay on track for a less expensive holiday.
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Keep your Holiday Spending Log with you and up to date at all times, so you know for whom you've already purchased gifts for and for whom you still need to shop. Predetermining how much you will spend on each gift will prevent overspending.
Set Limits
- Predetermine a certain amount of time (in case you are tempted to spend more on anyone gift) in which to re-think and re-evaluate larger purchases or purchases for which you had allotted a smaller amount (2 hours, 24 hours, etc.) This set amount of time will help you to make more responsible choices.
Do Something Different
- Make up gift coupons of your own for “a lunch out” treat or babysitting services, a car wash, etc.
- Try knitting sewing, making or baking special treats, etc.
Simplify
- Create a less a stressful holiday by eliminating more expensive traditions and substituting new ones that are just as meaningful but less costly.
Also
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Find alternatives to purchased gifts.
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Avoid buying unnecessary warranties.
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Shop for bargains.
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Let go of perfectionism.
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Try being more organized with your shopping.
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