Secrets of Success

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is so versatile. Use it in place of bread crumbs in a meatloaf. Thicken soups with oatmeal. You will be pleasantly surprised and benefit from whole grain.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is so versatile! When making meatloaf, try substituting oatmeal for bread crumbs. Also try using oatmeal as a thicker for soups. You will be pleasantly surprised. The whole grain makes a healthier choice!

Deduct a Reserve

Save, don't suffer! Deduct $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can afford, and place it aside each pay day. No scrimping last minute for that special occasion gift, holiday gifts, pay a dentist bill, insurance bill, or make an extra credit card payment. Savings mount up quickly.

Simplify, Spend Less, and Save

Practicing Suze Orman's mantra "Live below your means, but within your needs." compels one to spend less and simplify their lifestyle. Only if you spend less than you bring in, will you be able to save the difference!

To be or not to be?

To be or not to be? A person will age chronologically whether they are overweight or not. Isn't it better to have tried to lose the weight than to have never tried at all? Even some weight loss is a step in the right direction!

Saving Bread (pun intended)

There are several ways I save on bread and keep it from molding: freeze it or refrigerate it to extend freshness, dry it to make bread crumbs, use it as a binder for meat loaves, make bread pudding and french toast. And, don't forget to feed our animal friends in the winter!

My weight loss = meat & potatoes

I keep my weight loss in perspective with a little grocery comparison. When I lost 10 pounds, it's as if I stopped carrying around that 10 pound sack of potatoes in front of me. 20 pounds--two sacks of potatoes. Try lugging all that in front of you everywhere you go all day & night long! If I lose 1-5 pounds, it's as if I lost the weight of a whole fatty roast! Now that's putting lost pounds into perspective. I then realize why I'm tired & how much stress extra weight places on the body.

Child Savings Account

I started a savings account for my 3 children when they were born. Every time they received a monetary gift, large or small, I placed it into their account. Compound interest & investments over time did the rest. Today, that $ was used toward college, a home down payment & a car. I even had an account for my goddaughter who bought her first car! So, I started an account for my grandchildren Oh, I'll buy a present for them to open, but the bulk of their gift is deposited into the account.

Vacation Fund

I treat myself to a yearly vacation thanks to quitting smoking 9 years ago. I put aside the money I would have spent on cigarrettes toward my vacation fund for the year. Believe me, it all adds up quickly, especially if you smoked a carton per week. I feel better, smell better, and can visit places I used to dream about!