Although It Didn't Seem Right ...

... I did it anyway.

Despite the blowing snow we were experiencing on Saturday, I set our little indoor green house up in our mud room and planted seeds for our garden starts.  Last night when the wind was howling and the temps were dropping to 3 degrees Fahrenheit, it was hard to believe that within 8 weeks, Lord willing, we will begin putting in our summer garden.

Last year we planted a 30' x 70' vegetable garden.  This year we are excitedly planning to expand that by another 60' x 140' for a corn patch and potato patch.  Our starts include jalapenos, 3 varieties of bell pepper, 6 varieties of tomato, broccoli, green cabbage, and 3 varieties of cauliflower.  I also started cilantro, parsley and chives to indoor pots adding to my year round herb collection.  In addition to the above we plan to grow pumpkins, red & yellow onions, spinach, lettuce, carrots, Swiss chard, beets, English peas, cucumber, yellow squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, sugar baby watermelons, strawberries and numerous outdoor herbs.

We've also been researching the cold hardiness of various varieties of fruit trees thus, hoping to see the beginnings of an orchard this year.

Where are you in your garden planning?

"The Most Terrifying Words ...

... in the English language are:  I'm from government and I'm here to help." -Ronald Reagan

Early this morning, whilst I was the only one creeping about in our home, I made the mistake of turning on the news.  I wasn't shocked by what I heard, but I wonder how many Americans will be.  The story left me more discouraged for our nation, more discouraged by not understanding why so many people in our nation seem to lack the ability or desire to sincerely think about consequences.

The specific story that enhanced my discouragement was about the Affordable Care Act, aka ObamaCare.  Back in 2007 & 2008, I ran around beating my "anti Obama drum".  It was most often met with "eye rolling".  After the Affordable Care Act was passed through a back door appropriations bill as "not a tax", then upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court as a "legal tax", I again beat my anti Obama drum, this time warning of astronomical healthcare cost increases resulting in serious, or catastrophic  lifestyle changes for many middle class Americans, & I was, again, often met with "eye rolling".

When the healthcare debate began I patiently listened to person after person say, "Well, I don't mind paying a little more to help those who can't afford it."  I would respond with, "Then you should give your extra money directly to struggling person or family.  If the federal government is allocating it, I guarantee it will be a whole lot more than a little bit."

This morning's news story stated that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has revealed that the healthcare insurance cost "caps" contained in the Affordable Care Act applies only to individual coverage.  These caps DO NOT apply to spouses and/or children as in family coverage.  The CBO estimates any family that does not qualify for government healthcare subsidies will pay as much as $15,700.00 per year for family health insurance coverage.  They also said that young healthy individuals will see their health care insurance increase by as much as 190% ($2,500 annually would increase to $7,250).  The news story did not reveal the income levels / requirement to qualify for government subsidies.  From my point of view, government subsidy is the same as well fare assistance.

Some folks may say they don't worry about that expense or having to qualify for "well fare" because they are employed by a large corporation that provides health insurance benefits for them and their family.  However, the CBO also estimates that in 2014, more than 7 million employees will loose employer provided health insurance benefits due eliminated employer benefits.  IF you happen to work for a company that continues to provide employee health insurance, Do the math - $15,700 to insure your family (if you aren't paying it, then someone else or your company is)  means that most will not see a pay raise for many years / many will see salary reductions; you and some of your co-workers could / will be laid off due to "downsizing"; if you are fortunate enough to keep your job, your hours and work load will significantly increase; AND the Affordable Care Act also requires, beginning 2014, you to pay income tax on that $15,700 benefit (currently employees do not pay income tax on employer provided benefits.).

Obama said, "If you choose, you can keep your current health care, you can keep your doctor".  Obama told us the Affordable Care Act would make health insurance affordable for EVERY family and individual in America.  The government was extending a helping hand to all.

I have said and continue to say, "Yeah, you can keep anything you want as long as you have the money to pay for it".

Will you get to keep your current healthcare?  Will you get to keep your current doctor?  Will you be able to maintain your current lifestyle?

Ronald Reagan - "The most terrifying words in the English language are:  I'm from the government and I'm here to help you."

Looking for Encouragement?

Yes, I am a conservative person.  I hold to and practice very conservative beliefs and ideas.  Needless to say the 2012 election results are a huge disappointment to me.  Fortunately, God has placed wonderful people in my life who are blessed with the gift of encouragement.

For those of you who, like me, may need some encouragement regarding the elections please stop by Marcia Wilwerding's blog, eHomebody.com and read her post entitled, "A Word of Encouragement to Godly Women Following the Election 2012".  Her post is most uplifting.  Here's a link:

http://ehomebody.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-word-of-encouragement-to-godly-women.html

Praying you find blessings in your day,
Mrs.B

Taxmageddon, part 3

Even with all the tax increases scheduled for 2013, there are still some ways you can increase your take-home pay.  Listed below are several income avenues the IRS can not touch.  Please remember to check with your tax accountant regarding the detailed qualifications of these "tax free" sources.

Tip #18:  Municipal Bonds.  Municipal bond interest is federal tax-free.  The tax-free benefit increases the higher your income, BUT caution must be taken to ensure the underlying municipality is not in dire financial condition.

Tip #19:  Pay for health insurance premiums with pre-tax income.  For now (until 2014), most health insurance premiums are tax-free.  This is scheduled to change in 2014 to help pay for the the Affordable Care Act, but for now make sure you are using pre-tax dollars to pay for these premiums.

Tip #20:  ROTH IRA and ROTH 401(k).  While amounts contributed to these retirement savings accounts are taxed, any earnings made on these contributions are federal tax-free as long as the holding period and distribution rules are followed.  Most agree that today's tax rates are lower than those projected for the future, especially 20+ years in the future.

Tip #21:  Health Related Spending Accounts.  Contributions and earnings in health related spending accounts are tax-free as long as the funds in the account are used to pay for qualified health care expenses.

Tip #22:  Car Pooling.  While commuting expenses are not generally deductible, any reimbursement of commuting expenses by fellow passengers is not reportable as income.

Tip #23:  Downsize Your Home.  Up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married filing jointly) of capital gains on the sale of your principal residence can be tax-free.

Tip #24:  Certain Employer Compensation.  In addition to current health care premiums (beginning in 2014 your health care benefits will be taxed as income), below are a few employee benefits that are not taxable.  All have limits, but every tax-free dollar is more money in your pocket - airline miles earned on business credit card use; certain employer provided education assistance; qualified adoption expense reimbursement; up to $50,000 in employer paid term life insurance; flex spending accounts for dependent care and health care; commuting expense benefits for parking and mass transit commuting.

Are you taking advantage of all your federal tax-free income opportunities?

Are you overlooking or under-reporting your your charitable donations?  Here's a few tips to help ensure you are reporting all your deductible charitable giving.

Tip #25:  Research the Charity.  Make sure the charity you donate to is a qualified non-profit organization.  The IRS has revoked the non-profit status from thousands of organizations for failure to file the proper documentation.  Ensure your donations are allowed by asking the organization to confirm their non-profit status.  You may also confirm this on-line through the IRS at www.irs.gov.

Tip #26:  Receipts and acknowledgements.  Although there are many different tax rules governing this, the basics include a receipt and donation acknowledgement from the charitable organization.  Other documentation may be required, but without the receipt and proper gift acknowledgement you will not be able to claim the deduction.  Not sure if you'll receive a gift confirmation from the charity?  Limit your donation check to less than $250.00, then use your cancelled check as a receipt.

Tip #27:  Use caution when donating a vehicle.  If the vehicle you donate is not used for the business of the organization or for training others and they simply re-sell it, your donation is limited to what they receive for it and not the usually much higher fair market value.

Tip #28:  Non-cash donations.  Keeping track of non-cash donations, such as clothing & household goods, is one of the most overlooked deductions.  Keep a paper trail for each donation, include the quality of the item and take a photo of the goods.  Only items in good or better condition can be donated.

Tip #29:  Charitable mileage.  You may deduct 14 cents per mile while driving for charitable activities.  Charitable driving miles can add up to a sizable donation.

Tip #30:  DO NOT donate cash.  Rule changes make it very difficult to claim a cash donation deduction.  So resist the urge to place cash in a collection basket; write a check so you will have a paper trail.

Tip #31:  Donating appreciated stock.  If handled correctly you can use the higher value as a donation deduction without paying taxes on the appreciated value of the stock.

Remember deducting charitable tax donations on your federal taxes will lower your tax bill thus, putting more of that hard earned income in your pocket.

Again, please discuss these tax tips with your tax accountant to make sure you follow all IRS rules and maximize your allowable deductions.

Taxmageddon, Part 2

Here are few more tax tips to help you prepare for the upcoming tax increases.  Plan now so you aren't surprised by a large unexpected tax bill at the end of next year.

2012 marks the last year the following tax provisions will be available, so, get them while you can.

Tip #6.  $1,000 Child tax credit.  The current $1,000 child tax credit will be reduced to $500 in 2013, plan accordingly.

Tip #7.  Preferred Dividend Tax Rate.  The ordinary tax dividends tax rate will no longer have a preferential tax rate of 15%, dividends will be taxed as ordinary income, 15% - 39.9% contingent upon income levels.

Tip #8.  The adoption credit.  In 2013 the $12,650 adoption tax credit will be completely eliminated.

Tip #9.  Full use of deductions and exemptions.  Also in 2013, as your income increases, itemized deductions and personal exemptions will be phased out.

Tip #10.  $2,500 American opportunity tax credit.  This college tuition tax credit expires and will not be available after 2013, regardless of income levels.

Tip #11.  Are you using your kids to lower your tax rate?  Remember your children under the age of 19 (under 24 if a full-time student) can have net unearned income taxed at their generally lower tax rate.  (Unearned income is usually investment and interest earnings).  The income limitation for 2012 is $1,900.  But be careful, investment income over this amount is taxed at the parent's tax rate.   This higher rate on excess earnings in a child's account is commonly called the "kiddie tax".

Remember the following tax breaks expired in 2011 and are no longer available.

Tip #12.   Mortgage insurance premiums deduction expired in 2011.

Tip #13.  $250 "above-the-line" deduction for unreimbursed classroom expenses for qualified elementary and secondary teachers has expired.

Tip #14.  Also expired is the general sales tax itemized deduction options versus state income tax deduction.

Tip #15.  Direct charitable contributions from a qualifying senior's IRA are also gone.

Tip #16.  Also expired in 2011, employer provided transit pass income exclusion drops from $230 per month to $125 per month.

Tip #17.  The Alternative Minimum Tax "patch" has also been eliminated.

Next time I'll include tips on how to maximize your charitable donations and review some income strategies the IRS can't touch.

TAXMAGEDDON

Isn't that a terrible title for a returning post?  We recently received another tax update newsletter from our tax accountant and I wanted to again share a few of the tips included in the newsletter in preparation for many of the new 2013 tax increases that will affect ALL tax payers, regardless of income levels.

Tip #1:  Start cutting costs now.  Social Security withholding will increase from 4.2% to 6.2% on January 1, 2013.  This means you will see a 2% decrease in your take home pay.  ($50,000 annually = a reduction of $83.33 per month).

Tip #2:  Child tax credit and earned income tax credit will be lower and available to fewer tax payers.  Project the impact of these reductions to tax credits in 2013 so you will know what to expect.

Tip #3:  Consider taking gains and delaying losses.  In 2013, the rates of capital gains will increase, while the benefit of losses will be worth more.  Use this to your advantage.

Tip #4:  Small business owners take action.  Health care costs and increased tax rates will reduce your cash flows.  Try to create a full year projection of income and expenses, especially important to seasonal businesses.

Tip #5:  Health care reform laws.  Understand how the Affordable Care Act will impact you and your family.  Medical expense deduction threshold will increase from 7.5% to 10%.  The purchase of health insurance will be mandatory and prepare for less take-home pay with an increase in medicare tax of 0.9% to 3.8% contingent upon withholding rates and  income levels.  ($50,000 annually = a reduction of $37.50 - $158.33 per month).

Tip #6:  Flexibility.  We will all need to remain flexible and take required action this year and next to manage our tax bills.  Keep enough liquid assets (CASH) available to take action on short notice if necessary.

Also included in this quarter's newsletter were a list of tax deductions for those who looked for or are currently looking for new employment.  The following are tax deductible, (these employment related expenses when combined with other misc. expenses are subject to reduction equal to 2% of your adjusted gross income):

Costs to prepare resumes and letters including typing, stationary and postage.
Fees paid to employment agencies, recruiters, and consultants.
Transportation to interviews including out of town lodging.
Meals while out of town for interviews related to the job hunt are deductible at 50%.
Local and long distance telephone bills.

NOTE:  When added together, tip #1 and tip #2 will reduce the annual take home pay for the $50K median income earner by $1,485.96 - $2,899.92 annually.

Since I'm out of time, please check back for a future post containing additional tax tips.

Before I Leave ...

... for a break from the blogging world, I thought I'd touch base with an update on what's been taking most of my time lately.

Remember a couple weeks ago when I posted about frost damaging our garden?  Well, after that post I went out to try and salvage what I could and realized that because I had not pruned the very thick foliage on my plants, only the tops and outside leaves were damaged.  I was so excited to discover that the vegetables and lower leaves were fine!  I pruned all the damaged leaves.

frost bit tops & outer leaves of tomato plants

tomato plants after pruning frost damaged leaves

That's why I'll be away from blogging for a short time.  It is now time to harvest and preserve the bounty God blessed our family with this growing season.  When canning is over I'll be back with an update on the total amount of food we've been blessed with.

God Speed & See you later!
Mrs.B

Up & Downs

Today has been one of those crazy days filled with disappointments, frustrations and excitement.  Our day began by finding out the weatherman was off by about 10 degrees with last night's low.  Instead of our low being around 40 degrees it got down to 31 degrees.  Since we anticipated much warmer temperatures we did not cover our garden.  We've lost our tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, winter squash, melons, pumpkins, cucumbers, strawberries and green beans.  The carrots, lettuce and turnips are the only veggies left with green leaves.  All that work ... gone.

We went into town to get the oil changed & tires rotated on the truck and get new chains for Mr.B and Grandpa's chain saws.  I expected a 1 hr. drive into town, 2 hours for the work and an hour drive home.  We needed to be home by noon so we could work on some other projects (feed bagged, grain bin cleaned out & more work on the sheep shed foundation) and get in a good day of schooling.  Not Happening today.  The truck took 2 1/2 hours the chain saws more than 3 hours.

However, while the saws were getting new chains, the littles and I went over to our 2 favorite treasure shops and SCORED.  Here's what we found:

blue striped blouse $5, pink sweater $7, green striped blouse $6
lt. pink blouse $6, green jacket w/ black & green tank $8

green turtle neck sweater $1, burgundy jacket $1.50, green eyelet
blouse $1, blue blouse $1, dk. pink blouse $1

waffle iron $3, 4 badminton rackets w/ bird $2, steam iron $1,
snack service for 8 $2, sterling silver bowl $0.50, silver plated
trivet $0.50, glass sectioned server $0.25, 12 yellow napkins $3,
basket weave denim purse $1

OG also picked up a pair of sweatpants and two work shirts totaling $3.  EJ found a western shirt and a pair of short pants for only $3.50.  So, although our day started off less than perfect, God still saw fit to bless us abundantly.

Grateful

venison meatloaf, fresh green beans, garden salad, garlic &
chive mashed potatoes

The other evening the only thing on our supper table that wasn't grown or harvested by us was the garlic and chive mashed potatoes, but even then the chives were grown out in our mudroom.
We always seem to enjoy a sense of satisfaction when we are blessed to eat the foods we have labored over.  I am abundantly thankful to the Lord for the health and knowledge to grow and harvest our foods.

"And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed."  Joel 2:26 KJV

The Local Food Bank

OG and EJ are participating in our county's 4-H club this year.  As part of their community service, the club has decided to volunteer at our county's local food bank.  Most folks would consider this a worthwhile cause, right?  I mean, helping to ensure that the poor have food to eat is the least that a community can do, right?

Anyone who knows me personally knows that feeding others is what I do.  For decades I have donated food and personal hygiene supplies to my church food pantries, I have delivered bags of food and necessities to others in need, cooked and delivered meals to the ill, fed everyone who enters my home, including laborers whom I'm paying to do a job.

20+ years ago when our family lived at the poverty level, we never visited or accepted food from a local food bank.  Individuals have left bags of groceries for us on our door steps and various churches have also blessed us with bags of groceries at Thanksgiving or Christmas, however, we never asked for or expected it.  We were simply blessed by others whom God moved upon their hearts to help or assist us, even though we, ourselves, were not serving the Lord at that time.  So, our recent volunteer experience at our county food bank has been my first experience with a local food bank and how that system works.

I couldn't believe how discriminating this system was toward senior citizens and  the working poor.  When I use the term working poor, I am referring to those individuals and families who work to earn a living but make just a few dollars over the maximum guidelines to qualify for government assistance, such as food stamps, WIC, etc. OR those who do qualify but choose not to accept government assistance based on personal morals, religious conviction, etc.

While volunteering I asked Mrs. S, our county food bank coordinator, what the procedure was for folks in our community who had a need for these donations.  Mrs. S explained that since our county food bank accepts food donations from the U.S. Department of  Agriculture (USDA), the administrative department of the federal government that operates our nation's food stamp benefit programs, she MUST follow very strict rules set by the USDA regarding whom the food is given to, veering from these rules is a crime and punishable by closing the food bank, fines and imprisonment.

Our local food bank pantry is a 25ft. x 25ft. gated and locked room located in the back of our senior citizen community building and consists of 2 sections.  Section 1, 90% of the pantry's floor space including a refrigerator and two freezers, is reserved for the weekly food delivery from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Section 2, literally two 6ft. shelving units placed in a corner, are reserved for private donations from the community.  The food bank is operated and staffed by local volunteers.

Mrs. S informed me that only those who receive government food stamp benefits will be given food from section 1, which is boxed and bagged, labeled with the recipient's name and placed on a table for pickup or delivery.  These boxes and bags contain enough food to feed my family of 4 for a week.  If recipients need or would like donations from section 2, the private donation section, to supplement their food box they may choose a few items.  However, senior citizens who qualify and receive food stamps are eligible to receive only specific products from section 1 and are barred from products in section 2.  These items make up less than 50% of the selections of what their socioeconomic peers will receive and it is only enough food or 2-3 small meals.

Section 2 is reserved for those in need who do not qualify for or accept government food stamp benefits.  These folks are not allowed, regardless of hardship, to receive any food or products from section 1.  Also, non-food stamp citizens are not allowed to receive any food from section 2 until all the food stamp recipients have been served.  If there is anything left in section 2 after this, non-food stamp residents will be given a maximum of one bag of any left over groceries from section 2.  If there is not enough groceries left in section 2 after the food stamp recipients have made their selections, then non-food stamp recipients must locate other resources for help.

After being given this information, I visited the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service web-site to inquire what the qualifications were for food stamp benefits and how much a family of 4 would qualify for.  It must not be very much if our local food bank gives a week's worth of groceries out to food stamp recipients each week, right?  I was very surprised by what I found.

According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service web-site a family of 4 can qualify for a maximum of $668.00 per month in food stamp benefits.  Of course this amount would be reserved for families who are completely on well fare and do not work to earn a living.  Please note, that is $218.00 per month more than our family's personal grocery budget of $450.00 per month, $25.00 of which is reserved for food and necessities for our church's food pantry.  But if a family does have an income from working how much in food stamp benefits, if any, would they qualify for?  A family of four's gross income can not exceed $2,050.00 per month.  At the maximum income allowance a family of four qualifies for $321.00 per month in food stamp benefits.  (please note:  senior citizens are segregated into a very different qualification procedure and must have a much lower income and qualify for less than 1/2 of what  their younger socioeconomic peers qualify for.)

$321.00 - $668.00 per month for a family of four, plus boxes of food each week from the local food bank, plus free breakfast and lunch for students during the school year at the public school?   Contrary to what the public service ads on T.V. and the federal government tell us, if the well fare and food stamp benefit poor in this nation are being honest and refraining from well fare fraud, how can they possibly be hungry?  They have far more food resources than we (and most other hard working families I personally know) have budgeted per month for groceries.  This information helps me understand how well fare recipients can commit well fare fraud by selling their food stamp benefits for 50 cents on the dollar in exchange for cash. (Throughout the years I've encountered several food stamp recipients who've tried to sell me food stamp benefits for cash. I've never agreed to this as it is a federal offense and punishable by prison.  NEVER enter into this type of agreement, no matter how desperate the offending party may appear to be.  It is well fare fraud and you will get caught, you will go to prison and you will loose everything that's important to you).

The Lord has always impressed upon my heart to give to our church's private food pantry and specific individuals rather than government assisted food banks and organizations.  When I give to my local church and private organizations that do not accept government assistance, senior citizens and those in need who do not qualify for government benefits can have their needs met and they do not have to wait in line hoping for the leftovers of those who receive government benefits.  No, I will not give to government assisted programs.  Yes, I will continue to give to churches and private organizations as the Lord leads me.

If you, or someone you know, are in need and do not receive government benefits or are a senior citizen, I encourage you to visit your local church's food / clothing pantry.  We are there because you have a need and we want to help you.

Tax Update

2nd posting - Information every taxpayer needs to be aware of

Several weeks ago our tax accountant sent us a 2012 Mid-Year Newsletter Tax Update.  After reading over it and talking to a couple friends about the information, I thought my blog readers might also benefit from the information.  This information has been helpful in preparing me for the 2013 tax increases that our family will experience.  I hope it will also assist you and your family.

Here are a few highlights from the newsletter:

1.  Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) increases.  Today approximately 3-5 million middle and upper middle class taxpayers find themselves paying an Alternative Minimum Tax.  Starting in 2013, this number could exceed 20 million taxpayers without an extension of the AMT "patch".

2.  Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) available for fewer taxpayers.  During 2012, the number of taxpayers who qualified for this popular tax credit was greatly expanded with changes in this credit.  Those expanded income qualifications and added dependent categories are scheduled to roll back at the end of this year.  If you received EITC in 2011 or expect to receive it in 2012 you should forecast the impact it will have on you in 2013.

3.  Child Tax Credit cut in half.  The Child Tax Credit is $1,000.00 in 2012 with some of the credit being refundable.  Refundable credits can give you money back even if you owe no Federal Income Tax.  In 2013, the credit is cut by 50% to $500 and the refundable nature is set to expire.

4.  Social Security Tax Cut is Gone.  After much debate, Congress granted a 2% drop in employee and self-employed social security taxes through 2012.  This "found money" is gone after 2012 creating an average annual drop in over $500 per employee's take home pay.

5.  Medical Expense Threshold is Going Up.  When the Health Care Reform Act was signed into law it included a tax provision that raises the threshold for medical expenses prior to being able to deduct them from your income, for all income levels.  The new threshold goes into place in 2013.  Effective 2013 and beyond, the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) threshold limit goes from 7.5% to 10% of your AGI.  Thankfully there is an exclusion built into the law that allows taxpayers 65 or older to continue to use the lower 7.5% of AGI amount.

6.  Income Tax Rate Changes for Married Filing Joint/Widow.
AGI $1 - $17,400 will increase from 10% to 15%.  (the lowest income earners in our society will see the largest tax increase of 5%)
AGI $17,401 - $70,700 remains steady @ 15%
AGI $70,701 - $142,700 will increase from 25% to 28%
AGI $142,701 - $217,450 will increase from 28% to 31%
AGI $217,451 - $388,350 will increase from 33% to 36%
AGI over $388,350 will increase from 35% to 39.6%
Plan now to ensure you will not be surprised by the drop in your after-tax income with the increased rates.  (please note:  these tax increases also apply to Single, Head of Household and Married Filing Seperately, HOWEVER the income thresholds vary for each category.

7.  Starting 2014 - Employer Health Care Benefits Will Be Taxed as Income.  Again, when the Health Care Reform Act was signed into law it included a tax provision that counts employer health care benefits as income.  This will raise the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of millions, thus raising their tax rates even more than projected above.

8.  Starting 2014 - Health Care Devises and Hospital Stays will be Taxed.  Another tax provision of the Health Care Reform Act that was signed into law includes a provision to apply sales tax to all health care devices (such as bandages, crutches, wheelchairs, diabetes testing and injection supplies, inhalers, blood pressure testing supplies, etc.) and all hospital stays, including out-patient/day surgery stays (prep and recovery rooms, etc.).

As stated above, I hope this information will help you and your family plan and prepare for the upcoming reduction you may see in your take-home pay AND expected tax bill or refund.

Camp Out!

 We went camping yesterday.

 We roasted hot dogs, ate s'mores, and talked about recently read books.

By the way, did I mention this all took place in our back yard? 

Want to Reduce the Grocery Bill?

Check out Bountiful Baskets Food Co-Op (www.bountifulbaskets.org) to see if they deliver to a location near you.  For $45.00 this week I received two baskets and 5 loaves of organic multi-grain bread.

Our baskets included 2 heads romaine lettuce, 3 boxes grape tomatoes, 2 lg. bags red grapes, 7 1/2 pints blueberries, 4 red bell peppers, 2 bags baby carrots, 4 English cucumbers, 17 red potatoes, 10 peaches, 14 red plums and 8 mangoes.
The produce is delivered to our small town's community center every other Saturday.  Not only did I save almost 68%, I saved a 1/4 tank of fuel by not having to drive 90 miles to get it!

During Mrs.A's visit, we boiled and de-boned two chickens so she could prepared her famous King Ranch casserole for for us, one of my family's favorites!  It is a rare day that I purchase canned chicken stock.  Whenever I boil and de-bone chickens I freeze or can the stock (always use a pressure caner for low acid or animal based foods).  The six quarts of home canned stock, pictured above, would cost more than $12 at the grocer.

Menu Day

Ah! Ha!  Not only am I getting a Menu Day posted for the second time this month BUT this week it's on time ... This week's meal plan includes:

Monday
Breakfast:  Cheerios's & Pop Tarts ( I was EXHAUSTED this morning and didn't wake up until after 7! )
Dinner:  French bread pizza, pineapple slices
Supper:  chili & cornbread

Tuesday
Breakfast:  bacon & cheese crescent roll-ups, apple wedges
Dinner & Supper:  Out ( Dr.'s appointment in the "city" ie. 250 miles - one-way)

Wednesday
Breakfast:  homemade egg mcmuffins, apple wedges
Dinner:  grilled cheese, tomato soup
Supper:  chicken broccoli bake casserole, carrots

Thursday
Breakfast:  pancakes & sausage
Dinner:  vegetable soup, crackers
Supper:  Salisbury steaks w/ gravy, mashed potatoes, steamed spinach

Friday
Breakfast:  oatmeal, toast, fruit
Dinner:  peanut butter & jelly, fruit
Supper:  Italian vegetable pasta, salad

Saturday
Breakfast:  blackberry muffins, fruit, yogurt
Dinner:  vegetable soup, buttered bread
Supper:  grilled steaks, loaded baked potatoes, salad

Sunday
Breakfast:  twice baked breakfast potatoes, fruit salad
Dinner:  corn chowder, herbed biscuits, salad

I know that I could take a more frugal approach to Tuesday's meal planning by packing lunches & even a portable picnic supper that could be eaten in the car because it is now too cold to eat outdoors.  However, since we now live where there aren't any restaurants or drive-thru's, we are actually excited about the opportunity to eat a couple nice meals in restaurants.

A New Shopping Strategy

We've moved to the country - really, really far into the country.  We are so far out that I mentioned in a previous post that the only access to the internet is via satellite.  Have I also mentioned that we must travel 60 miles one-way across the state line to access the closest Wal-Mart or McDonald's?  I am certainly NOT complaining - we moved out here on purpose - we WANTED to live really, really far out in the country.

We experienced our 1st snow of the season this past weekend and within the next few weeks we will begin accumulating mountains of it.  Being a southern girl I am not accustom to driving in snowy, icy conditions.  I think it's best, and something I'm sure the locals will appreciate, I avoid the highways and byways when the weather conditions warrant a more experienced driver. 

Needing to prepare for the months that driving 100 miles round trip to the grocer will not be feasible and desiring to keep our grocery budget as low as possible, I've started utilizing a new shopping strategy.  I've made up a projected 6 month grocery supply list.   (By the way, this list is really long - it includes everything from snacks to personal care products).   When the sale papers arrive on Friday, I compare ALL the sale items to see which grocer has the best prices for any of the items on my master list.  I then plan out which and how many items I will purchase from each store and purchase ONLY sale items (I do not pay full price for anything).  Did I mention that the stores are across the street from each other - how convenient is that?   I also carry my sales papers with me into the store to ensure that I purchase the exact item that's on sale.  (I hate getting to the register and discovering that the "flavor" I selected was not the "flavor" that was advertised.)  Once I've purchased the needed amount of any item from my master 6 month supply list, I do not purchase additional amounts of those products - no matter how low the current sales price.  I must remember to stay within a budget and we can't eat an extra 6 bottles of shampoo, regardless of how cheap it may be this week.

Items are being marked off my list and our shelves are filling up.  I hope that by the time the mountains of snow begin to arrive within the next few weeks, I will be ready to park my car in the garage and venture out only on Sundays for church.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday

A couple weeks ago I was perusing my cookbooks and decided to try Ree Drummond's, author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks, Spicy Pulled Pork recipe (pg. 94-95).  On shopping day I scouted out the meat section of the local grocer.  Food prices are significantly higher up here than down in S.E. Texas, thus, I ended up paying $22.84 for a 6 lb. pork roast, that's nearly $3.81 per pound!  I knew I definitely didn't want to waste a single bite of this roast.

Good news!  Not only is Ree Drummond's recipe fantastic - the only change I'll make next time is an addition of red pepper flakes - but, I used this pork roast as the foundation for FIVE meals.  Reducing the cost per serving to $1.14 and keeping all 5 meals under $2.50 per serving.  Also, using the the left over roast in four of the meals was a real time saver.

Here's what I prepared:
Spicy Pulled Pork w/ corn tortillas, pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado slices and pinto beans
Dinner, aka lunch, of the above left overs
Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches w/ sliced onions, bread & butter pickles, macaroni salad
Pulled Pork enchiladas, Mexican rice and charro beans
Pulled Pork smothered in gravy over mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli and green salad

What's your Waste Not Want Not Wednesday tip?

Thinking About It Thursday

What's that on the horizon?

Is it a coming storm?

Is it destruction and chaos?

Is it ...?

Mark 13:5-8 (NIV)

5 "And Jesus said, answering them, began to say: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name saying, "I am He," and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows."

Luke 21:25-28 (NIV)

25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waters roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

I Thessalonians 5: 1-10 (NIV)

1 "But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have not need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep at night, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him."

2 Thessalonians 2: 1-4 (NIV)

1 "Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let none deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."

Hebrews 10: 23-25 (NIV)

23 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of our ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

2 Peter 3: 1-18 (NIV)

1 "Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless, 15 and consider that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation - as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are somethings hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."

My paternal grandmother was born in April 1906. Mr.B's maternal grandmother was born in November 1912. Both women loved the Lord. Both studied the Bible and prepared to live their lives for the coming of the Lord AND for a long life and natural passing. My grandmother lived in retirement approximately 11 years. She worked outside her home until she was 68 years old. She expected the coming of the Lord to occur during her lifetime and was spiritually prepared, but also worked and prepared for a time of waiting on the Lord. She passed at the age of 79

Mr.B's grandmother lived in retirement for nearly 40 years. She began working outside her home in her early 40's after the passing her husband. She continued working into her mid 50's until an injury forced her into early retirement. She also expected the coming of the Lord to occur during her lifetime and was also spiritually prepared, but worked and prepared for a time of waiting on the Lord. She passed at the age of 95.

One only needs to read a few articles in the local newspaper or listen to a couple news broadcasts from radio or television to know that our world is churning in chaos. As bleak as our times are and as distressing as our futures appear to be, we must remember that the past 100 + years of world history have also looked just as unpromising. Mine and Mr.B's grandparents endured nearly a century of chaos. They experienced our nation's and the world's worst ever financial collapse, numerous wars (2 of which were world wars), and countless numbers of worldwide natural disasters.

Knowing that the past 100 or so years has been filled with just as much chaos and uncertainty as we are currently facing, does that mean that we should ignore God's Word to prepare, watch and wait for the coming of the Lord? After all, our grandparents expected the rapture to occur during their lifetimes and alas, they lived long and natural lives. Does that suggest that we solely focus on surviving in this sin cursed, chaos filled world until our passing at a very old age? OR, since this accelerated chaos has been sustained for more than 100 years should we ignore growing old and live today like it's our last, after all the coming of the Lord must be imminent?

My answers are "No" we should never ignore the Word of God; and "Yes" we should focus on living in this sin cursed world for a long time; and "Yes" we should also live each day of our life like it is our last expecting the Lord's momentary arrival. By the time mine and Mr.B's grandmothers had reached the end of their lives, there weren't many things that would rile them up. They had lived long enough to know that all things, no matter how horrendous or fantastic, would eventually pass. But one thing that would rile them up, even into old age, was the lack of preparation they witnessed within the Christian community.

They seemed to consistently witness Christians who were so convinced that the coming of the Lord was near, they lived irresponsibly and didn't prepare financially or materialistically for a long life and entered retirement years severely impoverished and / or became burdens upon their families and society. Their self-worth diminished to absolute shame. They also witnessed Christians whose primary focus was preparation for a long physical life at the peril of preparing spiritually. Some of these "lukewarm" Christians are still around and living a comfortable retirement, but they've allowed themselves to slip so far spiritually, that one wonders if they even have a relationship with the Lord. Other's passed away quickly and younger than expected without time for repentance - all their worldly preparations performed in vain and a sense felt by others that they were not spiritually prepared to meet the Lord.

It is imperative that we Christians exercise good stewardship both financially and spiritually. The Word of God clearly states that no man can accurately predict the coming of the Lord. God's Word also clearly states that Jesus Christ will return for His church. The Bible instructs us to prepare, to watch and to wait. The life experiences of others coupled with common sense tells us to also prepare for a long life because we may need to exert some patience in waiting for the Lord's return.

I will not attempt to predict when the coming of the Lord will occur. But the Bible tells us that it is drawing near. In this context the word near is relative. According to humanity's understanding 100 years is more than the average man's life expectancy. However, 100 years according to God, the Beginning, the End, the Alpha, the Omega - in the scope of eternity, 100 years is but a twinkle of the eye. What I am saying is that it is in our best interests that we Christians watch, wait and prepare for God's timing - which leads a reasonable man to prepare for both, the immediate coming of the Lord AND a long life of waiting for His return.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday

Cloth Napkins

Last week my very well used green & white plaid tablecloth became pinned between the table and a chair's armrest. When we attempted to pull the cloth off the table for cleaning, a large rip occurred near one of the edges. This tablecloth was one of our "everyday" tablecloths and was close to 20 years old. Eventually, even the most sturdy of fabrics will gave way. Instead of throwing it out, I decided to re-purpose it by sewing up 10 "new" cloth napkins. Not only did I get 10 free cloth napkins but I've also prevented additional waste being dumped into the local landfill, saved a tree or at least part of one, and prevented a small amount of paper making chemicals from being dumped into our environment. AND I'm not spending Mr.B's hard earned income on a piece of paper that was created with the intention of being thrown into the trash - talk about throwing money away.

Cloth napkins are small and don't take up much room in the wash. By adding them to almost any load I happen to be washing, I don't use anymore water or laundry soap than usual. I eventually hope to collect enough cloth napkins to use them exclusively.

Recycling old fabric into cloth napkins ... a very frugal idea.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday

Composting -

Composting is a terrific way to reuse organic matter. It will feed your vegetable garden, flowerbeds and lawn. I rarely purchase fertilizer because rich compost will provide you with all the fertilizer your plant life can consume. Composting is a simple task that even apartment dwellers can do - it is great for those container gardens I often see apartment dwellers tending while out on their patios.

For many years, I had a homemade compost bin made out of three pallets turned up on their sides and held together with baling wire. We simply deposited our organic matter in a pile in the bin. During dry periods, I would water it to keep it moist, not wet, and 2-3 times per month I would use a pitch fork to turn / stir the piled up matter. Last spring I purchased a composting barrel that turns with a crank. It was a 2009 clearance model so, I bought it at a deeply discounted price. I think a composting barrel would work well for folks living in an apartment who have limited space. However, I've also met folks who use a large black garbage bag for composting as well.

Here's a list of organic materials we have put in our compost bin:

shredded paper
dryer lint
vegetable & fruit scraps
grass clippings
leaves
old hay from the hen house / rabbit pens
chicken manure
5 gal. buckets of the baled, yucky water from the stock trough (I do this 1-2 times per month / I also pour this water on my flower beds -the plants LOVE it)
rabbit manure
vegetarian feeds that have gotten wet & are no longer usable
horse manure
cow manure
dead plants that did not die from disease or fungus

Things we NEVER put in our compost bin include:

meat or processed animal products, such as milk or cheese
animal feces from any carnivorous animal, such as our dog
garden or flowerbed plants that have a plant disease or fungus (it is best to dispose of these in the burn pit OR in the trash)

So, in the end don't waste those kitchen scraps and other organic materials by throwing them in the trash. Save some money on your gardens, flowerbeds and lawn by reusing it in the form of FREE compost.

Waste Not Want Not Wednesday

We are in our 7th year of home schooling and can you believe that we've never purchased a single ream of copy paper for school worksheets or assignments? Recycling the back side of paper is the key to this environmentally friendly money saver. It's simple, if the back side of an 81/2 x 11 sheet of paper is unused, instead of throwing it away, I draw an "X" across the printed side and place it in our "school paper" drawer for use in our printer/copier.

I "recycle" almost every piece of 81/2 x 11 sheet of paper that comes through our home. I not only use recycled paper for school work; I also use it when printing off Map Quest directions, misc. copies that I need to keep on file, non-business correspondence, shopping lists, etc. Most of our recycled paper arrives via junk mail but I've also had friends donate scrap paper from their offices or home businesses. Basically, I reuse anything that doesn't need to be kept on file.

So, if you are looking for another way to pinch a penny or two, consider recycling the unused side of copy paper. Do you have a Waste Not Want Not tip you'd like to share?

NOTE: NEVER use documents / papers that contain social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or other information that could possibly aid someone with identity theft - identifying documents / papers should ALWAYS be cross-shredded and securely disposed of.