As I continue to work with people and hear their stories, my heart just breaks.  People often wonder why I have such strong convictions about staying out of debt, living below your means, simplifying your life and not trying to keep up with the Jones’.  Part of it is because I was taught that way growing up which I am so thankful for, part of it is that I know the peace it brings to have financial peace and order in your life and part of it is I continue to see the devastation that financial crisis brings to families.  I see the marriages destroyed, the struggling single moms, the spoiled, ungrateful children, the stress the fast-paced, keep up with the Jones’ life brings, the health problems caused by it.  The list goes on.  It’s time we get control and go back to the basics because this lifestyle is bringing a downward spiral to so many people and it was never meant to be that way.  I’m working on bringing change one life at a time.

Well, things have been moving along here on the business front….closed a few loans this month, continuing to coach people and help them get their financial game plans in place and continue to study and write newsletters.  I am continually receiving new clients so business has been steady.  This past weekend was busy with my sister’s wedding on Saturday.  Then Sunday we spent getting some R and R - driving some golf balls, bike riding, resting.  Tuesday was back to business.  Spring’s definitely here and summer is not far behind.  In fact, I think I’ll go water my flowers as they are probably overdue…..have a great day!

Equipped 4 Life has recently had the opportunity to sponsor Dan Miller’s “48 Days To The Work You Love” radio show as well as be a sponsor in Dan’s weekly email newsletter.  To check out Dan’s Website and download the podcast from the show or sign up for his newsletter - click here http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/?af=498753.  The show airs from 6pm-9pm CST on Sunday evenings - if you aren’t in the Tennessee area - you can listen via the internet or download the podcast.  We’re excited to get additional exposure and endorsements for Equipped 4 Life so we can continue helping people achieve their dreams of properly managing their finances and homes.

Well, lately I’ve been quite occupied with the homefront as Matt and I found out recently, I’m expecting!  We’re going to be parents before the end of the year.  So, the last couple weeks have found me letting my body adjust to it’s new changes, informing those close to us, etc.  As well as keeping up with my current clients.  Nothing much has been done to expand the business and dealing with my current workload and home life has been my primary focus.  And I’m ready for spring!  I love winter but by March I am ready for Spring and it is April and still snowing in my part of the country!  I am anxious to plant some flowers, go to the park and just go out without a jacket.  Hope all is well with you and your family.  Happy Spring.

I know it has been forever since I wrote a blog.  My apologies for those of you looking here for updates on my life and business.  My mortgage business is expanding with several clients and also the ability to offer more options for loans including construction/rehab loans.  I’ve also been busy working with the financial coaching clients helping them get a financial game plan and make the best use of their income and minimize their expenses.  That’s always enjoyable for me as I love to see people get on the road to financial freedom one step at a time.  There’s a possibility I’ll be in Joplin, Missouri in May for a couple seminars, to do some one-on-one meetings and to spend some time with some friends.  On the homefront, things are going well.  Matt is learning and accomplishing a lot with his new job at work as well as growing his website development business.  I’m ready for spring.  I’m ready to get outside re-landscape, plant some flower and hopefully have a garden this year too!  Happy Spring! 

Equipped 4 Life has media attention.  Check out the article that was in a local paper.  http://www.gatewaynewspapers.com/timesexpress/68332/

Christmas is fast approaching.  It seems like it comes sooner and sooner every year.  I love the sights and sounds of the Christmas season.  Today, my mom and I are off to Pittsburgh for the day to enjoy some of Christmas in the city.  On Sunday, Matt and I went to PPG and did some ice skating outdoors around the Christmas tree.  It was a great time.  Whereever you live enjoy the sights and sounds around you.  Go do something different, start a new tradition, make some memories - one thing you can never get back is time - so make the most of this Christmas season for you can never go back and repeat it.  Here’s a link for the countdown ’til Christmas http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/xmas_cnt.htm.

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to write a brief blurp on the UFO again.  On Friday we had a rough storm blow through my town.  It was almost tornado like with huge trees uprooted, shingles blown off of roofs, etc.  We also lost our electric from about noon on Friday until around noon on Saturday.  Man you don’t realize how much you use electric until you don’t have it!  It was so nice to have my Ultimate Family Organizer handy, where I could just open it up to the utilities page, find all of the electric companies information.  I was able to call them report the outage, and continue to call back to find out the status of our repairs.  When put to use this organizer comes in handy in so many ways.  I was able to look up when Matt’s oil was changed in his truck last for him the other day so he knew it was time to change it again.  This also makes a great wedding or Christmas gift. 

Who doesn’t have life quite as good as you do…My family and I decided that this year we wanted to help make Christmas a little sweeter for someone.  We decided on a single mom who we know.  Last week, I had the privelege of taking her out for the day.  We went to lunch and then we went shopping to purchase some gifts for her son and also a couple items for herself.  As I spent a couple of hours with her I got a little taste of how she lives and was also able to give her some direction in making life better than it is.  I told her we wanted to buy her something while we were out and when I asked her what she wanted, she said, “The only thing I really want for Christmas is a poinsetta.”  Wow!  It gave me something to think about.  If I wanted a poinsetta, I would just go to the store and buy one.  It wouldn’t be on my Christmas list.  My Christmas list is filled with much more “stuff” than that.  When I find myself frustrated with life and discontent with where I am in life.  I always have to stop and find someone that doesn’t have life quite as good as I do.  And then all of a sudden my life doesn’t seem quite so bad, it actually seems really good.  Remember, keep life and everything in perspective and don’t lose sight of what’s really important.  Enjoy this Christmas season no matter what season of life you are in.

Equipped 4 Life is working on scheduling seminars and events for various groups and organizations, including schools, MOPS, PTA groups, women’s groups, etc.  If you know of someone that would be interested in hosting a free educational seminar please contact us by email seminars@equipped4life.com or call us 724.516.3881.  We are also working on additions to our website, that we feel will be helpful to people in successfully managing their finances.  These include but are not limited to: budget planning sheets, mortgage calculators, recommended reading list, etc.