…..And how budgeting helped more than just my finances — I had a book on budgeting on my reading list for months. I wish I had bought it earlier than I did. I finally bought and read The One Week Budget by Tiffany Aliche recently. (Linked her name to her website to read more about her). For some reason, budgeting…

Balancing the benefits of digital media while keeping life simple. — There’s plenty of information and entertainment to absorb today. Besides news and books, we have podcasts, social media, streaming networks, and digital newsletters, to name a few. The numerous choices are beneficial but can also leave us overwhelmed at times. …

Are eco-friendly products affordable? — Today it’s easy to come across the word sustainable, such as in an article on climate change or an ad with a new eco-friendly product. You might find accounts with plastic-free living product suggestions and tips when scrolling through IG. …

Not for everyone to do, but it worked out well for me! — Though social media has benefits, cutting back on its usage wasn’t a huge deal, except that it took a while and some commitment. I minimized using it because I wanted more time for other things and felt my social media usage could be modified. The process took a couple of…

Three simple steps helped me streamline my groceries and meals! — I’ve worked at minimalism in quite a few areas of my life and chiseled away at possessions around the house for years with decent results. My utensils, dishes, and pans were adequately streamlined in cupboards, yet the kitchen was one area that required additional sorting. …

Overcome setbacks with financial responsibilities and stay on track. — My new budget began in July 2022. Interestingly, financial improvements inspired me to get my life in order in other areas, too (such as organizing my loft, etc.). …

Recognizing the need for change and reassessing goals in just a few steps. — Organizational and motivational tips from some of my previous Medium articles range from setting specific goals to simplifying to-do lists. Though I made progress with my personal goals, at one point, they needed more improvement. After several months, the lack of progression, if not almost a stagnant feeling, prompted me…

The differences from today and why I incorporated some back into my life! — One big difference between then and now: Phones. Rotary phones were indeed a difference. Though I’d miss my iPhone in many ways, I’m curious how it would feel talking on an old dial or push-button phone! Memories come back from my teenage years, talking for hours in my room. And…

To my loved ones: Please don’t panic if you don’t reach me instantly! — Several years ago, my kids were out west on vacation and panicked when they couldn’t reach me one afternoon. They texted and called me for several hours while they were at the resort where they stayed. Once they finally reached me, their panicked voices said, “Ma, are you okay? …