How do you fund your Christmas?  Do you budget throughout the year for the extra spending that happens this month?  If so, how do you do it (Christmas club, special savings account, etc)?  If you don’t plan ahead, how do you pay for Christmas — charge it?  cut back elsewhere?

In my family, our December budget is not significantly different than November.  Why?  Because after our overload of gift binging last year, we rethought our family Christmas and are now celebrating Christmas in June.    How do we afford Christmas in June?  The same way we would fund Christmas in December: by setting aside some money every month throughout the year.

Now– your turn:  head to the comment section to share with the world how you pay for Christmas.

Have you reported?  Good!  Now…how about some recommended reading?

• If you are even remotely considering a car purchase, make sure to read 5 Easy Ways to Beat Car Dealers at Entreprelife.  This one post could save you thousands of dollars!

• Considering a side income?  You may be surprised at how far just a few extra dollars each month will take you.  Check out The Value of Earning a Side Income at My Journey to Millions.

• You probably know Craig Ford as the guy who writes “Money Help for Christians“, but you may not know much of his life as a missionary in Papua New Guinea.  For an insightful peek at Craig’s “other life”, check out A Week in the Village/Lavora Village Trip Report.

• Ray at Squirrelers believes that Sometimes the Best Things in Life are Actually Free, and he demonstrates the reality of his belief by sharing a touching vignette about how he surprised his daughter.  You need to read this story to see what I mean.

• Do you believe that $12K can make you rich?  It can, and Krantcents tells us how in $12K Will Make You Rich.   Hint: it involves a power that Einstein once called the greatest force in the world.

• Does all the gift giving at Christmas feel empty and wasteful to you?  You are not alone.  Wealth Informatics writes a thought provoking post exploring this phenomena in “Scrooge vs Santa : Gift giving is a huge waste of money!“

• As always, Kris at Everyday Tips and Thoughts makes us think by sharing some stats about the typical American’s financial well being (or lack thereof) from a CNN article, then making some great suggestions in American Financial Education Needs An Overhaul, and 5 Tips For Retirement Planning.

• My favorite Ninja at Punch Debt in the Face asks How Do You Define Your Worth? Is it simply a “net worth” number or is there more to it?  Good read.

• Do you make New Year’s resolutions?  I admit that I seldom do, but Tim at Faith and Finance sparked a new interest in making some resolutions with Living Out Romans 12 in 2012.

• For the bloggers amongst us: 20′s Finance, along with Derek, from Life and My Finances,  is issuing a $30K Challenge. Something to consider.

• The 3 Stages of Financial Despair, written by Kevin at Invest it Wisely,  is a sobering post, but a good read because it gives definition to various levels of financial struggles.   Have you every been, or are you now, at one of these levels?

If you are like me, you keep returning over and over again to your favorite blog sites.  These 10 posts are from 10 of my favorite sites.  Enjoy!

• Our favorite Ninja is contemplating living in community (sharing a big rental house — along with the rent — with another couple).  Good idea or not?   Chip in with your thoughts at Punch Debt in the Face.

• When giving is down, who is at fault — the church or the church member?  Craig Ford at Money Help for Christians spreads the blame around in “The Giving Drought/Who’s to Blame?“

• How much did YOU know about finances when you were in college?  Did your college education help you learn about credit cards, investing or compound interest?  Probably not.  Kevin at Invest it Wisely shares the frustrations of the void in financial education in “I Didn’t Know Squat About Finances When I Was In College.“  My hunch is that you weren’t much different.

• Krantcents digs deeply with his post “How Will You Measure Your Life?“  It is the kind of question that older folks (like me) sometimes consider, but, whatever your age, you need to read this post.

•  If you are determined to live within your means this Christmas, you need to check out “100 Frugal Gifts You Can Give This Christmas: The Expanded Great Big List Of Homemade, Creative And Frugal Gifts” by Peter at Bible Money Matters.  Yes, you read that correctly.  100 gift ideas!

• Want a tip on getting a Starbucks (or almost any other coffee shop) discount?  I love how Ray at Squirrelers shares life stories, and he aces this one in “My Starbucks Customer Experience:  Loopholes and Deals are Fun”.

•  How do you deal with pain?  Kris at Everyday Tips and Thoughts, after experiencing some debilitating pain herself,  shares 10 Tips For Dealing With Pain.  Don’t wait until pain hits before reading this post…read it now and be prepared.

•  Some people simply have a way with words, and Len Penzo is one of those people.  He writes so dad-gum well that even a mundane topic such as “The Importance of Long Term Savings & Creating a Strategic Road Map” (ho hum) can be fun to digest.  Besides, this is good stuff you (and I) need to know!

• Are you an entrepreneur?  Does venturing into the unknown cause uncertainty in your life?  Do you have a fear of failure?  If so, in my opinion, you are normal.  But take time to read Wealth Informatics VERY transparent ponderings in “Am I failing as an entrepreneur?”   You will discover that you are not alone.

• When was the last time you were able to get four movie tickets for $9?   Corey at 20′s Finance shares some shrewd strategies in “How I Got 4 Movie Tickets For $9“.  These very same strategies might just work for you too!

Today I am sharing ten recommended readings, in no particular order, from some of my favorite blog sites. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.

• What are YOU thinking about the Wall Street protests?  Check out Protesting a Protest at Punch Debt in the Face for a clear minded perspective.  Of course I say “clear minded” because I totally agree with Ninja!

• Alex at Alex Speaks reminds us to consider the character of who we choose to do business with in Opening An American Express Savings Account is Dumb.

• Do you understand the difference between “Money” and “Love of Money”?  Even if you do, check out how Tim at Faith and Finance tackles this topic with great clarity in The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil.

• Although the biblical account of the rich young ruler, although it is directly linked to money, it is not one that many writers like to address.  Craig Ford at Money Help for Christians shares thoughts from various writers before sharing his own thoughts in Rich Young Ruler / Reflections on a Few Interpretive Options.

• What do Beanie Babies have to do with investment advice?  20′s Finance makes it clear in Best Investment Advice: Avoid the Next Fad.

• Len Penzo can say more in 100 words than many of us can in 1000.  He succinctly makes his point in 100 Words On:  The Importance of Good Moral Charcter.

• As always, Wealth Informatics gives us a thorough and thought provoking post in How to Manage Our Time: The Myth of Multitasking.  Be sure to watch the video…it is under two minutes and it will prove a great point.

• Everyday Tips and Thoughts may save some lives with  Thoughts For Thursday: Please Stay Off Your Cell Phone When Driving In Parking Lots And On Side Streets.  This post, come to think of it, dovetails well with Wealth Informatics post above.

• Unemployed or seeking a better position?  Don’t go into the interview without reading How to Ace That Interview at Krantcents.

• Don’t hyperventilate by the thought of using Gold As An Emergency Fund.  Terrible idea?  Well, it depends.  Read this post at Retire by 40 to see what I mean.

As I said, ENJOY!

Also…some Carnivals I have been a part of this week:

Best of Money Carnival 24 hosted by Squirrelers

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers U.S.

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by the Skilled Investor

Eggs ready for steaming...on our vintage stove

Quick question:  why do you hate hard boiling your eggs?  Because they are so difficult to peel, right?  By the time I get a hard boiled egg peeled, it usually looks like I took a machete to it.  I can run cold water over it, roll it until it cracks, carefully lift the shell to just below the membrane, and the dratted shell still comes off in chunks.  No more!

We (I should say Jan) are now dedicated egg steamers!  And if you aren’t convinced that steaming your eggs (instead of boiling them) will change your life,  this interview will do the trick:

Joe, “Jan, what do you think about steaming your eggs?”

Jan, “It has changed my life.”

There you go.  I know you are itching to know exactly how egg steaming works, so here are your instructions:

• Place fresh eggs in steamer.

• Steam for 20 minutes.

• Roll eggs in steamer to crack, then place in ice water until cool enough to handle (only a couple of minutes).  Peel eggs.  The shell will practically jump off the egg, delighting you, putting you in a good mood, and inspiring you to share this secret with others.

Your life will be changed.  And when my wife’s life is changed, mine is too.

I told you.

Now: How about some recommended reading?

Kris at Everyday Tips and Thoughts writes a GREAT post “Advice for Students: Don’t be Afraid to Dream“.  This should be required reading for every High School student.

In case you think you are not susceptible to subliminal marketing, think again.  Wealth Informatic’s post “I like it but I don’t know why…” will blow you away.  Be sure to watch the video!

Debit card or credit card?  And when?  Read Don’t Use a Debit Card? at Alex Speaks.  Alex rebuts a Yahoo Finance article, and does so quite well.

Need an economics lesson?  I always do.  Check “What is Marginal Propensity to Consume” at Faith and Finance for a clear explanation of this concept.

Do you think saving $100,000 is impossible?  Think again…and read “How to Save $100,000 in Cash” at Buy Like Buffett

Is “old” a number of years or a frame of mind?  Check “Am I Old?” at Punch Debt in the Face for a perspective you might not have considered.

Is “What My Dysfunctional Aunt Taught Me About Wealth and Finances” a true story or a metaphorical one?  And what is the lesson?  Drop by Invest it Wisely to find out.

If you are even remotely considering a student loan, “Subsidized Versus Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Why Knowing The Difference Can Save You Thousands!” is a must read.  Khaleef at Faithful with a Few explains everything you need to know it this post.

Ever heard of September Swoon in the stock market?  Statistically, there just may be something to it. Check out “The September Effect and Stock Market Returns” at Squirrelers

Krantcents writes a clever commentary on advertizing practices in “Don’t Buy Hamburgers“.

Retire by 40 writes about My First Check From Google.   Stop by and congratulate him.

What mistakes have YOU made in getting rid of your debt.  Jason at One Money Design probably has you pegged in “How NOT to Get Out of Debt”

Marital debt is a confusing topic, but Dave at 50 Plus Money handles it well with “Debt and Marriage: When Do I Owe on My Ex-spouse’s Debt?”

"Pop-pop" giving Eliza a sink bath. Fun for all!

Whew!  Janice and I forgot how exhausting little children can be.  Allow me to explain.  Last week we had the privilege of caring for our 11 month old grand-baby Eliza for three days while mom and dad were in Costa Rica photographing a wedding.   If “Eliza” rings a bell for any of you, it might be because you remember the amazing stop action Eliza Video Jeremy produced.   Go ahead.  Take four minutes to watch this video.  55,000 others have so far.  But I digress…back to last week.

As our four children grew up and left the nest, Jan and I incrementally developed an appreciation for that empty nest.  We remodeled our four bedroom house into a two bedroom house and eventually, those days of little babies in the house became quite distant.  Then, when Eliza came for her visit, we realized that our house wasn’t exactly conducive to our  little visitor.  You see, she is a crawler and a climber, so (after we caught her on the fourth step) we had to blockade our stairway with a dog gate.  Another dog gate was needed to keep her out of the kitchen, and we had to isolate our both our 13 year old dog and our cat’s litter box from Eliza.  Having the baby for three days brought back a rush of memories of those busy, busy days (four children in six years) when a simple trip to the grocery store was a major expedition and when Janice actually loved going to Wal-Mart, if only for a temporary reprieve from the hurricane at home.

We actually did quite well raising our four children…we are still close to all of them today, and they love and honor us in many ways.  They even love each other’s company.  I think we did good.  We also did fine with Eliza for three days.  However, once she was gone, our house suddenly felt very, very empty.  Life is getting back to normal for Jan and me, but normal doesn’t seem quite normal any more.

How about a roundup?

Recommended reading:

• Have you been considering an electric car?  Tim at Faith and Finance asks the question, “Are Electric Cars Worth the Price?“  For me, probably not.  But maybe for you.
• You have to read Learning to Give Up the Rat Race at Wealth Informatics!  The candor and vulnerability spoke deeply to me.  Just what I needed!
• This may be old news for some of you, but blogging buddy Len Penzo recently Surpassed One Million Page Views.  Stop by and congratulate Len on this huge achievement!
• Krantcents is a man after my own heart.  We even turn the same age this fall, so check his post “When Did I Get Old?” to learn how old we both are…and to be motivated to live your life to the fullest.
• Are you up in arms about Netflix new pricing structure (aka price increases)?  Peter at Bible Money Matters wrote a very informative post “Netflix Prices Have Gone Up: 5 Netflix Alternatives For You To Try“  Check it out!
• Speaking of Netflix, Buy Like Buffet explains exactly why “Netflix Stock Drops in After Hours Trading“.  If you (like me) appreciate easy to understand explanations, then this post is for you.
• What do you think of when you hear the word “invest”?  Stocks, mutual funds?  Expand your definition by reading Are You Investing in Yourself? at Invest it Wisely.
• Craig at Money Help for Christians gives us a thought provoking challenge with, “Do You Have Financial Purpose or Do You Just Manage Your Money?“   If you can’t answer that question, you had better take time to read this post.
• When dining with visiting family, have you ever had one of those “who pays?” awkward moments?  Squirrelers shares his awkward moment in “Brunch with Visiting Family: Who Pays?“
• Because most of us are convinced we are 100% correct in our personal finance minutia, it is nice to be reminded that one size doesn’t necessarily fit all.  Punch Debt in the Face handles the topic well in “You’re Not Me“.
• For some good thoughts about how our concepts of “rich” continually evolve, read Kris at Everyday Tips and Thoughts post “My Youthful Perception of Rich, and How My Perception Evolved“.    Follow the comment thread for even more thought provoking (what else would you expect from this site?)  uhhhh  … thoughts.
• Do you have a home improvement project on your horizon?  Does it involve hiring outside help?  If so, read “Should I Hire A Handyman or a Contractor?” at 50 Plus Finance.
• Have you been following the “sweeping regulatory reform of 2010? now known as Dodd-Frank?  No?  Me neither.  But maybe we should.  Or at least read Debit Cards Doom?  Swipe Fees 2011 at   Doctor Dean’s Millionaire Nurse site.
• For a thoughtful look at the various aspects of giving, you need to read What is Your Wishlist for Giving? at Faithful With a Few. Well done!

Carnivals I have participated in:

Best of Money hosted by Life Compass Blog

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by the Skilled Investor

Christian Carnival hosted by Jevlir Caravansary

Yep, that's me. No sawhorses? No problem. Key word: improvise!

My son Jonathan always makes "special friends". All four of my children have been on at least one of these trips.

VBS in Mexico...kids come from everywhere!

A happy church family with their "new" van

As this roundup is being posted, I will be on my way to Mexico (Reynosa area) for another week long mission trip.   I say “another” because I have actually lost count of how many such trips I have taken.   Our church has had a long term relationship with the same missionary, who, after seeing God’s hand work in miraculous ways in building a fabulous Christian Camp (see Vamonos site),  continues to work with the impoverished colonias throughout the Reynosa area.  We have been fortunate enough to learn the area, know the pastors and participate in helping their churches grow.  Last year we drove a donated van to give a way to a very appreciate church.  Because most families walk to church, a church van greatly expands the ministry radius.

In short, we work where needed, doing whatever is needed and always help lead Vacation Bible School at a local church.  Getting the kids to come to VBS is simple…just start telling about it.  Word of mouth is enough, and kids flock from all around to come.  Attendance grows every day as the kids spontaneously invite friends.

We have learned that these trips are much more about building relationships than performing work projects.  Yes, we always work.  This year we will be laying concrete blocks…HARD work.  But the important thing for us — and for those we serve — is the continuity of repeated visits to the same areas and churches.  We know them and they know us.  We renew friendships and we are privileged to see how these churches are progressing from year to year.  Someday the best block walls ever built will lay in ruin, but those relationships we have built will continue into eternity.

I can’t wait…for this week OR eternity!

Recommended reading:

5 Financial Arguments and How to Avoid Them at Faith and Finance

Reflecting on the Graduated Tithe Two Years Later at Money Help For Christians

Are You Sending Your Children Into Slavery? at One Money Design

Are You Walking on Thin Ice? at Bible Money Matters

Creepers Rejoice at Punch Debt in the Face

Time is Money: How Many Hours Did You Work to Buy That? at Squirrelers

The Different Types of Mutual Funds at Buy Like Buffett

Is it Fair That Baby Boomers Are Getting Blamed For Everything These Days? at 50 Plus Finance

Champions Are Made, Not Born at krantcents

How to Spot and Avoid a Vacation Scam? at Wealth Informatics

Carnivals:

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by Personal Finance Journey

Festival of Frugality hosted by My Personal Finance Journey (Editor’s Choice!!)

Carnival of Wealth hosted by Personal Dividends

Family Finance Carnival hosted by Clariity

Baby Boomer Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Joe around the web:

Check out my staff post Radical Living: Loving God More Than Money at Christian PF

Included in other roundups (THANK YOU!)

Invest it Wisely

Large Butterfly Hand Bag

Peacock Pillow

I write fairly often about how Jan, my wife, is a wise spouse and excellent homemaker, but I have yet to brag on her creative genius.  Jan gives vintage fabric and  a new life with her many creations, which, by the way, can be viewed at her Blissful Notions online store.

I have given you a sampling in this roundup.  Click on each picture for a much, much better view … AND the story behind it.

Am I proud?  You bet!  Enjoy.

Recommended reading:

Squirreling Gone Wild 21:  Caveat Emptor at Squirrelers

Money Over Marriage? at Punch Debt in the Face

Hoot Owl Apron

13 Things That Will Make You Poor at One Money Design

How Important is Financial Balance to You? at Invest it Wisely

Why You Should Join an Investment Club at Buy Like Buffett

Debt Collectors are Calling Me Every Day.  What Are My Rights? at 50 plus Finance

Save Money by Being Prepared at Everyday Tips and Thoughts

OK Corral Decorative Pillow

Rewards for Paying Off Credit Card Debt? at krantcents

Reduce Health Care Costs by Providing Better Health Care at Retire by 40

A Layoff Story: The Ant, the Grasshopper, the Honeybee and Cobra at Len Penzo dot com

Carnivals:

Carnival of Wealth hosted by Personal Dividends

Carnival of Money Stories hosted by Sweating the Big Stuff

Insulated Casserole Cozy

Festival of Frugality hosted by Money Obedience

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Joe Elsewhere on the Net:

Check out my staff post at Christian PF: 6 Tips For Helping Your Child With That First Car Purchase

Included in other Roundups.  THANK YOU!

Faith and Finance

Bob and Mom: Two Nonagenarians

Jan and I are going to attend my step father’s 91st birthday this evening, which caused me to wonder exactly what a ninety year old is called.  I knew that “octogenarian” means someone in their eighties, but I had to do the research to discover a new word:  nonagenarian.   My mom, by the way, is also a nonagenarian.  As a widow, she married Bob, a widower, at the tender age of 78, back when they were both mere septuagenarians.

OK.  That is an interesting tidbit of knowledge, but I am wondering if there is a certain age when addressing a person by a word that tells that age becomes OK.  Centenarian, I am sure, is universally acceptable .  But one should use caution around quadragenarians or even quinquagenerians; they may get testy about having their ages broadcast like that.

I, by the way, am a sexagenarian, a perfectly proper word which, because of a suggested lewdness, may be best unused  in certain circles.   I really don’t mind you calling me a sexagenarian, but try not to in front of my bible study group or my mom.  Speaking of mom, when I see her tonight, I am going to ask her if she realizes she is a nonagenarian.  If her hearing aid is on the right frequency, she will probably say, “Joe, you know I eat meat.”

We had better move on to the roundup!

Recommended reading:

It’s Not Magic.:  You Too Can Trade Up a Paper Clip to a House at Len Penzo dot com

The “Tiger Mom” Approach is Not the Only Chinese Way at Invest it Wisely

Market-Driven Christianity — Devotion at Faithful With a Few

Financing my Dream? at krantcents

An Open Discussion About Wealthy Christians Part 1 at Money Help For Christians

Thoughts for Thursday: A Simple Thank You Goes a Long Way at Everyday Tips and Thoughts

Investment Fundamental #1: Your Partner at Retire By 40

Taxes Are Going Up.  Why are Some People Seeing a Federal Income Tax Increase in 2011? at Bible Money Matters

Are Extended Warranties Worth the Money? at 50 Plus Finance

My Best Customer Service Experience Ever at Squirrelers

Back to the Basics Part 4: Debt at Faith and Finance

Carnivals:

Best of Money hosted by PT Money

Carnival of Wealth hosted by Personal Dividends

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by the Skilled Investor

Included in other roundups (THANK YOU!)

Money Crashers

Joe Taxpayer

Everyday Tips and Thoughts

Faith and Finance

We are already creating memories!

After Christmas, I wrote of how we were rethinking our family Christmas gift exchange, underscoring the goal of creating long lasting memories instead of buying a bunch of Christmas gifts that produce (sometimes) a temporary euphoria before quickly fading from our memories.   The idea of a family vacation instead of a gift exchange resonated with our children and grandchildren, so Jan and I have already reserved a five bedroom beach house (go ahead…click and look) on Topsail Island, North Carolina for this June.  As expected, the excitement levels are high as together we look forward to our family getaway.

We are already creating memories!

Just curious: have you ever stayed on Topsail Island?  We have…numerous times…and love the “non commercial” laid back atmosphere.

Recommended reading:

Refund Anticipation Loan? at PF Firewall

10 Home Remodeling Tips – Learn From Our Experience at Everyday Tips and Thoughts

Are Extended Warranties Worth It? at Punch Debt in the Face

How Important is Your Stuff? at Money Help For Christians

Budgeting is a Waste of Time at krantcents

Do I Rent or Own When the Kids Are Gone? at 50 Plus Finance

Is a 15 Year Mortgage for Everyone? at Watson, Inc

Best Personal Finance Blogs of 2010 at Faithful With a Few –  I was included!

Back to the Basics: Income at Faith and Finance

Divorce and Money: 5 Practical Tips to Avoid a Divorce Over Money Issues at One Money Design

Spend $10 Cash or Use $20 Store Credit? at Retire by 40

Joe Elsewhere on the Web

Check out my staff post at Christian PF How to Create Memories Instead of Buying Stuff

Carnivals:

Carnival of Wealth hosted by Control Your Money

Finance Blog Carnival hosted by Maximizing  Money

Christian Carnival hosted by Jesus saving me from me

Baby Boomer Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Included in other roundups (THANK YOU!)

Everyday Tips and Thoughts

It is no wonder I have budgeting on my mind today; I posted a four part Budgeting Series this week.  Besides reading my series (all posts are short and simple!), I recommend Is Budgeting About Freedom or Confinement? at Money Help for Christians.  Craig, as always, challenges the reader to think as he compares the resources of a stream to those of a pie.  Intrigued?  Check it out.

Now: here is my budgeting survey question (also short and simple):

Do you have a written budget?  Why or why not?

I told you it was short and simple.  Please respond in the comments section below.

More Recommended Reading:

How to do a PMSC on Your Bills at Soldier of Finance

The Balance Between Faith and Planning Ahead at Faith and Finance

Should You Pay Off Debt or Save For Retirement? at Bible Money Matters

Life Just Got Awkward at Punch Debt in the Face

Look Out Danger Ahead at krantcents

How Choosing Credit Over Debit Hurts Small Businesses (and You) at Len Penzo dot com

Thoughts for Thursday: Cell Phone Etiquette at Everyday Tips and Thoughts

Rewards for Good Behavior: Right or Wrong? at 50 Plus Finance

Who Pays the Bill? at Financial Samurai

Payroll Tax Holiday: Why Most People Will Get a Raise in 2011 at Faithful With a Few

Carnivals:

Carnival of Wealth hosted by Personal Dividends

Christian Carnival hosted by Thinking in Christ

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival hosted by Baby Boomers US

Carnival of Financial Planning hosted by The Skilled Investor

Road to Financial Independence hosted by One Family’s Blog

An Honor:

Jay Peroni at Faith Based Investing included Personal Finance by the Book as a Must Read Financial Blog!

Included in other roundups (THANK YOU!):

Everyday Tips and Thoughts

Invest it Wisely

The Millionaire Nurse Blog