tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post6884406596972238354..comments2024-03-29T16:34:01.380+10:00Comments on down to earth: Using our time to make what we needUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35230675566662639892011-01-05T18:21:54.015+10:002011-01-05T18:21:54.015+10:00I don't know if you've finished your money...I don't know if you've finished your money chapter... but my big concern is knowing where to draw the line between 'diy/ crafting because I like it' and 'diy/ crafting to save money'. So often it seems like I set out to save money and end up spending more e.g. sewing the children pjs and then finding them on sale at the store for $10... much less than it cost to buy fabric and patterns, Not to mention time. So any thoughts on this sort of reality check would be good :)<br />CarlaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-1498444196674861232010-12-30T17:32:31.086+10:002010-12-30T17:32:31.086+10:00I too would look forward to your Etsy shop. It me...I too would look forward to your Etsy shop. It means more people will be able to enjoy lovely handiwork and add to the quality of their home, sanctuary.<br /><br />~thumbs up!~Kristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15413684955650645277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77938506409030314052010-12-20T09:23:47.777+10:002010-12-20T09:23:47.777+10:00Dayla, yes I know about madeit. There is also an ...Dayla, yes I know about madeit. There is also an Australian Esty. Just google 'etsy au' to find it.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65101649494957184182010-12-20T09:09:00.038+10:002010-12-20T09:09:00.038+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Can I just say that Etsy is American I ...Hi Rhonda,<br />Can I just say that Etsy is American I believe?<br />Where as in Oz we have Madeit.com.au<br />I sell a few craft items through madeit and am very happy. Madeit only sells items made in Australia. There are soap sellers on the site.<br />Also we have to think of the posting internationally, is it ethical in this climate of food miles and the like? You can still post internationally from madeit though if you desire.<br />Just a few thoughts, I would love to hear from anyone who has used Etsy.<br />cheers<br />DaylaDaylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04544561530618570093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82679308804646938722010-12-19T10:48:40.437+10:002010-12-19T10:48:40.437+10:00I used to listen to a Christian radio station on m...I used to listen to a Christian radio station on my way from one job to another. The show was about finances. People got out of HUGE amounts of debt by taking pretty extreme cuts in spending, but hey, it is possible. Let people know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel...save..save..save<br />Save up instead of buy on credit. Wait and you may not even find you HAVE to have it after all. Start off this way, and you don't have to change your habits. Today I was wearing a sweatshirt that is 13 years old. Buying quality most often will pay off in the end.Karen Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18189370281390432351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84480523654070422562010-12-18T02:32:38.656+10:002010-12-18T02:32:38.656+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Looks like Hanno is doing great with t...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />Looks like Hanno is doing great with the soap! Congrats to you both, and good luck with your online shop.<br /><br />For Question #2: I am 24, in Canada, and living with my long-time boyfriend away from our families. I would love to see information on an emergency fund, and how to avoid becoming house-broke (spending more than is reasonable on your mortgage, with no money left over to cover repairs or anything unexpected). Also, how to avoid the consumerist lifestyle.<br /><br />I am excited for your book! By the sounds of things, it will be a real treasure on any bookshelf.<br /><br />All the best,<br />MandiUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18000009238718668784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32926564688311442142010-12-18T01:15:20.436+10:002010-12-18T01:15:20.436+10:00Hi Rhonda Jean
There's no reason why you could...Hi Rhonda Jean<br />There's no reason why you couldn't start up a virtual shop more directly linked to your own blog. I have a website called http://www.flowersack.co.uk which is a sideline which was done on google sites. It is a free website. I added paypal buttons on it (paypal have good merchant ideas for the small business) and it does OK. Though your shop would get a lot more traffic than mine ever will.<br /><br />Then, if you can happily keep up with stock, then I would suggest etsy. Keep in mind though, there is less profit in this as you will pay fees and percentages back to etsy for every sale.<br /><br />So what I'm saying is have both! But I personally would rather dip my toe in with something that is free first.<br /><br />Good luck!<br />Jennifer @ HomeMattersMostJenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815336062313580688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16320449250723395192010-12-18T01:13:54.950+10:002010-12-18T01:13:54.950+10:00I am thrilled that you will start an Etsy shop! I...I am thrilled that you will start an Etsy shop! I also hope that you will consider selling some of your rag bags. I admired the one you posted a picture of a few days ago and have been unable to find anything close to it for sale. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-81817742012606187782010-12-17T23:46:33.643+10:002010-12-17T23:46:33.643+10:00RE: Money chapter...There is a common theme of buy...RE: Money chapter...There is a common theme of buying too much too fast (over-extension), and I agree 100% when I look at my peers & see how their money crisis develop. There is a definite personal triumph that comes from working hard to make money, saving the money toward the goal, and finally seeing and FEELING the results. I think many folks weren't taught, nor take the time to work toward goals and feel good about the process...they just buy and worry later.<br /><br />Also, I think it's okay for people to know they CAN spend $$ on the gadegets & big TV's they want. We don't live in the pioneer days, after all. I think people miss out on the fact that purchases should be thought through, planned, and followed through when the time is right, not when the mood is right.<br /><br />Guess my theme & suggestion for the money chapter is: s l o w - d o w n.<br /><br />Love your blog!<br />GayleGaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09399356733778231083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74482391023836148382010-12-17T17:11:15.681+10:002010-12-17T17:11:15.681+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Regarding your money chapter - I think ...Hi Rhonda,<br />Regarding your money chapter - I think the most sage advice we've heard is that "the best way to get rich quick is not to." I think it was in a Dave Ramsey book? But from personal experience we have found that patience really is a virtue, and one that is hard to cultivate in our instant-meal, instant-mortgage society. Getting rich quick really is a myth (though a very tempting one at that)and a bit of hard work really doesn't hurt. If I could say anything to people in their 20s from our experience, it would be not to rush...it is surprising how fast time goes in the end so goals that are 3 years or 10 years out might seem so far when you are 20, but suddenly, you find yourself 30 and a 2 year goal doesn't sound so bad anymore. Grin. I am pretty sure that your money chapter will caution people of all ages to set realistic goals and work at them, which I think is true for anyone. AmyAmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14504640911222673265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61159684144742600722010-12-17T09:56:24.610+10:002010-12-17T09:56:24.610+10:00looks like your and Hanno have fun doing things to...looks like your and Hanno have fun doing things together..... just my guy and me.<br /><br />He helps with my special chocolate cherry cookies with stems... ...they are lot of fiddling...and he loves to do them..... thank goodness.BumbleVeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13272892605379537233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13722930348701727762010-12-17T07:35:18.385+10:002010-12-17T07:35:18.385+10:00thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone! I...thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20958983598601868242010-12-17T07:07:11.481+10:002010-12-17T07:07:11.481+10:00For possible inclusion in your money chapter: Some...For possible inclusion in your money chapter: Something that worked well for us was including our children in our regular budgeting sessions - my husband used to only get paid four times a year, so these had to be very thorough! Right from when the children were tiny each member of the family had a small personal allowance which covered clothes and any other personal items. When the children were young their portions were administered by me, but gradually they took control of more and more of their money until by their early teens they were responsible for their whole amount, paid quarterly. As a consequence they never asked for anything extra - they knew the money was finite - and they have turned into adults with a very good grasp of managing their money and capable of living on very little when necessary.<br />BellaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67358743108970134592010-12-17T06:50:56.997+10:002010-12-17T06:50:56.997+10:00impressive soap making! Money: would like to see y...impressive soap making! Money: would like to see you mention that keeping a log of all expenses is the easiest way to save money, regardless of age. If a person were gifted with $$$, what would they spend it on? Bet no one would say bottled water or cokes, yet BIG money gets spent on those things every year. Adding up expenses helps us to make sure our money goes toward the things we truly value.Dmariehttp://bettermebetterworld.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41620093860472080942010-12-17T06:04:39.659+10:002010-12-17T06:04:39.659+10:00Hanno's soap looks great! I used to make a bat...Hanno's soap looks great! I used to make a batch of goat milk soap from time to time. Haven't done any in a while, but maybe getting back to it soon.Sunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05627362326166805915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31456669335517593362010-12-17T05:45:43.286+10:002010-12-17T05:45:43.286+10:00If you can make more than you need, then sell it o...If you can make more than you need, then sell it on - I've no experience with Etsy but it makes sense to trade with someone else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67851153926355021512010-12-17T02:41:41.953+10:002010-12-17T02:41:41.953+10:00I would suggest that young couples RENT for their ...I would suggest that young couples RENT for their first year of marriage. Buying a house takes extra work and money. Something always needs to be fixed. This is a time when they need to work on their marriage and save. It is hard enough being newlyweds, but to throw a house in adds a lot of stress. I would highly encourage following Dave Ramsey's babysteps. Debt free is the way to go!<br />Just my two cents. Hope this helps.<br />AshleyUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18011347385966732564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-86258284055757744402010-12-17T00:22:22.612+10:002010-12-17T00:22:22.612+10:00Rhonda
Can this ginger beer be made with freshly ...Rhonda<br /><br />Can this ginger beer be made with freshly harvested ginger or only dried powdered ginger?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />DaniDanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4417699103830981042010-12-16T23:30:00.809+10:002010-12-16T23:30:00.809+10:00I've enjoyed reading all the great comments al...I've enjoyed reading all the great comments along with your post. I agree with those who mentioned the mentality today that we should start out with what it took our parents many years to attain. My sister and her husband built a brand new home as they were getting married and always had brand new cars. Now they are stuck in a situation where her income is needed although she really wants to be a SAHM. My husband and I found that part of the thrill of starting a life together was building it together from the ground up. I certainly wish that I had known back when we were starting out how to be as frugal as we've learned to be now, though. Neither of us were raised this way. As far as housing goes - when we were looking for a home we started out looking at rentals. We found that in our area it was much cheaper for us to buy. Even after paying taxes and mortgage insurance we only pay 1/2 of what it would have cost for us to rent. And we have no rules about not digging a garden and things like that with our own home. I just think it pays to look at all angles before deciding. Good luck to you on your book and shop. I'm looking forward to both.Pamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08659490868053210396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17789406812622384302010-12-16T23:26:41.024+10:002010-12-16T23:26:41.024+10:00All of the financial books and articles I come acr...All of the financial books and articles I come across assume that people have married young, had their children in their 20s, and bought their home early on as well. As a result, all of the financial advice for someone my age (48) assumes that the kids are grown, the mortgage is just about paid off, and that one is ready to make planning for retirement a priority.<br /><br />I married late, had my children late, and bought a home late! The advice and plans these financial advisers suggest just don't work for me. If I could offer one bit of a request, try to write your financial chapter without assuming that people are all at the same place just because of their ages.<br /><br />I really enjoy your blog.Cellanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-52189303570254941662010-12-16T22:50:27.607+10:002010-12-16T22:50:27.607+10:00Hi Rhonda!
First I want to say I love your blog, ...Hi Rhonda!<br /><br />First I want to say I love your blog, and it's a huge inspiration to me for my own blogging and my own life!<br /><br />As for question #1: I don't have any advice per se, but I do wish you luck, and I know I'd definitely buy your products!<br /><br />For question #2: Ironically, my most recent post on my own blog was "Financial Management for the Newly Independent" which was a 2-part post about money and finances for people in their early/mid-twenties (or anyone, really). My partner and I are 24 and 25. I hope you don't see this as shameless self-promotion, but I can share the link to my blog with you if you want to see my post about the financial issues I think are most important for 20-somethings: http://traditionalgirlmodernworld.blogspot.com/Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13935235762086666246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37999320520503151052010-12-16T22:45:14.279+10:002010-12-16T22:45:14.279+10:00Hello Rhonda Jean: Here is "What is on my min...Hello Rhonda Jean: Here is "What is on my mind." I post on my Thurs it is very close to your Friday. I love this idea. Thank you.<br /> I think it is nice to see Hanno enjoying making the soap. Good luck on the venture.Buttons Thoughtshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05029439906543077861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8078251036320689492010-12-16T22:35:14.222+10:002010-12-16T22:35:14.222+10:00Giving to others eg charities, church, needy peopl...Giving to others eg charities, church, needy people in one's community is important and I hope that a chapter on money in your book Rhonda would include it--this can be in money, time, teaching in community centres, joining babysitting clubs to swap time instead of money, sharing veggies or sewing skills, giving clothes to others, being a school class rep, volunteering in one's community in so many ways etc. But, when volunteering or working or exercising (whatever) takes away time or resources from one's family, then this subject needs revisiting eg drop the gym membership and walk/run/exercise for free. Same goes for giving money--it is sad to hear about "primitive old frugal mumma's" partner's boss not paying wages but giving money elsewhere--I would guess that the boss is not handling business and personal life very well....a poor example of a boss, I'd say! Thousands of people give AND are decent bosses.Beccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18122656833028913453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66908964001170282702010-12-16T21:29:28.912+10:002010-12-16T21:29:28.912+10:00I did have an Etsy shop for a while but had no suc...I did have an Etsy shop for a while but had no success with it whatsoever. I also found it a bit difficult to work out costs and pricings as it is all listed in US dollars and I'm in the UK. <br /><br />I have noticed several people with UK blogs have set up a small shop by themselves and linked it to their blog. I'm assuming this is fairly simple to do - just set up another blogspot blog for online sales. This way you save any listing fees, confusion with US dollar pricing and can link really easily to your shop blog. Payments usually seem to be via Paypal invoices. Anyway, just a thought. However you decide to sell your soaps and things I hope it goes really well for you.Elizabethhttp://www.makinggooduse.typepad.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24360528271476355422010-12-16T21:16:00.754+10:002010-12-16T21:16:00.754+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Regarding your book, especially the mo...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />Regarding your book, especially the money chapter: I live together with my boyfriend (no children yet). I spent the last couple of years reducing my debt, and would like to see some strategies for reducing it (setting yourself a budget, writing down what you spend etc.), plus some reasons for young couples to reduce it (as a motivator). <br /><br />For example, when you have children, it will cost money, so there will be less room to reduce debt. Having debt also reduces possibilities for having a one-income family and becoming a stay at home parent, thus missing out on quality time spent with the children and seeing them grow up. <br /><br />Also regarding mortgages: I don;t know how it works in Australia, where you are, but I would advice any family to have a mortgage that can be paid with just one income. Here in Holland many couples buy a house on the basis of two incomes, and get into financial trouble when one of them becomes unemployed or if they decide to get divorced. <br /><br />Maybe it would be an idea (?) to acknowledge that reducing debt is hard work and means making sacrifices, and by no means easy. I haven't found much acknowledgement of that online. <br /><br />Good luck with the chapter, and I would be more than happy to have a look at it/help out further.<br /><br />AnnaAnnanoreply@blogger.com