Financial Happiness

Here are 5 Financial Habits that will make you happy:

1. Get Organized!

2. Pay Your Bills As They Come In.

3. Save Five Percent.

4. Set Goals And Work Towards Them.

5. Give Back (Most Important)

Why I Never Borrow Money

Of course these are lessons typically learned the hard way, but a lesson not applied is not really learned. This is a Reader's Digest version of an article written by Steve Thompson. I couldn't have stated it better myself. It is as if it is written by me.

1. Debt Leads To Depression
2. Debt Becomes A Habit
3. Debt Provides A False Sense of Security
4. Debt Creates Stress
5. Saving Is Rewarding
6. Saving Makes You Think

"There are exceptions to every rule, but my goal is to continue saving money until I've stowed enough cash in the bank to wipe out all those exceptions. In my opinion, there is no greater security on Earth than the knowledge that I don't have to borrow money, ever, to take care of my family."

DEBT! As American as Mom, Baseball and Apple Pie!

Anyone who knows me, knows how I feel about debt. Anyone who has known me for more than 13 years, knows that I learned this the hard way. With that said, I am on one hand, careful to not pass judgment or criticize those that are in debt. On the other hand I am very qualified to do so having experienced the woes of money misuse as well as having learned from those woes and proven committed to not repeat them. I think that is what sets me apart from many Americans. I have seen the cycle repeat itself within the same individuals my whole life. This is not to say, these individuals are not smart or foolish, but rather victims of a culture created in America where debt is not only acceptable, but encouraged all around us. You are more of an oddity if you do not have debt than if you did.

Each of us need to learn this lesson and embrace a lifestyle that is within our means, one that does not require the use of debt to maintain it. For me, and most people for that matter, I had to hit rock bottom in a bankruptcy court before I realized that something wasn't adding up right and changes needed to be made. For many, that isn't enough and they need to lose their home or family before they "wise up". One benefit I had in my favor is my admiration for the greatest generation. The generation of my Grandparents. They lived a simpler life and in doing so, they managed to stay at one place of employment, they lived in one home until it was paid off, they restrained themselves when it came to luxuries and they saved for retirement.
All of these things have become increasingly difficult as employers are no longer creating a workplace that fosters reciprocal loyalty (lucky for me, my employer does), we move constantly in search of that bigger and better residence and savings...well, that is almost non-existent, in fact, retirement is almost non-existent. America has changed the way it views money and more so about the way it views debt. It used to be that lenders sought to lend money to those that could be trusted to pay off the debt in a timely manner. The debt was indeed paid off in a timely manner and typically early as this was priority numero uno. These days, lenders seek those that are more likely to not live within their means, hoping to ensnare those who are new to the money game or uneducated when it comes to money matters, for in them, they have a customer (indentured servant) for life. Then, in turn, the borrower tends to roll the debt into other loans and pays that debt off in twice the amount of time it should have been...all the while racking up more debt on that newly freed up line of credit.
Again, I do not throw rocks from my once glass house, but it stands in need of discussion. Our schools do not educate us about money management or how to earn interest rather than to pay it. We are relatively uneducated regarding money matters and it shows in our current financial state of affairs as a whole country. And the spending is still out of control! It is time for each of us to educate ourselves or seek out that education regarding good debt versus bad debt. It is time for each of us to deny ourselves the occasional luxury and learn how to save. It is time for me to do so even more and that is difficult. I want to spend and have fun. I want others to see what I am capable of or what success I have experienced. It is a struggle, but I believe there is joy in discipline. I just need to find the strength to muster it.

Where did all this come from? I read this article this morning. Pretty simple, but it is articles like this that we should all be learning from. Just click the money sign to read the article.

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Here are a couple things to remember...

"If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can't buy" Proverbs

"Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it creates one." Benjamin Franklin

Giving Back!

Everybody knows how blessed we are to have Little Leah Caity B in our lives. We love her so much. Everybody knows how grateful we are for the major role Caitlin's played in making us so happy. We still keep in touch with her from time to time and are anxious to attend her graduation this May. She is such a go-getter and she has made us proud as we watch her make the right decisions for her life. College and military service have always been important goals for her and it makes us happy to see her stick to those goals that are worthy of someone with her potential.

As we have witnessed Caitlin making the right decisions in her life we often think of ways to give back. Not just to her, though we want to, but to the many other brave young women like her that have chosen to make something wonderful out of circumstances less than desirable. As we consider the struggles we have encountered to start our little family, we also think of those who are less fortunate; those that maybe do not have the resources to complete the adoption process. Adoption is such a mentally, emotionally and spiritually draining experience as it is, yet those in power seem to also make it financially draining or not possible at all due to money. Couples wanting to adopt are taken advantage of regularly by legitimate and illegitimate companies playing on their emotions and promising to bring them happiness. I do not see anything changing soon, but we want to be part of the solution for both the birthmothers and the adopting couples.

Sarah and I are in the process of establishing a foundation that we hope will do just that. Initially it will simply be a scholarship program funded by us that will offer financial assistance to qualifying birthmothers that have a desire to get their lives back on track via higher education. We hope there will be a day that we will be able to do regular fund raising and donation seeking to broaden the scope of who is affected by the foundation. Maybe we can offer low to no interest loans to couples wanting to adopt that cannot afford it. Then in turn, their repayment of the loan will continue to help others in the same way. Maybe we can help couples with the costs of fertility treatment or sponsor seminars and workshops that would raise awareness for the need to adopt or the support of adopting families or birthmothers. The possibilities will have no limit. (Consider yourself warned. We will likely come begging for money in the next ten to twenty years looking for donations! I know you will do what you feel you can.)

The thing holding us up right now is the name for the foundation. We are open to suggestions. We want the name to focus on families or adoption in some way. Here are a few names we have come up with already. Some are great, some are not. Please chime in with your suggestion or vote.

*Moving Forward *Foundation for Forward Thinking *Foundation for Forwarding Families *Further Forward Foundation *Another Step Forward *Families for Families *Furthering Families Foundation *Leah Caitlin Bliss Foundation *Families First *Life for Life Foundation *From Love ~ To Love *Giving Back Bliss Foundation *Trosper Family Foundation *Bliss-ful Family Foundation *Full of Bliss Family Foundation *Forwarding Families Foundation *Two Caitlin's Foundation *Forging Families Foundation *Foundation for Forging Families

Please let us know what you think.

Sweet, Sweet, '65 Stang!

The newest member of the Trosper Family ~ A 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe

The last couple years I have developed some strong opinions about life and money. I have tried to simplify by selling two of my five cars (the Jaguar and Range Rover) in an effort to simplify. I love European automobiles, but decided it would be better to shed the status symbols and live a life that would be perceived as a little more responsible and less concerned with worldly things. The stupid thing is that the more "conservative" and "responsible" vehicles cost much more than the European cars I have become accustomed to. Nonetheless, it was important to me that I shed some of the world, as the world sees it.

The next step was to sell the Alfa Romeo Spider and get a classic Ford Mustang. Since before I could drive, I have always wanted two cars....an Alfa Romeo Spider and a Ford Mustang. I love my Alfa. Every time I drive it, I have fun and feel like I am driving on Autopia at Disneyland. What a fun little car that is. Unfortunately, it has not been driven for three years. Sarah is not a big fan of the convertibles and the local car shows welcome me, but do so with snide remarks and insults from the corners of their mouths. These are not reasons why I decided to get rid of it, but reasons still. My plan was to sell the Alfa first and then look for a Mustang. I found one I felt was for me and the price was right, so I pulled the trigger early. It will be sad to see the Alfa go, but I am excited to welcome the new ride into the garage. I present to you other gearheads.....my new 1965 Mustang Coupe!

17" Torque Thrust Wheels

Leah makes the beauty of a car look even more beautiful

This car makes my garage look even better

289 bored 30 over and balanced, Edelbrock endurashine intake manifold with matched cam, shorty thermacoat headers and Edelbrock 650 cfm carb. Aluminum 4 core radiator with electric fan. 4 speed aod with stall converter and shift kit. 1979 Lincoln Versailles back end with 9 inch disc brakes 4:11 gears with Detroit locker.

Leah is a Mustang fan. Can you imagine her driving this to school in 2025?! She will be the coolest chick in school with a 60 year old car!

New Pony Interior. I still need to get the door panels switched out.

I need a name for her. Any suggestions? My current Jeep is named Jeep after the cartoon character and the Spider is named Alf. The Jaguar was named Shaggy after Austin Powers' Shaguar, the Range Rover was named Rover and the Jeep Rubicon was named Ruby. Now I need a name for this fine beauty.

Yellow has always been my favorite color so it is appropriate that this car is yellow...Spring Yellow to be exact.

Well, nonetheless, I feel a little silly owning 4 cars. I will feel less silly once I sell the Alfa. My financial views are still the same and this purchase falls in line with them. I still feel it was a responsible move. I guess I can scratch this off of my bucket list. Thanks to Sarah for putting up with me and my hobbies.

Rest In Peace

I don't mean to sound morbid here, but death has been on my mind from time to time over the last two years. This is likely directly related to the deaths of two neighbors and friends who passed on at way too young of an age. Ryan and Erik are truly missed by their families, friends and neighbors, but their deaths, as well as their great lives and examples, have had a great impact on me. Their deaths have caused me to reflect on the possibility (or inevitability) of my own death. Of course, my concern, much like theirs, would be that of the well-being of my family, specifically, Sarah and Leah. I immediately had a trust established as well as a living will and testimony. I renewed my journal writing and picture cataloging. I now save more money with their futures in mind.

I don't know if this is dorky or not, but I have included in my last will a few things I would prefer to happen at my passing or at my funeral. I will request that my family and friends each plant a tree. Not so much in my memory, but I figure if I can cause a little good in the world on my way out, I may as well take advantage of the opportunity. The world needs more trees and I have always found them beautiful. I also request that Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" be played in some form at my funeral. Also at my funeral should be a piper. After all, what is a good Scottish Funeral without a piper?! My tombstone will also bear the Rampant Lion.

Anyway, just for kicks and giggles, I searched for whacky last requests and here is a short list of last requests that make mine look absolutely normal.

• Angel Pantoja wanted to be standing at his own funeral.
• Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her dog, Trouble.
• Samuel Bratt left roughly 3/4 of a million dollars to his wife with the stipulation that she must smoke 5 cigars a day.
• TM Zink left all his money to build a library that excluded female authors.
• Gene Rodenberry requested that he be cremated and scattered in space.
• Jack Benny arranged to have one rose a day to be sent to his wife after his passing.
• William Shakespeare left to his wife, Anne Hatheway, his second best bed.
• Charles Dickens required that funeral attendees were free from scarves, cloaks, black bows, long hatbands and other such revolting absurdities".
• Thomas Jefferson demanded that his daughter wear no jewelry.
• Harry Houdini willed that his wife hold an annual seance so that he could reveal himself to her.
• The last wish of Napolean Bonaparte was that his head would be shorn and his hair shared among his friends.
• John Bowman arranged that a dinner would be prepared every night after his death just in case he came back to life.

While it may be an unpleasant thought, it is important to consider these things as it will be your final influence upon the world and your last opportunity to complete unfinished business. Other things to consider are your wishes concerning your family, wealth, organs, etc. These things should not be left to the determination of our government, but to ourselves and our loved ones. With such preparations made, let's hope it was all in vain. Nevertheless, I subscribe to the thought that it is better to be safe than to be sorry. Then I truly could rest in peace.

Crazy?!

Karl Rabeder ~ A wealthy man who understands true wealth

Below is a story of a rich man who, after some time chasing the almighty dollar, realized that money does not buy happiness. In fact he learned and decided that not only does it not buy happiness, it sometimes prevents it. I must admit that I often have had this same feeling. Granted, I know it is a necessary evil, but I often get caught up in the world and realize that I am chasing my tail when I should be enjoying those around me more. I have to ask, "Is this guy crazy or is he on to something?" I have to believe the latter, though I will continue to strive towards finding the balance between having money and happiness. I believe there is a way to have your cake and eat it too.

Karl Rabeder grew up poor and thought that life would be wonderful if he had money. But when he got rich, Karl discovered that he was unhappy … so he decided to give away every penny of his £3 million fortune:

"My idea is to have nothing left. Absolutely nothing," he told The Daily Telegraph. "Money is counterproductive – it prevents happiness to come."

Instead, he will move out of his luxury Alpine retreat into a small wooden hut in the mountains or a simple bedsit in Innsbruck.

His entire proceeds are going to charities he set up in Central and Latin America, but he will not even take a salary from these.

"For a long time I believed that more wealth and luxury automatically meant more happiness," he said. "I come from a very poor family where the rules were to work more to achieve more material things, and I applied this for many years," said Mr Rabeder.

But over time, he had another, conflicting feeling.

"More and more I heard the words: ‘Stop what you are doing now – all this luxury and consumerism – and start your real life’," he said. "I had the feeling I was working as a slave for things that I did not wish for or need. I have the feeling that there are lot of people doing the same thing."

What do you think? Is he doing the right thing or is this just a crazy idea of a rich man?

Warm and Fuzzy

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/Young-Brothers-Give-Up-Series-Tix-for-Charity-67297787.html?yhp=1

Sometimes I get real fed up with living in a world filled with gruesome and sad news or news that serves the agenda of the person or network sharing it! I think that it is worthwhile to share some good news as we hear it. I think it is even better that we share news about good and selfless young people that rise above their peers and the low standards set by todays society. I think I will begin pointing out these stories as I hear them. Sadly, they are buried under headlines of sad and pathetic news, but they do exist. I will make it my responsibility to find them and focus on the good in the world.

"It makes me feel proud just knowing I am doing a good deed."

~ Alex, 11

Kuckoo! Kuckoo! Kuckoo!

Am I taking crazy pills here, or what?! Read the next paragraph as taken directly from the White House today and tell me if I am the only one who is having a hard time understanding.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a chilling forecast, the White House is predicting a 10-year federal deficit of $9 trillion -- more than the sum of all previous deficits since America's founding. And it says by the next decade's end the national debt will equal three-quarters of the entire U.S. economy.

Now, before I put my foot in my mouth, (notice, I still plan on doing it), I admit I am not an economist, but I am really confused how going 9 trillion in debt, "more than the sum of all previous deficits", will help us!? Should I implement this plan? Should I go get a loan for 3/4's of my annual income? Who will give it to me? I will do it! I am crazy like that!

Could this possibly be the work of a hidden agenda? Honestly, I have avoided the conspiracy theorists regarding our Commander in Chief. I initially thought we should support him and pray that he will do what is right for the country. Lately, truthfully, I have quickly come under the opinion that he has an agenda that he is pushing from every angle and with such force that I believe in the long run, our country will be weakened by it. With that said, I never wish to offend and I typically avoid discussions of religion and politics so as to not offend, but I have felt this so strongly lately. If I have offended, please forgive. In two weeks, my mind will be swept away with thoughts of college football and my comments will only offend UCLA Bruins, leaving the rest at peace.

You Tube Fun!

Marque's Monthly Hypocritical Financial Post

I manage my portfolio online on Yahoo and they recently posted an article that listed the top 5 ways you to tell if you were living beyond your means. Here is that list. I am sure each of us can add our own signs to the list. As a matter of fact, it might be good to look inward to determine what we can each do better and share that with the rest. This will be a good start.

1. Your credit score is below 600. I have learned in my life (the hard way) that credit is important. Here comes my token confessional....I even had a bankruptcy about twelve years ago. I am not proud of it, and I wish I had avoided it, but I sure-as-heck made a point to learn from it. I have since never carried a balance on my credit cards and prefer to pay cash for everything but real estate investments. I hope I don't sound holier-than-thou, but I am quite proud of this. Due to my efforts, I have since brought my credit score over 800. I hope I never have to rely on that credit score, but it is nice to know I can if I need to.
2. You are saving less than 5%. This is one area I really need to work on. I am not proud of how I approach savings. I need to do better and I will. I have studied the impact of compounding interest and it gets really exciting even at a conservative interest earnings.
3. Your credit card balances are raising. Again, credit cards are evil. Pure evil. I have brought this up in the young adult ward bishopric meetings many times. Americans are not educated when it comes to money and credit and the banks know it! When is a better time to make us indentured servants than early, like....say our college years!? This is when they got me and I think it is important that I share my lessons learned with the young adults of the Meadowbrook ward. I wish someone had warned me more effectively.
4. More than 28% of your income goes to your home. This sums up the number one problem in America and it was caused by greedy lenders and undisciplined and uneducated home buyers. Utah is uber-guilty of this. Utards live well beyond their means when it comes to houses. I was raised in a modest house, without the huge yard, theater room and three to four car garage and I was extremely happy. Why have we become so obsessed with these huge grandioso homes that are simply unnecessary?! On a related note, I think a good 6th sign that you live beyond your means should be that you have re-financed your home to pay off debt.
5. Your bills are spiraling out of control. Well, DUH!? This is a sign?! I think this would go without saying.

Now let's have some fun with this. Submit your entries for signs that you spend more than you need or should. Leave a comment, even if it is anonymous. They say the first step to fixing something is admitting the problem! Here are a few to get started...

1. You spend $100+ on a pair of jeans!
2. You spend $1000+ on a dog!
3. You have six vehicles! BTW ~ Please call if you are interested in purchasing a Jaguar, Range Rover or Alfa Romeo!
4. You can't afford food, but you get elective surgery!
5. You can't afford to pay utilities, but you get another tattoo!
6. You are unemployed yet you still go out to nice restaurants!
7. You buy cigarettes and booze with food stamps!
8. ....
9. ....
10. ....
11. ....

I look forward to your comments. I know I can do better at living a provident life. I am sure you can too. The key to success here is beginning. Remember, it takes faith and courage to say, "I don't need this".

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/105396/Five-Signs-That-Youre-Living-Beyond-Your-Means?mod=banking-budgeting

Money Tips from Our Founding Fathers

I found an article that included financial advice from those that established our country.  I thought they were great and worth sharing.  Here you go, in Red, White, and Blue:

Benjamin Franklin ~ Founding Brother

"Remember that Money is of a prolific generating Nature. Money can beget Money and its Offspring can beget more, and so on. Five Shillings turn'd, is Six: Turn'd again, 'tis Seven and Three Pence; and so on 'til it becomes an Hundred Pound. The more there is of it, the more it produces every Turning, so that the Profits rise quicker and quicker."

Thomas Jefferson ~ Founding Brother and 3rd President of the United States of America

"But I know nothing more important to inculcate into the minds of young people than the wisdom, the honor, and the blessed comfort of living within their income, to calculate in good time how much less pain will cost them the plainest stile of living which keeps them out of debt, than after a few years of splendor above their income, to have their property taken away for debt when they have a family growing up to maintain and provide for."

John Adams ~ Founding Brother and 2nd President of the United States of America

"All the perplexities, confusion and distress in America arise not from the defects of the Constitution, not from want of honor or virtue, so much as from downright ignorance of the nature of coin, credit and circulation."

Money and Employment

Times are tough.  We are constantly being reminded to engage in provident living; to be frugal even if our current situation does not demand it.  I need to do better at that.  The best financial advice I have heard currently in regards to maintaining one's financial stability in this time of upheaval is this, "Keep your job.  Do your best at whatever it is  you do.  Go beyond the call of duty.  Make it impossible, due to your amazing performance, for anyone to fire you or lay you off."  This is sound advice in good and not so good economic times.  It is even more sound now.

  

Last night, an employee was trying to get me to tell them how much money I made.  My comment was this, "I make more than I need.  I would not object to making more.  I am blessed to have this job."  I thought about that statement and realized that this needs to be my reply always...regardless of my income.  I need to always live below my means, always strive to do better and count my blessings in the process.  Therein lies the secret to success in money and happiness.  This is probably not some great break through for the majority that read this post, but for me, it was a nice reminder.  

I have family and friends who are stressed due to finances.  In one instance I told them, in an effort to calm them, "Don't worry so much.  Do what you can.  The worst case scenario is that you will not have a home of your own, you may have to rent or you may not have a job.  (real comforting, eh?) But I promise you that you will always have shelter and you will always have food and most importantly, you will always have your family."  While I hope I never finds myself in this situation, I firmly believe it.  I have often thought we, society, rely too heavily on worldly goods.  Our wants have become our needs, and ultimately, there are few needs; shelter from the elements, sustaining food and water, and love.  There are times that I have felt life would be easier as a minimalist.  I do enjoy the life of comfort...I really do.  I feel, once able to shed my current conditioning, that I would be just as happy or more happy to live in a tent with my family and along with my conditioning, shed the hassles of the world and money.  

I have never considered myself a hippie or a "granola", and I really don't know what they are all about, but I can see why they find happiness in their some of their choices.  I love God and I know he loves me.  I know that so long as I do everything I can to provide for my family without losing sight of what is truly important, He will not only see that my needs are addressed, but will also grant me, at times, financial success to live a more comfortable life and care for those less fortunate.  I don't know where this rambling came from.  Actually, I should be getting ready for the day, but I felt the need to write this.  

I make more than I need.  I would not object to making more.  I am blessed to have my job.

Poor Financial Planning by Q!

Economics by Q!  When we were considering moving, we decided to have a garage sale.  The plan was to get rid of some things we didn't want that were a little older and then use the money we made selling those items to buy their newer replacements.  A responsible idea, it may seem.  Well, we made $188 at our garage sale.  We sold a couch, a chair, an ottoman, a grill and a patio table with four chairs.  We then promptly went and spent $399 on a new BBQ grill, $1799 on a new couch and loveseat and $799 on some new patio furniture.  My "freakonomics" put us in the hole roughly $2800 beyond what we made at our garage sale!!!  I am an idiot!  I don't regret it though.  We did shop around and got great deals on everything we wanted and had enough money left over to buy Leah a swimming pool now that Summer has finally decided to arrive.  

The Loveseat and Coffee Table

The Two Chairs and Ottomans

This is Randy T.  He is a great friend and neighbor.  His dog's name is "Little Jerry Seinfeld".  He stopped by last night to chat in the backyard for a bit.  He is leaving in about an hour to serve our country overseas.  I know he reads the blog, so I will say, "Be safe and return quickly, friend".  His comments will likely include some Michigan noise.  

Joe and Leah enjoying the beautiful evening

Brenda and Sarah.  Leah is in the hammock

The talented Leah feeds herself with her feet!  For her next trick....

Look Mom!  No Hands or Feet!

Leah laying out with Lightning watching

Leah enjoying her new pool

Splish Splashin' with Mom!

"This is the shortest lazy river ride ever!"

She is a natural in the water, much like Caitlin.

Her hair is finally long enough to do two pigtails.  She looks like Flick or an Alien with antennae. 

This is my buddy, Carson.  He is a cool little dude!  He was hanging out a bit while I mowed the lawn.  "Hey Neighbor!"