It's A Family Affair...

We like pickles. Last year at our family reunion, my Aunt sent us home with 3 large jars of sandwich dill pickles. 

As I cleaned and began the process of packing and throwing things out, I came across this jar in my daughter's room( she started saving her change so she could purchase snacks during lunch at school). I smiled. I love when she takes the initiative to be great. A few days later, I lurked ( lol) upon a post on Instagram explaining how if you save a penny each day( it's complicated but here's a break down, January 1st= 1 penny, February 1st= 32 pennies because it's the 32nd day of the year and so forth) you'd have close to $700 by the end of the year. I shared the post with my daughter and instantly she responded with, " let's do it mommy, it can be our vacation jar". I started out saving a penny each day but I soon realized, it's easier for me to dump the change from my wallet daily. My son has even taken an interest in our savings jar. His contributions are few but the mere fact that he's amped to share his 3 pennies warms my heart. 

I've vowed this year to be a year of financial flexibility for us. I recently purchased a new vehicle and we'll soon move into our new house. Yes, I carry the financial responsibility for the three of us alone. While I've made more money boo boos than the law should allow, I've now become a bit more conscious with the spending decisions I make. 4 little eyes are watching me and one wallet suffers when I mess up. 

So here's to a year of saving like a boss, so when it's time to spend like one, I won't have to worry about replacing what I've spent!! 

My Lovies, I challenge you to save. Involve your little ppl too. They will thank you later.

Signed,

Simply Saving Cheneka~

My Love...

...and if you threw a party, you invited everyone you knew. You would see, the biggest gift would be from me and the card attached would say, Thank You for being a FRIEND... ~Golden Girls 

I promise I want to grow old with my best friend Moneka Mashaè( I'm Cheneka Trenè, creepy lol). I've lost count of the years, I know it's 20plus. When we 1st met, it was not peaches -n-cream. More like oil and water. But as time progressed, we grew to love and appreciate each other. 

Although we've always been in different states, it's never caused any issues. 

The last few months have been a bit trying for the both of us. I must admit it has strengthened our friendship on a whole new level. I've always prayed for her and covered her but to actually pray with her during some dark times solidified that we didn't become friends just because. She is my sister, my kids' Aunti. She's my ROD( to the fullest). 

We've been pushing each other out of our comfort zones for the last 2 months. We've agreed to become each other's  accountability partners as well. 

It's evident that in this life, we all need that one person ( or 2 or 3) we can count on when there's no 1 else. 

We've both had a few petitions before God. I've been battling with continuing my business, education and job. She's been battling with her job. We both gave each other deadlines and I'm proud to say that as of today, we both have new jobs, my business will continue to flourish and I'm going to kick school's butt! With her, I've found strength and a new level of appreciation of her and our friendship. 

My Lovies, I challenge you to take a moment and let your closest know how much you truly appreciate them. I'm blessed beyond measure to have her and a few others who show me daily that they have my back. I pray that I'll continue to always have each of them around... 

Signed, 

Simply Grateful Cheneka 

5Tips...

It's now February, we're 2 months into 2016( my bday is in 14 days, oh my).. 

As I'm finally getting the swing of things, I've realized some of my previous habits have to stop. I'm quite sure that as you take inventory over spending habits, there's a few changes you can make. 

While we all my have different top 5's, here's my list and I'll explain WHY these are at the top. Starting with 

5) I will NOT waste money on icecream. If you have little ppl and you frequent Wendy's, invest in their key tab for frosty's. If you pay $1.00( once) each time you purchase a meal, you can get a free small frosty. Yup, I will not waste money on icecream again. 

4) I will NOT waste money on shaving cream. But I will still shave! Lol Here's my secret. I'm picky with the soap I use. Instead of buying shave cream, I have no problem with lathering up soap and rubbing it on the areas that need to be shaved ( however ladies, still invest in shaving your "pocketbook", that's a different kind of maintenance 😉). 

3) I will NOT waste money on fast food. At the beginning of every year, my eating habits are visited. It's not so much about me losing weight, I just want to remain healthy and conscious. I've realized that my meals I cook at home are much healthier and they cost less. Remember, everything used in your home is healthier than the processed foods in restaurants. 

2) I will NOT waste money spending top dollar for high end handbags. I remember my 1st Gucci bag purchase like it was yesterday. I'd been eyeing this bag for a year. I knew spending $695 was well out of my price range. But I wanted the bag so bad. I kept watching it and watching it. One day while out shopping with my highschool bestie, we stopped in the Gucci store. I almost lost my life, the bag was marked down to $319.00. Needless to say I purchased it. 15 years later, I no longer have it because I sold it at the local consignment shop which has now become my best friend. I can now purchase slightly used high end handbags for a fraction of the price. 

And lastly, I will stop making spur of the moment purchases without fully thinking it through. If I have to rob Peter to satisfy Nek's urge, it's not worth it. 

We're 6 weeks into the new year and I'm 6 weeks into my weekly savings. This year, I will complete the full year of savings. There's quite a few things on my calendar to purchase and complete this year. I need to have my funds in order to make it happen. 

My Lovies, I'm challenging you to be the captain of your savings and make it happen. 

Signed, 

Simply Saving Cheneka