Dave Ramsey Envelope System Wallet Makes Budgeting Easy

by Meaghan Damron, Guest Blogger

Budgeting, finances, debt, Oh My!  If you’re anything like me, those words can generate stress, anxiety, confusion and leave you feeling overwhelmed.  They can even become a major source of conflict in a marriage.  In a world of easy access credit, swiping even a debit card has become effortless and seemingly pain-free.  Until the bill arrives!

Enter Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University envelope budgeting system.  I highly recommend researching this system, reading his book and taking a class to fully equip yourself with the knowledge and a plan to get your finances in order.  I am not a spokesperson for him, and am FAR from a budgeting expert (just ask my husband), but I have seen so many people freed from the chains of debt by following his instructions.

I will give you the reader’s digest version, and then tell you a little about a product that can help!

Dave Ramsey emphasizes paying cash for everything, and uses envelopes to divide that money into categories for spending.  My parents used this system for bill paying and spending money, and today my husband and I use it to organize our “discretionary dollars”.   However, the envelopes can become a hassle when you are out shopping, and as I used them, they began to tear and get beat up.  I carried 6 large white envelopes in an even larger manila folder when we first used this system.  On top of that, I needed my other wallet for my checkbook, IDs, driver’s license, etc.  I was always afraid I would lose something…Not to mention I looked like a complete mess trying to pay for anything!

Mompreneur Finds a Solution!

I’m a sewer and am always looking for a new project.   After playing around with some ideas of my own, I found a great pattern on Etsy for creating a wallet that contains divided fabric envelopes and knew I had to try it.  Thank you to “thecolorfulchicken."

This wallet has EVERYTHING you need to stay organized and on budget, while maintaining style.  It features 4 card slots, 2 large pockets where I keep my checkbook and receipts, 6 labeled “envelopes,” and a zipper pocket.  The envelopes have a plastic slot and empty label so you can make the categories your own.  For example, our budget splits the cash into groceries, out to eat money, household needs, kids needs/spending money, date night money, and my spending or “mad” money.  Yours may be the same, or completely different!  Find what works best for you and your family.

The envelopes also make great coupon organizers if this cash system is not for you.

I am so thrilled that Glenni has allowed me to sell these at A Nurturing Moment.  I make each one unique, and spend time creating a one of a kind piece that you will love.  Feel free to contact me if there is something specific I can do for you!

Happy Saving!

For more info on Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University, visit daveramsey.com

Join Us In Giving Thanks for Small Businesses

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

This year we have so many reasons to be thankful. We continue to have a wonderful community of moms. Happy Papoose has taken up residence inside A Nurturing Moment offering lots of new baby-wearing options. Sew Me Happy has brought us lots of adorable custom made items. We have a good variety of locally made nursing necklaces and adorable accessories. And we are doing lots of lactation consultations!

It really distresses me to know that some stores are open on Thanksgiving, a day that should be reserved for family and close friends. In fact, I even started a Facebook Page last year - Thanksgiving is Not About Shopping! I've decided to try to avoid those stores that are open on Thanksgiving and spend my hard-earned money at stores that respect their employees enough to close tomorrow.

Years ago we opened really early on Black Friday, but there's really no need for us to do that. While we do plan to have our sale going on Friday, the day we are really excited about and focusing on is Small Business Saturday! We will have some Christmas treats available and encourage you to try out our hot chocolate, chai tea, latte or mochaccino! I think it's better than Starbucks (and a LOT less expensive!)

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday Savings

• We will offer at least 10% off regular price for all non-excluded items in the store.
• All breastfeeding supplies, Sew Me Happy in-stock clothing items, Baby K'tans, bedding, clothing, frames and accessories will be 20% off.
• Excluded items include the following: Tula, Piggy Paint, Tekhni Wraps, Veggie Crayons and Chalk, Kowalli, Pretty Pushers and Motherlove.
• Save 10% on any Best Chair or Arm's Reach co-sleeper order.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Breastfeeding on the Fly

From Second Life Marketplace

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

Planning to travel with baby over the holidays? If your little one is nursing, then you need to think about the logistics of traveling with a nursling. Honestly, it really isn't that difficult. It just requires a little forethought and planning. The CDC has some terrific guidelines for breastfeeding mothers who are traveling with or without their babies.

Exclusive Breastfeeders

If your infant is exclusively breastfeeding, then you will need to nurse every 2-3 hours (or more frequently). Take-off and landing are ideal times for moms to be nursing because the sucking helps to equalize the pressure in baby's ears. In light of recent snafus regarding nursing moms, most airlines want to avoid the public relations nightmare that would ensue if they show even the slightest discrimination against a nursing mom. Since infants travel free in their parents' arms, the best place for baby during take-off and landing is at mom's breast.

Whether you use a cover or not is entirely up to you. Some mothers feel much more comfortable with a cover, while other moms can't stand the way baby fights the cover. You need to do whatever works best for you! However, you may find that wearing baby in a  baby sling or soft structured carrier may make your trip easier because you will have free hands, baby will be close to you and less likely to fuss, and a carrier can allow for discreet nursing as you walk through the airport.

Some airlines have specific policies which govern their treatment of nursing mothers. If you are asked to cover up, you do have the right to refuse. If another passenger is uncomfortable with your breastfeeding, you should respectfully discuss options with a flight attendant. Making your baby eat under a blanket is NOT one of those options, however. Perhaps the offended passenger can be moved to another seat. Or maybe they can find a different seat for you. You can remind the flight attendant that a baby who is quietly nursing is much more delightful than a screaming, hungry, frustrated, uncomfortable baby in the cramped quarters of an airplane.

Older Babies

Baby's own homemade photo album is a great travel toy!

If your baby is eating solids, you can take pureed baby food with you. Just be sure to tell the security agents you have medically necessary baby food with you. Of course, you can take Cheerios and other packaged foods as well. When baby needs to nurse, though, feel free to do whatever you need to do. Remind anyone who asks that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies breastfeed at least a year and as long as Mother and Baby both want to beyond that. The World Health Organization actually recommends 2 years of breastfeeding. 

Be sure to pack plenty of age-appropriate toys/distractions. You will be BUSY keeping baby entertained. If you are traveling to visit relatives, create a photo album for baby with pictures of everybody you will be seeing. Also be sure that you bring baby's favorite lovey or blanket. That will make it much easier at nap time. This site has some great tips for traveling with babies of various ages! 

Bon Voyage!