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WELCOME TO HOMEBODIES
March 20, 2007
Volume 8, Issue 12
Weekly encouragement and empowerment e-zine
for stay-at-home parents and working parents
considering the at-home lifestyle
Your Hostess - Cheryl Gochnauer, author of
"Stay-at-Home Handbook", "So You Want to Be a
Stay-at-Home Mom", "Mom to Mom" and founder of
http://www.homebodies.org
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THIS WEEK'S ARTICLES:
"The Gifted Work-at-Home Parent" by Homebodies founder Cheryl Gochnauer
"The Annual Review" by Homebodies columnist Gary Foreman, founder of The
Dollar Stretcher (http://www.stretcher.com)
"Living Below the Bar" by Homebodies columnist Sharon Jaynes, co-founder of
Girlfriends in God (http://www.girlfriendsingod.com)
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THE GIFTED WORK-AT-HOME PARENT
Homebodies
By Cheryl Gochnauer
homebodies@comcast.net
Copyright 2007
I often receive emails from parents who want to trade in their 8 to 5 jobs
for work-at-home opportunities. I continually hear this phrase: "I don't
really know what I want to do - but I know it's not sales!"
That probably disappoints a lot of companies seeking trainees who will join
them in marketing everything from software to cooking supplies. But I'm
happy to hear these prospective work-at-home parents whittling down their
prospects. After all, it's no good to jump into something, then jump right
back out again when you realize it's not for you.
If I could ask one question of everyone who wonders what they should do, it
would be, "What is your gift?" Everybody has a gift. Some gifts are more
obvious than others, but we've all got at least one. The key to choosing a
successful at-home business - including sales, if that's your specialty - is
matching your gift with your endeavor.
For instance, though my ministry revolves around parenting, I'd last about 3
hours as a daycare provider. I've always been great at spelling, grammar and
telling stories, however - all natural assets for a writer. Someone who
knows me well is more likely to recommend me as a freelancer than as a
babysitter.
Not sure what your gift is? Often other people spot our strengths long
before we see them in ourselves. Sit down with a friend, your spouse, your
parents - anyone who has known you for a long time; someone you can trust to
be truthful with you. Ask what gifts they see in you; things you're good at,
areas where you excel.
As you listen to their answers, mentally test their observations against
what you know about yourself. When the comments ring true, write them down.
This is a solid lead. Now concentrate your search on jobs that compliment
your personality and giftedness.
Depending upon the opportunities available in your area, you may or may not
be able to find that perfect match. But having an idea of where your
strengths - and weaknesses - lie will help you in your search.
*****
Comments? Write Cheryl at homebodies@comcast.net.
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THE ANNUAL REVIEW
The Dollar Stretcher
By Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Copyright 2007
When I worked in the corporate world, the annual performance review was
always important. Not only was it a way of telling how I was doing compared
to what my employer expected, but it was also a good opportunity to identify
areas where improvements could be made. Sometimes I agreed with the boss'
comments. But, there were other times that I really thought that I could
have done a better evaluation myself.
The concept of an annual review can be helpful in your financial life, too.
There are certain things that you should evaluate on a regular basis. And
it's also a good idea to look at your own performance periodically. Most of
us have some areas where we could do better if we're willing to make minor
changes. So let's perform an annual review of our finances. In this case,
you'll be reviewing yourself. So, if you don't like the score you get,
you'll know exactly where to go to complain!
Have you reviewed your auto insurance within the last year? As your cars and
family grows older, your needs will change. And, you might find a better
rate by shopping around. 3 points for checking for appropriate coverage and
comparing rates. 1 point for checking either. 0 points for thinking that
your brother-in-law the insurance agent is taking care of it!
Have you reviewed your homeowner's insurance in the last two years? While
not as likely to change as your auto policy, homeowner's coverage still
needs to be reviewed periodically. 3 points if you reviewed it this year. 1
point if you reviewed it the year before. 0 points for thinking that you
only need to look at your homeowner's policy when you buy a new home.
How much money do you owe? An easy way to measure your economic well-being
is to see if you owe more or less money than you did last year. 3 points for
reducing your total debt by 10% or more. 2 points for reducing it by 5 to
10%. 1 point for reducing it by 1 to 5%. 0 points if it remained the same.
Minus 1 point if the amount you owe went up.
How is your debt structured? Generally borrowing to buy something that will
hold its value (like a house) isn't as bad as borrowing for something that
will be gone long before the payments are (like a pizza). 3 points if you
don't owe any money to anyone. 2 points if you only owe money on your home.
1 point if you owe on your house and car. 0 points if you owe on a credit
card or personal loan. Minus 1 point if you owe money to everyone in your
office.
Did you add to your retirement savings last year? Each year brings you that
much closer to retirement. And, the magic of compounding means that a dollar
saved for retirement in your 20s is much more valuable than a dollar saved
in your 50s. So every year counts. 3 points if you saved 4% of your salary
or more last year. 2 points if you saved 2 to 4% of your salary. 1 point if
you saved 1% of your salary. 0 points if you didn't add anything to your
retirement accounts. Minus two points if you borrowed from your retirement
plan last year.
Have you reviewed your investments in the last year? You don't need to be a
Wall Street wizard to know that today's investment climate changes quickly.
That means that you need to look at your investment position regularly to
see if adjustments are required. It's tempting to focus on whether you made
money since your last review. Yes, that's something that you should check.
But, more importantly, are you positioned for the future? Do you need to
make any changes now? 3 points if you reviewed your investments at least
once each quarter. 1 point if you reviewed them at least once during the
year. 0 points if your account statements are stacked on your desk waiting
for you to look at them.
So how did you do? If you scored 15 or more, you really have things under
control. You're probably only reading this because it's after-hours and you
can't call your broker or insurance agent at this time!
A score of 10 to 14 points indicate that you're trying, but still need a
little work to be a personal finance pro. If you scored between 5 and 9
points, you probably need to pay more attention to your finances. And if you
scored less than 5 points, make sure that your rich uncle has included you
in his will. You'll need the cash!
*****
Gary Foreman is a former financial planner who currently edits The Dollar
Stretcher (www.stretcher.com) and a variety of family-friendly newsletters,
providing thousands of time and money saving articles. Contact him at
gary@stretcher.com.
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LIVING BELOW THE BAR
Girlfriends in God
By Sharon Jaynes
Sharon@sharonjaynes.com
Copyright 2007
"So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons" (2 Samuel
9:11 NIV).
Who in the world is Mephibosheth and what possessed his momma to give him
such a name? Well, I can't answer the second question, but I can shed some
light on the first. Mephibosheth was a man who was living way below his
potential. He was the grandson of King Saul and the son of Prince Jonathan,
but he lived like a pauper. When he was a boy, his nurse dropped him while
fleeing from their enemies. As a result, he was crippled in both feet (2
Samuel 9).
When David took over as King of Israel, he wanted to know if there was
anyone in Jonathan's household to whom he could show kindness. Jonathan had
been David's best friend and he loved him as a brother. A servant told David
about the crippled Mephiboseth, and he was summoned immediately. Mephiboseth
lived in a place called Lo-Debar (meaning a pasture-less land).
My own (very unofficial) translation of Lo-Debar is "below the bar."
Mephiboseth was living below the bar. He was the grandchild of a king, but
he was living in a pasture less land like a pauper. When he came before King
David he said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like
me?"
David didn't even answer him. He simply turned to his servant and commanded
that all the land that had been Saul's be given back to his grandson and
that Mephibosheth should eat at the king's table everyday.
Perhaps you are walking around like a crippled because of something that has
happened to you as a child. Perhaps you feel like a "dead dog." And yet, God
is looking for ways to bless you, to restore what has been taken away, and
invite you to feast at His table everyday. Mephiboseth was a grandchild of
King Saul and potential heir to the throne. However, he saw himself as
nothing more than a "dead dog," unworthy to receive even the smallest crumb
of kindness from David. David's desire was to restore to Mephibosheth all
the land that would have been his inheritance and invite him to feast at his
table daily. Mephibosheth didn't see himself as he really was. In reality,
he was royalty. "A dead dog?" I think not!
Do you see yourself as you really are? You are a chosen, dearly loved, child
of God. You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, delivered from
the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of light! You,
girlfriend, are a child of the King!
LET’S PRAY
Dear Lord, so many times I walk around with an emotional limp like a wounded
animal. But the truth is, I am a child of the King and I should act like
one! Thank you for inviting me to feast at Your banquet table every morning
by feeding my soul from Your Word and drinking in the Holy Spirit's power.
Today, I will not limp about, but run, jump, and even dance with the joy!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
*****
Sharon Jaynes is the former vice president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and a
co-founder of Girlfriends in God (www.girlfriendsingod.com). Read more of
her inspiring words there, at www.proverbs31.org or at her personal website,
www.sharonjaynes.com.
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PUBLICATION INFORMATION
Copyright 2007 Cheryl Gochnauer. All rights reserved. For permission to
reprint an article, please write homebodies@comcast.net.
All articles are printed with the author's prior consent. It is assumed that
any questions, tips or replies to questions may be reprinted. All letters
become the property of Cheryl Gochnauer.
Cheryl Gochnauer does not assume responsibility for advice given. All
advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and
applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe
and suitable for their own situation.
Homebodies is a free weekly e-mail newsletter.
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