Budget Boot Camp - Financial DREAMS vs. Financial GOALS

First of all, thanks to everyone for sticking with us! We've actually picked up MORE campers since last month's e-mail (for those of you who missed it, your assignment was to List all your accounts and their balances. Now, onto the next step . . . writing down your financial goals!

This is BUDGET Boot Camp, why are we talking about goals? 

Like anything that requires consistency and diligence, budgeting can be hard. Goals will keep you motivated by reminding you what you're working towards. Just like dieters who post motivational pictures and quotes on their fridge, financial goals will help you push through the tough parts. Endorphins are not limited to marathon runners. Just wait until the first time you get your budget in place, start checking it regularly, and watch how it puts you on track to reach all of your financial goals!

Do you have financial goals? 

I hope so! Let me ask you this--Do you have financial GOALS or do you have financial DREAMS? What's the difference? DREAMS live in our heads. GOALS are written down, planned for, and reviewed often. Which do you think is more likely to happen? The answer is obvious, so read on to find out how to turn your financial dreams into financial goals.

One of my financial goals: Get these cute little kiddos to college (and stay sane in the process). Occasionally, both goals feel like a long shot.

Kids Doing Their Own Laundry by Age 8--Here's How!

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About me: Hey there! My name is Shauna Klippel. I have a wonderful husband and together we have seven children. While I love things like, vintage fashion, keeping organized and exercising, what I love even more is dedicating myself to this family we have created. Helping my children to be happy and successful in their lives is number one on the list for me right now. Together, my husband and I work hard to instill a good work ethic, love and spirituality in our children's lives and in our own lives as well. Part of what makes life busy is homeschool, frequent travels to San Francisco, and regular old household work that has to be done in order for our home to run happily and efficiently. And this is the life that I love the most! Check out my blog at klippel.blogspot.com.

Here I will share with you, tried and true tips and the belief I have behind having children do consistent "work" in their homes. 

Like most of us, as parents we are always looking for opportunities for our children to work. We want our children to be productive people. Gone are the days where we work from sun up to sun down, performing hard tasks that could actually be described as labor. Except for some, this just isn't our reality anymore. So, while manual labor may not be on the back porch, we can expect our children to do major household tasks such as laundry. And this is just what we've done. We've taught our children to do their own laundry from a young age and they are expected to do it weekly. Keep in mind that these tips are tried and true. And, I'm not going to share anything that's rocket science, really. Read on to find out how I get my kids to do their own laundry...it's really quite simple. 

Shauna's Four Oldest Kids

AGE 5:  

First off,

Tax Series #3: What are some easy ways to file my return? (Includes Coupon Code!)

Tax time. It rolls around every year. How are you going to get that pesky return filed? Here at Money Hip Mamas, we're here to help. There are a million different tax preparation services, so I polled my friends (many of which are tax accountants themselves) to get the scoop on the best options out there.

Do-It-Yourself Software

For A Basic Return

Taxslayer.com - My good accountant friend Nate has

Getting Your Toddler (or Baby!) to Sleep In

How much would you pay to get your toddler or child to always sleep in (or at least happily stay in bed) until a decent hour? If your answer is $30, keep reading...

***UPDATE: Just used this clock successfully with my 10-month-old as well. I love my life.

Not too long ago, I was fighting the almost-daily battle of a two-year-old waking up too early. I found the most glorious solution and have been singing its praises so loudly and so often, I finally decided to write up a blog post so I can send a link rather than re-typing my explanation of this marvelous invention.

It's called the "Ok to Wake Children's Alarm Clock and Nightlight." Lauren recommended it to me a long time ago and I must admit, I hesitated several months before buying it ($30 isn't a fortune, but I'm pretty cheap and was skeptical it would work). By the time I got frustrated and exhausted enough to order it, I almost paid extra for the one-day shipping. In addition to a toddler, I had a newborn and was desperate for any extra sleep.

How It Works:

Budget Boot Camp - To Do #1: Calculate Your Net Worth

Pop Quiz: 

How is it possible that rich, famous MULTI-millionaires can end up not only broke, but in huge amounts of debt? I hate to call out the beloved “U Can’t Touch This” creator, but MC Hammer is the perfect example. And how is it possible that my own dear Grandpa was able to comfortably provide for his large family and have plenty saved for retirement working as a humble dairy delivery man? Budgeting, baby. Many people think the solution to financial stress is to make more money, but that's just one part of the equation. Without budgeting, it doesn't matter how much money you make because it won't ever be enough. Not only will budgeting help you avoid financial disaster, it's how you'll reach your financial goals (Don't have any specific financial goals? You will next month--stay tuned!).

Just like regular boot camp, if you're out of budgeting shape, this isn't going to be easy. Adopting any new habit takes dedication, but we're here to help by breaking it down into one manageable task (or “To Do” Item) per month. Stick with us and you'll end 2014 with a

Free (and Easy) Budget Bootcamp - Join Us!

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A lot of people have been asking for help with their budgets, so during 2014, we're determined to help you all become pros at the foundation of personal finance: BUDGETING! We decided to make a cool (and free!) once-a-month budgeting boot camp.

Basically, we're offering to be your FREE budget consultants. So if you've been wanting to get in the habit of budgeting, this is a great opportunity! Take advantage of our overzealousness. Both of our families have recently expanded, so who knows when we'll ever have the energy for an opportunity like this again. :)

How to join?

If you already subscribe to our blog through e-mail, Feedly, etc., don't do a thing. You'll already get the Budget Boot Camp as part of our blog. Otherwise...

Send us your e-mail (it will only be used for the once-a-month MHM Budget Boot Camp):

Sign me up for Budget Boot Camp!

Email Address *

Cute (and Cheap!) DIY Valentine's Day Decorations

This post has been moved to my new blog MoneyFitMoms.comx

See DIY Valentine's Date Decorations post here.

Plus, here are the BEST Stay at Home Date Ideas.

By the way, check out this post if you're looking for how to save money fast.