IndianaFestivals.org

I came across this site several years ago. They have a very good listing of 300 local festivals throughout Indiana. I added a direct link to their calendar on the side menu.

You can also have a FREE printed guide sent in the mail.

Becoming a member is only required if you want to advertise.

Had enough of being social?

If you think being social is taking up too much of your time and don’t know where to begin, you need to read this recent article I found from the LA Times.

It describes the steps to delete or deactivate Facebook, Twitter and the new Google+.

What do you waste your money on?

According to a recent CNN/Money article, here are the top 10. Click on the link to read more.

1. ATM Fees
2. Lottery Tickets
3. Gourmet Coffee
4. Cigarettes
5. Infomercial Impulse Buys
6. Brand Name Groceries
7. Eating Out
8. Unused Gym Memberships
9. Daily Internet Deals
10. Bundled Cable/Phone Services

Federal Budget vs. Household Budget: How Do They Compare? – Budgeting – daveramsey.com

MUST READ!!  

Federal Budget vs. Household Budget: How Do They Compare? – Budgeting – daveramsey.com.

Family Spending

 The first % is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2009 data. The % in bold is based on our family’s April “zero-based budget” spending.

Groceries – 7.65% vs. 9.4%
Dining Out – 5.34% vs. 1%
Alcohol – na vs. 0.3%
Tobacco – na vs. 0%
Housing – 34.43% vs. 21%
Apparel & Services – 3.52% vs. 0.8%
Transportation – 15.61% vs. 7.6%
Healthcare - 6.37% vs. 0.6%
Entertainment - 5.49% vs. 0%
Education – na vs. 0%
Donations – na vs. 6.5%
Insurance – 11.5% vs. 3%
Pension & Social Security – na vs. 44%
Miscellaneous – na vs. 6%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

If it sounds too good to be true – it usually is!

A few months ago, I received my special invitation to join the local DirectBuy club hidden in a small shopping center in Indianapolis. I had seen their commercials on TV and was looking for new furniture for the house so I agreed to driving to Indy for my personal tour. After a little research online I decided against it.

Looks like I made the right decision. STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

Stupid Tax

 Or “Dumbest Things You Can Do With Your Money”.

1. Fall in love… with your investments
2. Chase a fantasy
3. “On Sale” doesn’t mean “Good Deal”
4. Retalitory spending
5. Hanging onto debt
6. Parental martyrdom
7. Cyber insecurity
8. State of denial
9. Hoarding money

Read full article here.

Life doesn’t take Visa or MasterCard!

Everyone needs a little validation!

Typical American Family Spending

 Ever wonder how the typical American family spends their money?

Groceries – 7.1%
Dining Out – 5.7%
Alcohol – 0.9%
Tobacco – 0.7%
Housing – 32.7%
Apparel & Services – 4.1%
Transportation – 18%
Healthcare - 5.7%
Entertainment - 5.1%
Education – 2%
Donations – 3.6%
Insurance – 0.8%
Pension & Social Security – 10.4%
Miscellaneous – 1.7 %

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics