savingjoyfully

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The Impact of Burnout On Your Finances

If you are anything like me burnout has probably become a very familiar feeling. Burnout happens to me when I get overwhelmed with my job and life and find it hard to say no to things that I probably should be saying no to. I hate to disappoint others so I will often choose to push myself past my limits before I ever turn someone down on anything. When I continually do this, I often learn the hard way that I have limitations and I cannot handle everything.

What Are The Impacts Of Burnout On My Life?

My Health

One of the biggest things that I have noticed is impacted by burnout in my life is my health. Lack of exercise, not eating healthy, balanced meals, and not sleeping well all contribute to a decline in my overall health when I am experiencing burnout. When I am stressed and overwhelmed, I easily overlook these important aspects of taking care of my health and begin to suffer the consequences.

My relationship with God

Spending time alone in prayer and reading the word of God is extremely important and is often overlooked in our lives. Although I recognize this is one thing that we should never overlook sadly it is often one of the easiest things for burnout to steal from us. As Christians, we know that we should always prioritize our time spent with God above everything else in our lives. Nothing is more important than our relationship with God and our relationship with Him has a great impact on every aspect of life.

My family

Although I realize that family comes first before my job I somehow always fail at prioritizing family. When I am feeling stressed and impacted by burnout I find myself just trying to get by in life. This often means doing what is necessary to get by and often this impacts the quality time spent with those I love. My daughter is four years old and I do not want to miss important things as she is growing up so being aware of this is critically important to me. She must remain a top priority in my life and I need to make sure that she knows that she is a priority always.

My finances

When burnout is a reality in my life I find that my finances are impacted by many poor financial decisions. I will go deeper in depth about the impact on my finances in this post today but the main reason is the lack of time I have leads me to many bad choices with my money. I pay less attention to things that truly matter and my quick decisions often out of desperation or exhaustion can be costly.

What Are Some Common Impacts of Burnout On Our Finances?

Overdraft fees and late charges for missed payments. This often happens because we do not take the necessary time to calculate and manage our spending or forget to pay our bills on time.

Eating out or overspending on convenience food and beverage items. This is one of our biggest costs when we are under increased stress because we find it nearly impossible to eat quickly or to make things at home

Health problems leading to financial burden as a result of increased stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, lack of exercise & eating poorly

How has burnout negatively impacted my financial goals?

Over the years I have experienced periods of burnout that have led to many poor choices in my life. Burnout usually happened when I was not being careful about managing my time or was feeling overwhelmed financially. One of the big reasons I would become overwhelmed would be that I found it so tough to say no. I always found that I wanted to be a part of things that were going on and could never say no to picking up time at work or hanging out with friends. After repeatedly struggling to say no to others or to find time for myself eventually it would start to show. I found that paycheck to paycheck cycle became so common in these times often leading to overdrafts or missed bills because I simply didn’t stop to review what was going out and coming in financially. My food choices are always more costly during these periods of my life. During these times I would find myself way overspending on convenience foods, lunches or dinners out and wasting food purchased at home. After spending just a short time in one of these seasons I find myself in a cycle of paycheck to paycheck living which soon leads to debt & lack. To avoid living in this type of cycle repeatedly there are a few important things to remember.

Important reminders to protect your finances and prevent burnout

Remember what is most important in your life and learn to say no. Sometimes you have to master the art of saying no and if people get disappointed in your choices you have to be alright with it. Everyone does not deserve your time and there are some things that are more important than anything else. Those things are spending some time alone with God each day, time with your spouse or children, getting rest, taking care of your health and having some alone time for yourself. Without these things life is very different and overlooking these relationships and areas of importance can have devastating consequences.

Always take a bit of time each week to balance your checking account/budget so you can get a good picture of where you are financially.

Exercise is so important to your health. You need to take sometime for yourself daily to walk, run, get active or go to a gym.

Make sure that you are eating healthy and eating more at home. If you find yourself eating out on the go too often this can be both devastating to your health & wallet. Make some changes as soon as possible to how you are eating so that you can both spend less of your money of food and more time preparing healthy meals at home.

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Trusting God with my Finances

While the world is rapidly changing, we are left with so many questions. What will the future hold? Will we be able to afford to pay our bills? Can we make rent next month? Will our job still be here tomorrow? These times we are living in are very uncertain and they can bring with them a lot of anxious feelings. Today I wanted to remind you that we do not need to fear the future. Our God is bigger and He has a plan even when we cannot see it.

Trusting God with our financial future

What is the most important thing to remember when your future feels out of control? Remember who holds your future and that is God. Nothing we can ever do to plan for the future is ever guaranteed. We can save money, invest money, and store food, but these things can all be gone with one simple disaster. I believe the only way we can have hope for our future is to completely trust God. Fear should not consume our minds as Christians’ we should be consistently praying and seeking God’s guidance daily with our needs then trusting Him to meet those needs.

Until last year Saving Joyfully has been designed to guide you with self-help ideas and my opinions. My goal has always been to help others transform their finances along my journey. 

While my intentions were not bad and I had hoped to help others with something that I always struggled with myself I never realized something important. Only God can truly help us transform our financial life. Sure we can give advice and guidance to others but a true transformation in the area of finance comes from completely surrendering your financial life and trusting God.

The last few years have led me along a path of surrender and transformation that has opened my eyes to my flawed thinking and practices. Until this transformation began I was convinced that Saving Joyfully was chronicling my hope for a better financial future and helping others through my experiences. I was wrong Saving Joyfully may have helped you and even me to better understand the overall picture of our financial life and begin the transformation but it was missing something. What was missing? The best financial advice! The biblical truths of God’s word on money and its place in our lives. It was missing the repentance for trying to do it on our own, the surrender of my financial life to the Lord, and the faith in God to transform my finances. It was missing the power of God which can ultimately bring about this transformation and the only true way to experience financial freedom.

What I’ve learned so far on my transformation journey

Since beginning to understand these key missing elements God has begun a deep work within my heart and life. He has started refining me in ways that I never even realized were needed. It has been painful and eye-opening but it was exactly what I needed to rescue me from the love of Money & a life focused on money. Below are just a few bible passages that God has

What does the bible say about money?

1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Matthew 6:19-21 - “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:24 - “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. 25 - “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 - Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 - Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 -  “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 - yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 - And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 - “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 - These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 -Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 -  “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. 

While money is not evil & having money is not evil a life focused on money, and storing up money here on earth is not the right mindset. When we focus on money that much we risk money becoming our master as the Bible talks about.

Money begins to consume and direct our lives until we no longer look to God and trust Him with our finances. We begin to worry, turn away from trusting God, and seek financial prosperity and financial freedom over the desires we should have as believers. Money then becomes our master when we place our trust in money we make it more important than God in our lives.

Give God all of you and surrender your financial life to Him and He will take care of all of your needs. You may never be rich or have everything your heart desires but you will always have enough. Trust Him and walk by faith in His many promises.

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BEST FREE BIBLE APPS AND TOOLS

If you are starting to read your bible for the first time or trying to dive in deeper to increase your bible knowledge I believe you will find these resources helpful.

As I have been doing the same this past few years I thought it would be great to share some of the free resources that I have found for my own bible reading and study time.

Top 5 Best Free Bible Websites, Apps, & Tools

You Version Bible App

One of my favorite bible apps is the You Version bible app. I discovered this app this past year and love that you can use it completely free and access numerous bible translations, bible study tools and even create scripture images that can be shared on social media or with anyone. Another feature that I love as a busy tired mother is that I can sometimes listen to the bible instead as it is read on the You Version app. If I am trying to get some bible reading in and my 3 year old daughter needs my attention I can surprisingly often get her to sit and listen with me.

2. Blue Letter Bible

Blue Letter Bible is a Bible study resource that offers various tools from bible study resources, web based bibles, free web tools & digital products. Click on the image below to locate the website and discover their resources.

3. Our Daily Bread Devotional App

I use this app daily as my own personal devotional in the morning. My favorite feature is that the daily devotional can also be listened to as well as read so if I am in a hurry I can just listen instead of read. Sometimes it is easier for me to listen everyday espescially as a busy mom who works. My father passed away a few years ago and I always remember him reading the our daily bread devotional. I rediscovered the devotional about two years ago and this memory makes this tool even more special for me.

4. Bible Gateway App

The Bible Gateway website is another great bible website and app to read or even listen to the Bible in multiple translations. The Bible Gateway app also offers commentaries, dictionaries & reading plans.

5. GotQuestions.org

Another Unique Christian Bible resource is a website called Gotquestions.org which provides resource for those who have bible related questions. They even have a Podcast called Got Questions that dives into some top Bible questions that many have.

The Apps, websites and tools listed above are all resources that I loved. I choose to recommend them based on my own usage and resources that they provide which I use myself. I am always looking for new free resources like these to share with my readers if you have one you would like to include that offers free access please feel free to send me a message here.

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Get Books For Free or Donate Books - Little Free Library

In neighborhoods throughout the United States and around the world Little Free Libraries are popping up everywhere. These Little Free Libraries are such a great idea to help us locate free books & donate books within our communities. Little Free Library offers opportunities for many people across the world to discover the Joy of reading. For those who cannot afford a book or to travel far from home, it places books in their neighborhood free of charge. receive the gift of a free book. This does not happen

What is a Little Free Library?

Little Free Library offers opportunities for many people across the world to discover the Joy of reading even when they can’t afford much. For those who don’t have the money to purchase a book or to travel far from home, it places books in their neighborhood free of charge. This does not happen without the help of people like us within our own communities. Donating books by placing them in these free libraries helps keep these libraries well stocked with wonderful books to read. Starting a new Little Free Library provides your own neighborhood this opportunity and gives you the chance to bless others with some of your favorite books.

These Free Little Libraries are not always completely free for the person who chooses to start one. It does cost the person who is starting the library because they must purchase the free library or supplies to create it to get it initially set up. After they purchase the library and set it up they are free to fill the library with books and so is their community all around them. Many donate books they no longer need and at the same time discover a new book for themselves for free. Sure many communities have libraries where you can check out books but you do not get to keep them. The Free Little Library allows you to gift a book to others and when you truly love a book you could even set aside some money to purchase a few to share.

Why were Little Free Libraries started?

The cool thing is that these libraries are often filled with great children’s books to encourage our children to read more. I enjoy donating books as my own daughter outgrows them and finding her a new book she will love. We have discovered countless books that she now loves while walking past these libraries. She has already outgrown her bookshelf and we are in need of a new one just for the books she insists on keeping. Little Free Library was started for this very purpose to bless others with the gift of reading and to spread a bit of joy within your community.

How do I locate a Little Free Library?

These little free libraries have a website where they share how you can order and create your own little free library and locate the libraries across the United States. If you love to read and can’t afford to buy new books these libraries are a huge blessing. My daughter just turned three and loves to read she enjoys picking up new books to read and I like that if she ends up ripping them they are hers to keep.

You can check out the website here for a map of little free libraries and start locating one near you. When you visit why not bring a stack of books to share with those in your community?

How can I start my own Little Free Library?

Are you interested in starting your own Little Free Library? You can visit the website here where they give you instructions on creating a Little Free Library for yourself. This is an opportunity to bless others and bring them joy through a small gift of love. The gift of a book that can whisk them away to a far-off land, teach them something new or even bring them some hope today. While you are placing books in your new Little Free Library you could also choose to include a special note of encouragement in a book or even a small gift card. We have an incredible opportunity with these Little Free Libraries to be a blessing and provide joy to someone we may never meet in person. Spread some love and Joy today by visiting a Little Free Library and blessing your own community.

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Mabee Lodge At The Keeter Center - Is It Worth It?

Are you looking for a quiet romantic getaway in a rustic, yet accessible location with luxury amenities? Then Southwest Missouri has a hidden gem for you. My husband and I were looking for a special hotel to spend one night in for our 16th anniversary. We had heard about the Mabee Lodge at The Keeter Center and thought it might be an interesting experience. We had previously visited The Keeter Center restaurant and were pleasantly surprised by the delicious food and wonderful service. At the time that we visited for an Easter brunch, we were told about the hotel and were somewhat intrigued. The food was excellent and we couldn’t help but wonder what staying in the lodge would be like.

What is the Mabee Lodge at The Keeter Center?

The College of the Ozarks is a Christian college that prides itself in providing quality education but allowing students to attend college at no cost. The students do not pay tuition, they work on campus to fund their college education. The Mabee Lodge is a hotel inside The Keeter Center at the front of the college campus. The college students staff the center and the lodge, work the farm, prepare food, run the gift shop, and care for the landscape. The students also serve in various shops around the campus like the stained glass and candle shop. We loved the idea of what the college does and wanted to both support them and get a chance to experience it ourselves. 

We viewed multiple area hotels and resorts and found the Mabee Lodge for less than most of the other luxury hotels in the Branson/Table Rock area. In the end, we booked one night in a loft suite, this was our experience. 

Our Review of Mabee Lodge at The Keeter Center

Our stay at the lodge began around 4 pm when we checked in we were greeted warmly by a student who checked us in and provided our brass room keys and instructions to access the floor we were staying on. We passed the gift shop, restaurant, ice cream counter, and coffee shop on our way to the room. Every area within The Keeter Center and the Mabee Lodge is extremely well maintained and invites you to stay and enjoy yourself. 

Loft Suite Features at Mabee Lodge

As we entered our room we were shocked at how beautiful the room was and how clean everything was. The design was well thought out with the guest’s comfort in mind. The wooden beams and the vaulted ceiling gave you a cozy yet classy feel. Our room was on the 3rd floor, which overlooked the back of The Keeter Center and the college campus. From our balcony, you can just make out Branson in the distant hills.

The kitchenette was one of the first areas you encounter which has a nice set of dishes and silverware, a sink, a coffee pot, complimentary fresh ground coffee and creamers, complimentary beverages in a small fridge, and some wonderful student-made snacks courtesy of the hotel. I am gluten-free which my husband had mentioned to them on the phone and they seemed to take that into account with the snacks they provided. On the stone breakfast counter was a card congratulating us on our anniversary signed by the staff and students. It was beautifully hand-written and sealed with a wax seal, which was a gorgeous touch.

The bathroom was beautiful, well designed, and even had a towel warmer. There was a large tile shower and the jetted whirlpool tub was big enough for two. Everything was impeccably clean and left a great first impression. Just to the right of the very large mirror, next to the sink was a small delicate vase of fresh cut flowers from the on-campus greenhouse. It was well stocked with: a pump hand soap; 2 medium-sized bar soaps; a shampoo; a conditioner; a lotion; 1 bath salt (you may choose from a couple of scents) for the whirlpool; a small pack of disposable manicure items; a blow dryer; an iron; tissues; plenty of towels and washcloths; and two larger-sized bath robes.

Rest and Relax in a Peaceful Hideaway

The bed was very comfortable and clean, and so were the sheets and comforters. We both slept very well that night on a king-sized bed with all the pillows you could need. The bedside tables contained plenty of outlets for your electronic devices and lamps for reading.

To the right of the bed was a rustic wooden desk facing the window with a writing pad and lamp. The fireplace in the stone hearth was another classic touch and provided that lodge feel. The whole atmosphere was just a step above other places we have stayed.

The hotel room offered a nice sitting area with a couch, an armchair, coffee tables, and a cabinet with cable tv. Also, movies were available at the front desk that could be borrowed while you stayed there if you like. All of the furniture was in great shape and very welcoming, it would be easy to have a guest or two over for coffee. There is free WIFI for guests if you still need to stay connected to the world you’re trying to escape from.

Our private balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the college and hotel was another great feature. It was a perfect place to sit and enjoy coffee and breakfast in the morning or watch the sunset at night. This just added an enjoyable sense of calm to the whole experience.

My Favorite Parts of Our Stay

Dinner at The Keeter Center was amazing. Although not included in the price of our stay, definitely worth it. My gluten intolerance was handled with care and I was provided delicious alternate options at no extra cost. The meal was probably the best food we have ever had in Missouri. Branson has several great local restaurants and well-known chains like Guy Fieri’s Branson Kitchen. However, the fresh from the farm ingredients, amazing staff, and beautiful décor give a 5-star fine dining experience for a shockingly reasonable price.

The area on the balcony was roomy, clean, and overlooked the beautiful campus. We enjoyed some beverages and conversation on the balcony that evening while watching the sunset over the Ozark mountains. Watching Branson’s lights come alive at night was a nice touch. The city was close enough to make out the massive Ferris wheel and other landmarks on the strip, but far enough away that it still felt like a rustic mountain getaway. 

The College of the Ozarks bottled water was surprisingly tasty and free for the asking, another little added bonus.

In addition to the complimentary treats, soft drinks/bottled water/coffee was the turn-down service. Each evening between 6 and 8 pm a team of student employees and the hotel manager stop by each guest's room. They stocked our mini fridge with a glass jar of fresh milk from their dairy and left a plate of fresh baked cookies on our breakfast bar. They dimmed the lights and turned on the fireplace. Our bedding was turned down and near the end of the bed was a card with tomorrow’s date and weather accompanied by some tasty chocolates. They even turned on the towel warming rack in the bathroom. When my husband booked the room weeks ago he mentioned we were celebrating our 16th anniversary and that I eat gluten-free. When we looked at the plate of cookies that they left during turndown we noticed a special note written around the plate of delicious gluten-free cookies congratulating us on our anniversary. We didn’t pay extra for a special anniversary package but they went above and beyond just to make us feel special. Next to the plate of cookies and glass of milk was the room service card to select items for your complimentary continental breakfast. The continental breakfast includes a beverage of your choice, fresh fruit, yogurt parfait, and a freshly made bakery item (they even offered a delicious gluten-free option). For a small charge, you can add additional items to a-la-cart such as eggs and bacon. They also had all sorts of larger restaurant-style full breakfast options for a just bit more. If you want to stay somewhere high quality that cares about its guests we recommend this hotel.

The next morning we enjoyed coffee (after our surprisingly filling breakfast) once again on the balcony while planning our day in Branson. We also took advantage of the discount available to guests at the gift shop on all student-made items. We toured a very well-put-together military exhibit in the hall just past the front desk and ice cream counter.

Is a Stay Worth the Money?

So…is staying at the Mabee Lodge at The Keeter Center worth the price they charge per night? Yes, it is more than worth the money, and here are the reasons why.

Décor and Landscaping: The grounds are garden-like; The lobby was impressive yet welcoming capturing a friendly rustic feel; The room was beautiful, continuing the rustic yet cozy experience.

Cleanliness: Everything was clean, my husband couldn’t find dust or mildew anywhere, even when he looked; You can tell that the student staff takes pride in what they do and pays close attention to things many hotels don’t.

Comfort: The bed was comfortable; The couch, chairs, and stools were also something you will find inviting; the jetted tub was perfect for relaxing; You can tell that the whole space was designed with the guest's experience in mind.

Service: Every interaction we had with hotel staff was kind, courteous, and enjoyable; It was hard for us to accept that we were getting service from college students that were as good or better than any hotel or resort we’ve ever stayed in; They answered all our questions and seemed to remember every detail even down to our anniversary.

Security: Even though the hotel feels like a family-friendly safe location it’s obvious that security is still a priority; Hotel guests park in complimentary parking separately from visitors with their parking tags; Campus security makes regular rounds in The Keeter Center and out and about.

Cuisine: The free continental breakfast was delicious and almost more than I could eat. Being so close to Branson your options for dining are numerous and delicious; With so many items and ingredients grown and produced on campus The Keeter Center restaurant is hard to compete with; the food served at The Keeter Center was not only delicious, but the entire fine dining experience was in a class of its own; The Keeter Center dinner menu pricing in the dining room was lower than other popular restaurants in the area and yet the food quality was a level above.

Entertainment: Branson is a popular area less than 15 minutes to the north with many options for entertainment; Johnny Morris’s Top of the Rock is just minutes to the south; Table Rock Lake is also a short drive away; Or save money and relax at the hotel, the campus offers interesting options like feeding swans at the old mill or visiting the military memorials.

Final Thoughts

Of all of the hotels we have stayed at in the Branson, Missouri area, Mabee Lodge is the best. We did not have one bad experience while we were there and appreciated all the ways that they went above and beyond what we would have expected. We know that if you choose Mabee Lodge you will not be disappointed either. We are not paid to promote The Keeter Center and do not receive any compensation for this review. This was our genuine experience and recommendation after our recent stay.

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New post on the blog #money #finance #financialfreedom #financialindependence #financialmanagement #moneymanagement #moneymatters #faithbasedfinance #faith #hope #joy #savingjoyfully https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf2Pxjyvk1T/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Thank you @oldpodcast for featuring my article today ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CfxE4VBPnx2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Happy Father’s Day! Your job is far more important than our world tells you everyday! You are warriors, friends and important examples in lives of your family. May God bless each of you today and everyday as you tackle one of the most important jobs…..being a father! #fathersday #fathers https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce_4k_7utG2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Wealth/Money is not wrong but loving and making it our primary focus is. Remember that when your focus is on money first and foremost your priorities are wrong. As a Christian your relationship with God should always come first. When money controls us we cannot seek God and commit our lives to Him the way that we are supposed to do as Christian’s. Align your life with His heart and desires this is where freedom and true wealth are found. #finance #money #joy #wealth #christianfinance #savingjoyfully https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce6ZBAQuWad/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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An article from @savingjoyfully was featured on the @oldpodcast recently. This article was written by Laura Gariepy owner of Before You Go Freelance. Check out the podcast or their YouTube videos. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce1R6z1OvQD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Check for possible #freebies on your @krogerco app #freestuff #coupons #couponing #couponcommunity #savingmoney #savingjoyfully https://www.instagram.com/p/CeesBC6OYr9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Why We Switched To Patriot Mobile

Do you feel like you spend way too much on your current cell phone provider? Are you looking to lower your cell phone bills and find a plan that does not require a contract? If so I think I might be able to help you with my current cell phone carrier.

Why we switched to Patriot Mobile

My husband and I started looking a few years ago for a lower cost option for a cell phone carrier. I was always hesitant to switch phone carriers because I was afraid the plan we would get would not provide quality service. I was wrong and I am very happy that I was.

The plan we currently have may not work for everyone but it is the best fit and lowest cost for our needs. We have never owned smart phones because we have been able to meet our needs with lower cost phones and plans. However, over the years our carrier kept raising costs even on our basic phone plans and pushing smart phones. This was not what we wanted and so we started discussing our options and searching for a better carrier. The carrier we were with was one we had been with since our early twenties and we had always been told they had a better network and coverage.

My husband found a carrier who was recommended by a conservative radio program and he started researching them. He liked the fact that the companies beliefs aligned with ours and I loved the price for the plans they offered. We decided after more than 15 years with our previous carrier to give a new carrier a try.

We have not regretted the choice we made to switch. I wanted to encourage others that might be looking to save money on their plans to check out Patriot mobile. If you are looking for a quality plan for less, a plan with no contract and one that will not increase your monthly costs unexpectedly this carrier might be right for you.

What makes Patriot Mobile different

Patriot Mobile describes themselves as America’s only Christian Conservative wireless provider. As you know I am a Christian and finding another Christian company that I can support was another deciding factor for me. Their faith though is not the only thing that sets them apart. They also hold a lot of the same values as I do which I am finding less and less companies these days that even come close. Patriot mobile supports causes that I believe in but they also support American families with great wireless plans that can really help your budget.

Why did I choose Patriot mobile and how do they save me money?

No Hidden Fees

Low monthly plans

No contract you can cancel anytime

I was able to keep my current phone number

They support causes that I believe in

Can I get Patriot Mobile no matter where I live?

Patriot mobile offers a great coverage tracker on their website that can really help you figure this out for yourself. I live in the Toledo, Ohio area and our coverage here has been impressive with Patriot mobile. I have yet to experience dropped calls or any sort of disadvantages to choosing this carrier.

See if Patriot Mobile offers coverage in your area here

Can I use my current phone and not buy a new one?

My husband and I rarely replace our phones. We love to go as long as possible without replacing them to cut costs. When switching over our phones were so old that it was impossible to use ours when we transferred to Patriot mobile. They did have a great replacement phone option that should last us a while and will help keep us on budget better.

Check to see if you can bring your own phone to patriot mobile here

Does Patriot Mobile offer any military or first responder discounts?

Patriot Mobile does offer a discount for Military and first responders currently the promo code to enter is: MILITARY&RESPONDERS

They also offer free activation and a free gift with promo code: PATRIOT

How much do current plans cost with Patriot Mobile?

Patriot mobile plans start as low as $25 a month plus tax and the highest unlimited plan is still only $55 a month plus tax. You cannot find such a great deal just anywhere anymore so this makes switching to Patriot mobile look incredibly attractive.

Do you have more questions about how to switch to Patriot mobile?

Check here for more details on how to get signed up with Patriot Mobile today. If you have additional questions their customer service is really helpful and can be reached M-F 9AM - 6PM CST at phone number 972-Patriot. You can save more money every month by switching to Patriot Mobile today and I am sure that you will not be disappointed that you did.

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REMEMBERING THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF YOUR FINANCES?

Memories of many years of poor financial management still haunt me. Sometimes it is in the moments and situations where I least expect it.

Today I stopped at an ATM to withdraw some money it was the same ATM that I have used for years and I was making just a simple $20 cash withdrawal.

The management of my financial situation has been far better than it ever was before. I’ve learned many hard lessons over the years and have come a long way towards a brighter financial future. 

The emotional impact of my finances?

As I pulled up to insert my debit card I saw a receipt hanging onto the ATM from the last cash withdrawal. I couldn’t help myself I peeked at the receipt as I was inserting my own card . With a wave of emotions, it all came running back to me. The years of financial struggles, tears, hopelessness, and feelings of failure overcame me. The withdrawal amount shown was $20 and the remaining balance was $16.13. My heart hurts for the person on the other end of that withdrawal. I know your struggle my friend and I’m so sorry. 

I realize that I don’t know the situation involved at all and I am making assumptions based on my past. My husband reminded me that this could be just one of many accounts and they could keep most of their money somewhere else. None of those thoughts ever crossed my mind. Why? Because in that brief moment I was that young woman again and I was right back where I used to be. I was receiving that same news at the ATM unexpectedly or worse the balance was negative followed by days of overdrafts I could no longer control. That hopeless feeling was so familiar and so overwhelming just like it used to be. Only this time it wasn’t me. Then I began to remember this is why I created Saving Joyfully. Saving Joyfully was created for those just like me struggling to learn to manage their financial situations. 

Memories like this come to mind frequently as I watch others struggle with similar financial situations. I'm reminded of a lifestyle I no longer live but could so easily slip back into.

If you are struggling financially

 If you are like I once was and you are struggling with your money. Maybe you have less than $20 in your account it’s not the end. Don’t give up! If I can turn my finances around completely so can you. There are many ways you can improve your situation right now even if it seems like you can’t. You might be tired, burned out, frustrated, and even depressed, but you can make it. There is help and hope. Remember, It’s not how much money you make it’s how you manage your money.

If you are just starting to make financial progress

If you’ve already made progress and you feel like your progress has stalled, don’t forget the financial struggles that once pushed you forward. Even today as I’ve made progress and no longer live paycheck to paycheck, I still am reminded of those days. I take these reminders as a blessing. Recalling what once pushed me out of that situation helps keep me on track.

Memories of my former finances keep me on the right track

I’m so grateful today for the progress that I have made so far with my money. I still recall those difficult years often and they still are very fresh in my mind. Each time I am faced with moments like this one I am reminded that overcoming financial struggles is always possible even when I may feel hopeless.

Someone once told me that what they appreciated about my blog was the honesty and emotional aspect which I frequently shared. They liked that I discussed the relationship between managing our finances and discovering joy. That has stuck in my mind since we had this conversation. My blog was created after a very difficult time in my life where I needed both encouragement to find joy in life and to keep making the right financial choices. 

The emotional side of managing our finances

There is most definitely an emotional side to managing money that is rarely discussed by anyone. This emotional aspect can be either the reason you succeed or the reason you fail. Don’t let your financial situation control your emotions and even more importantly don’t let your emotions manage your financial life. Learning to recognize the emotional pitfalls that once controlled you and your finances can change your situation drastically. When you recognize that you can control more than you had once thought, it becomes clearer that you absolutely can change your situation.

[savingjoyfully]

WORDS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE

One afternoon as I was leaving work I received a phone call from my sister. My father was not doing well and was being hospitalized after a sudden illness. He needed to have his gallbladder out but the doctors were also concerned there might be more going on. He had a bad infection and his blood work came back abnormal. My sister was very concerned about his declining health and wanted me to be aware. She mentioned that there was concern that my father’s cancer had returned and could be causing his abs to be off.

My father developed Non-Hodgins Lymphoma around the time I had turned 11. His diagnosis had always been difficult for my siblings and I to handle. Ever since we first learned he had cancer we had worried that it would ultimately take him from us. As the years went by his cancer had gone into remission and had been that way now for over 10 years. It appeared that his cancer may have returned but the doctors would not know for sure without additional testing.

The Call

Her call that day made me incredibly sad as I realized this could be the end. My father might be ill and even possibly dying and I might never speak with him before he passes. At that very moment, I envisioned years as a child where my father was still a part of my life. I had many thoughts that day about whether I would be welcomed if I did visit him. Deep down I believed my father would shut me out if I tried I felt that my choices in the past had destroyed our relationship indefinitely. That was a tough thing to imagine but I was certain that this was how it would end and I had known this for years.

My sister advised me that my father was not doing well and if I wanted to see him I probably should do it as soon as possible. I was convinced that no matter what she said I could never do that. He would never allow me to visit even if I had tried. Or would he? These were the types of thoughts that I would wrestle with that entire night.

My Story

My father and I had not been close for over 8 years. We had not spoken since a bad family situation took place around 2011. My family went through a tough time about 8 years prior requiring my husband and I had to step in and take custody of my two younger siblings. As you can imagine tensions and emotions ran high at that time and things had gotten messy amongst family.

Court dates, lawyers, and a very devastating situation as you can imagine had come between me and my parents. This entire experience had broken me beyond what I ever wanted to admit. My heart had become pretty hardened by everything and I was feeling very lost. Forgiveness was something I struggled with a lot as I tried hard to move past this painful experience and find joy.

The Three Signs

The next day before I started work I read an article that a friend of mine had written on her blog. Within this article, she spoke of healing and forgiveness. Her words were just what I needed at that very moment. God used her words to soften my heart and cause me to think in a way I might never have otherwise. A soft heart was something that I hadn’t had in a while, in fact the pain of the past had really begun to alter my attitude in a negative way. I started reflecting on the article and realized that God just might be trying to speak to me through her words.

Later that day I had a brief conversation with a coworker where I mentioned that my father was ill in the hospital. I don’t remember the words I spoke or even that He did I just recall his recommendation. This coworker was aware of the fact that my father and I had a strained relationship and that he was now ill. In a kind and insightful way he advised me that if I allowed this opportunity to visit my father to slip away that I may regret my choice..

He also mentioned that the night before he had been at a conference where a former baseball player spoke. This baseball player was Daryl Strawberry. Darryl had spent years filling his life with all of the wrong things. He allowed himself to be led down a very destructive path and he reached a point in life where he had to make a choice. This coworker told me I needed to hear Darryl’s testimony and about his relationship with his Dad. That day I listened to a YouTube video where Darryl spoke of seeing his abusive father and choosing to forgive him. Once again that feeling a nudge to reconsider visiting my father was weighing on my heart and mind. I felt like God had was telling me that I needed to go but I was still resisting. In my mind I knew I would never be welcomed and I feared his reaction and his words if I did show up.

After work, I received a call from my sister she said “Andrea, your Uncle came to visit Dad today and when they said guess who is here Dad guessed it was you and had a smile on his face!”

I did not believe what she was saying at that moment I was shocked. I started crying as I realized that he possibly did want to see me. My father who I had avoided for over 8 years was hoping that I would come to see him in the hospital. I went home that day and told my husband we have to go visit my Dad. He was shocked, to say the least, I can only imagine the concern for me knowing how hard this would be for me.

The Visit

We drove to the hospital that night and the whole drive there I was still hesitant. I knew for a fact I was supposed to go but internally I was battling the urge to turn around and run to safety. To avoid the situation that I was willingly placing myself in that could lead to further hurt and rejection.

We entered the hospital and made our way to his room and the whole time God was calmly leading me right where he had been guiding me that whole time. I entered the room and my Dad smiled and said my name. The next words out of his mouth were I was praying that you would come. That day I realized that God had used 3 people to guide me to my Dad’s bedside. He used the words written by my friend to speak to me, the kind words of my coworker Dale and the story of Darryl Strawberry’s life to assure me that I needed to visit my father. Then finally he used my sister to speak the words I needed to hear to assure me that my father wanted to see me even though that was so difficult for me to even believe.

My Life Was Changed

If you ever think a life cannot be changed by just a few words my life is proof that it can be. If that article had not been written, my coworker had not taken the time to share Darryl’s story with me, or if my sister had never spoken those few words my life would be dramatically different today.

Because of those three encounters I had that day, I made a decision that would change both mine and my father’s lives. I chose to visit him but in doing so something much more important happened. I received healing and closure through that entire experience that I never would have experienced otherwise. My father passed away within six months following my visit and I would never have had the opportunity to see Him and make amends. Sometimes the words you say are more powerful than you can even imagine. Words are powerful and have the ability to both hurt or heal and in this moment the words spoken by three people were life altering in a very positive way. I will never forget this experience and I will always be grateful for the brave people who helped me to make a very difficult choice.

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SavingJoyfully was recently awarded this awesome bobble head. Thanks to @allstarmoney_ for crafting a very unique and special award. #blessed #ohioblogger #ohiobloggers #money #finance #financialfreedom #financialindependence #savingmoneytips #savingschallenge #savingmoney #allstarmoney #allstarmoneyteam #savingjoyfully (at Toledo, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CS2Cp4unixl/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Guest post today from Robyn @adimesaved Check it out she shares some great ways to find freebies. #freebie #freebies #freebiesquad #freebiecommunity #frugallifestyle #frugaltips #savingjoyfully https://www.instagram.com/p/CRtns1hnKuO/?utm_medium=tumblr