fbpx
:::: MENU ::::

Posts tagged with: angry

2025: A Year of Peace, Purpose, and Planning

by

Thanks for the kind comments on my last post. Unfortunately, only a few hours after that post was published, my dad passed away. It wasn’t a huge shock—I had just written about his transition to hospice care—but at the same time, he had seemed physically stable. I thought we had months, not hours, left. And as much as we try to prepare, nothing can truly ready us for the loss of a parent.

His passing has led to a lot of quiet reflection. Looking at my recent posts—about staying still amidst change and end-of-life planning—I see a clear theme emerging in my life: a need for grounding, peace, and intentionality.

 

Choosing a Word for 2025

Each year, I like to set a guiding word. For 2024, it was travel — GO and DO! But for 2025, I feel an overwhelming pull toward stillness. The word that keeps coming to mind is peace.

  • Peace in my heart.
  • Peace in my mind.
  • Peace in my soul.

Other words that resonate: Stillness. Reflection. Contentment. Happiness.

2025 is shaping up to be a year of emotional and spiritual grounding, but also a year of loss. In addition to my dad, my cousin’s wife is in the final stages of ALS. My uncle was just released from the hospital on hospice care. And with a couple of grandparents in their 90s, I know more difficult goodbyes may be ahead.

 

The Financial Connection: Peace and Preparedness

What does all of this have to do with finances? In short—everything.

Losing my dad has reinforced two key financial priorities for me:

  1. Don’t Delay Joy. I don’t want to put off experiences for some hypothetical “later” that may never come. Yes, saving for the future is critical, but life isn’t just about the future—it’s also about now.
  2. Retire Early. I do not want to “die at the desk” (a phrase I hear often about those who work until very old age). How incredible would it be to retire while my mom is still around to enjoy time with? To have flexibility when my kids grow up and start families of their own? Financial peace means having choices, and early retirement is a goal I want to take seriously.

Taking Action Toward Financial Peace

So while my word for 2025 is peace, that doesn’t mean passivity. It means taking intentional steps to create a secure and flexible future. First up: meeting with financial advisors to map out a realistic early retirement plan. What will it take? What adjustments need to be made now to get there sooner?

Amidst life’s challenges, I’m deeply grateful for the blessings we have. And I want to make sure we’re using our time and resources in ways that align with what truly matters.

 

What About You? 

Is early retirement a goal for you, or do you enjoy working to stay busy? What would financial peace look like in your life?

Addressing Corrections You Should Make in Your Home to Save Money Long-Term

by

Many homeowners are constantly seeking ways to better manage their resources and expenses. A major part of creating a more efficient household involves understanding how simple adjustments in the home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By addressing common issues such as waste generation, energy inefficiencies, and household leaks, you can save money long-term and contribute positively to environmental conservation.

Reducing Food Waste

Food waste represents a significant portion of global waste, with estimates suggesting it makes up nearly 50% of all waste generated, according to Statista. This pervasive issue not only strains resources but also increases household expenses unnecessarily. Addressing food waste at home involves adopting smarter shopping habits, practicing portion control, and utilizing leftovers creatively.

One effective way to combat food waste is by planning meals and creating grocery lists before shopping. This tactic helps in buying only what is necessary, reducing the likelihood of food items being forgotten and subsequently wasted. Moreover, freezing leftovers or repurposing them into new meals ensures that food is consumed rather than discarded.

Education on food storage methods can also mitigate waste significantly. Understanding how to store fruits and vegetables properly can extend their shelf life, while aluminum foil or vacuum sealing can preserve the freshness of perishables. Over time, minimizing food waste not only saves money but also reduces the environmental burden of disposing of unnecessary waste.

Improving Energy Efficiency with Windows

Windows play a pivotal role in the amount of energy your home consumes, accounting for a noticeable percentage of heating and cooling energy usage. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that inadequate window insulation leads to 25%-30% of residential energy loss. Therefore, enhancing the energy efficiency of your windows is an important step in reducing energy bills.

Installing double-glazed or energy-efficient windows can substantially decrease heat gain and loss. These window types are designed to provide better insulation, leading to more stable indoor temperatures and reduced need for heating and cooling systems. By making this investment, homeowners often experience a tangible reduction in energy bills—money that can be saved for other essential needs.

Additionally, using window treatments like thick curtains or blinds can further minimize heat exchange with the outside environment. Sealing any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk also prevents air leakage, enhancing the insulation capacity of windows. These manageable solutions enable homeowners to maintain comfort within their homes while cutting down on unnecessary energy expenses.

Fixing Household Water Leaks

Water leaks in the home are often underestimated in terms of cost but can lead to significant water wastage annually. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the average household can lose nearly 9,400 gallons of water each year due to leaks. Addressing these leaks not only curtails water wastage but serves as a critical money-saving measure.

Common areas for water leaks include faucets, toilets, and showerheads. Regularly checking these fixtures for drips and promptly attending to any repairs can prevent excessive water use. Installing water-saving appliances is another proactive approach to reducing wastage and lowering monthly utility bills.

Furthermore, educating all household members about the importance of conserving water is vital. Simple habits like turning off taps when brushing teeth or fixing minor leaks immediately can contribute significantly over time. By being vigilant about water use, homeowners can decrease their water bills substantially, reclaiming funds that can be allocated elsewhere.

Taking conscious steps to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and fix water leaks in your home can lead to profound long-term financial savings. These efforts not only benefit the household economy but also promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. Investing time and resources today to address these areas will pay dividends in both expense reduction and resource conservation for future generations.

1 2 3 1,939