Wednesday Whispers

Money Monday - Credit Cards

Credit card debit is one of the most popular reasons people give when asked why they are not saving money. In reality, it's not the credit card that's the problem, it's the interest rate. The average interest rate on a credit card is 18%. To make matters worse, most people are only making the minimum payment each month. Here's an eye-opening little piece of information. If you have a balance of roughly $12,000 on a credit card with an interest rate of 18% and only make the minimum payment each month, it will take you approximately 33 years and 4 months to pay off that card. And that's assuming you don't charge anything else. The most astonishing fact about this is that it will have ended up costing you $29,616 to pay off that $12,000 balance!

The easiest and most effective way to pay off your credit card balance is to get your credit card company to lower the interest rate. Here are some steps to follow to do this:

1. Find out how much interest you are currently paying (take a look at your most recent statement - the interest rate is usually listed on the bottom of the last page in a table)
2. Find out what rates the competition is offering (this doesn't mean apply for a card with a lower rate. It just means find out what is being offered so you have some data when you call the bank. Check out www.bankrate.com)
3. Talk to someone who can make a difference (call the customer service number listed on your statement and immediately ask for the supervisor of the person who answers the phone as first tier support doesn't have the authority to change rates. Tell the supervisor what the competing rates are, and if your bank doesn't lower your rate, you intend to transfer your balance to the competitor)

Lowering your interest rate means it will cost you less to pay off your credit card debt. This is an important part of earning your financial freedom!

Bulldog Video

Happened across this video and just had to share. I love the underbite and the way her little tongue sticks out. But, the funniest part has to be when the guy filming can't hold in his laughter anymore and the dog looks at him! Gotta' love them bully breeds!

Wednesday Whispers

Money Monday

I've been reading a lot of books lately, mostly of the self-help genre with an emphasis on money & finances. While I am no expert in the area, I thought I would pass along some of the tidbits I read. Couldn't everyone use a little help considering the current state of the economy? So, from this, "Money Mondays" are born!

I am currently reading "Start Late, Finish Rich" by David Bach. This book is full of interesting information and is an easy read. For this installment I'd like to start off with an excerpt from this book. When I read it, I found it to be simple, yet thought-provoking and motivational.

"The fact is, you don't get in life what you wish for. You get in life what you go for.

People choose their lives.
People choose their actions.
People choose their outcomes.
Life is a cause set in motion.
And life is not over until you quit."

The Mighty Lizard Hunter

I was sitting at the computer the other day when I heard our pitbull, Doom, making a fuss at the sliding door. He was stomping his feet and emitting a raspy noise that is part growling and party heavy breathing (I have always been so thankful that Doom is a very quiet dog...doesn't bark at random noises. In fact, he very rarely barks unless he's excited. More often it's a growl, which suits me fine since usually if he's growling, it's because he's heard or seen something outside the house that isn't "right".) I grabbed the camera and took this little video. Oh, how he would have loved for me to open the door so he could chase that fat lizard around the patio! And, at the end of the video when he tilts his head back to look at me, notice the green dot between his eyes. That was from rolling in the grass earlier in the day!

Wednesday Whispers

CC & "Cash"

I was at the neighbor's barn yesterday and happened to snap this cute pic of CC and "Cash" (not sure that's going to be his name, but so far it's the front runner). Cash tends to stand under the hay when CC is eating so he can eat the hay that falls to the floor. His back winds up being covered in hay! It's been cool to be around him as he grows. He's getting taller and so far is turning out exactly as the neighbor had hoped. She bred him specifically for his cutting genes. I'll try to get more information on his lineage and post about it.

Quote of the Week

"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction." --George Lorimer, editor and writer

Fresh from the Tumbler

Here are my latest creations, fresh from the tumbler. Looks like I'm on a copper kick again! All of these pieces are currently available in my Etsy shop.

All That Glitters is not Gold - Copper and Chinese Crystal Y-style Necklace

Drops of Lava - Red Agate and Copper Lariat Style Necklace

Alice in Chains - Copper and Fossilized Coral Bracelet

Etsy 30% Off Anniversary Sale

I'm having an anniversary sale in my Etsy shop. Today marks my 3rd anniversary on Etsy, so all items are 30% off. I will refund 30% of the purchase price (not including shipping) through PayPal. This sale is good through 11:59pm EST on 05/12/10. So, please visit Shelly's Stuff, where the jewelry is affordably priced and meticulously handcrafted!

http://shellysstuff.etsy.com

Wednesday Whispers

Inspiration

"When life knocks you down, roll over and look at the stars."

Hot Off the Bench

Here are my latest creations, all of which have been listed in my Etsy shop. I am trying to break through my normal boundaries when it comes to color. This is one of the hardest things for me when it comes to creating jewelry. I tend to be very "monochrome", even in my own wardrobe. I wear lots of black, brown and neutrals. What's funny is I can remember being this way as a child. I remember my mom taking me shopping for school clothes when I was in elementary school and even way back then I had "issues" with color. If she picked out a blue pair of pants, then I had to have a blue top that matched the pants EXACTLY. There could be no difference in the shade of the color...and of course, it had to be a blue top. It couldn't be pink or red or some other color (well, except for white because white matches with everything!). Weird, huh?

Everything But the Kitchen Sink - multi stone bracelet

Hot Fudge Sundae - Magnesite, fossil bead, ceramic and sterling silver bracelet

After Midnight - multi stone memory wire bracelet

Favorite Things Friday

One of my most favorite things is our American Pitbull Terrier, Doom. I've owned several dogs in my life, but this one is very special. He is incredibly smart and has a huge personality. He's also a regular on my blog as he provides good content! He should be the "poster child" for pitbulls as he would change the bad image that many people have of this amazing breed. He is a big love bug and cuddle hound, but is also my ardent protector and just naturally knows when to do his "job". These are some recent photos:

Wednesday Whispers

Uh Oh!

This past weekend we attended the Spring Sling mudfest at Triple Canopy Ranch. We're always amazed at (1) some of the vehicles people are driving in the mud and (2) what they attempt to do. This series of photos exemplifies that. This guy apparently didn't watch anyone else go through this mudhole before he attempted to do so. That's Daves first rule...never attempt a mudhole you haven't already watched someone else go through 'cause you never know how deep it is! The truck had to be pulled out. When the passenger opened up their door, a flood of muddy water came rushing out. Bet the driver was glad the guys in the back saved the coolers from floating away as I'm pretty sure he probably wanted to drink heavily after this!

Handcrafted Jewelry Giveaway

Shelly's Stuff is having a handcrafted jewelry giveaway on Facebook. Click this link for all the details. Entry is easy so don't pass up on the chance to win this great pair of earrings! Deadline for entering is 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, 05/02/10.

I'm Back!!!

After a brief hiatus, I'm back to making jewelry and blogging. I hadn't planned on being away, but found I had hit a creative block when it came to creating new pieces and deciding on items to blog about. There were many days when I sat down at the bench and nothing...no ideas. So, I would then move over to the computer and sign in to my blog, and again...nothing. Instead of torturing myself by forcing something, I decided to concentrate on other things knowing that the block would eventually pass. Some of the other "projects" include painting the interior of the house, a general decluttering of all closets and cabinets, promoting Str8 Jab, and working on the latest Jeep project with Dave. All of these things have left me feeling accomplished, refreshed, and refocused. With that said, here are my latest creations all of which have been posted in my Etsy shop.

Melon Slices - Pink coral, Bali, and sterling silver earrings

A Walk in the Forest - Rhyolite, riverstone, Swarovski pearl and sterling silver necklace

Men's brecciated jasper and hematite necklace

Blue mountain jade, Bali and sterling silver bracelet

The New Colt - Video

I shot this video of the new colt and his mama, CC, this morning. Both are doing well, and CC is being a great mom!