Even though a lot of us are suffering financially, you should remain cheerful and upbeat. You can handle downbeat times by exercising. I took a one mile walk this morning and feel great. Financial downtimes are much easier to handle if you maintain your good health. I had my annual checkup last week and it was completely paid for by my health insurance. This is because I took the time to scrutinize my health insurance policy for anything I could have for free or for low-cost.
Also check out every single asset you have, besides your health insurance policy. Look for long-fogotten financial assets. Search around the house and analyze your financial papers. Especially comb through pants pockets and heavy coat pockets. Check under your sofa cushions too. You’d be surprised what assets you own. Don’t forget your childhood collections, like comic books, stamps and coins. They could be of value, especially if it’s gold. Don’t forget old jewelry. Gold prices are very high right now. Buyers even take dental gold.
It also helps to talk to a financial advisor. There are also debt support groups, which I will talk about in my next posting.
People have been telling me they lean on family members more. They ask others for loans, interest-free. That’s great to do. Loans between family members is good, so long there’s clear understanding how it will be paid back.
You should also keep networking, and stay in touch with websites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
LinkedIn is for professional job networking. If you are out of work and looking for a job, it’s imperative you join LinkedIn. For long distance social networking, use Facebook. Facebook is particularly good for those with disabilities and/or live long distances from social contacts. You must keep in touch with your friends and co-workers, so that you can get recommendations and news about jobs opening up.
Although I don’t use LinkedIn, my husband does. He gets emails when someone gets a job, or if someone gets in touch with him. For example, he actually got a message from someone in Washington State who originally wanted to hire him for a job in Seattle many, many years ago. It’s nice to see that former co-workers still keep in touch with him.
A big secret to finding a job: Go to all the holiday parties you can. You’ve got to network, network, network and get every name and business card possible.
Another way to stay positive during this downtime is to visit libraries, garage sales, and make your own items. For example, this year I’m going to make jewelry gifts for Christmas for the women. I’ll give movie gift baskets to the men in my family.
Oh, and did you know you can purchase gift cards at a discount online? I will talk about those in the next few postings.
Many merchants are offering free shipping this year, especially on December 17th, 2009. Could save you lots of time, gas and trouble, if you did all your shopping online this year.
About the gift baskets. My favorite one is to make a movie gift basket. You buy a basket and fill it with low cost movie-related items. Such things would be popcorn, movie tickets, candies, DVDs, etc. Get the cellophane wrap paper form a craft store. What person wouldn’t like that?
For writers, it’s a good time to write and reflect and READ, during the holidays. It’s also a good time to make plans for the coming new year. For me, I’m hoping to finish my book proposal very soon. I have ideas for a second book already. I’m also currently reading the book The Lost City of Z by David Grann. It’s a fascinating read.
The best advice I can give anyone for the holiday season: Avoid using credit cards for gift buying!