Building your financial fortress

Here’s a hard truth I wish more Americans understood: You can’t be resilient — or take advantage of an opportunity — if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. Financial stress clouds judgment and limits options.

So, building financial resilience is imperative if you’re hoping to make a living as a gig worker and enjoy the freedoms that come along with the lifestyle:

The emergency fund plus: Traditional advice says 3-6 months of expenses. Gig workers need 6-12 months because our income is less predictable. I know that sounds impossible when you’re getting started, but build it gradually — even $50 a month adds up.

Make sure you have insurance: You don’t want to get sick and find out later that you’re not covered. Be sure you understand what it will take financially to get the kind of coverage you need and plan for that expense.

Separate business and personal: I have separate accounts for business income and personal expenses. When a big project payment comes in, it doesn’t feel like a windfall to spend frivolously — it’s business money that needs to cover slow periods.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bedtime

Go to bed early with a good book

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…

Posted in Reflections | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Establishing Boundaries 

  • What is one area of your life where you need clearer boundaries? How can you start communicating that need this week?

Boundaries aren’t about shutting others out—they’re about letting yourself in. By protecting your peace and your potential, you create the space to thrive in every area of your life.

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…

Posted in Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

alchemy

In taking a moment each day to write your thoughts, show up and write your way back to yourself, you take the grist of everyday life and transform it. – NPR

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…

Posted in Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Celebrating Kindness

RAVE to the young woman who randomly gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the parking lot of a Metropolitan Market!

RAVE to MSHH Donor Closet and its volunteers. My son died in January, and we had a wheelchair and other items to donate. The other day, two very nice volunteers came to pick those items up but also picked up 20 boxes of other types of supplies for another charity. First time I’ve seen my garage floor in a very long time.

RAVE to a kind stranger. As my adult son with Down syndrome marched through a Ballard grocery store announcing his upcoming birthday to customers and staff alike, most just smiled and wished him a happy birthday. Later in the checkout line, a man he had blessed with his announcement approached and gave him a birthday card, making his day. Our son carefully kept the sealed envelope in his room until the other night when he brought it out to open with his presents. Inside was a birthday greeting and $20. What a gift in more ways than one!

RAVE to the Seattle Mariners for their volunteer wheelchair service. My family was treating me to a Mariners vs. Red Sox game the other week for my 89th birthday. While standing in a very long line with my cane in hand, I noticed a row of small wheelchairs and a smiling attendant nearby. He offered me a ride, and I gratefully accepted! I was wheeled out of the heat into an elevator and through a bustling crowd, with my family happily trailing behind, right to my gate with a promise to return at the end of the game. Such efficiency! What service! Sadly, we lost the game, but this grandmother still had a happy day at the ballpark. Go Mariners!

RAVE to the downtown ambassadors working busy holidays to make sure garbage cans are clean and not overflowing. They are always prompt and happy to help.

RAVE to the Museum of Flight and their amazing docents. I recently visited the museum with family from out of town. My brother is legally blind, and the museum provided us with a limited sight tour. With the help of knowledgeable and friendly docents, my brother was able to fully understand the amazing displays, as well as have the opportunity to touch several items. Kudos to the museum for providing such a tour and the well-trained and courteous docents. They made our visit extra memorable. 

RAVE to the beautiful wildflowers someone has planted for all to enjoy on top of Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain! 

RAVE to the multitude of California poppies whose beautiful colors have brightened our neighborhood. It seems there are many more this year, spreading the joy of spring.

RAVE to the gentleman who pulled up beside me in West Seattle to tell me my left brake light was out. He also told me to watch my driving if the police are in view. I immediately went to my mechanics and they fixed it right away. Many thanks to all for the help!

Posted in Reflections | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments