I love cruises, but I avoid any port excursions where small boats are involved. I am not afraid of sinking; I am afraid of getting sick. I did that once, and it was not fun. But the thought of a sinking boat is a perfect analogy for why debt is bad. Stick with me, here.  Let’s say you are in a small boat that is taking on water because there is a large hole beneath the water line. You have a bucket and are bailing as fast as you can, but your boat continues to sink because you have not plugged the hole. Even if you can toss out water at the same rate more water is pouring in, you will never be done. You are fighting a losing battle and are likely to become exhausted, frustrated, and disheartened. Interest on debt will create the same affect on your budgets as does a hole in your boat. If you are trying to create financial stability while still paying interest it is next to IMPOSSIBLE to actually achieve that goal because you have interest hanging over you that never sleeps...

A few weeks ago, I introduced myself and shared that I was working with Wattson to help strengthen families financially and build character through fiscal responsibility. Well, those are a lot of really big words, so I thought I would break things down and tell you a little more about this blog and why finances are such an important part of healthy family relationships. There are studies that show that financial problems lead to emotional and mental issues. Financial problems are also a key ingredient to marital problems. There is no doubt these stresses affect children, thus the entire family. The main purpose of Wattson and My Discovery Destination! is to support families in every aspect, and that includes money management. While the Financial Friday Money Minutes blog is for everyone, it is especial ly geared towards families that are ready and willing to work their way out of debt and into financial stability.  Our plan includes common-sense advice given by someone wh...

While the weather is currently under control of Heat Miser and not Jack Frost (I may have just dated myself), Christmas will be here before we know it. “But I JUST got the kids back in school,” you say? Yes, you did, and some you may not have kids back in school for another week or more!   If you read and followed my blog post from last week, you probably saved some cash while doing that. Congratulations! That is awesome! It’s now time to plan for the next big event that, if met unprepared, can cause financial stress. Did you know somewhere around 20 percent of the population is STILL paying for last year’s Christmas? Christmas comes at the same time every year–it does not sneak up on any of us. It is time to break the unpreparedness cycle. While there are only four months until the blessed/dreaded day, there are some things you can do now to avoid falling into the “financing Christmas” trap. I would suggest taking a look at your past mistakes, starting with last year. Wh...

While my true passion is helping people create (and stick to) a plan for their finances, I am aware that there are many more aspects to money management than that. There are things that come up that budget fanatics like me plan WAY in advance for, but right now, that thing might be the proverbial "elephant in the room" for everybody else. So, I decided to start with some ideas about how to save money with whatever might be happening today. I saw a Facebook meme last week that comically indicated how quickly we have come to this point in the year–back to school time. Many parents spend a lot on items their kids need and want to return to school, but they do not have to. There are some things you can do to save cash. In fact, you can take these steps ALL DURING THE YEAR to save money yourself. And when you are actively practicing these money-saving techniques for your needs and wants, it will be a natural thing for your child to accept them for their wants and needs, as well....

My name is Meagan. It is pronounced "Meegan, " not "Maygen."  I have heard all the jokes and responded to incorrect pronunciation all my life so nothing surprises me anymore. In fact, I am now using my odd name to my advantage–you will remember me because now that you know how to say my name correctly, you'll never be able to correctly say the name Megan again. I have had my fingers in a lot of pies over the years.  I have worked for a county elections office, auditors office and office of emergency services. I have been a 911 dispatcher, a crossing guard, a secretary, a day-care provider, a multi-level marketer, a shipping clerk, an insurance agent, a part-time housekeeper, and a part-time transcriptionist. I have been a lunch lady, an entrepreneur/online marketer, and I have been unemployed.  I have always tried to grow some sort of home-based business on the side in addition to being a mom and wife. And, I can now add grandmother, non-tradit...