Sunday, March 9, 2008
Rice and beans, beans and rice. No, we're not there yet, however I am old enough to have lived through a few recessions and I can tell you it is not fun. I have to say my mother and father best prepared me for the information I am about to share with you. I am certain that their parents and grandparents best prepared them. Living through tough economic times is rough for everyone and 2008 is going to test your belief in mankind, but you can and will survive and thrive if you exercise discipline, patience, and due diligence. Prayer helps too!
Here are a couple of things you might consider.
1. Stop eating out. Just stop. I know that if you are accustomed to eating lunch with coworkers or friends it will be difficult. Change your mindset and think, would I be doing this if I had no job? Remember $7 here and $18 there adds up. Take a bag lunch, invest in a quality lunch bag with beverage holder and call it a day.
2. Organize your debts so you will know exactly what you owe. Clean up the lowest debt first then hit the big stuff. Get together with friends and have a yard sale. Sell everything that is taking up space, simplify your life. You know spring cleaning makes room for new blessing to enter.
3. Consider a second job. I know you are a busy person and you are thinking. "I can’t take on anything else." I don’t mean that kind of second job. I don't want you to sell sweet smelly stuff or any of those other products that might put more money in the hands of the distributor than your own. I mean a job that does not call for a lot of investment. Consider becoming a tutor, what would it take to become an ESL tutor? check into it. Do you live in an area where a number of people speak English as their second language? Do their children need help in school? Parents love to invest in their children and will pay. Tutors make $20-$45 per hour depending on the subject you’re tutoring. Math tutors make the most money. Are you interested in becoming a Mystery Shopper? Do you make jewelry? Can you turn a simple hobby into a money making experience. If you can sell name brand sweet smelly stuff, you can sell those lyrics you write, or those little scrapbooks you make out of newspaper. My dad always said everyone should have a side hustle and he was absolute correct; it gives you a sense of control over your future, or a least part of your future. You also never know when a side hustle is going to take center stage and cause you to tango right into Bank of America.
4. Remember everything is cyclical and the recession will pass. This is a good time to go back to school or become certified in a new skill. Did you know you do not need a Master’s degree to get a PhD? This is not true for all subjects but for some it is. Check you local colleges and universities to see if there are programs near you and check some of the online institutions. Education is a great defender against a recession. Why? When all else fails hire yourself out as a contractor and work for a number of small businesses. Become an independent sales representative for small companies. If you are an administrative assistant, check into becoming a virtual Administrative Assistant for two or three companies. They will pay you less, but you will not be working for them 40 hours per week giving you a more flexible work day, to saaaay…go back to school.
5. Learn to cook. Food takes up a large part of every human beings budget (13-30% depending on who you ask). People love to eat and they love to socialize. One of the best bits of advice I can give anyone who lives on their own, is “LEARN TO COOK.” Never, ever leave your gastrointestinal system at the mercy of restaurant owner’s; you will pay a dear price in the long run. Restaurants are not in the business of feeding you healthy, filling food. Restaurants are in the business of making money and don’t you ever forget it. There are some restaurants that take pride in serving good, health conscious food, but they are few and far between. Learn to cook for yourself. You don’t have to become a gourmet chef but learn to prepare the food you love and you will never be hungry!
You know I cannot end a blog without providing you with a recipe. Here is a simple one for “Make Your Own Hot Pockets.” This recipe was taken from my cookbook, Cooking with Denay: Recipes for the Novice Cook.
Homemade Smoked Turkey and Cheese Hot Pockets
Serves 12
I found this little recipe in a local magazine and thought it would be great for busy people. You may already be familiar with it. Make sure you store the pockets in freezer bags after baking and reheat in a toaster over for about 6-8 minutes or microwave for 6 seconds or a bit longer, if frozen. I do not like to microwave food (especially bread items) so you may have to experiment with the microwave time. If you allow the pockets to get room temperature, 5-6 seconds in the microwave should be good, but start at the lowest time first.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed (in frozen food section of your grocery store)
(You can always make homemade bread; email me for a simple recipe) - 3 cups loosely chopped smoked turkey or ham (you may also substitute cooked sausage, cooked hamburger or cooked chopped chicken)
- 12 slices American cheese, ¼ grated cheese per pocket (you may substitute Swiss, Provolone or cheddar)
**I have been known to sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil until caramelized (brown). Allow them to cool and add to the meat for a little extra flavor.
1. Don't forget to allow time for the dough to thaw out!
2. Divide thawed dough into 12 pieces.
3. On floured surface, roll each piece into 5 or 6 inch circle.
4. Place 1/4 cup ham and one piece of cheese on the circle (1/4 cup cheese if grated)
5. Fold dough over filling and seal edges with a fork.
6. Place on greased cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 350°F degrees for 12-15 minutes.
8. After 10 minutes, check pockets - remove when they begin to brown.
9. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving or cool completely before freezing.