7-16-2024 7:36pm

Live the Life You've Imagined Within Your Budget

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - LIVE THE LIFE YOU'VE IMAGINED WITHIN YOUR BUDGET

It is said that if you can envision it, you can have it. Well, sometimes that's easier said than done. But you can live the life you've imagined. It just takes a little creative visualization and some planning.

Some of us want big lives. This may consist of a big house, a big car, and a big budget. But there is a lot you can do with a little bit.

I recently took a webinar with some women from Dow Janes. This is an organization of women helping women to have financial abundance. Their mission statement is:

"Throw out those beliefs that tell you wealth isn't in your stars. We teach empowering, easy-to-grasp financial strategies for women who want to take control, build serious wealth, and carve out their own financial future (because your financial fairy tale should have a happy, hefty ending)." Sounds good to me.

Perhaps you are still working, like me, but you're planning on retiring in the next year or two. Do you hear a nagging voice in your head asking, "will I have enough money?" Maybe the better question is, "how can I grow the money I already have?"

The gals at Down Janes have some good, sound advice. I'd rather hear this in my head:

1. Don't spend more than you bring in each month.

2. Live within your budget.

3. Pay off those high interest credit cards.

4. Save for a rainy day.

5. Earning more money doesn't necessarily secure financial abundance.

6. Invest some of the money you already have and are still earning. This is a great way to create more financial security in retirement.

I thought about this advice and realized I do all of these things, but it wasn't always that way. There was a time when I spent more than I earned, but that was when I was much younger before I had a healthy relationship with money. It took time to develop that. My generation relied heavily on marriage and the money your husband would earn. But what about women who never married? I had to think about my own financial security, and it became the most important thing I focused on when I started to think about my older years. Now, I live within my budget. Whew, that took some sacrifice, but it paid off.

Each month, I write down how much money I will bring in and what I will owe out. This way, I know exactly how much money I will need for my bills and what will be leftover. This is a great way to live within your budget and not overspend. I have paid off high interest credit cards and transferred my last card to a zero-interest credit card. I'm paying that off before it kicks up to the ridiculous interest rates banks are charging now. Look out for these offers. It's a great way to save on interest. I also have some money in my savings account for a rainy day that is growing with each paycheck. And, I've invested money that comes directly out of my paycheck and goes into my 403 (b). I increase the amount each year. These are good ways to secure a better financial future in retirement.

Each of us is different with different amounts of money. Some of us began investing early in our life while others started later on. Whenever you decide to do it, begin it. Over long periods of time, stock-based investments have averaged 9%-10% annual returns and bond investments have averaged 4%-5%. So, it's entirely reasonable to expect a properly allocated 403 (b) plan to generate long-term annualized returns in the 7% ballpark. A 403 (b) is a fund generally allocated from the establishment you work for. In my case, I have a 403 (b) from the college I work at. It continues to grow steadily.

You have to have a good relationship with money. I focus on the mantra, money will always come. Ever since I began saying this to myself, money has continued to come into my life at a steady pace. It's been about 10 years that I've practiced this intention. It helps when you have a steady paycheck. Living hand to mouth makes everything harder.

You can live the life you've always imagined if you have a vision, a plan, and a good relationship with money. The simple things in life have always made me happy. As long as I'm near a beach, I'm content. This is where I find myself at complete peace. Where is yours?

Our attitude can make a big difference in how we see our life and how we want to create it. Whether it's living near a beach or in the mountains, in a big city, or a small town, you can live the life you've always imagined within your budget. You've got to believe you can afford it.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, it's never too late to invest in your financial future. The time is now. Check out www.dowjanes.com to learn more.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - SILVER SANDS MOTEL AND BEACH BUNGALOWS IN GREENPORT, LONG ISLAND

"Silver Sands is a place for both respite and revelry. We encourage you to delight in the Art of Doing Nothing. And to have a really good time while doing so." That's the slogan of this delightful motel nestled on the Peconic Bay in Greenport, Long Island. What a gem to behold.

Originally built in 1957, Silver Sands has been a beachfront home on the North Fork for generations of visitors. To build that home, its founders, Florence and Thomas Jurzenia, embarked on a cross-country trip in pursuit of inspiration. When they returned, they drew upon all they had learned to create a unique destination that was both casually stylish and seriously fun. A place where carefully planned design set the stage for carefree leisure. Their vision harmonized with nature, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscapes and seascapes while appreciating local artistic works. Adorned with W. & J. Sloane Fifth Avenue decor, each room exuded the essence of the cherished 1950s era. That was then.

Carrying forth a 66-year legacy, Silver Sands celebrates a vibrant rejuvenation, shepherded by lifelong friends Alexander Perros and Ryan Hardy. Inspired by its origins, the transformation honors the 1950’s design while revitalizing it for today’s community. It's just gorgeous.

Alex and Ryan’s vision is dedicated to the preservation of Silver Sands’ cherished spirit, crafting a reimagined gem for the North Fork. Join them in their journey; where past and present harmonize, creating a new chapter infused with friendship, heritage, and time well spent.

This is a summer place. Visit www.silversandsmotel.com.

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Please keep everyone safe as they travel this summer to their happy place. Amen.

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SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined.

- Thoreau

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is the life you've always imagined?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble next to the Heart at the bottom of this newsletter. I'd love to hear from you.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - LIVING MY LIFE LIKE IT'S GOLDEN by JILL SCOTT

LYRICS

Heyyy, oh-oh-oh, heyyy
Yeah, oh yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
I'm taking my freedom, pulling it off the shelf
Putting it on my chain, wearing it 'round my neck
I'm taking my freedom, putting it in my car
Wherever I choose to go, it will take me far

I'm taking my own freedom, putting it in my song
Singing loud and strong, groovin' all day long
I'm taking my freedom, putting it in my stroll
I'll be high stepping y'all, letting the joy unfold
I'm livin' my life like it's golden

Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden (Golden)
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden (Golden)

I'm holdin' on to my freedom, can't take it from me
I was born into it, it comes naturally
I'm strumming my own freedom in the god in me
Reverence in his glory, hope he proud of me

I'm livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden (Golden)
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden
Livin' my life like it's golden (Golden)
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden (Livin' my life, livin' my life)
Living my life like it's golden, it really matters to me oh!
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden
Livin' my life like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My brand, Skylark Live, was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I’m in the process of formulating in-person presentations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be conducted in someone’s home, local library, or senior center.

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

WHERE TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME ON PATREON AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Social Media - You can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support. Andiamo! Let's Go!