The question

I am your about average 18yr old, getting out of high school and getting great grades.

My papa died when i was 14 and i was locked up in a juvenile jail.
My papa was 74, my sister and step brother came out to vist 2,000 miles away while i was locked up. My sister and my mom both hated the guts out of my papa. They knew papa had left everything to me so i have found out. but he didnt sign his will.
My step brother only wanted to go up in the mountains just with my papa, the papa “fell” over the side of the mountain. He fell over 13 stories, they needed dental record to identify him.
One life insurance claim went to my papa brother
one to my mom for 100,000
and the 3rd to I and my mother both for 85,000. She spent my half of the money when it was court ordered by the county judge.
now 3 years later we take this to the DA and they said i was the 3rd person to ask for an investigation and sense i have alot more paper work i filled in the gaps.
Now this my family, i need to know if it really does seem like they murdered him. i wondering if i should go back out to where they live for xmas like every year or am i in danger for getting the investigators involved and they are going to do something to me? this is just to much for an 18 yr old please someone!

The question

I am only 21 years old but I currently have roughly $ 53,851.50 in various debt. These debts are medical, dental, car reposession, credit cards, county (tickets), etc etc.

I am not sure at all how I am suppose to go about tackling this. I am overwhelmed and losing sleep at night with an enourmous amount of stress. I am only 21 years of age, I have already gone threw $ 75,000 dollars worth of inhertiance money after my mom was victim of a malpractice with Kaiser Permamentae. I have a major gambling addiction which caused me to lose all of that inheritance and also was the major help in creating the rough estimate of aprox $ 53,000 dollars worth of debt and that is just thru business, I am not including personal debt that I owe friends, family etc. I also was kicked out of the Navy for stealing my roommates credit card and funding it for gambling. The medical and dental part of the debt which is also a big portion of my debt occurred when I was hit in the mouth during an ice hockey game when I decided to play with a half shield. I didnt realize I was no longer covered under my dads medical or dental, and thus im stuck with the hospital and medical bills myself.

I am a mess with lots of issues and yet I keep trying to get it together. I take 2 steps forward and then something occurs that seems to throw me right back down, my support system isn’t that good and I just feel lonely, miserable and depressed. I just feel like I am so overwhelmed with missing my front teeth via hockey, nothing going for me in my life at all, and a $ 53,000 dollar rough estimate of debt barring down on me. its causes me just to want to give up, anyone have any suggestions for me at all on how I can overcome this mountain??

The question

I need a dental plan with comprehensive coverage. Thanks!
Mclil, I’ll do that. Great idea. Best of luck to you and your husband, too. God bless both of you.

The question

I need a very good insurance for my 2 teenagers and myself. They need braces and other work done ASAP

The question

I HAVE HORRIBLE TEETH, WHERE IS A LOW COST DENTAL INSURANCE PLACE OR MONTH TO MONTH PAYMENTS

The question

Mr. President, how does anyone justify some of these earmarks?

$ 1.7 million for pig odor research in Iowa

$ 2 million “for the promotion of astronomy” in Hawaii

$ 6.6 million for termite research in New Orleans

$ 2.1 million for the Center for Grape Genetics in New York

$ 650,000 for beaver management in North Carolina and Mississippi

$ 1 million for mormon cricket control in Utah

$ 1.9 million for the Pleasure Beach Water Taxi Service Project, CT

$ 95,000 for the state of New Mexico to find a dental school location

$ 332,000 for the design and construction of a school sidewalk in Franklin, Texas

$ 870,000 for a wolf breeding facilities in North Carolina and Washington

$ 300,000 for the Montana World Trade Center

$ 1.7 million for a honey bee factory in Weslaco, TX

$ 951,500 for Sustainable Las Vegas

$ 143,000 for Nevada Humanities to develop and expand an online encyclopedia

$ 475,000 to build a parking garage in Provo City, Utah

$ 200,000 for a tattoo removal violence outreach program in the LA area

$ 238,000 for the Polynesian Voyaging Society in Honolulu, Hawaii

$ 100,000 for the regional robotics training center in Union, SC

$ 1,427,250 for genetic improvements of switchgrass

$ 167,000 for the Autry National Center for the American West in Los Angeles, CA

$ 143,000 to teach art energy

$ 100,000 for the Central Nebraska World Trade Center

$ 951,500 for the Oregon Solar Highway

$ 819, 000 for catfish genetics research in Alabama

$ 190,000 for the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, WY

$ 209,000 to improve blueberry production and efficiency in GA

$ 400,000 for copper wire theft prevention efforts

$ 250,000 to enhance research on Ice Seal populations

$ 238,000 for the Alaska PTA

$ 150,000 for a rodeo museum in South Dakota

$ 47,500 to remodel and expand a playground in Ottawa, IL

$ 285,000 for the Discovery Center of Idaho in Boise, ID

http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cf…

How does building a sidewalk and expanding a playground stimulate the economy? Sure it might generate a couple jobs till construction is completed but then what?
I’m sorry steph, but my link is directly from the US Senate, what exactly would you like? Little early to have started on the kool aid isn’t it?

http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Home.Home

article is marked 3/2/09

The question

I am so confused. When my husbands parents and siblings come over he waits on them hand and foot, they never even leave their seat…he goes as far as getting them dental floss after they have eaten dinner. Not to mention, he expects me to be the same way and if I am not making dinner fast enough or if I don’t do something good enough like keep up on topping their coffee so its warm he gets frusterated and mad at me! I honestly feel like I am a waitress when his family comes over. I beleive in great hospitality, but just listen to this. When my mother or siblings come over, he just sits there and doesn’t do any hospitality what so ever. Not to mention, when I was 9 months pregnant and would ask him to go downstairs and get me a glass a water he would say no and wouldn’t get it for me. Here is another example, his dad spent the night at our house and slept in the other room, when we went to bed he turned down the tv to the lowest volume in our bed room so his dad could get to sleep good. I have to wake up to go to work at 230 in the morning and when I ask him to please turn down the tv so I can go to sleep he tells me to shhh I am watching my show. or he will just turn it down one notch, but it is still blaring. And with our daughter, she is a year old he has me do everything, he is lazy at feeding her, I have to make sure that when he is watching her that he fed her real food, and most of the time he doesn’t, he just gives her just bottles!! I confronted him about my feelings and this is what he said to me……You will never have a realtionship close to what I have with my family. That really hurt my feelings because with our daughter and I we are also his family. What do I do? Am I being selfish to think like this? I just don’t understand?? Help! Do you think our marriage will last if it will be like this forever?

The question

1) My teeth stain fast from drinking tea. I can not change to coffee. Coffee will not agree with my body. Which toothpaste
really gets the stain out fast?

2) Trying to figure out which part of my family roots did I inherit
fast staining teeth from is it my Chinese or Irish heritage?
My dental office told me that their top 3 patients with fast staining teeth are white.

The question

I am 23 living in Hawaii which is really expensive so i live with my BF’s family. We have a 5 mos baby together, not married. We both have full time jobs but he gets paid twice as much as me. I want to join the air force reserves so my child can have the benefits and they can help me pay for school. The thought of Iraq doesnt bother me as much as the thought that if he chose to, he could pretty much leave me homeless, and take away my daughter because his situation would look more appleasing to the courts than mine. Is it selfish of me to want to establish some independence and security or just stupid to think that he would ever leave me (besides this issue, he is a really really great man)? and is it selfish of HIM to not let me join but at the same time not help me so that i can possible give up work and go to school? ps…my daughter currently gets her benefits from me so quitting means no med/dental benefits for the both of us.

The question

I’m looking for a good reputable Vet for my 10 yr old Siamese. He is in need for a Good Dental Cleaning, and I think he also might need an extraction. I don’t trust banfield’s at all due to their shotty work that they’ve done in the past from assigning him the same medications that never worked, and have repeatedly told them it isn’t working, OH well we’ll just try some more!… and the last time I took him to Ban, he ended up getting a nasty fever and wouldn’t eat for days, I was so stressed about it, but they just claimed its normal. I ended up taking advice from my grandmother in law to give him some Bach Flower treatment, which helped to ease the fever, and did eventually get him back to normal. After that though I’ll never go there again.

I live in Flagstaff, but have family thats closer to the southern half of Phoenix (Some in Queen Creek, Maricopa, and Chandler.)

If you do know of a good vet that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for a dental procedure please let me know!

The question

I need some good opinions here folks. Please star!

My dad is discouraging me to take this new job delivering mail for the post office. So now I need other people’s opinions because i am confused.

I have a current job. I have medical/dental insurance on me and my family. I make about 5 dollars less an hour at my current job then I would at my new one. I am very burnt out of my previous job and fell like I will never move up. I applied and been ignored.
I now have an offer with the post office. It pays 5 dollars more an hour plus 30 dollars a day for wear and tear on your car. But untill you go permanent (approx 2or3 years) you dont have medical insurance.
Now i can get All Kids probably for my children. Me and my husband wouldn’t have insurance if I changed. He can pick up insurance at his job but it’s about 200 dollars extra a month than i pay at my current job.
My dad’s points are these:
You have to have your own vehicle. You will have to replace brakes & other often.
cont. dad’s points

I lose insurance, I might wreck and have to pay a tow truck. It’s hard labor. no insurance.
and durning cold or rainy weather…..he thinks i’ll hate it.

I can wear layers of clothes and deal with it you know.

I think i should take the new job. What do you think?

I mean, it pays more and in 2 years i’ll have a great job making about 15 more dollars an hour than i do now.

The question

my life is hell ..i constantly worry about my breath all day every day . im so paranoid about it i even think people notice that im woried about my breath! is that possible? can my face give it away? this complex RUINED my life . i prefer to be drunk most of the day only because it make me less worried about my breath! i even quit my job and became a stripper because i feel its the only way i can be drrunk at work,,, if im not drinking i dont feel normal …i have very few freinds and if they want to go out i drink and get drunk b4 i get to the bar… i CANT live like this anymore i feel unhman. i used to be normal but when i was little my family use to tease me about it and i developed THIS HORRIBLE COMPLEX!! . its gotten worse over the years too .can these symptoms somehow be reversed?? how can i cope? btw i dont have any meical or dental insurance i think i really do need to see a psychatrist asap but fear goin on meds because i was once normal and it kills me that im like this now ..i cant show my real peronality because this paranoia overtakes it ..im really outgoin and very social now im not, i use to model and have been in various magazines but i stopped because of this dreadful complex WHATS WRONG WITH ME??????????? AND HOW CAN I REVERSE THESE COMPULSIVE THOUGHTS??HOW DID THIS HAPPEN TO ME? IS IT REALLY BECAUSE I WAS TEASED AS A CHILD? I KNOW U PROBALLY THINKN FOR ME TO GET OVER IT BUT I CANT ITS NOT THAT EZ .. ONE LAST QUESTION IS IT POSSIBLE FOR SOMEONE TO NOTICE THAT YOUR PARANOID ABOUT YOUR BREATH EVEN IF YOU NEVER TOLD THEM? BTW I HAVENT HAD A REAL BF AND IM A 26 YR OLD GOOD LOOKIN FEMALE

The question

In mid December of 2000 (I was about 5 years of age), my mother suddenly fell ill with a mysterious sickness. She wasn’t one to rush or seek a doctor, so unfortunately within a short period of time her illness got progressively worse. By the time she got the medical care she needed, it was too late. Once at the hospital, the doctors soon diagnosed her with Meningitis and Staff Infection. She passed away that night at the age of 39.

Following my mother’s death, I immediately got placed in a foster care for a short while. I remember being confused about my living situation, and basically all my surroundings because at this point I haven’t quite comprehended what exactly happen to her. After a short-lived time the foster house, I was told to pack my belongings because I was moving to California with a relative.

I met my aunt, uncle, and cousins at what I vaguely remember as a police station parking lot. To me they were all strangers, but I suppose my instincts knew otherwise, so I proceeded to go with my new care takers/ distant family, no questions asked. I remember my uncle driving me to my old house, so we could pick up the remains of my possessions, along with some of my mom’s belongings as well. We took almost everything, put it in the car, then off to California we drove.

During the trip from Arizona to California, I grasped the concept of the situation involving my mother’s death as much as my little mind allowed; I go a bit more understanding of everything going on. The new people and atmosphere kept me distracted with funny moments, memorable detours, and plenty of appealing and admirable landscapes. It took several hours before arriving at what was now my new home.

My aunt took guardianship of me and enrolled me in a new school almost instantly after moving to California. I also got provided with medical and dental care, along with therapy to help me cope with my mother’s lack of existence. I started a new life in California, but my mother’s passing was a shame; never will I forget her place in my life.

The question

To start of we have been together for 2 an a half years. We have been married 6 months, have a beautiful 9 month old daughther and are expecting a son on July 24th. I’m 20 and he is 19. I’m a stay at home mom and work only 2 nights a week plus all weekend. He works full time as an electrian. Im pretty old fashioned when it comes to family life. I believe the man should work and the woman should take care of the kids and home. I will eventually go to college and be a dental hygentist but NOT until my babies are older.
Here’s my problem. My husband is very very irresponible! I know age is a huge factor. But it’s beside the point. He thinks because I ‘don’t work’ and ‘sit on the couch all day’ he should have NO responabilities when he gets home. He won’t help do anything! Home repairs, help with the baby, go to the store, nothing. But he will go to his friends. I understand he works hard but come on he has to grow up. Our kitchen fasut leaks and instead of being a man and fixing it he says just don’t turn it on all the way. Why not just fix it? It’s very annoying. My car has a over heatin problem and is it a concern of his? Ha never. Not to mention the winsheld wipers are broke that I hav fixed before cause he wouldn’t. He spent ALL of the money we had saved for a much needed SUV on a fou wheeler! Oh and if it breaks he fixes it. I could go on and on. For the past month he thinks he has to see his friend everyday which the other 50% of our arguements come from. While I work on Saturdays he goes to a mud riding camp and leaves our daughter with his momma. Once in a while is okay but I personally would rather spend that time with my child. Besides the few times he’s been he never really gets to get out without me or the baby so I let him go out with some friends until 1:00am. I know it seems early but we are usually in bed by 10. Well he was glad he got to go but wanted to go again the next night. He didn’t ask what time to be home or anything. And went out the following weekend and thinks he’s going out this weekend and drinking. Now understood he needs a night out but not every weekend. To me when you have a child and are married nothing else should matter. Everybody says ‘well you should go out one night’. I don’t care to go out. I would feel guilty the whole time leaving my baby. And he would feel like I was so wrong. I can’t explain how mad this is making me with the way he acts. I can tell him no friend today and he gets mad or he asks do you want to go to Brandons or Brandon is coming over. It’s like he just has to see him everyday. Its getting old. I would explain more things he does but i thibk my fingers would fall off. I use to have self esteem. Whdn i was single i was told more than once a day how beauticul iwas. My husband use to always make me feel so good. But for a while… No compliments. He jokes around more making jokes than just being sweet. He has slacked off A LOT taking care of the baby when he gets off work and says it’s MY responsibility. Don’t get me wrong he is a good daddy and loves his baby girl. But I didn’t have her by myself and if the thinks she’s too much he’s gonna really die when we hve a newborn plus a 1 year old. He doesn’t care about my pains. I became anemic during this pregnancy and has made me veryvery weak and just found out I have gallstones and he has no smypathy. And if I complain about pain then it’s serious because I never complIn of anything when it comes to pain or pregnancy. I’m tough ha. Anyway I do love him and keep waiting on him to grow up which doesn’t look like he’s going to. Let me add he DOES NOT know how to have a conversion at all. I don’t want to leave him. I know if I did it would be a huge mistake. We were made for each other. He doesn’t get that if I leave I WILL NOT come back. But I know we will always love each other a regret a divorce. I’ve threathened to leave so much he doesn’t think I will. We have the same arguements everyday about our problems but he doesn’t change. I’m at my breaking point and if he doesn’t change I’m gonna have to leave him. I just can’t do this anymore. What should I do? How can I make him just grow up and be a man? Thank you so much for your time.

The question

HAVE YOU STAYED AT PACIFIC GARDEN MISSION(HOMELESS SHELTER)?
Well, I have. Since Jan 1,2011. and the good things out weigh the bad things hundred fold.
Pacific Garden Mission (PGM) provide overnight shelter to Woman, children, and men. Providing 3 meals a day-sure there are are a few complaints about the meals because some people expect to get full all the time or expect a free hilton meal. At PGM – for breakfast you might get grits and eggs w/pastries…, oat meal, 2hotcakes (most times with 2sausage)…and for Lunch maybe soup w/a sandwich..and dinner is the most popular…you might get spegittiw/meat saucew/bread- or beansw/rice…or pasta w/chicken.

But you definately get the GOSPEL. The Word of GOD is shared or teached 3-4-5 times a day.To put cream on the cake, after you have had a hot shower and laid in your clean bed and falling asleep, you will get the last word of GOD (some scriptures) read to you as you fall asleep at night around 10pm. If you don’t beleive in GOD or don’t want to hear that. sometimnes you can just gop sit in the hall, but most stay and clap and enjoy the Word of God [ Like Me ] …Pacific Garden Mission is ran like a business and is well organized and ran by GOD fearing men and woman.Just the other day – to my surprise – I walked into the auditorium while they were doing/recording a professional radio show. I mention a few bad things at the beginning, its not really bad just something you can expect when you put 500-600 people in one room together, [ you have to put up with snoring at night, loud talking at bedtime and during tv watching ( PGM have a BIG screen TV - WOW) for us who decide to stay in doors 24/7...but thats a goodthing.PGM don't allow fighting in and around the Bldg., loud interuptions during service. disrespecting people ect;...Every morning PGM encourage everyone to leave and go see/call your family or to leave to do something positive with your life. PGM provide a free Doctor, Dentist, Clothes,Haircut, and more.So you might ask why would anyone want to leave and try 'n find a JOB...Well...My personal answer is - Good things don't last always - although many compasionate christainsand non-christians support PGM finciancially, one must not take GOD goodness for granted-in my opinion, thats why I still look for a job almost everyday. Well, I must end now. Sure I am Homeless and don't have any real materialistic things in life, but I beleive in GOD and beleive JESUS died for me/us...and know GOD is not thur with me yet.so that's why I am not too stressed out. BYE-GOD BLESS.

WRITE ME - JACK DONALDOSN [ NOT EMAIL BUT U.S. MAIL TO :

PACIFIC GARDEN MISSION
1458 S. Canal Street, Chicago IL 60607
Atten: Jack Donaldson.

THIS WILL LET ME AND PGM KNOW YOU READ THIS AND I WILL SHARE MOST RESPONSES WITH PGM.

FYI BELOW:

Since 1877, Pacific Garden Mission has been a refuge. Millions weary of struggling through life's storms, have come to the "Old Lighthouse” seeking food, shelter, clothing, medical, and dental care.

They also came seeking the answer to life’s struggles. They are offered the answer: life through faith in Jesus Christ.

The question

1. Set up an apple cider stand on a crisp fall day.
2. Start a gift-wrapping service at the holidays.
3. Sell items from the attic using an on-line auction service.
4. Wear your winter coat one more season
5. Set up an automatic paycheck withdrawal for $ 2 per week.
6. Hold a garage sale.
7. Barter with neighbors or friends for needed household services.
8. Babysit for neighbors.
9. Mow lawns.
10. Post a flyer at the grocery store offering to help people move.
11. Start a spring cleaning service.
12.Walk dogs.
13. Offer seamstress and tailoring services.
14. Sew instead of buying clothes or home accessories.
15. Provide a taxi service for elderly neighbors.
16. Bike to work.
17. Car pool.
18. Use public transportation.
19. Park in the less expensive lots and enjoy the exercise you get from walking!
20. Conserve electricity at home and estimate monthly savings.
21. Find a student (kindergarten through college) who needs a tutor.
22. Cut out candy and snacks; donate what you save on these purchases and dental bills!
23. Take outgrown kids' clothes to a consignment shop.
24. Take your duds from the '70s or '80s to a vintage shop-everything old is new again!
25. Camp instead of staying in hotels on vacation.
26. Give up cable television for a few months--or forever!
27. Pet sit for neighbors who are traveling.
28. Make Saturday "Homemade Pasta Night" instead of dining out.
29. Borrow the latest best-sellers from the library instead of buying them.
30. Give up soft drinks for a whole summer.
31. Take a Thermos of fresh-brewed coffee to work instead of stopping for gourmet brew.
32. For your birthday, ask friends and family to make a gift to Mennonite Board of Missions, Commission on Overseas Mission, Commision on Home Ministries or Ministries Commission, Mennonite Church Canada in your name.
33. Give up your gym membership for the summer and exercise in the fresh air and sunshine.
34. Use coupons when shopping, and donate the savings.
35. Shop at yard sales and thrift stores--you never know when you'll find a hidden treasure.
36. For large household purchases, look for bargains on-line.
37. Pay off credit card debt so no interest collects.
38. Don't let water run while brushing teeth and turn out lights when you leave a room.
39. Offer your services as an office temp or substitute teacher.
40. Design Web sites for local families and businesses.
41. Buy cost-cutter brands for staples and household supplies.
42. Email friends and family instead of calling.
43. Make your own gift cards for holidays and birthdays.
44. Wear more "hand-me-downs" instead of buying new clothes.
45. Buy clothes that mix-and-match for each season.
46. Start flowers from seeds instead of buying seedlings.
47. Put on a family or neighborhood talent show and charge admission.
48. Use vinegar and water for a general household cleaning solution and save on expensive products.
49. Collect cans.
50. Study your health insurance policy and discover ways to avoid health care costs.
51. Plant a larger garden and sell vegetables at a roadside stand.
52. Instead of taking friends or clients out to dinner, send a donation in their name.
53. Donate your holiday club account and give homemade gifts this year.
54. Instead of buying a new CD every week, trade with your friends.
55. Scale back your vacation this year, or choose a service project instead.
56. Wait another six months for any major household purchase.
57. Postpone an upgrade to a software application you use.
58. Make a choice: Chocolate or coffee. Movies or eating out. Experience the one you choose more fully and donate your savings.
59. Buy a live plant instead of fresh flowers to decorate your table.
60. Love your looks--give up hair color, permanents, and other things that detract from your natural beauty.
61. Learn calligraphy and make money addressing invitations and lettering announcements.
62. For special family nights, plan on a video and pizza at home instead of dinner and a movie out.
63. Take the kids to the grocery store with you instead of hiring a babysitter.
64. Restrict your use of the cellular phone to emergencies only.
65. Choose eyeglasses with a sun clip instead of buying prescription sunglasses.
66. Wait for summer clothes to go on sale.
67. Be creative with leftovers--use them for work lunches.
68. Find loose change and save it in a coffee can for a year.
69. Bathe the dog yourself and save the groomer's costs.
70. Do your own house painting this spring instead of hiring a professional.
71. Play tennis on the public courts and save fees.
72. Give up golf for a few weekends and hike in a state park instead.
73. Rake lawns in your neighborhood in the fall.
74. Donate your expense checks from work-related travel.
75. Hold a bake sale.
76. Have friends over for parlor games instead of going out to the theater or a concert.
77. Shovel snow for money.
78. Organize a neighborhood car wash.
79. Sell lem

The question

1. Set up an apple cider stand on a crisp fall day.
2. Start a gift-wrapping service at the holidays.
3. Sell items from the attic using an on-line auction service.
4. Wear your winter coat one more season–you’ve always loved it, anyway!
5. Set up an automatic paycheck withdrawal for $ 2 per week.
6. Hold a garage sale.
7. Barter with neighbors or friends for needed household services.
8. Babysit for neighbors.
9. Mow lawns.
10. Post a flyer at the grocery store offering to help people move.
11. Start a spring cleaning service.
12.Walk dogs.
13. Offer seamstress and tailoring services.
14. Sew instead of buying clothes or home accessories.
15. Provide a taxi service for elderly neighbors.
16. Bike to work.
17. Car pool.
18. Use public transportation.
19. Park in the less expensive lots and enjoy the exercise you get from walking!
20. Conserve electricity at home and estimate monthly savings.
21. Find a student (kindergarten through college) who needs a tutor.
22. Cut out candy and snacks; donate what you save on these purchases and dental bills!
23. Take outgrown kids’ clothes to a consignment shop.
24. Take your duds from the ’70s or ’80s to a vintage shop-everything old is new again!
25. Camp instead of staying in hotels on vacation.
26. Give up cable television for a few months–or forever!
27. Pet sit for neighbors who are traveling.
28. Make Saturday “Homemade Pasta Night” instead of dining out.
29. Borrow the latest best-sellers from the library instead of buying them.
30. Give up soft drinks for a whole summer.
31. Take a Thermos of fresh-brewed coffee to work instead of stopping for gourmet brew.
32. For your birthday, ask friends and family to make a gift to Mennonite Board of Missions, Commission on Overseas Mission, Commision on Home Ministries or Ministries Commission, Mennonite Church Canada in your name.
33. Give up your gym membership for the summer and exercise in the fresh air and sunshine.
34. Use coupons when shopping, and donate the savings.
35. Shop at yard sales and thrift stores–you never know when you’ll find a hidden treasure.
36. For large household purchases, look for bargains on-line.
37. Pay off credit card debt so no interest collects.
38. Don’t let water run while brushing teeth and turn out lights when you leave a room.
39. Offer your services as an office temp or substitute teacher.
40. Design Web sites for local families and businesses.
41. Buy cost-cutter brands for staples and household supplies.
42. Email friends and family instead of calling.
43. Make your own gift cards for holidays and birthdays.
44. Wear more “hand-me-downs” instead of buying new clothes.
45. Buy clothes that mix-and-match for each season.
46. Start flowers from seeds instead of buying seedlings.
47. Put on a family or neighborhood talent show and charge admission.
48. Use vinegar and water for a general household cleaning solution and save on expensive products.
49. Collect cans.
50. Study your health insurance policy and discover ways to avoid health care costs.
51. Plant a larger garden and sell vegetables at a roadside stand.
52. Instead of taking friends or clients out to dinner, send a donation in their name.
53. Donate your holiday club account and give homemade gifts this year.
54. Instead of buying a new CD every week, trade with your friends.
55. Scale back your vacation this year, or choose a service project instead.
56. Wait another six months for any major household purchase.
57. Postpone an upgrade to a software application you use.
58. Make a choice: Chocolate or coffee. Movies or eating out. Experience the one you choose more fully and donate your savings.
59. Buy a live plant instead of fresh flowers to decorate your table.
60. Love your looks–give up hair color, permanents, and other things that detract from your natural beauty.
61. Learn calligraphy and make money addressing invitations and lettering announcements.
62. For special family nights, plan on a video and pizza at home instead of dinner and a movie out.
63. Take the kids to the grocery store with you instead of hiring a babysitter.
64. Restrict your use of the cellular phone to emergencies only.
65. Choose eyeglasses with a sun clip instead of buying prescription sunglasses.
66. Wait for summer clothes to go on sale.
67. Be creative with leftovers–use them for work lunches.
68. Find loose change and save it in a coffee can for a year.
69. Bathe the dog yourself and save the groomer’s costs.
70. Do your own house painting this spring instead of hiring a professional.
71. Play tennis on the public courts and save fees.
72. Give up golf for a few weekends and hike in a state park instead.
73. Rake lawns in your neighborhood in the fall.
74. Donate your expense checks from work-related travel.
75. Hold a bake sale.
76. Have friends over for parlor games instead of going out to the theater or a concert.
77. Shovel snow for money.
78. Organize a neighborhood car wash.
79. Sell lemonade on a hot summer day.
80. Take used sporting equipment to resale shops.
81. Buy a frozen pizza and cook it instead of ordering one from a pizza place.
82. Assign a dollar amount to each book or page a family member reads, then donate family earnings.
83. When you order fast food, don’t supersize it! Ask for water instead of a soft drink.
84. Get rid of your lawn service and donate savings.
85. Start a babysitting coop with people from your church or neighborhood, and donate the money you save on sitters.
86. Dust off that bread machine and treat yourself to homebaked bread for pennies.
87. Offer a matching gift to family members who contribute to Mennonite Board of Missions, Commission on Overseas Missions, Commission on Home Ministries or Ministries Commission, Mennonite Church Canada.
88. Check to see if your public health department offers low-cost vaccines.
89. Plan several vegetarian meals each week.
90. Sell your famous preserves or fruitcake to friends looking for holiday gifts.
91. Buy next year’s holiday supplies at day-after sales.
92. Learn how to change the oil in your car.
93. Skip purchasing season football tickets and have friends over to watch the game on TV.
94. Get rid of phone service add-ons–call waiting can wait!
95. Set the thermostat at 65 and snuggle under a blanket.
96. Only go to matinee showings of movies.
97. Choose the cheap seats for concerts and sporting events.
98. Start a resume or word-processing service.
99. Find a housemate.
100. Organize a cycling or running event with people donating a specific amount per mile covered.