Cleo's Corner for New Years 2010

As we walk into 2010, let us remember a few things we hopefully learned in 2009. Cash is king. Cash is power. Save money. That’s what I learned. All through the past twenty years the CEO of my small, software development company has tried to teach me to save. Save? For what? I have needs now!

Each year I try to set up a budget and then would promptly forget it as I started traveling, having fun and being irresponsible. Every December I had to confess that I hadn’t saved a thing and several times actually needed more cash to finish my year. We aren’t talking zeros here. Whether you make under $10,000 or over $1,000,000, the rules are the same—if you spend more than you make, you get in trouble. If you don’t pay off your credit cards every month, you get in trouble. If you don’t save money for a rainy day, you get in trouble.

2010 is about getting out of trouble. We have all learned some valuable lessons and I know how painful they are…I have been broke, down and out so I know what I'm talking about. The biggest thing I have learned is that when I save, I have power. Power to decide if I want to go to Hawaii to a painting class. Power to decide if I want to buy a new necklace. Power to decide…anything you want. That’s what savings gives you. Personal power.

I was impressed during the holidays when my granddaughters and grandson were visiting. I heard them discussing what they were going to do with their money they got for Christmas. Ronnie bragged about having $175 in the bank. My girls chimed in with the amounts they have saved and through the chatter I could hear a healthy respect for the power of saving. When that time comes in the future when they need/want/desire something, they can simply look at their savings account and say yes or no.

My biggest goal for 2010 is to not spend the money in the first place. When I walk into a store I am learning to look around, admire, comment, and put back whatever I have picked up thinking I had to have it. Where am I going to put it? My walls are full, my floors are full, I have no room in storage and my kitchen is full to the gills. Stop Cleo. Think. Do you really want this jewelry/accessory/lamp in your house? Or will you do like you have so often in the past and within a year, give it to someone because you really didn’t need it in the first place? If I had gone for a brisk walk or bike ride instead of shopping in the first place, I wouldn’t have bought the damn thing and now have to manage it!

Here’s a thought to carry with you into 2010. Less is more. Less food, more exercise, healthier heart. Less criticizing, more encouragement to others, more good feelings about oneself. Less laziness, more commitment, the more you can pat yourself on the back. Let’s make 2010 the year of good feelings, good deeds, and good habits (like saving!). May all your goals become realities as you make choices and enjoy the New Year.

Back to Homepage