I hear a lot about debt these days. Often the context is the national debt or the recent sequestration. The magnitude of these topics provides a momentary distraction from the debt my husband and I face. Since finishing college we’ve both taken steps toward debt-free living, which is an ideal we hold. We’ve diligently avoided credit card debt, … [Read more...] about A Paradigm on Debt
Managing Finances
Password Security
The need for passwords for online accounts has become nearly ubiquitous in our society. There’s email, online banking, social media sites, online retailers, payment websites for utility companies, etc. (Just now I attempted to count how many usernames and passwords I have, but I gave up once I reached two dozen sets…and I know I didn’t cover … [Read more...] about Password Security
The Significance of Standby Power
I’ve read that minimizing the use of standby power (sometimes termed vampire or phantom power) can decrease energy bills. I’m always looking for ways to save a few dollars, so I turned to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to see what the fuss is all about. What is standby power? Many pieces of electronic equipment continue to use … [Read more...] about The Significance of Standby Power
Should I Purchase an Extra Freezer?
We’d been having a bit of an issue with freezer space… …so my husband and I began considering the possibility of purchasing an extra freezer. Do the benefits of an extra freezer outweigh the costs of purchasing and providing power for one? Benefits of having an extra freezer You have room to store foods purchased in bulk. Several … [Read more...] about Should I Purchase an Extra Freezer?
Handling the Upfront Costs of Buying in Bulk
The judicious purchase of foods and household items in bulk can be a wonderful strategy for decreasing how much you spend on groceries. While bulk purchases often have lower per unit costs, they do cost more upfront because you are buying large quantities. A 16 oz. package of pasta costs $0.99. You can get the same pasta for only $0.83 … [Read more...] about Handling the Upfront Costs of Buying in Bulk
Setting Goals for the New Year
In just a few days I will begin my annual phase of faltering when writing the date. My brain will recognize the error a split second after my hand automatically writes “2012.” The New Year is often conceptualized as a fresh start or a blank slate. My husband and I have chosen to capitalize on this concept by setting goals for the coming … [Read more...] about Setting Goals for the New Year
Welcome!
Welcome to Of The Hearth, a blog about faith, family, and forging a difference in our communities. While a hodgepodge of topics are addressed here, all are intended to facilitate growth into Christ’s likeness through the activities of daily life, support cultivation of family, and provide inspiration for making a positive difference in … [Read more...] about Welcome!
