May 10

Timing Is Everything

Contributed by Alicia La Hoz, PsyD

Unknown

Have you noticed how conscious we are of how we use our time? A whole industry of watches exists to meet our scheduling demands. When we sleep, work, eat and play is determined by defined time frames we’ve adopted.

We anticipate the change of seasons and take delight as we witness the vibrancy of the Spring that has now come alive and resurrected us from our winter slumber. Spring brings us hope of a warm summer filled with fun. Our children’s activities for the summer months have nothing to do with sledding and ice-skating and everything to do with swimming, riding bikes and going on summer vacation.

Not only are day-to-day needs determined by time, but also by our planning styles. Some of us have a built in future mindset that helps guide current day-to-day decisions so that the future is safe and predictable. Some of us, on the other hand, have a present mindset that plans and makes decisions based on the day-to-day realities, not taking into consideration what the future has in store. And yet some of us are bound by past experiences, which seem to determine how our current decisions are made.

Listening to our loved ones is one of those challenges that requires us to live outside of our timing boundaries. Children, spouses and co-workers come to us with their own agendas interrupting our carefully scripted schedules. They have a knack for choosing the worst times to speak to us about their needs: right when we come home from work, are in the midst of a project, during our favorite reality TV show or sports game, while paying bills, etc.

Some of us have a real hard time dealing with these interruptions that threaten to throw off our perfectly scheduled lives. Some of us are pretty flexible and can manage and problem-solve while being attentive to those demanding our attention. But face it, most of us are terrible at stopping in our tracks, taking off the ticking watch, and listening. Most of us, except moms that is.

Just observe a playground with a couple of mothers who appear to be absorbed in conversation. Then watch what happens and children come running over tattle telling or arguing over whose turn it is to go down the slide or play with a toy. The whole time that group of moms has been paying attention to their kids and know exactly the situation and are able to be the most adept mediators. There are so many good, caring and attentive mothers out there who live outside of the demands of time to meet the ongoing and incessant needs of their children.

This week as you celebrate Mother’s Day, break away from your time constraints and for once listen to your mother. Really listen to her concerns, about her dreams and about what she would like. Instead of making demands, be the one that gives. Give her the gift of listening.

—————————– 

Did you know that 41% of children born today are born in single parent homes?  Most of these homes have mothers who are strong, everyday heroes in their families. These mothers need ongoing support so that they can successfully raise their children and not fall into toxic relationship pitfalls that spiral them into more distressed lifestyles. This mothers day, considering supporting a single mother by providing her a scholarship to participate in our comprehensive programs that will equip her towards achieving self-sufficiency and provide her that necessary skills to maneuver the most challenging relationships in her life. Click here to donate.

Posted in Communication, Family, Holidays | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , ,
May 7

Celebrate Mom! (Gift Ideas)

momCelebrate Mom! Still haven’t gotten the perfect gift for your mom or wife this Mother’s Day? Worry no more. Here are 10 gifts ideas that will make her smile:

  • Gourmet Brunch – Get the kids in on this one and cook her favorite breakfast. Include a menu card and a fresh floral arrangement on the table to make it truly special. Wake her up and voila! Plus, you’ll save yourself the long wait at the usual 4-star restaurant.
  • Music Machine – This one will be a great bonding gift. Create iPod playlists with her (Hint: if she doesn’t own one, you can get her one!). Have fun downloading all her oldies. Make mixes of her favorite songs and title them things like Relaxation Mix, Workout Jams, Cleaning the House Music and Old-School Party Hits. She’ll be dancin’ her shoes off to her favorite tunes!
  • Perfume – Who doesn’t like to smell nice? Plus, many people stick with one particular aroma and brand. So now you can switch it up and give her the chance to try something new.
  • Customized photo book – Happy memories should be relived! So why not make mom a photo book with moments that she will forever treasure. You can create it online in a flash!
  • Digital Camera – You’ve had years of happy memories with your mom, but now you’re all grown up — you may even already have kids of your own. For the mom who’s also a grandmother, or is about to become one, a decent digital camera will allow her to document the lives of her growing grandchildren.
  • Tablet – If she’s a tech savvy mom, she is probably looking for the next cool thing because she knows it’s out there. Hey, she may have had her eyes on this for a while now.
  • Spa Day – This one can be a Mom-daughter activity so it’s extra special. Instead of separate massages, enjoy shared activities, like mani-pedis and hair appointments, followed by a great lunch.
  • Framed Kid’s Art –There are never enough walls to display the art made for moms and grandmas. So take a pic of each piece and collage them together on the computer. Then print them into a single, standout masterpiece and frame it!
  • Favorite TV series on DVD – These box sets are in! Just make sure it’s a show she really liked. She’ll get to relive those classic TV moments along with all her associated personal memories.
  • 1-month fitness class pass – If your mom is into fitness, help her spice up her routine with some new Zumba, Jazzercise, or Pilates class pass.
  • Flowers – This is a classic that will always make her feel special. Be sure to get the flowers she likes. You can get them fresh or faux. If you go with the second option, arrange them in a vase and put that special touch that will make her remember you all year long!

Sources: Askmen.com and msn.com 

Posted in Holidays | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , ,
April 16

When Crisis Hits

Contributed by Alicia La Hoz, PsyD

537111_509929325711730_684598223_n

Upon hearing unsuspecting news, our heart plunges as our deepest fears are realized. Automatically, we ask ourselves, why did this happen?  We search for understanding, meaning and justice. We build our lives in predictable and sensible ways so that our every step is planned and rehearsed. We like to be in control of our surroundings as much as possible and fret with anxiety when something goes off the radar and escapes our comprehension and control.

Whether it’s the painful loss of a cherished loved one, an esteemed career, a chartered dream or anything that interrupts our daily predictability, our reactions may differ. Some of us respond by going into high performance gear. We tread forward logically, outlining a course of action in order to face the tragedy in front of us. Some submit under the overwhelming feelings of shock, anger, pain and disappointment that come like a strong wave that unsteadies the strongest. Others avoid thinking or getting engaged or involved, as the situation may be too hard to bear or consider and may be easier to deny or avoid it all together.

When a tragedy like the Boston bombings occurs, our hearts and minds struggle to understand the depth of this evil that could lead to such heartbreak and chaos. The senseless death of an eight-year old child and the injuries of so many innocent lives make no rational sense even to the most trained observer. Of course, we can call on experts to provide the most intelligent of interpretations but these insights don’t satiate the need to know, to understand and to comprehend such tragedies. We are left with the unanswered questions as we try to rebuild our lives. We are left with fear and anxiety of a world that can’t be trusted. While we try to build controllable silos that give us a sense of safety and predictability, each time we hear of national tragedy such as the Boston bombings or the Connecticut school shootings, our stability is shaken. We grow more anxious and uneasy and become even more stringent in our efforts to control our surroundings. We try really hard to protect our children and loved ones and some parents go to extremes of becoming increasingly overprotective.

These events stop us all in our tracks and lead us to evaluate. We evaluate whether we have shown and demonstrated love to our children, whether we have taken the time to acknowledge and appreciate our loved ones, whether we have created an out-of-balance world where those who matter the most are getting the least attention. While we can’t fully understand the extent and depth of evil that surrounds us, we can stop and evaluate whether our time and resources are drained in things that really don’t matter. An international preacher once noted that while he had the opportunity to attend thousands of funerals, each time in the bedside of death, people never asked for their trophies, accomplishments, stock portfolios and earnings – instead they requested to see those whom they cherished the most – their family and close relationships.

Ask yourself – who and in what do I put my faith in? And what do I put my priorities in? What can I do to realign my life so that which I value the most gets my undivided attention? Let us not regret, like Bill Graham and Warren Buffet did in their memoirs, that we didn’t spend as much time as we could have or should have with our loved ones. Let us take each day as a gift and make it count.

Posted in Life, Tragedy | Leave a Comment »

Tags: ,
April 15

10 Life Lessons I Learned During My First Year of College

Reposted from: http://outchicked.blogspot.com/2013/04/10-lessons-i-learned-during-my-first.html

TopTen_IconLife lessons that can be applied to anyone, regardless of age….

  1. We > I. Teams, families, and communities are more effective than isolated or self-seeking individuals.
  2. It’s not all about you. Refusing to be self-centered is extremely counter-cultural.
  3. Suck it up. A woman that I admire once said, “If you fall during the tribulation, you will never see the blessing.” You have to keep pushing if you want to see the fruit of your labor. A synonymous quote on my dorm wall reads, “I am not finished when I am tired. I am finished when I am done.”
  4. Friendships rarely just ”click”. They are pursued after common interests are discovered, and their growth is watered through experiences, encouragement, affirmation, tears, and sweat. It is impossible to ignite friendships with those who remain invulnerable.
  5. Fear of rejection keeps us isolated, alone, bitter, and depressed. After a while, if you let it become a piece of your identity, it gives you a sense of entitlement to be self-absorbed.
  6. Be skeptical. When it comes to intellectual/political/spiritual discussions, you don’t have to swallow what you chew.
  7. Trust. Recognizing your complete dependence on God will help you sleep 10000000 times better.
  8. “Opportunities multiply as they are seized” (The Art of War) You have to take the intiative. People aren’t going to come to you and say “Oh I heard that you are just fabulous at ______, I have a job that would be perfect for you!” The reality is that you have to seize opportunities, even if you have NO IDEA what you are doing – this helps you grow like crazy!
  9. Learn to say “No”. While you are going about carping the diem, it is important to let some opportunities pass by. Otherwise you will burn out and will be utterly ineffective in everything you do.
  10. Your life is significant. Believe it. There will come times when you question your purpose, your situation in life, and your reason for living. If you don’t have purpose and vision, you will have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.

Posted in Life | Leave a Comment »

Tags:
March 6

Truth is…Raising Kids today is a Challenge

FamBrid_0251That’s the plain truth according to parents from the Chicagoland area. Whether raising an infant, toddler, preteen, or teenager, the role of a parent or caretaker has become a much more complicated task. Dealing with issues like tantrums, long working hours, technology-absorbed children and adults, teens that think they know it all, and the increasing loss of values, many times parents find themselves wanting to escape from the task at hand. But even then, most parents are willing to face the challenge of raising their children, with everything that comes with it.  No matter what, the love for their children makes parents want to take on this Love Challenge!

We went out and asked real parents and caretakers two questions: What is the biggest challenge of being a parent? And, What is the best part of it?

This is what they had to say, and I’m sure we’ll all be able to relate to at least one of them.

Many parents can feel overwhelmed by what they see as their responsibility to their community. Take for instance Juana who says: “Being a parent is a challenging task. We have to raise kids which are going to be a part of our society in a positive way.”  Maria also expressed: “If only they came with a manual. Our job (as parents) is not just sending them to school and feeding them, our role as parents goes way beyond that.”

Others tackle the daily learning experience of the “new parent” and the effect it can have in the marriage relationship. Luz shared: “It’s not easy. (It’s) fun but stressful, joyful, and each day brings a new challenge that sometimes goes beyond just the kids, but also into our marriage. This is the hardest career one can have because of the many surprises that will come with it.” She encourages parents, “Do the best you can to enjoy your children and show them your love.”

Others deal with matters of the mind and heart of independent and outspoken teenagers. Juan says: “One of my biggest challenges is being (very) patient, especially when they think they know everything.  It’s hard!  But at the same time it’s beautiful because God gave us the privilege of being parents to our kids and to guide them the best way possible.”  While many, and I mean many, deal with the “busy lifestyle” and the fact that technology has come to reshape the way we live and interact with each other.  Catalina said this about her biggest challenge: “Playing catch-up with our own children due to our busy lives. As well as making sure to engage with the kids in this technological world! No iPad, iPod, cell, text, Netflix, Wii, leapfrog or anything else!”  Ana shares a similar view: “It’s very difficult with a 15 yr old and a 12 year old and today’s technology. I wonder what awaits me with my youngest kids who are 4 and 1 yrs old.”

Elizabeth brought up another important view: “(Raising kids) is a blessing. There are so many kids being raised by grandparents, relatives or society and not by parents.”

Benny shared a challenge that many face, “The most challenging for me as a single mom in this economy, is the amount of time I spend away from my boy working everyday crazy hours to bring enough (money) home to pay the rent and cover the bills. But the best is when at the end of the day I get hugs, kisses and ‘I love you’ from my precious angel.”

Another challenge parents expressed was when it comes to beliefs and values. This is what Esmeralda had to say: “Being able to adapt your morals to today’s changing world/society; being able to raise your children to be open-minded and respectful of others while teaching them to be firm in their beliefs and have some kind of spirituality in this many times Godless world. The best part is, knowing you are raising adults with empathy, who will be productive, happy members of society. That’s my goal at least.”

Karina mentioned another challenge: “Setting a good example.” Susana supported that statement saying: “It’s impressive how they learn from our own actions. Parents, let’s set a good example because they’re watching us.”

Juan shared something that seemed to resonate with most parents: “We weren’t born knowing how to be parents, but that was the challenge we accepted when we decided to become parents. It’s a wonderful blessing.” Rayo summed it up to: “It’s difficult, crazy! But I wouldn’t change it.”

In conclusion, being a parent is definitely an every day challenge.  It’s not an easy task, and there is no such thing as the perfect parent.  But we can all learn and strive to be better parents! There are no manuals, but there are tools available to us. So take on the challenge and invest in who matters most.

If you’re up to the challenge, we invite you to participate in our Love Challenge Family Conference on Saturday April 27 from 9am to 3pm, at Carpentersville Middle School in Carpentersville, IL.  Enjoy a day of fun and learning with engaging speakers, dynamic workshops, games, food, and much more! There are separate activities for teens, children, single adults, parents, and couples.  Admission is FREE, with tickets you can get by registering at www.familybridgeschicago.org or 877-412.7434. The conference is delivered in both English and Spanish.

Enrich the relationship with your spouse, family, and community.  At the end of the day, it’s what really matters!

Posted in Adolescence, Children, Family, Parenting, Teens | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , ,
January 25

Confessions of an Ex-Plastic

Contributed by Ashley Reed

562650_380865761975579_597577331_nSauntering down the hall with their Barbie-esque figures and saucy attitudes, the pink clad clique portrayed in Mean Girls resonates with many teenagers through its reflection of the social hierarchy played out in middle and high schools. In the film, a group of girls known as “The Plastics”, led by Queen Bee Regina George, spend their days harassing their peers and flaunting their perceived superiority. Enter, Cady, a homeschooler who enrolls in public school for the first time. Thrown headfirst into the jungle of high school drama, Cady goes from being an outcast to a member of Regina’s circle, becoming just as malicious as the Plastics in the process.

I went to a small private middle school where the girls had been in the same classes since pre-school. I didn’t really fit in and spent most of my time buried in books. That changed, however, when one of the girls from my grade’s version of “The Plastics” came up to me and informed me that I was now considered a friend. Eventually, I was accepted into the world of 3-way phone calls dripping with gossip, mall trips spent trying on clothes that were way too small and that we would never buy (or be caught wearing in front of our parents), and checking out guys at the movie theater. The thrill of being accepted into one of the recognized cliques at my school was exhilarating.

As you can imagine, the experience was not beneficial to my character whatsoever. I began to take on the characteristics of the girls around me – lying, gossiping, and teasing others. Ironically, the parents of the other girls liked having me around, seeing me as a positive influence for their daughters.  Inside, I was wracked with guilt, but didn’t want to lose my friends or gained status. Like Cady in Mean Girls, however, I eventually resurfaced into reality.

Breaking away from my old friends when we graduated from middle to high school wasn’t difficult, as they enrolled in a private Catholic prep school while I went on to a public high school. Transitioning from a small school to an institution with a student population of 2,500 was terrifying, but it also was a relief to let go of the daily gossip and rumors that pervaded my old friendships.

My take away from my adolescent experience is that you become who you surround yourself with.  Relationships formed in cliques are like plastic, breaking easily under pressure. I have learned that friendships are not built by music genres or clothing trends but by common interests and trust. Currently in college, I now have some sweet friendships that are unbound by the constraints of high glamour or feigned superiority, and it is liberating.

Posted in Relationships, Teens | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
January 3

I don’t feel like it!

Contributed by Alicia La Hoz, PsyD

UnknownMaybe you’ve heard this from the adolescent teen in your life recently. And maybe you’ve heard this from an internal voice that creeps up on you from time to time.  You have one of those days when you don’t feel like tackling the mountain of laundry, the outstanding bills, the files you have to put away, and now the taxes you have to prepare. There are so many day-to-day demands that you have to keep up with, it’s no wonder that from time to time, your inner self rebels and you want to be like an adolescent again that screams and slams the door against life and says, “I don’t feel like it!”  Well, now as you add a bunch more resolutions to the year, you may find that one of the deterrents keeping you from sticking to the goals you set out for yourself is your mood. Even if you are very disciplined and task oriented, your mood can determine how efficient you are in pushing through the to-dos in your life. Here is my top 10 list of “I don’t feel like it”:

  1. Doing chores and tasks around the house
  2. Getting to the honey to-do-tasks
  3. Preparing taxes
  4. Organizing the clutter (closet, garage)
  5. Getting to those tedious work tasks that I’ve done such a good job on procrastinating about
  6. Having difficult, honest conversation
  7. Confronting conflict that I’ve been avoiding
  8. Asking for forgiveness or forgiving
  9. Being thankful and going out of my way to do something nice and thoughtful for my spouse
  10. Exercising

What is in your top 10, “I don’t feel like it” list?

What we can’t afford to ignore is the quality time spent fostering the important relationships in life. When you take your spouse for granted, and you forget to notice the little things they do for you and when you ignore your children because you are too focused on the to-dos in your list – who is most important suffers. Even if you have to drag your feet to do it, it’s important to carve out time to spend with loved ones. When you spend time with them, you can connect and the opportunity to communicate occurs and with that there is a fighting chance for problems to get solved. When you spend time with them, love has a chance to flourish.

This year, Family Bridges is working with several organizations and businesses to encourage couples to spend time together and to go out on date nights. Would you consider making date nights a resolution for this year?  If you are a parent, plan date nights with your children, if you are married, plan date nights and enjoy your family and your spouse again. Stay tuned for fun date night deals, events, and resources we will be announcing in the next few weeks to help you as you plan these for the year.

Posted in Dating, Family, Holidays, Marriage, Relationships | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , ,
December 18

Cries of the Children

Contributed by Alicia La Hoz, PsyD

candleAt a time where many anticipate the joy and good will ushered by the Christmas season, our cheer is detained.  The peace and hope we wish to all through our sharing of Christmas cards, goodies and gifts feels helplessly out of place when what we otherwise feel is sorrow, fear, disillusionment and grief.  The traumatic event at the Connecticut Elementary School goes far and beyond any parent’s worst fear. Evil plagued the safest of communities, the safest of settings and shattered what we most trust. While most of us were spared the grief with our own children, and while we can never truly understand the depth of pain that the parents who lost a child at Sandy Hook Elementary feel, our hearts pang for the loss. We love, we hurt and we try so hard to protect the lives that have been cherished under our care. Lurking in the shadows of the media frenzy covering the trauma, is the voice that quietly says, “this could have been my child”.  Fear drives us to want to control our environment, to do what is necessary to prevent all the violence. So as we try to make sense of the tragedy, we seek answers. We turn to policy and government hoping for tighter gun restrictions and we turn to mental health hoping to find an answer. Since we desperately want answers and we dig for them with utter despair, many have used this platform to spur tighter gun regulations or to stigmatize young adults diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders such as Asperger’s and Autism.  We want to put our fears to rest, and want answers so that we can go on and move about the business of our lives. The reality is that the problem is a complex one requiring comprehensive solutions. Luckily, most of us are very resilient. In light of such trauma, most of us will be amazingly strong. And thus we will:

  • Reach out to each other – talk about what happened and process it in our on way.
  • Recall that we have overcome other traumatic events such as 9/11.
  • Try to help and get involved in some way – donate, pray, write.
  • Try to make meaning and put things in perspective.
  • Keep a positive and hopeful outlook embellishing random acts of kindness
  • Take care of each others’ family and do what we can to keep the routine going.

As we do all of this, life regains its sense of equilibrium and we will go about our days and lives. As we do this, we will get busy and we will forget to see the lonely parent struggling with a difficult child whom she fears. We will become critical of the parent who doesn’t seem to rein her child at the grocery store. We will be too busy to offer a helping hand to a parent who is going solo and feeling burned out as they cope with a difficult child – maybe one suffering through mental health.  We will keep our children away from other children that are reserved and appear withdrawn fearing that their somberness may be contagious or serve as bad influence. We may forget to engage in conversations with policy makers about how to address violence and to invest in programs that help prevent family fragmentation.

But we don’t have to forget.  Maybe the lives of these children can truly be honored and remembered each time you sit with a parent who is struggling with a difficult child; by purposefully providing social opportunities with the disenfranchised youth and children in your neighborhood; by volunteering and advocating for families in partnership with your local social service agency; by working to help families struggling through adversities; by proactively seeking to address policy that can help put more preventative measures in place to address violence in our communities. Maybe the cries of the children will be a sharp motivating force to work together to strengthen our families and our communities as we face the evil that darkly wants to permeate our Christmas this season.

Posted in Children, Community, Family, Tragedy | 1 Comment »

Tags: , , , ,
December 14

Be a Christmas Giver

Contributed by Alicia La Hoz, PsyD

Woman Holding GiftI have a confession to make, I am a taker. Every morning when I wake up, my husband faithfully has a nice cup of coffee waiting for me followed by toast. That followed by my 3 years old insensate pleas called out in both Spanish and English for me to wake up are the perfect alarm clocks. So I sluggishly relent and eventually welcome the day. In the mornings, I am most certainly a taker. I have grown so accustomed to the coffee that I do take it for granted most of the time.

So many of us selfishly take every day – in the little and big things. I realize that the curse of being a taker is the entitlement that can so easily creep in. We live in a society that caters to all our wants and needs, we dream of it, ask for it, and it can easily be fetched. Our kids ask us for stuff, and we relent. We want stuff, and we say we deserve it because we work so hard. It is a pervasive philosophy that we have bought into.

One of the reasons why I love Christmas so much is because our naturally inclined tendency to take and consume is, at least for a moment, put aside while we consider what gifts and items to purchase our friends and family. The exercise of thinking of another, putting oneself in their shoes and viewing things from their worldview is a healthy one. Instead of just watching out for our own wellbeing, all of a sudden we are consumed for a few weeks about others good will.

The reason, we carry a medley in our hearts during the Christmas season, is not just because of the tinsel, the lights, the wreaths and candles. These create the ambience and create a festive anticipation, yes, but they are not the reason why many of us have a sprint in our walk and feel genuinely joyful. We have a positive disposition to serve others, to give to others, to wish wellbeing and happiness to others and in so doing our hearts are turned. Giving changes the rules of the game, it turns the bitterness and resentment that tag along with selfishness upside down. Giving is a heart changer. This season, as we cross out the Christmas lists and wrap the presents, lets remember to love others unselfishly, to give of ourselves, to serve, to put others before our own needs first and to encourage and cheer each other onward. And then lets create this discipline of Christmas as a way of living 365 days a year. If we live our year like we live our Christmas days, how would our relationships change?  If indeed we intentionally roll over the positive disposition we create in Christmas and take this on to the New Year, we may just be surprised at the outcome. Lets give cheerfully this Christmas season – not just beautifully wrapped gifts – but gifts of service and love. And then lets keep at it all year long!

________________________________________________________________

Family Bridges is changing lives every day!

Did you know…

  • Family Bridges reaches over 10,000 people a year.
  • Our family-strengthening programs have huge results–they save marriages, prevent abuse, and give people the skills they need to lift them out of poverty.
  • Family Bridges is growing and expanding its services to help more families in need.
  • You can help us grow by giving today. Any amount will help. Three ways to give:
    • Online at http://www.familybridgeschicago.org
    • Mail your check to 1140 Lake St., Suite 204, Oak Park, IL 60301.
    • Call Barbara Linek, Director of Development, at 708-524-1600 x 202. 

Posted in Holidays | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , ,
December 11

Smart spending during the holidays

39The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and spend quality time with those closest to you. For many, the holidays can also be a source of stress and anxiety – especially when it comes to shopping for gifts. Be it stocking stuffers or a high-definition flat screen TV, here are some tips on how to make holiday shopping a little less daunting.

Set a budget. Know how much you can afford to spend before you go shopping. There are a lot of deals these days, and it’s easy to be tempted by great values and overspend.

Do your homework. Become an expert on the items you wish to buy. There are many resources that can help you make an informed decision, including online product and price comparison tools, consumer guides or even your friends and family.

Give yourself plenty of time. Don’t feel pressured to sign on the dotted line. Ask the retailer or seller questions about anything you don’t understand before you buy. If you’re feeling pressured, it may be best to walk away.

Consider hidden costs. With many items, the purchase price is just part of the cost of ownership. Factor in the expense of relevant extras such as accessories or extended warranties.

Carefully review extended warranty offers.Before you spend the extra money, carefully review the offer, taking into consideration things like the value of the item being purchased and the length of the manufacturer’s warranty. Also, be sure you understand exactly what the extended warranty covers. In some cases, it may make more sense to build your savings over time to cover future repairs rather than paying for a warranty up-front.

Have fun and Merry Christmas!

Posted in Finance, Holidays | Leave a Comment »

Tags: , , ,
« Older Entries  |  
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.