Keep the Holiday Season Merry and Bright Without Breaking the Bank


Ah, the holiday season! The air is filled with joy, laughter, and the scent of warm spices. It's a time of year when we eagerly anticipate spending quality moments with loved ones and exchanging gifts. However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on our spending to avoid any unwanted financial stress in the new year. So, let's embark on a stress-free journey through holiday spending and make sure this season remains truly magical!

Before you let the holiday spirit sweep you away, take a moment to create a thorough spending budget. Consider all the categories that might require your attention, such as gifts, food, decorations, and even new clothes for festive occasions. Set a reasonable limit for each category that aligns with your financial wellness goals.

Gift-giving can bring immense joy, but it shouldn't put a strain on your finances. Opt for meaningful and thoughtful presents instead of expensive ones. Consider getting creative and making personalized gifts or DIY items, which not only show your love but also save money. Remember, it's the thought that counts, not the price tag!

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious feasts, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank at the grocery store. Plan your meals in advance, make a grocery list, and stick to it. Look for affordable alternatives and consider involving loved ones in potluck-style gatherings to share the costs and create even more cherished memories together.

Transforming your home into a cozy holiday oasis doesn't require overspending on elaborate decorations. Get creative with DIY projects, using materials you already have or can find inexpensively. Think of making your own wreaths, ornaments, and garlands. Involve your loved ones for a fun family crafting session that doubles as quality time.

While it's tempting to shop for the perfect outfits, remember that a stunning ensemble doesn't have to come at a premium price. Seek out sales, discounts, and thrift stores to find chic and affordable clothing options. Alternatively, consider renting outfits for special occasions, or even swapping clothes with friends for a fresh look without emptying your wallet.

This holiday season, let's keep the focus on what truly matters: our loved ones and the spirit of giving. By creating a spending budget and adopting mindful choices in our gift-giving, food preparations, decorations, and wardrobe selection, we can ensure a joyous and stress-free holiday season. Let's celebrate in a way that leaves us with cherished memories while avoiding a financial hangover in January. May your holiday season be delightful, light, and filled with the warmth of love and togetherness!


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How I started to Live Differently

 
I was at a crossroad in my life when I learned to Live Differently.

It was several years ago that I was an investment advisor for a large regional bank.  I loved my position, my clients, the work. I was sure I was going to retire from this position.  Then one day the bank changed it's business model, didn't need as many investment advisors and my position was cut.  I was let go!

I did not have a plan B and felt like I was stuck in the muck.  What was I going to do now?  I knew that I didn't want to stay in the financial industry.  I didn't want to have my friends, income and career taken from me again.  I wanted to Live Differently.

For many years I was interested in natural products and how nature can help to support my bodily systems.  I completed a master herbalist certificate. I completed several master Reiki certificates and I knew that this was a direction I wanted to go in.

That's when I discover the essential oils of Young Living and their Seed to Seal promise.  Knowing about herbs and natural products I was thrilled to finally find a company that got it!  The products are only as good as the way the plants are grown, treated and processed to get the best results.  That is what Young Living does.  I also was very impressed with the way they combine essential oils into a wide variety of products for home, personal care, immune system, and event pets!  I had never discovered a company that does all of this and give you the opportunity to create an income simply by sharing the products.  I was hooked!

But that just started my journey to Live Differently.  I knew I wanted to get my Reiki practice started and there were so many internal stories I was telling myself about why this was not going to work!  I felt defeated until my good friend handed me the Aroma Freedom Technique book and asked me to join the certification class.  This technique blew me out of the water!  It helped me to turn around my internal narrative and self doubt I had to changing the way I saw myself and the world around me.  It showed me a way to use the essential oils I loved to improve my overall mental state.

So I was on my way.  Still I felt like I didn't have enough traction to really make a difference and that is when I found Oola.
Finding balance in an unbalanced world is exactly how I felt and that is what the Oola book talked about.  It showed me a simple framework to change the lifestyle I had to the life I really wanted to live.  It also is a whole community of like minded people that want to continually improve themselves and the world they live in. Now I had all the pieces that I needed to Live Differently.   

The best part is I get to share this with everyone who wants to Live Differently.

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