|
The Financially Responsible Steward
Oct/Nov/Dec 2008
ISSN: 1546-0509
Who then is that faithful and wise steward,
whom his lord shall make ruler over his
household?
Blessed is that servant! - Luke 12:42-43
A unique use was made of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's special siding and
loading platform, located in the basement of the Bureau's Annex building, by the U.S. Secret Service during Franklin D.
Roosevelt's tenure as President of the United States. Because it was extremely difficult for President Roosevelt to climb
stairs, when he was scheduled to travel by train, the Presidential railroad car was shuttled onto the Bureau's siding
and the President was driven by automobile into the Bureau and directly to the loading platform. Here he could board the private
car without inconvenience in a well-protected area.
MEDITATION SCRIPTURE
And let the
peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also
ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful - Colossians 3:15
|
|
LOWER CREDIT CARD LIMITS Are you counting on your credit card this Christmas season to make major purchases?
You had better check your credit limit first. Many credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are all
lowering credit card limits to reduce the risk of customers not making payments.
For many consumers this spells
trouble on several fronts. First, lower credit limits mean the consumer's ability to spend shrinks. If an emergency arises,
like a medical crisis or unemployment, consumers will have less credit to cover these costs. Secondly, there is the possibility
that consumers could trigger penalties for going over the credit limit that they were unaware had changed. And finally, keep
in mind that a lower credit limit could reduce your credit score. Approximately 30% of your credit score is based on the amount
of a credit line that you use (called credit utilization). Higher utilization rates result in lower credit scores, which makes
qualifying for an auto loan, mortgage or refinancing more difficult.
So what can you do? A great thing to do is
lower your credit card debt. Also watch the mail because when credit card issuers lower credit limits, they must notify you.
Unless you've agreed to online only notification, you should receive changes to your account by mail. If you are computer
savvy, sign up for online alerts so that in case you miss the mail, you can still receive notification of changes to your
account. And as always check your credit report. Make sure that you are the only one using your credit and also check for
any errors and have them corrected immediately by contacting the credit bureaus.
EIGHT GIFTS THAT DO NOT COST A CENT
1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING - But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting,
no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.
2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION - Be generous with appropriate hugs,
kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
3.
THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER - Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
4.
THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE - It can be a simple, "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten
note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
5. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT - A simple and sincere
"You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's
day.
6. THE GIFT OF A FAVOR - Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
7. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE - There
are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to
others.
8. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION - The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. It's
not that hard to say "Hello" or "Thank you."
These are great ways to show your family and friends that how much you care.
Happy Thanksgiving! - Thursday,
November 27
Merry Christmas! - Thursday, December 25
|
