Burying Bones

We have all seen the television advertising where the dog frets over what to do with his bone – and everything is tried, from burying it to putting in a safe deposit box. The inclination to bury food is an instinctive one for dogs, going back to the times when dogs were not domesticated, and needed to save food for the future. Some modern doggie psychologists believe it relates to needing more attention, or to some previous state of want. Fido believes that it is just doggie nature to protect their own resources!

How does Fido see this as a desirable trait? No one, whether canine or human, wants to live in a situation of concern for the future. Like Fido, we can learn to plan ahead, save for our desired material goods, and live for today free from money worries. Fido has some suggestions as to how to make this become a reality for you.

First, Fido suggests you sit down with the family members that are involved with the day to day living in your home. Let everyone have some input, for the greatest chance at success. Start a list of things that you routinely spend money on, gas, food, mortgage, cable TV, internet connection, meals out, clothing etc. Try to assign a dollar amount to each item. Then make a list of items on the master list that are not strictly necessary. (Internet service, for example, may be necessary for your business. Cable TV is usually not a business need!)

Next, start brainstorming for some of the things you would like to include in your life. A family vacation. An addition to your home. College educations for your kids. A retirement life of travel. Even though it may seem like a juggling act, you can have the good things you want in your life by following Fido’s example – she enjoys some in the now, and saves (buries) some for later!

Fido’s Blog (In which Fido Ponders the Story of Snoopy vs The Red Baron

Most of us are familiar with the timeless story of Snoopy (Charles M. Schultz’s memorable beagle) and the Red Baron, Snoopy’s nemesis. In the classic Snoopy story, our intrepid beagle takes to the skies, constantly focusing on shooting down the evil Baron. What we may not realize is that same battle plays itself out in our relationship with our money.

Fido has much wisdom to offer us from her doggy heart in how to live our lives wisely, to the fullest. This includes our money perspectives. Certainly treating money as “the enemy,” (the Red Baron) is counterproductive to creating a life of comfort and ease! Here are some Fido suggestions for Snoopy!

Remember that your money is a tool. It is not a weapon, or a curse, but the means with which you construct the life you want. Moreover, like any tool, there are right and wrong ways to use it. Start keeping a money diary in a small notebook you can carry with you. Jot down every purchase, from the latte in the morning to the quick stop at the grocery store for dinner. As time goes on, you will see patterns develop that can be modified or changed. This method will allow you to make moderate changes, a bit at a time, to use your money sensibly and with your eye on the prize. For Snoopy, the prize was the Red Baron, for you, it may be a new car, some remodeling, or a special trip. Just by eliminating the daily latte (instead, make it a weekly treat) you may be able to add up to $200 monthly to your viable spending money!

Focus on the haves, not the have-nots. So often, we moan about the things we do not have in our lives, things we think we must have to be happy. Instead, think of the things you have, and focus on creating a sense of plenty, rather than always looking to the latest cell phone, fanciest car or largest house as the means to be contented. Our money “frame of mind” needs to reflect the abundance in our lives. Each of us needs to use our bountiful lives to create our own plane in which to soar.

Consider all three elements of your money life when making plans. Fido has always said that our financial plan needs to consist of three parts; Savings, tithing (or charitable giving) and spending (which includes your bills and your day-to-day spending). Each part enables personal growth, as well as a sound basis for your economic future. Fido recommends a 10-10-80 split of your monies into each of these component parts.

Want to learn more? Check out my booklet, “A Seeing-Eye Dog for the Financially Blind – Fido knows more about your Money than you Realize!” on Amazon now.

**Images courtesy of Smart Bomb Interactive, Inc. Snoopy vs. the Red Baron ©2006 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. PEANUTS © United Feature Syndicate, Inc.