Dear Subscriber,

Living Beyond your Means? I saw this article on Yahoo! news and it indicates that people are saving less and taking on more debt. This negative situation is harmful in a slow economy where costs are rising and jobs are being cut.

If the warning signs apply, it’s time to evaluate your long-term financial plan. Here are 5 warning signs:
1. Your credit score is below 600. You can get a copy of the reports from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.
2. You are savings less than 5% and/or dipping into savings. Beginning at age 30, if you save 10% of $100,000 salary or $10,000 each year, by age 65 that money would grow to $900,000.
3. Your credit card balances are rising. Pay more than the minimum payment, especially on high interest rate credit cards.
4. More than 28% of your income goes toward your mortgage, property taxes and insurance.
5. Your bills are spiraling out of control. Buying on credit and paying monthly payments have become habits. Look at all your bills and see what’s really necessary. Do you need a 500-channel cable bill? Conserve utilities by turning off lights and computers when not in use.

These warning signs are to help you to measure your financial health.

Source: Yahoo! News Mon. 7/14 Investopedia.com

Quote: Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what's right.
- Isaac Asimov, 1920-1992, Russian-born American Author)

Movies I’m waiting to see: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: didn’t get good reviews, but it’s Harrison Ford, and it’s one my husband would go see.

The Dark Knight: we’ve seen all the prior Batman movies and my husband used to read the comics. I love gadgets.

Mama Mia: open this weekend. A few friends and I saw the play together and it would be a riot to see the movie together too.

The X-files: I want to believe: coming July 25. I’ve been a fan since the beginning and really miss the TV show although they did everything they could. Love Mulder, what can I say?

Sponsor News: I’ll be in Warrenville for a show on Sunday, July 28 from 12-4 p.m. For directions, see www.linorstore.com/events.htm.

Can’t make the show? Order online at www.lindab142.etsy.com and I’ll give you a 25% discount. To get the discount, go to my Etsy shop and contact me with the subject “25% ezine” and the item(s) you want to purchase.

Let me know how your summer has been and what you like about this ezine and my work.

Love and peace,
Linda Blatchford
Jewelry Designer www.lindab142.etsy.com www.LinorStore.com http://linorstore.blogspot.com