Photo Credit: Pexels

By Hal Salazar

Why spend over $28,000 on a fussy wedding when you can say your “I dos” from the comfort of home? Getting married at home can be the perfect (and most affordable) place to begin your happily-ever-after life together. And it can be every bit as special and memorable as a more expensive wedding. The key, however, is preparation. Here are some great tips for preparing the cost-conscious wedding of your dreams.

Consider the Size of the Home

If you don’t have the space, do your parents? Your fiancee’s parents? Your sister? Your best friend? Wedding spaces are big business, and there’s a lot to do, so don’t ask someone to host who isn’t emotionally invested. It needs to be someone you know you can work with, who will respect your opinion, and who’s also willing to lend you their home.

The home you secure will determine how many guests you can invite. For instance, a four-hour event with approximately 100 guests should have two toilets. If you have more guests than this or if your home has old pipes, you might want to consider renting a port-a-potty.

Have a Plan for Each Area of the House

Designate an area for guests to arrive, sign the guestbook, and drop off gifts and coats. What space makes the most sense for the ceremony? If the weather is questionable, you may need a tent. And the home will need rooms to be used as dressing rooms, not only for the bride and groom, but for the wedding party.

In the yard, a professional landscaper might be necessary. Landscape experts can transform the yard into a beautiful setting for the ceremony, and it’s an investment that will pay off well after the wedding. Look for local landscape professionals to zero in on a reputable contractor. The right landscaping can create a beautiful setting for the wedding photography.

Additionally, Unless you live on a 50-acre farm, it’s wise to check out large parking areas nearby. You can direct guests there and have someone shuttle them to and from the house.

Get Help Before Hosting Overnight Guests

With friends and family coming to town, don’t hesitate to keep house guests. The cleaning and prep you'll have as a host you have to do for the wedding anyway, and most guests will be eager to pitch in and make sure everything’s taken care of for the big day. You don’t have to repaint the house, redo the carpets, or take out a wall, but if you’ve got a running toilet, a dripping faucet in the tub, or a toilet with a tendency to clog, call a pro. Skim ratings and read reviews to find a dependable, affordable plumber.

Balance the necessary repairs and tasks that need to be done, with what will make the most impact, but is also affordable, with some tasks, like landscaping and cleaning, needing to be done within a day or two of the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Decorate

During the evening, you’ll want great mood lighting, whether you hang string lights in your trees or simply use candles throughout the space. With Martha Stewart’s floral ideas, you’ll discover that having beautiful flower arrangements won’t require you to break the bank.

Let Them Eat Cake (and More!)

Depending upon your budget, you can buy finger foods at your local grocery store, have an informal barbecue, or hire a caterer. Because cakes can be costly, you’ll want to read these tips for wedding cakes on a budget. To cut down on the cost of alcohol, consider only serving wine, beer, and champagne for toasts. Instead of purchasing everything, renting all your dinnerware and bar ware will probably be the way to go.

Planning any wedding comes with its own unique share of stress, but with an at-home wedding, a lot of this stress is reduced because you are in control. There are no venue fees or time restrictions, and all the yard and home improvements will be yours long after the big day. The biggest perk is creating wonderful memories in an intimate and beloved space.

Image via AARP

    

Today our nation is in the grip of the worst price inflation in decades. The average price of gasoline is about $5 a gallon and stores of all kinds are facing product shortages, pushing prices higher. In these times, frugality is so important more than ever.  AARP put together their annual list of Great Ways To Save. I've listed my favorite ways to save from their list below. Check out their complete list here.

1. Plant edible perennials. Many herbs and spices — among them garlic, rosemary, thyme and oregano — will grow back year after year, making them a great value. Plus, they are often easy to grow because deer and other critters won’t eat them. Several of these also do great in pots outside the kitchen door, so you don’t even need a garden.

2. Have an “eat me first” spot in your fridge. Designate a shelf or bin in your fridge for all of the leftover food bits (think nubs of cheese, a half serving of pasta,a lemon wedge) or overly ripe foodstuffs that should be eaten before fresher items.

3. Pay with the right card. Many credit cards offer cash back today, but the amounts often vary by category. Search the Internet for cards that offer the most cash back for groceries; you might find a card that will give you 5 percent back on food purchases. Websites like CardRates and NerdWallet let you compare your card with others.

4. Check gas prices by phone. Several phone apps are available to give you the current cost of gas in the area where you’re driving. For example, search “gas” on the Waze app, type “Geico gas” into your browser for the same result, or check the GasBuddy app.

Image via AARP 

5. Buy (or sell) used bulky items. People often turn to Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to sell larger items like furniture, exercise gear or play sets they’re no longer using.

6. Have your holiday weekends on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Most resorts and inns offer lower rates on weekdays than weekends, so you can save more by going midweek. Some resorts offer better prices on Sunday-through-Thursday packages.

7. Switch to phone auto pay. Some providers, including Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T, give users discounts for setting up automatic payments. Bonus: You’ll never get hit with a late fee again.

8. Stop paying for subscriptions you forgot you had. The free app Truebill gathers information on all of your subscriptions and presents them to you. That makes it easy to see what you're already paying for. Decide you are done with a subscription? Truebill will cancel it on your behalf.

9. Keep your cash working. Consider moving your bill-paying money from a no-interest checking account into one that pays interest. Put the rest of your cash into a money market account or high interest savings account.

10. Free haircuts. Sign up to be a hair model at SalonApprentice.com, where aspiring stylists find people on whom they can practice their craft.

Photo Credit: via Pexels

by Hal Salazar

 
If you intentionally avoid going into the garage, chances are, you have too much stuff collecting dust. The good news is that you can turn those boxes into big bucks by hosting an end-of-summer yard sale. Keep reading on how to make your free-market mercantile a success.

1. Pick the Right Date
 
Your most important job is to determine which day, or days, you’ll open up for business. Traditionally, yard/garage sales are held on Fridays and Saturdays, but it’s not unusual to spread out from Thursday to Sunday. Avoid holiday weekends, since fewer people will be in town to browse through your belongings.

2. Gather the Goods
 
Here’s an opportunity to get the entire family involved in the planning process. Have each member of your family fill a box with possessions they no longer need. Make a rule that if it hasn’t been used within the last 12 months, it has to go. Money Crashers notes that everything from old perfume bottles to unidentified cords and cables has selling potential.

If you have a storage unit, go through it and pull out items you no longer need for the sale. You may also want to move things out of your garage temporarily to keep buyers focused on what is for sale. In that case, try finding self storage in Los Angeles before the sale. Look online and arrange to move items off your property at least a few days before the sale.

3. Assign Responsibilities to the Kids
 
Once your children have determined which of their belongings can go, keep them engaged by giving them specific responsibilities during the sale. Many children will delight at the idea of selling small items on their own, such as Pokémon cards, Barbie clothes, or Hot Wheels. If they aren’t willing to give up their prized possessions, give them a $20-budget to open up a snack and lemonade stand. A word of caution, here, however: check with your local codes enforcement agency to find out if selling food and drink is legal in your area.

4. Get your Supplies Together
 
Even though you’re selling items you already own, there are plenty of accessories you need to make the day go smoothly, especially signage. The only way you’ll have a successful yard sale is if you have lots of people coming to check out your swag, so be sure they know how to get there by having plenty of big, bold signs with arrows that will direct them right to your home. Additionally, you’ll need price stickers, a cash box, and a calculator.

5. Price to Sell
 
Now that you have your stuff together and your stickers in hand, it’s time to get to work with pricing. Avoid the temptation to allow your guests to name their own price, since that can be intimidating. Keep in mind that yard sale prices are typically much less than retail prices. For instance, baby clothes typically sell for approximately $.25 to $1, and you can expect no more than a Lincoln for your old hand tools, no matter the brand or condition. This yard sale pricing guide by My Frugal Home is a great reference sheet if you’ve never hosted a sale.

Photo Credit: via Pexels

6. Advertise
 
In addition to hanging signs around your neighborhood, advertise your yard sale on Facebook, Craigslist, and your neighborhood’s website. There are also yard sale specific sites, like Gsalr.com and YardSales.net that you can try.

You can also post fliers on community boards at your local rec center, church, or other neighborhood hangouts. Be sure to promote your sale at least a few days in advance so people can make plans to come by.

7. Stay Organized
 
Perhaps most importantly, on the day of the sale, make sure your items are grouped according to function. Keep your stuff off the ground, too. This will make it easier for people to find what they’re looking for and for you to keep tabs on what’s hot and what’s not.
 
A successful yard sale is dependent upon a number of things you don’t control. Keep that in mind as you make your plans. Your homeowners association rules, unpredictable weather, and blatant disregard for your personal property by bargain hunters are all things to consider. Even with the negatives, selling your stuff from the comfort of home is a great way to earn a little bit of extra cash and make sure your home is organized while you hibernate through the long winter.

About the author:

Hal Salazar created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to seniors via carefully curated resources. Hal is newly retired, and as he embarked on planning and preparing for his golden years, he realized there was a lot of information to keep up with so he started gathering it all on his website to help out his fellow seniors. When Hal isn’t working on Elders.Today, he enjoys walking at his local park, testing out new recipes with his wife, Marlene, and playing piano.

Image via Unsplash

by Elizabeth Long

Are you ready to update or renovate your home? Do you know how much you have to spend? Is your budget limited?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, then it's time to do a bit of careful planning and budgeting to get the results you want without breaking the bank. The good news is that there are some techniques you can use to help you achieve this goal. Here, we share four of our top tips to keep things simple.

Prioritize the projects you want to do

Usually, when you are ready to renovate your space, you want to tackle more than one project. However, if you have a limited budget, you must choose what you’ll do first.

When prioritizing your projects, consider the goals you have. For example, are you renovating your space to increase your home value? If so, complete projects that will help you make more on the sale than what you spend on it.

However, if you want to increase your enjoyment of the space, choose something you personally want to improve. For example, do you want more counter space in the kitchen or a larger closet? While these projects may not increase your home's value, they can increase your enjoyment of your home whilst you’re living in it – and if you’re not planning on moving soon, then that might be the most important thing.

Estimate how much the project will cost

Once you know what project you want to take on first, it's a good idea to pull out your calculator. You need to consider all the elements of the project to determine its cost, including the materials you need and the labor involved. When making decisions, make sure to consider how the work will last, and what impact it will have on your home – for example, eco-friendly renovations can help you cut down on bills, although they’re more expensive to start with.

Remember, there's no way to get a detailed understanding of a project until you have received itemized estimates. However, crunching the numbers yourself will give you an idea of what to expect, which can give you a number to save towards.

Speak to several contractors

After working out a rough cost, it's time to get estimates from a few contractors in your area. Be sure to ask for itemized breakdowns of the costs so you can find the one who offers the most value for their services. This is a crucial step in the process if you want to budget properly for a home renovation.

Tips to reduce home renovation costs

Usually, home renovations should not be do-it-yourself projects because of all that's involved in them. However, there are some tasks that you can do yourself:

• Handle demolition on your own (be sure this is safe first)
• Try to find low-cost or discounted materials
• Hire subcontractors yourself
• Handle the painting and other small tasks

Image via Unsplash

Are you ready to invest in a home renovation?

As you can see from the information here, more than a few considerations and costs go into any home renovation project. Keep the tips and information in mind, which will help you budget appropriately. If you take the time to plan, you can handle any home renovation without spending too much.

Author: Elizabeth Long

I love finding home renovation solutions that don’t break the bank, and am keen on making the most of second hand products to be as sustainable as possible. I write meaningful posts, designed to give readers take-home actions they can act on in their own projects.

Image via Pexels

by Hal Salazar

Maybe you and your significant other have always imagined that you would start a business together one day. Now, you’ve finally reached a place in life where you can make this dream come true, but you’re not sure how to get your company off the ground while keeping your romance alive. And if you’re on a slim budget, you might be worried about whether or not you’ll be able to succeed as an entrepreneurial team. It is possible to keep your costs under control while starting your business. Furthermore, these tips will help you launch a business without losing the spark!

Choose a Business Idea

In order to kick off your entrepreneurial journey as a couple, you’ll need to agree on a business idea. If you’re working with limited funds, you’ll want to choose an idea with low overhead expenses. Renting a brick-and-mortar space, or leasing expensive equipment, will probably be out of your reach. Tweak Your Biz recommends starting a business centered on social media management, web design, virtual assistance, event planning, or home-based food services, like custom baking.

Invest in Accounting Software

No matter the size of your budget, every business owner should use software for bookkeeping to manage their finances. This will allow you to manage your business income effectively and ensure that you’re not wasting a dime. Furthermore, you’ll be able to store and organize all of your receipts and other financial documents so that you can stay compliant and earn deductions when tax season rolls around. Plus, you’ll be able to easily assess your cash flow whenever you like.

Image via Pexels

Nail Down the Basics

In order to officially launch your business, you’ll need to take care of a few administrative items. Sit down together to draw up a business plan, and then get the paperwork you’ll need to register your business in your state. You will also need to create a budget to ensure that you don’t overspend. Furthermore, you can jot down ideas for your marketing and sales strategies.

Working Well Together

When you’re opening a business with your significant other, you want to make sure that personal disputes don’t affect your company’s operations. It’s important to stay on the same page as far as your goals for your business and your finances. Marriage recommends coming up with plans for dealing with common problems in advance, keeping your family’s finances separate from your company finances, and setting boundaries between your work and your downtime.

Keep the Romance Alive

If you’re busy getting your company going, how can you and your partner make time for each other? Time management is key. Choose a time each day when you’ll “clock in” and “clock out.” Outside of those boundaries, stay away from work-related tasks and focus on each other instead! Close your laptops and turn your attention to your relationship.

Image via Pexels

As entrepreneurs, it can be tough to stay away from business projects when you could be relaxing - you might feel like you have to work constantly in order to stay ahead of your competition. But enjoying your coffee together in the morning, taking leisurely lunch breaks each day, and scheduling a date night each weekend will help you balance your relationship and your business.

Running a business with your significant other does bring unique challenges. But at the same time, you’ll have some advantages - you’re already in sync, you share the same values, and you understand each others’ strengths and weaknesses. With these tips, you’ll be able to start a cost-effective business without neglecting your romantic relationship.

Image via Unsplash

by Liam Johnson

Many of us are excited to retire, but the financial realities of not working anymore can be challenging. Without a steady income, you might feel overwhelmed by the cost of daily life – especially with inflation and the cost of living rising.

However, there are some simple strategies you can use to make your money go further in retirement, allowing you to truly embrace this exciting time.

Don’t retire just yet

Perhaps the most obvious (and yet complicated) step you can take to make your money last is to continue working for longer. While this might be easy for some, if you are struggling with your work or are just ready for something new, this might not be a reasonable option for you.

If you can work for longer and retire a little later, this can increase the amount of pension you receive when you do retire, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle. This is a great choice for those who were seeking early retirement, but are thinking twice. If you can live on a lower salary, you could discuss going part-time with your current employer.

Consider how you’ll receive payment

You may have the opportunity to choose how you receive your pension payments. Traditionally, it’ll be paid in monthly lifetime installments, to provide a steady stream of income. However, you may have the option to receive it in a lump sum, which could work better for your personal approach to finances. Before choosing, be sure to consider the pros and cons of each option so you can be confident with your decision.

Think about your property

If you are a homeowner, then it might be worth considering downsizing to a smaller home. Large houses can cost a lot in utilities and maintenance, and downsizing means you can enjoy spending less time tending to your home and more time on new hobbies and experiences.

If you can’t downsize, or simply don’t wish to, then there is an option to access equity release for your home – where you will receive a lump sum of money (essentially selling your home), while still being able to live in it. Be careful with this option, though, as it can have risks attached. Speak to a professional before making any decisions.

Curb expenditures

Your expenses are something you can control more tightly when you have time to focus on them. In retirement, you may feel like everything is more expensive, and now is a good time to cut back a little and spend your money more wisely on things you get real joy out of, like travel. You can create a budget that suits your new circumstances, establishing what your monthly pension income will be, and assessing your outgoings. If there is a financial gap in this, you can find out where you will be able to make adjustments to save money.

To sum up

Getting used to retirement isn’t always easy, but making sure that you are financially prepared will help. When considering how you can make your money go further, remember that you should be realistic about which of these methods will work for you – and help you to get the most out of the next chapter of your life.

About the author:

Liam Johnson is a digital consultant with several years’ experience creating content for a range of different companies worldwide. He majored in creative writing in university and is always eager to expand his knowledge around different subjects.

Image via Pexels

by Hal Salazar

Working remotely comes with many benefits, but it can also have its downfalls. You may find yourself feeling isolated, switching from working to leisure mode too quickly, and not having the same set of colleagues that you’re used to seeing on a daily basis.

These are all good reasons why it is important to practice regular wellness. This guest post offers some essential tips to help you generate remote work wellness so that you can make the most of your experience.

Optimize Your Office Space

Being in a healthy work environment is a crucial factor for your remote work wellness. One way to create an environment that promotes wellness is by optimizing your office space. Here are some quick and easy ways you can make changes in your office to optimize it:
●    Clear out unnecessary objects, such as papers and magazines.
●    Furnish the space with plants, art, or anything else that makes you happy when you’re there.
●    Arrange furniture, so it’s comfortable for you to sit at your desk and move around easily.
●    Keep the temperature at a comfortable level for both you and the people who come into the office.
You will find your home office much less stressful when it’s organized and easy to access.

Reduce Stress

Research has shown that reducing stress can help with a healthier work-life balance. It’s actually one of the most important steps to take when trying to find ways to feel your best. Taking breaks actually helps our brains stay more alert and focused during work hours.

The benefits of taking a break from work are two-fold: you’re getting a mental break from your job, and you’re physically rejuvenating yourself at the same time.

Try walking, reading a book, or meditating for 10 minutes when you feel like your brain needs a rest, or getting up and stretching, even if it’s just for 5 minutes before returning to work.

Image via Pexels

Self-Care Matters

Be sure to take some time for “me” time, which doesn’t always have anything to do with leisure activities like watching TV or eating ice cream! Just taking time off from work is crucial for reducing stress, so feel free to take a day or two off when needed. Stay away from work-related emails, phone calls, and voicemails when you’re off the clock, and enjoy some downtime!

Start a Hobby

Another tip is to find a hobby unrelated to your career. This will allow you space away from work while still allowing you the opportunity to learn new skills or be creative in other ways, all of which are very important to your general well being.

Find the Right Balance

Finding a healthy work-life balance is crucial if you want to continue working remotely. If not, you risk getting burned out, which will likely lead to your performance suffering. If you feel like the profession you’re in just isn’t conducive to your mental health, it might be time for a change. Applying for jobs can be stressful but if you get started with a resume builder that highlights your skills using sleek templates, you’ll be giving yourself a massive edge over the competition.

About the author:

Hal Salazar created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to seniors via carefully curated resources. Hal is newly retired, and as he embarked on planning and preparing for his golden years, he realized there was a lot of information to keep up with so he started gathering it all on his website to help out his fellow seniors. When Hal isn’t working on Elders.Today, he enjoys walking at his local park, testing out new recipes with his wife, Marlene, and playing piano.

Image via Unsplash

Dealing with the waste we create is one of the biggest environmental concerns of the 21st century. While recycling rates around the world are increasing, so too is the population, and far more needs to be done to tackle the problem.

As reported in this guide to waste and landfills, 2.12 billion tonnes of waste is produced across the globe every single year. So, what practical steps can we all take to reduce the amount of waste that we produce? Here, we'll take a look at three areas where small changes can make a huge difference.


Cook in bulk

Food waste is a common domestic issue, but there are lots of ways we can reduce the amount we’re throwing away. Firstly, by making larger quantities of food that uses up all of your fresh ingredients and then freezing it, you reduce the amount of waste you generate. You also have meals on hand whenever you need them, saving precious time.  

You should also make a conscious effort to prepare your own meals rather than buying ready meals. Not only does this mean you’ll be reducing food and plastic waste, but you're also lowering your bills. Any uncooked fruit or vegetables that you don't use should be composted if possible.


Avoid single-use plastics

Limiting our reliance on single-use plastics is key to a better planet. As such, it’s important to be aware of any alternatives available to help stamp down on plastic waste. Always take reusable bags when shopping, use paper or mesh bags when purchasing fruit and vegetables, and use a refillable water bottle.

Refill shops which allow you to purchase key ingredients such as flour, pasta and other products without the packaging are spreading across the country. These make it easy to radically reduce the amount of packaging you use.


Borrow, repair, rent or share

Households consume vast quantities of consumer goods, clothes and appliances. Many of these cannot be recycled or repurposed after they've been used as they’re often made up of many different materials. By borrowing the household goods and appliances you need rather than buying them, you can reduce the amount of the material that ends up in landfills.

So-called 'libraries of things' are growing in popularity across the globe. These allow people to borrow household items, such as sewing machines, steam cleaners, hedge trimmers and garden furniture for a set period. There is usually a small membership fee and a daily charge, but the costs are considerably less than owning items that you might only use a handful of times yourself. Alternatively, you might be able to set up an informal sharing arrangement with your neighbors.


To sum up

As we’ve seen, by taking slightly more care and consideration around our lifestyle choices, we can make big strides towards drastically reducing our reliance on landfills. By being more mindful of the waste we generate and by taking these simple steps in different areas, we can each play our part in creating a greener future for generations to come.

Image via Pexels

by Hal Salazar

As the world goes digital, many consumers are looking for balance. If you're a homesteader, you're perfectly positioned to meet this demand with simple, back-to-nature products and services. Whether your talents lie in animal husbandry or arable, your hobby farm has the potential to bring in additional income.

Ways to Monetize a Hobby Farm

Some ways to monetize a hobby farm are:

• Sell farm food products. Earn money from produce, meat, eggs, bread, jams, and honey. Make sure to check food regulations.
• Sell handmade items. Options include crafts, soaps, and quilts.
• Teach classes or workshops. Instruct others in practical farm skills such as farming, beekeeping, welding, canning, or quilting.
• Create an online business. Build social media profiles, a blog, or a YouTube channel about your farm. Make money with ads, affiliate sales, and sponsorships.

Brand Your Farm

Create a brand that captures the personality of your hobby farm and helps it stand out from the crowd. Start by:

• Naming the farm
• Writing a mission statement
• Outlining your brand values
• Creating a logo, selecting colors, and choosing a visual identity

Set Up the Hobby Farm Business

If you're planning to create a business from your hobby farm, it's helpful to set up a formal legal structure. Once your company is official, you'll enjoy limited financial liability, more affordable tax rates, and flexible operations. Legal business entities also have an easier time securing funding. Your province or territory may have specific rules; a business formation service can save time and cut out expensive attorneys.

After you complete the legal registration process, you can seek funding to improve or expand the farm. Grants are a fantastic option — they provide a cash infusion that helps get your finances in order. For nationwide farm funding, check out Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) grants; you can also take advantage of government grants for small businesses. 

Top grants are extremely competitive; a well-researched business plan can help you succeed. Don't waste time applying for every grant — check eligibility requirements, make sure the availability suits your funding needs, and look for grants designated specifically for small farms. When you have a shortlist, create a high-quality, tailored application for each award.

Marketing and Managing Your Hobby Farm

Get the word out about your farm with effective marketing. Since you'll also be running the farm, it's helpful to outsource these tasks — you can hire professionals on a part-time or contract basis to help with:

• Web design and development
• Brochures
• Social media management 
• Online store setup

You can also look for free online tools and apps to help with your marketing. For example, if you don’t have business cards to hand out to potential customers and clients, use a free business card maker to quickly put a design together. Many of these tools will allow you to put together something in as quickly as 30 seconds.

Once your hobby farm becomes a business, you'll find yourself with more responsibility than ever. Manage efficiently by:

• Hiring an accountant 
• Creating a calendar to stay on top of marketing, events, and farmers markets
• Hiring part-time help during busy periods

Make Money from a Hobby Farm

Running a farm and a business takes time and effort. By staying organized and efficient, you can increase profits and enjoy your homesteading lifestyle.

About the author:

Hal Salazar created Elders.Today to lend a helping hand to seniors via carefully curated resources. Hal is newly retired, and as he embarked on planning and preparing for his golden years, he realized there was a lot of information to keep up with so he started gathering it all on his website to help out his fellow seniors. When Hal isn’t working on Elders.Today, he enjoys walking at his local park, testing out new recipes with his wife, Marlene, and playing piano.

  

    

In our hectic and busy lives, I am reminded of this inspirational classic story that I read many years ago.  Back when I was working in the corporate world, it seemed that the purpose of my life was to climb up the ladder and achieve financial success. All that change almost 20 years ago, when suddenly I didn't have a "job". My perspective on life changed, one of the results is my now frugal life and this blog. Today, I focus on the blessings each day brings - no matter how big or small. I am grateful for what I have and I constantly strive to simplify and enrich my life with less. I hope you too will be inspired by this parable of the Mexican fisherman.

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.  Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna.  The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, “only a little while. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos.  I have a full and busy life.”

The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then L.A. and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.”

The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?”

To which the American replied, “15 – 20 years.”

“But what then?” Asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part.  When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!”

“Millions – then what?”
​
The American said, “Then you would retire.  Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”

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