Sharing Hope

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Here in Portland there is a big homeless population. I start to think about them the colder it gets, and right now it’s freezing here.


Honestly, I’m busy raising a family, and I don’t feel like I have much capacity to help in any significant way. But I don’t think we should think less of the small efforts we make. They matter to a person who is hungry and tapped of hope.


During the holidays I donate to whichever organization happens to be at my grocery checkout line. This year New Season’s customers are donating to Loaves and Fishe meals for seniors. When you consider that a few dollars can feed someone, it’s hard not to add a little to your holiday meal tab. We are so very blessed.


We also make donations to several canned food drives a year. I call it my Costco tithe, because I’m really just giving away any savings. 


In the past I’ve donated socks, sheets and towels to local shelters.  They are many shelters in Portland . I really appreciate how they are trying to connect with people on an emotional level as well as fulfill practical needs. Here’s a quick video about the Portland Rescue Mission:





Do you help the hungry and homeless?


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Supportland Card!

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A few months ago I shared my excitement about a new rewards card for shopping local, Supportland – Part 1


I was psyched to pick up my card at one of my favorite kids shops – Milagro’s.  Instead of needing to run out and buy disposable diapers, I find myself running to Milagro’s or Mother Nature’s every few months to buy more poo liners for Girly’s cloth diapers (yes, they capture most poo to drop easily into the toilet). I also happened to be running errands and sold $25 worth of clothes as credit at Bella Stella (apparently you need an appointment at Milagro’s).


Supportland is still expanding their business network, and I can hardly wait until my favorite local shops and restaurants are on board.


If you really must get your holiday shopping, many communities are offering special incentives to shop locally this Saturday.


Do you think shopping locally matters to the environment and your wallet?


~*~*~*~*~*~ 
Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Buy Nothing Day

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With all the hype of Black Friday, we’ll be honoring Buy Nothing Day this Friday. 


Yes, we’ll miss some ridiculous sales, but I guarantee you we’ll save money…kind of like the age old financial savvy of spending less than you earn. 😉


Here’s a 30 second ad by Adbuster to remind of us how glutinous we are and why Mama Earth needs us to limit our consumer craze. But you won’t see this ad on any of the major networks between shop-til-you-drop commercials, because it’s been rejected by ABC, MTV, etc! I can understand wanting to monitor content to a degree, but this is plain and simple censorship.





Have you ever honored Buy Nothing Day?
What will do instead of shop with your family?


~*~*~*~*~*~ 
Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Sound of Sunshine

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Walking to the bus my Big Guy commented about how pitch black it is here, and I explained how it will continue to get a little darker each day until just before Christmas. He found it hard to believe that it could get any darker, and I agreed!


For many this season of darkness it’s hard to get motivated, especially with our finances.  I know personally I need to start planning for the holidays, and even though we don’t buy many gifts, I tend to be a last minute shopper. No “Black Friday” sales for me…we’ll be in the woods finding the perfect tree! But alas, I need to focus on our finances before all the holiday revelry begins. 

So instead of researching a lengthy post, I’m going to share a song that brightens this dark season. When I first heard the Sound of Sunshine on the radio, I almost felt my spirit elevate. I hope it will inspire to think about what makes you happy and how working on your finances will bring you closer to your family goals.

Sound of Sunshine  – by Michael Franti

What motivates you?

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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.