Femcompetitor.com, grapplingstars.com, fciwomenswrestling.com, fcielitecompetitor.com, fciwomenswrestling2,com Shutterstock-oreanto-photo-credit-
February 17, 2025,
Is the operative word in the phrase, “thought process”, process or thought? We suppose thought, but both seem equally important.
Especially when there are always ripple effects. Sometimes massive.
Recently thousands of United States Federal Workers were given notice that they would be laid off. Something that previously, typically only happened in private industry, had now happened to a large governmental organization. With more notices apparently to come.
The ripple effects will be enormous.
According to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations, “These layoffs likely mean longer wait times for veterans trying to receive medical care, and they could mean that ongoing clinical trials may be forced to come to an abrupt halt. They likely also mean veterans will wait longer for their disability claims to be processed and approved, and that training for new claims raters that VA has invested in over the last year would go to waste.”
That was just the tip of the iceberg.
They add, “On February 13, OPM fired 250 probationary employees. Management was not notified that the agency would be firing people that day and probationary employees were given 30 minutes to leave the building. There were no exceptions given for high-performing employees or those that managers had prioritized on requested forms. “
From a distance it sounds disorganized and very painful.
We know of one true life accounting where an employee is going to lose her job with kids in both high school and college. Understandably they are completely stressed out.
She is going through a messy divorce as well.
Another major news and information source observed, regarding the Washington D.C. housing market, “New home closings dropped by 16 percent in the year leading up to December 2024, according to John Burns’ latest D.C. market analysis, and the resale market was stagnant.”
It keeps going. The local cafes and restaurants will receive less revenue and may have to lay off workers, often supporting their families. The transportation oriented drivers will be affected as there will be less demand to be taken to work, the show, the restaurants, the ball games and more.
Ripple, ripple.
Our decisions matter in life, especially when others are affected.
In an uncertain world, saving money is vital. If you or your spouse is ever laid off, a good savings amount may be enough to keep you afloat until you get another job. Apparently two thirds are not getting the message.
As posted by thehill.com, “A new survey from Bankrate revealed that 33 percent of U.S. adults have more credit card debt than emergency savings. Nearly three in four Americans (or 73 percent) are saving less money for emergency situations due to rising prices.”
It is all about decision making and having the right mindset.
Let’s travel to the bookstore.
500 Great Ways to Save For Dummies Paperback – June 14, 2023
By The Experts at AARP (Author)
“Get smart and start saving―without sacrificing the things you love
With high prices for everything from food to gas, how can you make ends meet―and still have enough for the things you love? 500 Great Ways to Save For Dummies is packed with creative ideas for cutting costs in small and big ways, in dozens of categories, ranging from groceries and healthcare to education, travel, and major purchases. This fun book helps you get into a saving mindset, know where your money goes, and whittle down debt. These quick tips are so easy you can start saving today!
- Reduce everyday costs of groceries, restaurant meals, gas, utilities, home maintenance, healthcare, and insurance
- Save money on fitness, pet care, entertainment, and all your hobbies
- Cut costs on big-ticket items including vacations, cars, and appliances
- Find free stuff, special discounts, and money-saving apps
This is the only book you need to save money throughout the year!”
We’ll take their word for it. Tough title but hopefully it is effective.
Let’s stay on the subject of money.
In these inflationary and financially uncertain times, budgeting is critical. As the expression goes, it’s not how much you make, its how much you spend. And save.
Sounds good.
We remember the guy who said that and he’s broke (bad divorce). We do get the spirit of what he was trying to say. Maybe he should write a book, How To Get A Divorce On A Budget.
Time for a closer look.
Typically, a budget is a financial calculation plan, for a defined period, often one year or a month. If you really want to be effective without being fanatically, depending upon how often you show, it could be daily or weekly. Sometimes it is a matter of keeping track.
Monthly tends to work the best for most people. In a personal budget, so much is about starting with your monthly income and begin deducting your expenses with the expectation you will have enough left over to start your rainy day savings.
Savings is income not spent, or deferred consumption. In economics, a broader definition is any income not used for immediate consumption. Saving also involves reducing expenditures, such as recurring costs.
Methods of saving include putting money in, for example, a deposit account, a pension account, an investment fund, or kept as cash.
In terms of personal finance, saving generally specifies low-risk preservation of money, as in a deposit account, versus investment, wherein risk is a lot higher.
An associate of ours was working with a banker and the professional admitted that all of his money was in the Stock Market. Some people feel this entire life process is one big risk so don’t play it safe. Do your homework, talk to professionals with expertise, think the process through and make a decision.
Be ready for the ripple effects.
Let’s walk over to the bookstore one more time.
The 6 Pillars of Decision Making: 65 Techniques & Strategies to Make Smart and Strategic Choices, Quickly. Design the Life That You Want by Taking Calculated Risks Using Data and Logical Judgment Paperback – December 27, 2023
By Patrik Ian Meyer(Author)
“Here’s what you’ll get:
- Gain Clarity and Direction: Explore the foundational pillars of decision-making, learn how to define your goals, and develop a clear roadmap for achieving them. With enhanced clarity, you can navigate life’s choices with confidence and purpose.
- Overcome the Fear of Taking Risks: Uncover effective techniques to assess risks, evaluate potential outcomes, and embrace calculated risks that can lead to personal growth, innovation, and success.
- Master Data-Driven Decision Making: Harness the power of data and information, learn how to analyze and interpret it effectively, and leverage logical judgment to make well-informed decisions. Become a strategic thinker who relies on evidence and facts.
- Strengthen Your Decision-Making Skills: Overcome decision overwhelm and biases, enhance your analytical thinking, and develop a structured approach to decision-making that leads to better outcomes. Acquire the tools to evaluate options, weigh pros and cons, and make choices that align with your values and goals.
- Design Your Life: Proactively shape your future by making intentional choices. Learn how to prioritize your desires, identify opportunities, and make decisions that pave the way for a fulfilling and purposeful life.
- Achieve Personal Growth: Unlock your full potential by honing your decision-making skills. As you develop the ability to analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, and make effective choices, you will experience personal growth, improved problem-solving abilities, and increased confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
And so much more!”
In this short life, we can’t avoid making the big decisions.
Do your homework. Assess the risk. Proceed with caution.
Try and minimize the ripple effects.
~ ~ ~
OPENING PHOTO Shutterstock-oreanto-photo-credit- Femcompetitor.com, grapplingstars.com, fciwomenswrestling.com, fcielitecompetitor.com, fciwomenswrestling2,com
https://www.newsweek.com/dc-housing-market-chaos-federal-employees-panic-2031016
https://thehill.com/business/5145550-americans-credit-card-debt-savings-comparison-survey/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budget
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saving
https://www.fciwomenswrestling2.com
https://femcompetitor.com/
https://www.fcielitecompetitor.com/
https://fciwomenswrestling.com/
