’101 Creative Ways To Save Money – How Families Can Turn Crisis Into Opportunity’ Book Signing

Author: Cheryl Bassitt
Date: Sunday, March 15th
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Schade Photography Studio, 22 N. High St, Dublin, OH 43017

Excerpt from book:

It’s Sunday night at 8:00 pm and I have just rung the imaginary bell for our weekly family meeting. My oldest son, Brian, complains a little, but shows up on time with his goals from our last meeting. My youngest, David, comes bouncing in with nothing in hand, but ready to go. Brian is the anointed leader for this gathering, so he starts the meeting with his high and low point for the week. The number one rule at all of our meetings is that no one is allowed to make fun or shoot down the other’s ideas. David and I follow with our high and low and then we all spend the next 20 – 30 minutes reviewing schedules, looking at our monthly make a habit, break a habit goals, talking about upcoming expenses and sharing everything from our favorite motivational quote, something we read or a new idea for saving money.

I would love to say that I had it all figured out as a parent, but the truth is the need for this level of communication evolved out of necessity. For the prior few years, finances had been tight, and like most families, our lives were busy with sports and various other commitments. We all needed to be on the same page. My kids knew if they needed new baseball cleats or had a pay-to-play fee deadline, that I needed to know this as far in advance as possible. If I was going to the grocery store, David would organize coupons, both would give me their requests, so I went to the store with a budget and a plan.

Looking back on this I realize the incredible opportunity that had been placed into our lives without us even knowing it. We had some of the most amazing discussions at those Sunday night meetings. Our weekly tradition has paid dividends well beyond the time and money that we saved. Our struggles made us stronger as a family and ultimately our crisis became our opportunity.

In the current economy as more and more families are faced with difficult times, I hope they will embrace the opportunity that will also exist. Finances will be forced into the spotlight and will demand attention and team play. Unlike any other time in history for most of us, individuals, couples, and children will get the opportunity to learn new paradigms around money management. The families that understand the power of communication during these difficult times will come through stronger, more aware, and with a deeper respect around financial issues.

Yes, times are tough and without question, children of a certain age will remember this time always. Those memories should point to the importance of family and how everyone pulled together around the kitchen table. I believe my two boys have the tools and mindset they need to carry on our tradition that will allow them to build a stronger future for themselves and their children.

Kitchen Table Conversations is an excerpt from the book, 101 Creative Ways To Save Money – How Families Can Turn Crisis Into Opportunity. Author Cheryl Bassitt has also created Placemat Agendas, a wipe and erase placemat that families can use as a guideline to easily create their own Kitchen Table Conversation Meetings. For more information, please visit www.101CreativeWays.com or email to cbassitt@HWSInternational.com. Cheryl is also available for media and print promotion.