Nothing says happy birthday America like booze and fireworks!
The 4th of July seems like such an odd thing to celebrate. We are really celebrating the most famous divorce decree ever written. Don’t get me wrong, I love the document, but it was just a bunch of bitter guys generating a divorce decree with barely any input from the counterpart.
Do you think modern day family law attorneys draft a divorce decree like good ole Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and then reviewed it with Benny Franklin and Johnny Adams? I know divorce can be bitter, but jeez:
Benny: “Yes, my favorite line is: “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism..”
TJ: “What? You expect me just to go soft and say: “minor control through taxation and removing control of local government.”
JA: “ No, love it!!!”
From now on, I believe we should turn Independence Day into Financial Independence Day. Start celebrating those who have hit financial milestones.
On to the To-Do’s…
Start Your Plan to Pay Down Debt
In general, you probably want to start on the credit cards. Those purchases you racked up, whether it was a vacation, new kids sports apparel, etc., aren’t necessarily the best financial ROI (return on investment). Although they were probably worth the cost alone, the interest rate you will pay on it won’t be worth it. There are a ton of ways to pay down credit card debt or, you can work with Mackey Advisors to help you figure out which ways work best for you.
Check Your Energy and Water Usage
Obviously, the summer can be high in water and energy usage. Work with your local energy provider to see if there are free energy audits that can recommend small changes to lower your bill; the same goes for the local water district. This will allow you to see where you may not be getting the most bang for your buck. One thing the water district won’t tell you, but Roger Cook from This Old House will, is let the grass grow at least 3 inches which makes the roots grow deeper and require less water.
Shop for Deep Discounted Items
I am always on the lookout for a deal. I am frugal, not cheap. I will buy goods that are expensive, but sparingly and after a lot of research. Since summer is almost half-way through, you can get great discounts on summer clothing, sunscreen, and gym memberships, especially those promoting their pools. Other things to keep your eyes on are Amazon Prime Day items, refrigerators, and housing materials.
July 4th is still a great time to celebrate our divorce from Britain. Let’s just make sure it isn’t as bitter as the founding fathers viewed it!