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The “miscellany” idea is one that I’d like to make a weekly (or at least relatively frequent!) feature on the site. It will be a mix of news, events and whatever crosses my desk.

This week I’ll start with what’s happening today: a free virtual hangout designed for mothers during the pandemic.

“Monday Mom” is a way for mothers to share resources, chat and, yeah, vent to other moms who Get It. It takes place at 5 p.m. PDT/8 p.m. EDT.

Monday Mom is staged by the LOLA Retreat, an annual conference that’s the brainchild of personal finance author Melanie Lockert (“Dear Debt: A Story About Breaking Up With Debt”). Lockert has two other events this week as well:

“Managing Debt During COVID” is just what it sounds like: tips and tactics to help you survive financially during the pandemic, with financial law attorney and money maven Leslie Tayne. She’s the author of “Life and Debt: A Fresh Approach to Achieving Financial Wellness.” The program takes place Tuesday at noon PDT/3 p.m. EDT.

Finally, the “LOLA Retreat Hangout” is a place to connect with other women and talk about personal finance. The topic of money is too often taboo and as a result people miss opportunities and/or make choices (or don’t make choices) that wind up affecting their entire lives.

The LOLA Retreat Hangout starts at 5 p.m. PDT/8 p.m. EDT Wednesday. Who knows: You may find your personal finance tribe here.

To get a free virtual ticket to any of these events, visit the LOLA Retreat tickets page. Note: If you can spare the $3 suggested donation I hope you’ll do so. However, no one will be turned away.

 

 

 

 

 

Dentistry or budget?

Just over one-fourth of U.S. residents would rather visit the dentist than create a household budget, according to a recent survey from John Egan at the Monday’s Money Medicine newsletter.

To which I say, “Why not both?”

Neglect your teeth and you will regret it. Failing to create a spending plan can hurt just as much – especially since the survey indicated the average person’s emergency fund is just $2,299.

Understand: Some people would love to have that stashed. But when something goes wrong (car trouble, divorce, pandemic), it’s essential to have as healthy an EF as possible – which brings us back to budgeting. Creating a spending plan makes sure that every dollar works for you, and works hard. And knowing what you spend each month will give you an idea of where you could shuffle funds.

For example, if your teen grows out of his shoes faster than expected, you might move money over from the “groceries” category and expand Meatless Mondays into two or three vegetarian meals per week that month. Or you could challenge yourself to research better deals on insurance or phone service (which you should do anyway), in order to have more money each month in the future.

And if things get seriously dire (see “pandemic,” above), or even threaten to do so (you haven’t yet lost your job yet but business hasn’t started picking up, either), it’s good to have some idea of where you can cut. Gym memberships, subscription services, music lessons, Taco Tuesdays, the occasional date night – all could be trimmed if need be.

Those cuts + an emergency fund = a fighting chance until things get better.

“Future-proofing your finances is the one of the best gifts you can give yourself,” says Egan.

Disclaimer: This survey was just 800 people strong. I wish the sample had been larger. However, its point is still valid: You need a money plan.

I actually know John a little bit, both from the Financial Blogger Conference and from his editing of some freelance pieces I did last year. I’m enjoying his newsletter and you might, too. Subscribe here.

 

4 Amazon gift cards up for grabs

 

Ryan Luke of the Arrest Your Debt PF blog is giving away a $200 Amazon gift card. If I can’t win it, I hope one of you can. Click here to throw your hat into the virtual ring.

Emma Johnson of the Wealthy Single Mommy website is conducting a survey about the connection between single mothers’ finances and their parenting arrangements. She promises the survey will take no longer than five minutes and that its results will be confidential.

And in exchange for your five minutes, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win one of three $100 Amazon gift cards. Help a money blogger out by taking the survey.

Edited to add: Sivan Social is giving away five $100 gift cards to PRAI Beauty. You could use it for winter skin care products for yourself, or treat someone on your holiday gift list to some luxurious creams or serums. You have until 11:59 p.m. PDT Thursday, Sept. 17 to enter this giveaway.