Ch..ch..ch..ch..Changes

Now don't go getting your freak on. Life is about change and there are some changes coming to the website.

Perhaps the one I'll get the most flack on is the elimination of the Gail Clubs bulletin board. I'm sorry folks, but it's been swamped with spam and until I can figure out a better way, it's just creating all sorts of problems. Those of you who use it regularly can set up an email system to keep your communication going. The Gail Club bulletin boards will come down the last week in December.

Next year will also see the introduction of six new bloggers. They'll have a separate blog because that's what you said you'd prefer. Each will have his/her own day of the week, and I'll introduce you to them before they start posting. I hope you enjoy this new adventure.

BTW, each of these writers has made a six-month commitment. If you'd like more from them, let me know.  If you'd like a spot on the roster, send some samples of your writing and I'll let you know if a spot opens up for you. (Send enquires to getgvo@gmail.com with "guest writer" in the subject line.)

I'm also putting up Tracking Your Money The Gail Way in January so you can put a system in place next year if you've been looking for one. Lots of people have been asking me for apps and for software to track their money. I have a problem with amalgamation sites where you put in all your personal info because giving that info immediately breaks the rules your bank has in place to protect your financial identity. And, no, I have no intention of creating an app. There are about a b'zillion apps out there, and I'm not getting into the fray.

I use a notebook and spreadsheets to manage my money, and I'm quite happy with how they work. If you want to manage your money The Gail Way, you can download the package for $4.99 using Paypal. The package will come with a spending analysis worksheet and instructions, a spending journal worksheet with examples (although I just use a notebook and you can too) and a budget worksheet, which includes the Life Pie and The Jars.

There is no magic to this system. It's not easy. It takes time and it requires discipline. Don't download it and then whine about how hard it is. If you aren't prepared to put in the time and effort, save your $4.99.

Because I'm more than just money, Next year I'm going to be blogging about some of the things I love to do. From cooking to knitting, from gardening to parenting, books I'm enjoying, movies or TV shows I'm watching, Wednesdays are going to be about something other than money. I actually live a very balanced life, and that's what I hope to share with you.

I've been thinking about these changes for some time, as those of you who have been around for a while know. But change takes time and I'm loathed to rush into things, so I've been plotting for the new and considering carefully what needs to get a kick to the curb.

As always, I value your input. Your turn now: What changes would you like to see here? How can this community be more useful to you? You know I love to hear from you.

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