Welcome to July!

This month we're going to pull together and help each other see some of the best ways to get through tough times. It could be that money is tight, time is short, jobs are less secure, and there's an overall feeling of unrest all around us. Are you feeling the pinch of high gas prices? What about the rising price of groceries? I know our family's feeling all of these things.

For us, the single most important component is family. People come first, and when we recognize that we're in this together, for better or for worse, united all the way, we can't fail! Everyone in the family needs to feel safe to express their fears and frustrations, and that goes for mom and dad, too. The adults being able to let the other family members know they may be worried or frightened is real life. Kids need to know that we all feel many different emotions, and most importantly, they need to see us get through them, cope, and come out with a solution of some kind - together.

"People First" is going to be our foundation for everything else we do this month. We can share budgeting tips, tricks to make our dollars stretch, and anything else you can think of when it's time to tighten your belt and get back to basics. So, what do you know? Tell me how you're saving in one area so there is enough money for say, the higher expense of fuel. I know you all have great ideas, because I believe we as Americans are some of the most resilient people alive!