SOUL e-Newsletter
November 21, 2011
Staying on Budget During the Holidays
The holidays are fast approaching. With the economy the way it is, you may be experiencing a tingle of fear in your wallet with each shopping ad you see. Let's look at a few helpful hints to get you through the holidays with your wallet intact.
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Set a budget--How much can you afford to spend? Don't spend money you don't have.
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Use cash--Leave your credit cards at home. When your money runs out, you are done shopping.
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Think strategy--If you choose to use a credit card, use the card that has the best terms (i.e. lowest interest rates). Also, track your spending. Immediately write down how much you spent so you have a visual record to keep you on budget.
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Rather than buying a gift for every extended family member, have a family gift exchange and set a dollar amount that people are allowed to spend on the gift.
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Make a list of who you are buying gifts for along with gift ideas and how much you would like to spend on that person. Be sure to check off your list as you buy gifts.
Here are a few ideas that can help you prepare for next year:
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Start a change jar. When it comes time for shopping next year, cash it in to use for gift shopping.
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Pick up gifts throughout the year. That way you can spread your money out instead of being hit with a large bill all at once.
Source: www.kiplinger.com
Keystone XL Pipeline Update
Rather than look out for the welfare of the American working class, president Obama decided to postpone his decision regarding the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline until after the 2012 presidential election. The controversy over the Keystone XL Pipeline centers on the route through Nebraska. Environmentalist, joined by ranchers, have been outspoken in their opposition of a pipeline going through the Sand Hill Region and across the Ogallala Aquifer, which by the way, is not the first pipeline to go through the aquifer.
Recently, an idea was brought up that if the pipeline were rerouted, "Nebraska could conduct its own, quicker environmental review. This would allow the pipeline to proceed while the main concern of crossing the Sand Hills is addressed." TransCanada has agreed and will work on a new route through Nebraska. At this point we can only keep our fingers crossed that the welfare of good men and women will be considered and these same men and women will be put to work building a safe and strong pipeline.
Your Voice, Your Vote
Too often you hear people say things like, "Why Vote? It's not like it counts." But here's the thing--it does! Across the country people are making their voices heard. People are standing up and saying, "Listen to us!" In Ohio, Maine, Michigan and Arizona, votes were cast and voices were heard. Ohioans let their politicians know that public employees should have the right to collectively bargain when they defeated S.B. 5. Voters in Maine "vetoed a bill that ended same day voter registration." In Michigan and Arizona, voters were successful in recalling "anti-worker Republican state Senators Paul Scott (MI) and Russell Pearce (AZ).
Currently in Wisconsin, the recall effort of Governor Scott Walker is underway. November 15th the signature gathering began. The recall effort will have 60 days to gather 540,000 signatures. If they get the required signatures, the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board will verify the signatures and then an election would occur 6 weeks later. To follow the recall effort, visit United Wisconsin.
Sources: LIUNA Action Network, AFL-CIO, United Wisconsin
SOUL Update
October 25th, SOUL 1140 officially chartered. Since chartering they have held a Kid's Halloween Party at Local 1140 for members and held a Shopping at the Union Hall fundraising event that was open to the public.
Tuesday, November 29th SOUL 231 in Pekin, IL will be the next group to Charter! Congratulations ladies!
Check out an article on SOUL done by Fox Valley Labor News!
As always, check out the Sisters of Union Laborers Facebook page in order to stay informed and up-to-date!
Sincerely,
Megan Hardy
Researcher
Midwest Region LECET
(402) 305-3305 CELL
(402) 734-0132 FAX
mhardy@midwestlaborers.org
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