debt-free – Signora Sheila

Debt-Free Living or Pop Goes the Money?

Colorful decorative box overflowing with U.S. dollar bills and coins on a table, suggesting money spilling out disappearing too quickly.

Do you remember singing “Pop Goes the Weasel” as a child? Or hearing it played by a jack-in-the-box or an ice cream truck? This traditional English song originated in the mid-19th century as a country dance, nursery rhyme, and singing game. It has entertained children for decades. I hadn’t heard this song in years, soContinueContinue reading “Debt-Free Living or Pop Goes the Money?”

The Golden Years of Worry

Elderly couple reviewing paperwork together at a kitchen table; the woman looks concerned while the man offers reassuring support.

The Golden Years are touted as a time of leisure, free from many responsibilities and rigid schedules. A time to enjoy life, and maybe even a little prosperity. But for many seniors, the Golden Years might more accurately be described as the “Worry Years”. Because they often bring fear and concerns about declining health, theContinueContinue reading “The Golden Years of Worry”

My ABC’s of Simple Natural Living

A lush hanging basket overflows with pink, peach, and yellow petunias, green leaves, and cheerful blooms in a bright garden setting.

What are my ABCs of simple, natural living? It’s all about getting back to basics. My husband and I strive for simplicity. We have found greater peace and tranquillity by reducing clutter and living without debt. We’re also trying to live more naturally because it’s good for our health and the planet. For us, aContinueContinue reading “My ABC’s of Simple Natural Living”

Dog Payments, Snowballs and Debt-Free Living!

Stressed couple reviewing bills and calculator at a kitchen table, with laptop and paperwork nearby, conveying financial concern and uncertainty.

I like to say that Hubby and I should have won a financial stupidity award in our early marriage. Armed with credit cards and not much brains, we shopped foolishly and extravagantly. We even bought a dog on credit! If there were awards for financial stupidity we deserved first place! That’s right, we bought a dogContinueContinue reading “Dog Payments, Snowballs and Debt-Free Living!”

Simple Living for Retirement

Close-up of a large white dahlia blooming in a sunny garden, with smaller flowers, a red cottage, blue sky, and lush greenery behind it.

Retirement anymore seems to be right around the corner for us. Yikes! And because of certain lifestyle choices we’ve made, we’re starting to think they’re going to be interesting years, to say the least. Not that we’re alone. It’s not uncommon for people to find themselves in reduced circumstances in their retirement years. And not just with reducedContinueContinue reading “Simple Living for Retirement”