Audible Book Review: You Need A Budget by Jesse Mecham

This book contains useful tools for those who struggle with spending and saving.
You Need a Budget
The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want
By: Jesse Mecham
Narrated by: Jesse Mecham

Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-26-17
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Budgeting, Money Management, Non-Fiction, Self Help
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
For most people, budgeting conjures up the same feelings as, say, prison and dieting. But your initial instinct couldn't be further from the truth. You just haven't budgeted the right way.
You Need a Budget will teach you four simple rules to completely revolutionize the way you think about managing your money. With a budget, you'll break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money. A liberating, enabling, empowering budget will actually make you feel more free, not more restricted. The YNAB philosophy is centered around these four rules:

• Give every dollar a job. Take your cash, checking, and saving accounts and assign jobs to that money. Begin now with what you have on hand. Then follow your plan. Pick your priorities, and make sure your dollars are helping you move closer to the things you care about most.
•  Embrace your true expenses. Look ahead and identify the larger, less frequent expenses that tend to sneak up on you. Break those expenses into manageable monthly amounts. Consider insurance premiums, birthdays, holidays, charitable giving, car repairs, etc. This practice evens out your cash outflows, decreases your stress, and helps you make better decisions.
•  Roll with the punches. Accept the fact that life always changes and you'll likely always go over budget somewhere. If an unexpected expense comes up and you need to change your budget, just change it. The YNAB philosophy not only tolerates changing your budget but encourages it.
•  Age your money. The goal of this rule is to increase the time between the moment you earn money and the moment you spend that money. In other words, if you're going to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, you need to learn to live on money you earned a month or two months or even three months ago.

YNAB's four rules are the pillars of a tried-and-true system that gets you to engage with your money every day. It helps you change your behavior so that you're proactive and in control of your finances. It's not about stressing over last month's statement; instead, you're looking ahead and actively deciding how you want and need to build a life of meaning, not stress.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2017 YNAB Licensing LLC (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
This engaging nonfiction gives a workable plan to help anyone manage their money. The author, Jesse Mecham, provides four precise steps to follow for getting control of your funds. A short version of the rules is: 1) Give each dollar a job, 2) Embrace (identify) your true expenses, 3) Roll with the punches, and 4) Age your money (increase the time it remains in your bank or pocket).

These rules are very important for those living paycheck to paycheck, especially considering the stress of dealing too many bills and too little money. Even those with excess funds will find the rules helpful to reduce wasted spending and help achieve goals once they are prioritized. After covering each of the rules, Mecham presents several focused chapters on couples, slaying debt and teaching kids to budget.

Mecham uses real-life examples that readers/listeners can relate to. The book moves along well and is a good length so it isn’t overwhelming. The pdf that is provided is primarily an appendix of additional resources. Since this shorter work does leave room for more detail and hands-on practice, it is good to know that there are great videos available online. I shared the videos of the basic rules with my office staff to encourage them to remember the benefits of budgeting. I recommend this to everyone who struggles with money management.

Audio Notes: Mecham narrates this with an engaging voice and clearly knowledgeable base. I am glad that I picked this up at a good discount as a daily deal.

Source: 9/9/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook, and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Wolf at the End of the World by Douglas Smith

This is a wonderful shapeshifter, urban fantasy.

The Wolf at the End of the World
by Douglas Smith

File Size: 5454 KB
Print Length: 353 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Spiral Path Books; 2 edition (October 15, 2013)
ASIN: B00FXGJMU0
Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifter, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

A shapeshifter hero battles ancient spirits, a covert government agency, and his own dark past in a race to solve a murder that could mean the end of the world.
The debut novel from the multi-award winning author that Library Journal describes as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."
"I can’t remember the last time I read a book that spoke to me, so eloquently, and so deeply, on so many levels. ... I’ll be rereading it in the future because it’s that sort of book. Richly layered and deeply resonant. An old friend, from the first time you read it." —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
The Heroka walk among us. Unseen, unknown. Shapeshifters. Human in appearance but with power over their animal totems.
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
But when an Ojibwe girl is brutally killed in Gwyn's old hometown, suspicion falls on his former lover. To save her, Gwyn must return, to battle not only the Tainchel, but even darker forces: ancient spirits fighting to enter our world…
And rule it.
Cree and Ojibwe legends mix with current day environmental conflict in this fast-paced urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to its explosive conclusion.

Review:
Gwyn Glaidd is a Heroka – a human/wolf shapeshifter. The Heroka are humans with “extra” – sort of superhuman. They try to live alone and in peace, often dwelling with native tribes like the Ojibwe and Cree. But there are those who fear the Heroka and others who want to study them. The Tainchel is a shadow government agency that has captured and tortured the Heroka, trying to learn their secrets. Years ago the Tainchel came in force against Gwyn and his community. Gwyn decimated the hunters, including the leader’s son, and Gwyn has lived in seclusion since.

When a young woman in the Ojibwe tribe is killed in a brutal and unexplainable fashion, Gwyn is asked to return to the tribal grounds to investigate. Also, to prove that his ex-girlfriend, another Heroka -- of the cat totem-- is innocent of the murder. Initially, Gwyn wants to refuse until Tainchel hunters arrive at his secluded location and kill his friend. Gwyn is visited by the great wolf spirit of his ancestors and told that he must save the world with ‘the boy’. Gwyn is left in charge of a seventeen-year-old troubled teen, Cas – a Heroka of the rodent clan (specifically the otter family).

Running from the Tainchel at his lodge, Gwyn knows he is taking his companion dog and his new ‘ward’ to danger filled with unknown evil. But he doesn’t realize he is also delivering them into a confrontation with the head of the Tainchel. It’s hard to tell which is the greater danger – the spiritual threat or the relentless revenge of a father who lost his son. And there is a big surprise for Gwyn when he meets the young blind boy who will play an important part in the upcoming battles.

I enjoy shapeshifter stories and I always like the Native American (Canadian) connections. The characters are well developed with strengths and weaknesses. The leader of the Tainchel is presented as a zealous and delusional Christian, which didn’t thrill me, but he is clearly over the edge. The world-building is wonderful and the mysteries kept me glued with effective surprises. There is plenty of action and good pacing. When I read the author’s notes I learned that there are earlier short stories introducing the Heroka and Gwyn in particular. I hope to read those. I recommend this to fans of shapeshifter suspense.

Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020NetGalley goals.

Sunday Post August 9, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 10, 2020

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

We had a bit of a scare this week. One of my staff members learned her husband had tested positive for Covid. She, her m-i-l, and s-i-l went off to Dothan for a rapid test. But it turned out they got the antibody test. The s-i-l was positive for the antibodies, but the others negative. The staff member got her Covid test the next day and is waiting for results. Needless to say, she is staying at home and we are checking our temperatures daily and wearing our masks around each other.

The new contractor will be pulling permits this week!

This is a lovely bush we saw at the motel on the way to Illinois. If you make the image bigger and look closely you can see big bees at the flowers.

Our weather is hot... then it rains and is steamy. That's Florida.

I enjoyed the two books I finished - two audios. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Skipped Prologue. JoAnn is a YA book blogger whose favorite genre is "epic fantasies with a touch of romance". She also reads "history books – the textbook kind – for fun".

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 2, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 3, 2020.

• ATBR-Audible Book Review: Thunderhead Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman; Genre: Dystopian, Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Teen and Young Adult; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

• MBS July 2020 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 7, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/13/2020.

• A2020- Audible Book Review: Caffeine by Michael Pollan; Genre: Home & Garden, Food & Wine; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #401 Comment Giveaway August 8, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/22/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 2, 2020.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

You Need a Budget
The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want
By: Jesse Mecham
Narrated by: Jesse Mecham
Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 12-26-17
I recommend this to everyone!
Source: 9/9/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Monster Hunter Siege
Monster Hunter, Book 6
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-01-17
This is another action-packed, intense adventure.
3/17/19 February 2019 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Lane Betrayal (Time Box Book 1)
by John A. Heldt
I am 35% in. Enjoying the time travel history and the suspense. 
Source: Book supplied by Author.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Waiting for Summer's Return
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Narrated By: Barbara Caruso
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: November 2007
Duration: 11 hours 47 minutes
This will be my "Summer" title.
Source: 7/20/19 Sale at Audiobooks.com $6.99.
Summary:
Kim Vogel Sawyer pens an inspiring debut novel whose unforgettable characters resonate with emotional intensity and compelling authenticity. Suddenly all alone in 1894 Kansas, Summer Steadman can't find the employment she needs to settle near the fresh graves of her husband and four children. Bitter against the Lord and refusing to eat, she collapses in despair. Remembering his own painful loss, godly widower Peter Ollenbuger offers her food and shelter for tutoring his 10-year-old son.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Honor in an Age of Metal and Men
by Anthony W. Eichenlaub
I enjoyed book 1 so am reading this one now.
This is my last NetGalley book received in 2019. (It only took eight months!)
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
War blazes all around, but it's not J.D.'s war. Not this time.
There are two bounties out for Francis William Brown. One alive. One dead. J.D. finally catches the man he's been after all these years when Francis comes without hardly a fight.
But it ain't ever that simple. A bullet in the skull would be proper for what Francis has done but keeping him alive might be the key to ending the war that's tearing Texas apart. J.D. needs to decide if keeping a promise and ending the war is worth the risk of seeing the worst criminal in the history of Texas walk free.
An itch at the back of his skull tells him that maybe all this is part of Francis' plan.
Will he kill Francis in cold blood, or is there still Honor in an Age of Metal and Men?

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

August 9, 2020 - I should be caught up on daily reading tomorrow. I need to be in the word every day. I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I may start another study this week.

I completed two books and posted two reviews. I am one review behind but it is written and ready to post this week. 
My NetGalley shelf is now at 3, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I'm resisting adding any more NetGalley titles until I get some of my review titles done. I still have one carry over author ebook left. I have two audiobooks from authors. I feel good getting caught up on these books.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I saw a book at Bookfan and requested it from NetGalley.
I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up one Chirp title for $.99; one Audible Daily Deal and my two July credits. I have credits at Audiobooks.com so I'll be looking for deals there as well as the August free VIP.
I added two free Kindle titles this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from NetGalley (Saw at Bookfan at Mailbox Monday)
The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas
Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace, Scarlett Dunn

Won

NONE

Purchased

8/8/2020 Daily Deal $3.95

Sons of War
A Post-Apocalyptic War Thriller (The Sons of War Series, Book 1)
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 04-14-20

8/8/2020 Two July Audible Credits - one continuing series and one new series:
Murder of Crows
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 03-04-14

The Last Survivors Box Set
The Complete Post Apocalyptic Series (Books 1-6)
By: Bobby Adair, T.W. Piperbrook
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
Length: 50 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 03-26-19

Chirp $.99
The Bastard Prince (Dragonspeaker Chronicles Book 1)
Written by Patty Jansen
Read by Genevieve Lerner
Run Time 7h 53min

Free

Two Free Kindle Titles this week:
(Not sure where I saw this but I think it was through Mailbox Monday.)

Hearts In Flight (Bell Bomber Brides Series)
Patty Smith Hall




Found at An Imperfect Christian Mom through Mailbox Monday.
Brush Creek Cowboy: Christian Contemporary Western Romance (Brush Creek Cowboys Romance Book 1)
Liz Isaacson 



Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 9, 2020

We are still remaining at home and doing church online. Hubby gets in two services as he watches the service in Illinois (our son’s church family) and then our local service. Pastor continued and concluded this section of his Resolute Road series. The message of the unwavering, resolute nature of God was based on Romans Chapter 4.

We have all learned that man-made promises and warranties often don't hold true. People want assurances, especially in these unsure days of Covid19. But the only true assurance is found in Christ Jesus.

In Romans 4, Paul asks and answers four questions. Abraham (old testament) lived many years before the sacrifice of Jesus. Still, he was deemed righteous by his faith. Abraham believed God 100 percent. Romans 4:3 “What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

God’s promise of blessing through Abraham is for all. Romans 4:16. All people have the promise equally – if they believe.

Abraham believed in “the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” Romans 4:17. Abraham recognized God as the Creator. (Is it easier to believe that the world was created from chaos or that our mighty God spoke the world into existence?)

God gave a unilateral promise of blessings to Abraham and his descendants. They didn’t need to do anything…except believe. God spoke; Abraham believed and did not waiver. Romans 4:19-20.

The Point: The promises of God never fail or fade. You can take God at His word and cling to the promises He gives you.

There are many promises: Jesus took our stripes; Jesus is preparing a place for the believer in heaven; the believer who is faithful to bring his tithe to God will receive overflowing blessings; God will work all things to the good of those who believe in Him.

Do you trust God 100 percent? It can’t be 75%. It is either all…. Or not.
Cling to the promises of God

This song resonates for today’s message:

All my life you have been faithful!

Verses for Today:
Romans 4:4-5; 16
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham.

I praise you, Lord! Help me to always trust You 100%!

Sharing Beyond Books #401 Comment Giveaway August 8, 2020

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB. It surprises me we are already into August!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Our fifteen comments on favorite accessory break down as follows: 4 No Accessories; 4 specific bookmarks, 4 general bookmarks, 1 clamp-on light, 1 phone, and 1 earbuds.

The Winner from SBB #400 comments is #8 SUE F who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in. 10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #401

(One Question.)

ASHFA asks: What are some of your favourite books that made you very emotional??

This is a hard question for me since I think I avoid emotional books. :-) I read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy which may have emotional moments but that isn't the primary element. Looking at my "tags" the only ones with 'emotion' references are children's books.

I looked through my book reading lists while trying to think of a book to fit. One that was more recent is Christmas Eve, 1914. An older one is The Killer Angels. And a series that came to mind that evoked emotions for me is The Study Series by Maria V Snyder.
Then I remembered one that I will let be a favorite for this answer: Unwritten: A Novel by Charles Martin.
I'm very curious to see your answers!

Image found at Pre-K Pages

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.

Your turn to share. ASHFA asks: What are some of your favourite books that made you very emotional??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, August 22, 2020, at 5 PM central.