Editor's note: Deseret Media Companies sponsors a financial empowerment campaign for women. As part of that, three women were selected for yearlong financial mentoring, one each in the areas of overcoming debt, budgeting and investments.
So much has been happening in my life that it's hard to know where to begin!
First, though, I wanted to give inquiring minds a follow-up on the soccer fee rant I had recently.
I spoke with my friend who happens to be an age-group coordinator for my son's soccer league. She broke down some of the costs for me and in so doing, somewhat put my mind at ease.
She told me that probably about a third of the soccer fee goes to the new uniform and soccer ball that my son gets every year. Also, because our league is an accredited program, there are a number of dues the league has to pay in order to remain accredited. The league must have insurance on the players should something happen to them during a game.
I also learned that the referees are NOT volunteers as I had previously thought, but that they get paid $10 per game. Then there is the rental and maintenance of the public fields. Because not all coaches clean up after their games, the league must hire someone to come in and have it cleaned.
I learned that our league is nonprofit, meaning the money pocketed is minimal. Also, the registration covers fall and spring soccer playing seasons.
All in all, I feel a little bit better about the money that is needed to allow my 6-year old to play soccer. Next year, however, I will be budgeting it in our "Children's Activities" section so the pinch doesn't hurt as much!
While I am on follow-ups, I should probably mention that we had our enormous yard sale and it was a success! I got rid of so much junk and made more than $500! Yahoo!
It's crazy to think that we took an entire Suburban, packed from front to back, to Deseret Industries with what was left. I dare say we could have doubled our profit if we had sold everything — oh, and not had some items stolen. (Note to whoever stole our 32G iPod: Sure hope you got it working and that you are enjoying it! You still owe me $10.)
If you've ever wondered whether you should have a yard sale, my advice is to do it (just watch all those sticky hands). You will feel much lighter letting go of unnecessary items and your wallet just might feel a bit heavier!
Enough about me. What's new with you? What do you find needs a little tweaking this summer?
Follow Melody and the other women on their financial journeys at www.imagineahappieryou.com.