MAZIKEEN LUCYFUR

loved by Michael Smitty Smith

Is Lifestyle Creep threatening your future?

As the summer winds down and everyone is getting back to a “normal” routine, it is a good time evaluate how you are progressing on your future goals. While planning may seem intimidating, it can be fun if you take the time to envision your future lifestyle. We often refer to this as creating a bucket list. These can be basic lifestyle goals, or the things, places, and people you want to enjoy. It is not about the money as much as it is about the experiences and memories we make along the way.

What are some steps we can take to identify our goals (bucket list) and work toward achieving them?

1. Dream big but be realistic – Your goals should be a stretch to achieve, but don’t make them such a stretch that you get frustrated and stop working toward them. Sometimes it helps to break them up into several small steps to keep you on track.

2. Get on the same page with your partner – While it is ok to have individual goals, you need to be on the same page as your partner. As a team we can design our future lifestyle in a way that we both get what we want individually and as a couple.

3. Pay yourself first – Consider funding your goals as a bill. It is just one of those payments that must be made each and every month. After a few payments you won’t even notice it anymore and your goals will be less difficult to accomplish.

4. Don’t let Lifestyle Creep derail your plans – What is Lifestyle Creep? It is the increase in lifestyle that takes place as your incomes increase over time. It is easy to let happen, but it can be very detrimental to your future. As incomes increase consider paying yourself more each month – even if it is only a portion of the increase. This will keep Lifestyle Creep at bay and your goals on target.

5. Prioritize your buckets (goals) – Consider your bucket list as having multiple buckets. Maybe a short-term bucket and a long-term bucket. By doing so, you can prioritize which bucket is more important to you. Be careful; don’t let this derail the long-term bucket.

If you will spend some time to design your life, you will likely find success. If you need help, we are here to guide you through the entire process. Give us a call to schedule a time to get started.

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

IN-PERSON CENTRALIZED REGISTRATION EVENTS: New Students - Paper Registration, only

Returning Students - Paper or Online Registration

On-Site at Huntsville High School • 515 FM 2821 E

Thursday, July 27 • 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Friday, July 28 • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, July 29 • 8:00 AM to Noon*

(*in conjunction with the Community Praise Ministry’s Back-to-School Supply Giveaway)

Please limit the number of people from each family attending registration, if possible. All children will need to be supervised by the parent/guardian during the registration process.

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR RETURNING STUDENTS ONLY*: Now thru Saturday, July 29

Online via new Skyward Family Access Center - 24/7 Access

4 Students entering 5th, 7th or 9th grade are required to provide proof of residency for back to school re-registration. Proof of Residency includes: current utility bill showing service location, deed of trust, property tax statement, or an unexpired lease agreement showing physical address of residence.

4 Students entering 7th grade are required to provide an updated shot record showing proof of the additional immunizations required by the state for school. www.huntsville-isd.org

Meet & Greet Schedule

Gibbs Pre-K & All K-4 Elementary Schools - Thursday, Aug. 10 • 4pm - 6pm Huntsville Intermediate School (5th - 6th) - Tuesday, Aug. 8 • 5pm - 7pm Mance Park Middle School (7th - 8th) - Monday, Aug. 7 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Orientation/Schedules

HHS Freshman Orientation (9th) - Wednesday, Aug. 2 AM Session 10:00am - 12:00noon PM Session 1:00pm - 3:00pm *

936-435-6300