SUDOKU BREAK Solution on pg. 4
The Envelope System of Budgeting ActuallyWorks A bout 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Dave Ramsey is famous for pushing the envelope system of budgeting. It is based on the concept that people spend less money if they are using cash. This system helps you adequately budget discretionary expenses. If you spend $500 a month on groceries, withdraw $500 from your bank account after you deposit your paycheck. Take the $500 in cash and put it in an envelope labeled “groceries.” When you go to the grocery store, only use cash from that envelope. Do not cheat. Do not use your debit card and then replace the cash. You must really use the cash from the envelope. You need to feel the pain of parting with cash. If the bill exceeds what is left in the envelope, put something back. Make other envelopes for remaining expenses such as gas, eating out, entertainment/movies, clothing, beauty/grooming, hobbies, etc. Put fixed expenses like your mortgage, utilities, and car payments, on automatic pay. Do not borrow from one envelope to pay for things in another category. Do not bring your other envelopes with you to the grocery store. Likewise, when you go out to eat, do not bring the other envelopes with you. That reduces the urge to borrow from other envelopes. You may end up figuring out you have not been budgeting accurately. It is okay to amend the budget, but not in the middle of the month. Once you make the commitment for the month, stick with it. This is all about discipline. The envelope system forces you to plan before you go shopping, and it reduces the likelihood of you falling victim to impulse purchases. In general, experts suggest allotting 50% of your after-tax income for your needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings and debt repayment. I used the envelope system about 10 years ago, and it was very effective. I have decided it is time to do it again. I encourage you to join me. Good luck! As Dave Ramsey always says, “Live like no one else, so that later, you can live like no one else.”
Miso Caramel Apples
Inspired by Bon Appétit
This silky caramel recipe is spiked with miso for a complex, rich snack that won’t hurt your teeth.
Ingredients
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● 4 Granny Smith apples
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● 2 tbsp white miso, divided ● 4 Popsicle sticks
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● 1/2 cup raw pistachios
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● 2 tbsp light corn syrup
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● 1 1/2 tsp plus 1 cup sugar
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● 1/4 cup heavy cream ● 1/4 tsp kosher salt
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● 3 tbsp sesame seeds
Directions
1. Heat oven to 275 F. 2. In a food processor, pulse pistachios and 1 1/2 tsp sugar. Add sesame seeds and 1 tbsp miso, pulsing until miso is fully broken up. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes and let cool. 3. Meanwhile, insert a Popsicle stick into the center of each apple. 4. In a saucepan, bring corn syrup, 1 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp water to a boil. Boil for 5–7 minutes, swirling infrequently, until caramel is a light amber color. 5. Add cream and salt to caramel, whisking to combine. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and quickly whisk in remaining miso. 6. To assemble, first roll apple in caramel, then in pistachio mixture, before resting on greased baking sheet. 7. Let cool 30 minutes and serve.
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