TEAM ICAN

False Friends - Coarse Toys

Consumers Unite Rule #7: D.I.Y.

Sometimes if you want something done right and CHEAP, you gotta do it yourself.  My wife's SUV recently had one of the LCD digital display panels burn out.  It just so happened that I was already taking her vehicle to be serviced at the dealer so I asked my service guy for an estimate for the cost to repair.  His response was, "Man..., its so expensive you don't even wanna know, it ain't worth it.".  Once I heard that response, I decided to end the conversation right then and there.

So I ended the converation but I didn't give up on fixing the issue.  I decided to consult my buddy, the good ole' Internet.  After a few minutes of searching, I found a couple of forums on the problem I needed to fix with directions and even photos!  I called another local dealer's parts dept. and ordered 3 LCD bulbs for $16.  Out of curiosity I did get a quote on labor which would have cost about $100.

Warning:  Please try this at home.

I just installed the bulbs about an hour ago and it took me about 15 minutes.

Rule #7:  There is nothing wrong with doing somethings yourself.  Just make sure you educate yourself 1st on what it is you need to do and then make an educated decision on whether you can do it or not.  You'll save yourself quite a bit of money through the course of the year.  In this one example, I saved $100.  D.I.Y.!

Consumers Unite Rule #6: I trust you, but.....

Always check you bill.  Simple statement, but that's all it boils down to at the end of the day....

I use automatic bill pay for my OOMA service (VOIP) voice over IP, which allows me to run my home phone line via the Internet.  I've been using it for a few months now and so far so good....its pretty cool, I used to pay $55/mo. for home phone, now I pay $3.47.  I'll break even on upfront hardware costs in about 5 months.

Anyway, with OOMA you only have to pay the local/state phone tax ($3.47) for where I live, however they offer a lot of "premier" services I don't need.  I was somehow charged under the premier status this month.  Honest mistake... ; )  Apparently they were giving me a free trial service of the premier and my trial period was over.  It ended well, I spoke with customer service and they refunded me the additional charge with no issue.

Rule:  Always check your bill, you'd be surprised how many times it can be wrong (funny how they never mess up and not charge you enough...its always too much...)  Also, beware of the "trial" periods for phone, cell, magazine, cable, etc.....the reason they do this is with hopes that either 1) they hope we're too lazy to pay attention to our bill and/or 2) we actually like the trial service and decide to keep and pay for it  (nothing wrong with that..)

Don't put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.

Its a great saying that came to mind in my Sunday morning Bible study class my friend Billy taught on that discussed the book of Haggai.


Haggai 1:1-13, 2:4, 2:23

In summary, God had instructed the Jews to finish the temple in Jerusalem when they returned from captivity, but after 15 years they had not completed the job. They had gotten caught up with finishing their own homes and projects than finishing God's work. The prophet Haggai encouraged them to get their acts together and finish the task. We can probably think of dozens of things that are always on our to do list....

For me, this was not so much a story of disobendience as it was a story of encouragement. God has a purpose for all of us not matter who you are.... Its up to us to seek Him out and determine what it is that he wants to accomplish. Out of this story we can seek comfort in 2 things on our journey.

1) God is not expecting you to go out there and do it all by yourself. He is always with us for encouragement. (Haggai 2:4)"Be strong, all you poeple of the land, declares the Lord, and work. For I am with you, declares the Lord Almighty".

2) (2:23)"...for I have chosen you, declares the Lord Almighty." God promises us strength and guidance when we give him first place in our lives..

The task may not be easy but we can find comfort that God will encourage us along the way and guess what? He has chosen You. If God has enough confidence in us to carry out His will, surely we can belive in ourselves.

What's the task that God has for you to complete?

You can because He did!

Consumers Unite Rule #5: What are you taking?

Consumers Unite Rule #5:  As consumers we should share with others when we identify products and/or services that could potentially truly be of benefit to others. After this blog feel free to share what's worked for you.

We live in a age of supplemental creams, gels, pills, drinks, etc... on down the list.... What's good? What's bad? Who knows.....

Well, what I've decided to do is share what I've been taking and what's worked for me....

1) Glucosamine - a supplement based on shellfish and can be synthetic but is designed to reduce destruction and pain in the joints.  See you doctor 1st if you  have allergies to shellfish.  I've been taking Nutrilite's Raspberry Joint Health for a couple of years now and it has really provided relief on my knees. There is a definite relief in knee pain when I take this supplement. It comes in 20 twist tubes and one twist tube is mixed with 16 oz. of water. I take one daily.

2) Daily Multivitamin - BORRIINNNGG!!! I know...not a sexy supplement but it is what it is.... I've been taking the Nutrilite Daily Multivitamin for about 2 years now as well. It gives me a good balance of energy to get through the day especially for the ability to get up for those 5:30 AM runs. You get 90 tables (3 mo. supply) in one bottle. Pill is min. size (I hate the horse pills). Take 1 pill per day with a meal.

*Disclaimer - I am not a paid endorser of these products, (although I should be!!) just a consumer. If I couldn't honestly sign off on these products I would not support them.*

So where can I get them?

Visit https://gillenterprises.wwdb.biz/pws/home.aspx to purchase any Nutrilite products. Allen Gill is the rep, also a member of Team I CAN, and he will take good care of you.

Again, feel free to share any nutritional supplements you can vouch for as well.

Take care!!