If you’ve ever stared at your wallet and wondered how to make your January paycheck stretch, you’re not alone. Grandma Mirie, a 90-year old retired teacher, seniorpreneur, mother of five and master of stretching a dollar, knows the struggle well. Paid around December 15th to accommodate the holidays, she wouldn’t see another cent until the end of January. But instead of worrying, Grandma turned it into a challenge—a chance to get creative, build resilience, and even find joy in the process. She shares these life lessons in her book Mirie’s Magic Recipe: Loving, Leading, Legacy and is offering timeless advice to help you not just survive January, but thrive.
1. Plan for January in December – “Hide the Money”
Grandma’s golden rule? Think ahead and leave a little for later. “Christmas comes every year, but don’t let it steal your new year’s peace,” she said. Before the first gift is wrapped, Grandma tucks away part of her December paycheck specifically for January’s essentials. “Even small savings add up,” she says. Instead of splurging, she crafts gifts—like jams, teas, and oils from her garden—reminding us that the most meaningful gifts come from the heart, not the store.
2. Stock Up, Don’t Splurge – “Your Pantry is Your Power”
To Grandma, a full pantry is like money in the bank. “Rice, flour, and cornmeal? Those are treasures that will outlast any holiday splurge,” she laughs. As December winds down, she stocks up on essentials—making sure January meals are already planned and paid for. Big pots of soup, porridge and pepperpot become regulars on the table. “Food is love,” Grandma says, “and when you make enough to share, it always comes back to you.”
3. Transform Leftovers into Feasts – “Second Acts are Sweeter”
In Grandma’s kitchen, nothing goes to waste. “Sunday’s roast chicken? By Tuesday, it’s sandwiches. By Wednesday, it’s soup with dumplings,” she says, eyes twinkling. Her secret? She pairs leftovers with fresh picks from the garden—cassava, spinach and herbs—giving meals new life. “It’s not about having more, it’s about doing more with what you have.”
4. Create No-Spend Days – “Joy is Homemade”
January was never dull in Grandma’s house—even when the budget was tight. “No money for snacks? No problem. We made coconut bread, fudge, sugar cakes, and tamarind stew right at home,” she says. For Grandma, no-spend days weren’t a sacrifice—they were an opportunity for family fun. “Laughter, creativity, and togetherness don’t cost a thing,” she smiles.
5. Reflect and Reset – “Let Your Money Work for You”
Each January, Grandma would sit with a cup of bush tea and reflect on the year gone by. “A little self-reflection saves a lot of money,” she says. By tracking spending, adjusting habits and setting small, realistic goals, she ensured every dollar had a job to do. “Your future self will thank you,” she promises.
A Pathway to Prosperity
For Grandma Mirie, January isn’t about cutting back—it’s about building forward. By embracing creativity, resourcefulness, and love, you can turn January into the most empowering month of the year. She isn’t just sharing her wisdom at home—she’s helping others as Chief Kindness Officer at SamuelFields Consulting Group (SFCG). “Your finances are the foundation for the life you want to build. Equip yourself with knowledge and the rest will follow’” she says.
If you’re looking to start the year strong, she recommends the Pathway to Prosperity Financial Wellness Webinar on Jan 16th from 2:30pm – 5:30pm. For an investment of $100 EC, participants will gain access to four powerful sessions led by local, regional, and international experts, along with a comprehensive Prosperity Planning Toolkit, a guide toward lasting financial success.
Register at:https://forms.gle/M9vtHcQtm5dje9zs7 or visit www.samuelfieldsconsulting.com or call 268-464-0841. Take the first step toward wealth, wellness and winning in 2025!
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