INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Books are enjoyable, but actively reading takes a bit more motivation than watching TV or playing video games. Some people find it helpfully motivating to set goals for themselves. For instance, if you're not reading as much as you'd like, you can write something down along the lines of "I will read three books this month."  Make sure the goal is realistic, and account for the fact that some books will take you much longer to read than others. Goodreads has an annual reading goal feature free for use by all accounts. If you sign up with an account, you can set a chosen book goal at the start of the year and see how you've done by the end of it. Some book journal keepers prefer to wait until the end of a book to make their entry. Others find it enriches the experience of reading to be actively writing down notes as you go along. If you have a note journal at your side while you're reading, it may motivate you to have a stronger attention to detail. This is a very important part detail if you've been out of school for a while and find you've been losing your touch as a critical reader in the time since. A longer-form journal entry can feel like a bit of a chore before you get into it. Some journal keepers make the mistake of procrastinating their entries until days or weeks after they've read the book. This defeats the purpose of keeping a book journal. You want your reflections to be as fresh as possible. Otherwise, you're not writing about the book itself so much as your memory of the book. A book journal is a long-term commitment. Although you're encouraged to bring it along with you when you go on trips, accidentally losing your book journal could feel catastrophic depending on how much time and work you've invested in it. Make a habit of storing it in the same place when you're between books. Even if you don't publish your entries on a public blog, recording a second copy of your entries can be insurance against losing them permanently. If you're keeping track of your reading with a physical journal, you should take extra care to protect it from natural wear and tear. Even a high-quality leather book will begin to ear if it's given enough abuse.  Take care to keep your book journal clear of food and drink spills, and put it in a special compartment in your backpack if you're taking it out someplace. Alternatively, if you're keeping your book journal up to date with a blog, make sure you keep close guard over your password info.

SUMMARY: Make a periodical reading goal. Write your book entry as you read. Finish your entry as soon as you're done reading. Keep your book somewhere safe. Take care of your book journal.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you have kids, talk to your local community center about their drop-in programs. Some Community Centers offer low-cost or free programs for kids.  You may even be able to find free activities for your kids to attend, as well as support groups for people struggling to make ends meet. If you can't find any programs, ask a family member or close friend if they are willing to help you with your kids. If you're struggling with changing your financial behavior, seek help from a Financial Opportunity Center (FOC).x An FOC will help you increase your income and decrease your expenses. FOCs work with low-income individuals to help them overcome poverty and secure financial independence. Don't let poverty isolate you from your community. It's important to be a part of a supportive community when things get tough.  Being a part of a community will encourage you to stay on track and meet your goals. Find ways to engage with your community in a meaningful way, such as through support groups, social events, and learning circles. If you're struggling with getting out of debt, it may be helpful to get some financial advice. While getting help from a credit counseling organization may not be free, they may be able to help you get on your feet.  When searching for help, avoid scams. If you find an organization that you want to do business with, make sure they are legitimate. Pay attention to any contracts or paperwork involved.  Check with your state Attorney General to verify the legitimacy of any credit counseling organization. You can also check with local consumer protection agencies. If consumers have filed complaints with the organizations, look into them. Just because you can't find complaints, doesn't mean the organization is legitimate.  Conduct an interview with any potential candidates. Ask what services they offer, what their fees are, and what qualifications they have.  Make sure that the organization provides resources for you to get out of debt, such as debt management classes and budget counseling.

SUMMARY:
Ask for help with child care. Get help from a Financial Opportunity Center. Surround yourself with positive people. Get credit counseling.