Just the other day my daughter suggested that I write a book because I teach my family to live so very frugally; however, I don't think writing that much is my kind of thing. So I will just stick to blogging and the website. I asked my son what kinds of things does he see me do that save money and I am a bit reluctent to share this idea because it makes me look like a cheapskate instead of just being frugal, but here it is (don't boo too loudly :)
1. When I feel like having doughnuts but don't want to make them, I will go to the store at 6:00 pm and buy them (after 6:00 they drop the price to 3 for a $1.00)
2. I find that some of my children are wasteful with the dishsoap (no electric dishwasher) So to solve the problem, my husband bought a bottle of liquid handsoap from the dollar store and when it was used up, we refilled the bottle with dishsoap.
3. I don't own any storebought potholders because my daughter crochets them for me. I actually like the homemade ones better because they are sturdier and and thicker.
4. It seems that whenever I have purchased a new shirt, it always attracts grease splatters and stains of some kind. After several years of cooking I finally wised up and bought my first full front apron. That was quite a while ago and now I have three.
5. I don't remember how this habit started, but now we use homemade cloth napkins (I buy paper ones for when company comes) It is such a simple thing to make, even for a non sewer like myself. Just cut out a square of fabric (poly/ cotton was suggested from another woman online) and stich around the edge.
6.When shopping, never pay full price for anything. (almost never, if your childs jeans are highwaters, you may not be able to wait) I tend to look for sales, clearance racks, or coupons for everything I buy. Sometimes the stores even have their coupons on the checkstand counter.
7. Grow a garden. This year in Western Washington, Our weather has been more wet and cold than usual and so the gardens have not done very well but under normal circumstances, you can grow quite a lot of produce in a relitivly small space. I must make a suggestion about growing your own food and that is, don't wait for a disaster to strike before you begin. Gardening takes practice and you will need to learn what grows best in your area and what doesn't.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Self control
I think that one of the most important things we need to learn while we exist on this earth, is self control. You know what I'm talking about. We need to control what we eat, drink, say, or do. Everything that we do matters, maybe not to us but to someone. As most of you know, I have been working on the Dave Ramsey plan and it's going okay, it could be better but I'm continuing to work on it. I have had some wonderful thoughts come to mind and I just wanted a place to write them down even if no one else pays attention.
I remember about 15 years or so ago, how certain family members who seemed to be wealthy, made me feel angry. I had the nerve to think "how dare they flaunt all their vacations and nice things that I don't have". I had one long and good pity party for myself and it lasted maybe 2 years until it finally dawned on me that the only reason I felt like that was because I was envious and I knew that by having those feelings, I was wrong and I needed more self control with how I viewed things. (It turned out that they weren't wealthy after all, they were living on credit). I eventually realized that it wasn't really the money or nice things they had that I wanted but instead, I wanted to have the freedom to do more with my family. Dave Ramsey always says that "You have to live like no one else now in order to live like no one else later on". Family is the most important gift in our lives and if we don't prepare our financial house than we have failed them. I am making as many financial sacrifices now as I can so that maybe someday, I will be able to feel free from the bondage of always owing others money, have a reasonable savings account and not be a burden to my children when I am old. Maybe one day, I will even be able to take a family vacation of a lifetime but if not, then I will be content in knowing that I acted to preserve my future instead of just sitting around and waiting to be acted upon.
I remember about 15 years or so ago, how certain family members who seemed to be wealthy, made me feel angry. I had the nerve to think "how dare they flaunt all their vacations and nice things that I don't have". I had one long and good pity party for myself and it lasted maybe 2 years until it finally dawned on me that the only reason I felt like that was because I was envious and I knew that by having those feelings, I was wrong and I needed more self control with how I viewed things. (It turned out that they weren't wealthy after all, they were living on credit). I eventually realized that it wasn't really the money or nice things they had that I wanted but instead, I wanted to have the freedom to do more with my family. Dave Ramsey always says that "You have to live like no one else now in order to live like no one else later on". Family is the most important gift in our lives and if we don't prepare our financial house than we have failed them. I am making as many financial sacrifices now as I can so that maybe someday, I will be able to feel free from the bondage of always owing others money, have a reasonable savings account and not be a burden to my children when I am old. Maybe one day, I will even be able to take a family vacation of a lifetime but if not, then I will be content in knowing that I acted to preserve my future instead of just sitting around and waiting to be acted upon.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Is it really that time again?
I know that some of you may want to cover your ears and scream but.......Christmas is only a little over 4 months away! I don't believe in paying full price for anything and you really don't have to if you start watching for sales now. Today I spent $25.00 and was able to get 4 gifts for my children. The original cost, $96.00! Now that's a deal!!!! I love it when I tell people that my purchase is for Christmas. You should see some of the looks I get, It goes from complete amazement and a "why didn't I think of that" to "Are you serious lady, I would never want to think about Christmas until it's here". Many people leave their shopping to the last minute and then can't wait for it to be over. What a terrible way to feel about such a wonderful holiday. I find that by shopping early, I have time to enjoy the whole month of December. I have more time to bake and serve others as well as just relax. It is possible to stay within a frugal budget for Christmas and even avoid using credit cards for the holiday's by limiting the amount you may buy for others and also searching out those great deals.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Rain and muffins
It's a weird title but it's raining yet again in Western Washington and I don't feel like doing anything but baking, and today I am making apple cinnamon muffins from my food storage. I will freeze some for another day and serve the rest up with some tasty apple butter that I canned myself. You can check out the recipe and picture on my website http://livingonlesswithfoodstorage.weebly.com/
Monday, July 18, 2011
BECOMING DEBT FREE
It's a whole lot of hard work but it's going to be worth it. Our trouble started a couple of years ago, when we had an 18% pay decrease due to the downturn in the economy.
Since last November (2010) I discovered who Dave Ramsey (financial expert) is and when January of 2011 started, I have been working hard on his plan. We have not been as perfect on the plan as I would like to be and I intend on making the necessary adjustments in order to do better. So far we have paid off 3 debts totaling $4000.
I didn't know that we had it in us to accomplish this but we have truly been living as frugally as possible to get this done. My husband and I have only gone out to eat 2 times this year and we spent around $25.00 each time (drink only water and skip dessert).
Other ways that we have stretched our budget is by making almost everything we need. This really isn't anything that new to me since I have always tried to be a good steward with the money that the Lord has given us but I have just increased doing what I already knew. (I suppose that by having deadlines on paying the debts off helped too and I was trying to avoid added interest by paying things off before promotional deadlines took effect. Another thing to do in order to get debt free is, don't create any new debt while trying to get out of debt. It's funny how common sense just hits you one day and you have a DUH! moment. There are so many little things that we have done to make it through this year, and you know what? The little things really add up. Dave Ramsey really knows what he's talking about and if any one is interested in knowing more about him just look him up online.
Heres a list of ways we have cut back
-Don't eat out (maybe cut back to almost never)
-Make your own bread, pizza, ice cream, donuts and whatever
-Although you can cut back by making so many things homemade, Try and limit desserts to no more than twice a week so that you don't go through more food than needed. (most of us can handle a little weight loss anyway).
-Limit trips to the store ( I spend less when I only shop every two weeks rather than weekly.
-If you do go to the store each week, try to leave the debit card and checkbook at home and only use a limited amount of cash to take with you so you don't overspend.
-Never pay full price for anything. I shop clearance racks regularly and only with a list. something is not a good deal when you were not planning on buying it in the first place.
- Try to limit your driving trips in order to cut back on gas.
-Cancel cable
-Find free entertainment or create your own. We get together with friends to play games and chat. This is how we have free date nights and sometimes we get together as families for outdoor movies, BBQ's and games. Also look within the community for activities like festivals/parades, (our library has a yearly magic show for the kids as well as a few other activities).
-I know that this last suggestion may sound nuts to some but I can tell you as a witness that I know that paying an honest tithing has helped us to get out of debt. The scriptures say to pay 10% of your income to the Lord and thats what we do. There are certain blessings promised to us when we follow this commandment and I can tell you that many times when we have written our bills out on paper and look at our income, it never makes sense on how we manage to keep the bills paid each month. Things keep happening to stretch the money out and at other times, others have given us just what we needed even though I never said anything as to what was lacking.
Since last November (2010) I discovered who Dave Ramsey (financial expert) is and when January of 2011 started, I have been working hard on his plan. We have not been as perfect on the plan as I would like to be and I intend on making the necessary adjustments in order to do better. So far we have paid off 3 debts totaling $4000.
I didn't know that we had it in us to accomplish this but we have truly been living as frugally as possible to get this done. My husband and I have only gone out to eat 2 times this year and we spent around $25.00 each time (drink only water and skip dessert).
Other ways that we have stretched our budget is by making almost everything we need. This really isn't anything that new to me since I have always tried to be a good steward with the money that the Lord has given us but I have just increased doing what I already knew. (I suppose that by having deadlines on paying the debts off helped too and I was trying to avoid added interest by paying things off before promotional deadlines took effect. Another thing to do in order to get debt free is, don't create any new debt while trying to get out of debt. It's funny how common sense just hits you one day and you have a DUH! moment. There are so many little things that we have done to make it through this year, and you know what? The little things really add up. Dave Ramsey really knows what he's talking about and if any one is interested in knowing more about him just look him up online.
Heres a list of ways we have cut back
-Don't eat out (maybe cut back to almost never)
-Make your own bread, pizza, ice cream, donuts and whatever
-Although you can cut back by making so many things homemade, Try and limit desserts to no more than twice a week so that you don't go through more food than needed. (most of us can handle a little weight loss anyway).
-Limit trips to the store ( I spend less when I only shop every two weeks rather than weekly.
-If you do go to the store each week, try to leave the debit card and checkbook at home and only use a limited amount of cash to take with you so you don't overspend.
-Never pay full price for anything. I shop clearance racks regularly and only with a list. something is not a good deal when you were not planning on buying it in the first place.
- Try to limit your driving trips in order to cut back on gas.
-Cancel cable
-Find free entertainment or create your own. We get together with friends to play games and chat. This is how we have free date nights and sometimes we get together as families for outdoor movies, BBQ's and games. Also look within the community for activities like festivals/parades, (our library has a yearly magic show for the kids as well as a few other activities).
-I know that this last suggestion may sound nuts to some but I can tell you as a witness that I know that paying an honest tithing has helped us to get out of debt. The scriptures say to pay 10% of your income to the Lord and thats what we do. There are certain blessings promised to us when we follow this commandment and I can tell you that many times when we have written our bills out on paper and look at our income, it never makes sense on how we manage to keep the bills paid each month. Things keep happening to stretch the money out and at other times, others have given us just what we needed even though I never said anything as to what was lacking.
SHORT TERM PREPAREDNESS
When I was in my very early twenties and married with two small children, I was watching the news and saw the devastating effects of the California earthquake. People were confused and in desperate need of water and food. Many of the people were on their own because it took a while for help to arrive.
That was the first time when I thought that perhaps, I needed to prepare my family for a disaster.
Being as young as I was, I only thought of the short term problems. It took a few years for me to realize that we also needed to prepare for the more difficult ups and downs in life.
In those early years, I did the best that I knew how. I purchased some candles and a few extra cans of food each payday and when a couple of large shelves were full, I felt that I was done. I had no idea what it would be like to live through a disaster.
Well it just so happens that we had a small disaster, nothing in comparison to the California quake but nonetheless, still a disaster. We had a windstorm that took out our power for 4 days and that experience taught me just how unprepared I really was.
The first thing that I felt that we were lacking in, was a way to cook the food that I purchased. We did have a wood stove but because I never practiced cooking in it, I soon found that it became a challenge to try and learn something new in the worst time possible. The next thing was lighting. The candles that I had bought, burned down more quickly than I thought they would. My husband and I went to the store on the second night (actually several stores) and found that every kind of emergency lighting in two counties were completely sold out. We did manage to find a few more leftover candles at one store and purchased those.
How foolish I was in those early years, I only hope that we have prepared more sufficiently for whatever disaster that we may face in our future.
Of course I did learn a few things from that power outage and I think that most was pretty explanatory. If you have a wood stove, practice cooking with it a few times. Also have an alternative way to cook, like having a portable camp stove with plenty of fuel stored up or an outdoor grill with a stove burner on the side. Remember to never use a camp stove inside because the gasses released are deadly and you need plenty of ventilation. Lighting is very important and having a few oil lamps can be a great relief. I also decided that having a sleeping bag for each member of the family would help to keep us warm at night.
I am so grateful that the power outage was nothing more than an inconvenience but it did help me to think about all the other what ifs in life. I think that the best way to prepare is to think about the worst possible things that could happen and what you can do about it.
Think about Bedding, Lighting, Clothing, Hygiene, Water, Food, Cooking, Shelter, First Aid, Heat and Communications. There are several things that we should prepare and it can be overwhelming but over time, it is possible to accumulate what is needed without going into debt.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
While the grasshoppers play the ants store it away
WHILE THE GRASSHOPPER PLAYS, THE ANTS STORE IT ALL AWAY
Most people have heard the story of the grasshopper and the ant; it's the one where the ant was storing food during the summer and fall because it was the right time to do so but the grasshopper took that time to play and all the while, kept teasing the ant. As the cold weather came, the ant was safe and snug inside of it's home and the grasshopper came to the realization that he had been very foolish to waste such precious time.It's better for us to prepare for the challenges of life while we are able to and be a little like the ant. Although we should take some time to enjoy life and create happy memories with our families, we should have balance and know that by preparing now, we can still smile and be comfortable when the storms of life rage on.
One day I was talking to my Grandmother and I was frustrated by our lack of finances and the difficulties that my family and I were facing. I told her that I thought that as we got older, these financial matters would cease. She then told me of how her and my Grandfather had struggled and said
that throughout our lives, we will have good years and bad years. She then went on to tell me of some of their many struggles and as she spoke, I was amazed by her stories and a little ashamed for complaining (at least I have indoor plumbing and electricity). I had a lot to reflect on and the conclusion that I have come up with is that difficulties are just something thats going to happen , so its better to just prepare for those times and not whine about it. I also learned that we usually can't prevent bad things from happening because it's just a part of life, but we can soften the difficulties when they come by putting our homes in order.
The way we put our homes in order is done in many different steps and directions and you can't possibly get to it all at once so just pick one or two at a time and work on it until it's complete and then move onto another goal. Some of the things that we can do to prepare is to work on the following.
-Food Storage
-Gardening
-Water Storage
-Getting Out Of Debt
-Having Legal Documents
-Education
-Emergency Preparedness
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