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.
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