| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Mar 18 2008 : 08:55:33 AM
We all hear about the economic doom and gloom and I, myself, have been trying to figure out ways to make cut back here and there and I found some interesting information. (based on the years between 1940's-1950's)
1) The average woman owned just over 40 pieces of clothing, this included jackets, tops and bottoms and undergarments along with things like hats, gloves, scarves and averaged around 3-4 pairs of shoes.
2) Then, average washing machine lasted 20+ years, now, people upgrade very 5-7 years (not that the old machine is not working) and even with the energy efficient one's still working. YIKES!!!
3) Asked today, a woman in her 20's never had a mom who hung laundry on a weekly basis. They never lived with a clothesline in use.
4) In the advent of microwave ovens, the average waistline has expanded 5 INCHES!! (All the pre-packaged, processed food)
5) Most people cannot even do basic tasks such as sewing on a button, hanging clothes on a line, making basic food from scratch (exception is us farmgirls ), gardening, and things of that nature.
6) Most younger people cannot make change. (I find this one really sad)
7) If everyone alive today (over the age of 18) donated just one bag of rice or one school uniform, we could literally wipe out hunger and allow children to go to school properly clothed across the world.
There were a lot more but I was thinking about it and what impact I am making on Charlie and his future world. I am setting out to do better!!
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Amie C. |
Posted - Mar 21 2008 : 06:24:34 AM
Debt is a painful subject for me. The only life advice my parents gave me when I left home was "Don't let yourself get into debt. You'll never be free if you owe money." So I nearly killed myself getting through college, and graduated with only 4K in student loan debt after 4 years at a private college.
Then what did I do? Married a graduate student. He has over 50K in debt from his degree, and is not working in his field of study. In fact, I make more money than he does, and he is working at the same dead end job that he left to go back to school. I'm not sure what to think about this. I hate my job, but I can't quit or take a more satisfying one because I need the money. I can't have kids because I can't afford to either stay at home with them, or pay for child care. In general, I feel like I betrayed all my values and gave up the kind of lifestyle I had been working all my life for...just to marry the man I loved. That doesn't make for a healthy relationship, as it's the thing I brood about every time we have an argument.
I'm not sure what to think about higher education now. We were raised to assume that education is essential for getting a good job and supporting a family, and I think that's still true. My sisters who have only high school diplomas are never going to make a good living working in retail or food service, and my brother was extremely lucky to get a union factory job (working with my dad). So I think a young person should plan to go to school. But at what cost? If you can't get a degree without going into debt, should you still get the degree? |
| babysmama |
Posted - Mar 20 2008 : 11:14:42 AM
I'm with Tamara, I can care less if someone can afford to buy that new car, huge house, etc. but it is the people who go way into debt for something and then complain about the costs of everything when they didn't need the thing in the first place!
Same with stay-at-home moms - if you are more comfortable working and don't want to stay home that is fine! But it really annoys me when someone is always saying that they wish they could stay home with their kids but that they HAVE to work. And then they do what the relative of mine does and spend every penny, and more, of what they make on things that they don't need. In those cases their priorites are screwed up - they think it would be better to have a new car, big house, and new clothes then to be home with their kids. Ugh!
-Elizabeth |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Mar 20 2008 : 10:06:08 AM
I work and go to school right now because I am building us a better future. I could stay home completely but where would I be. In one year, I will be graduated and then I always find something with flexible hours so I am home with Charlie when I want. It can be done, like all ya'll said, it is a matter of needs vs. wants.
I do buy new clothes as I am very curvy, tall and full busted and the clothes are great at the thrift shops, just not in my size. But, I have found some brand new items for Charlie for mere pennies. Hubby gets new things too because he is 6' 5" and again, I can't find anything that fits!!
As far as toys, I back away from themes or character items (except for his Mickey, which he picked out and sleep with...everyone say awwww!!!) Anywho, I picked up things like bouncy balls, blocks, empty boxes with a blanket (fort), trucks, we got him a "starter" basebeall mit for his birthday, and he is also getting a small bike (all things that can tire him out...wink, wink....) We are taking longer walks and collecting things (free), we got to the beach alot (free), or the playgrounds (free) and I pack snacks galore when we go. We are starting to collect camping items as we want to start going when hubby gets off deployment. No ipods, computers, dvd's or anything "electronic" allowed- (cell phone exception, in case of emergency..)I found some really cool ideas like identifying animals, trees, etc online and how to create a "scrapbook" of things found- pressed leaves, bark (picked off the ground of course), etc...
I am almost 34 and didn't buy my first new car until I was almost 30 and I plan on keeping my Jeep for as long as she will go. I love that Jeep (Gladys is her name)
I wash everything in cold water and hang up most things to dry, maybe throwing them in for 10 minutes to knock the last dampness out. My only exception is when someone has been sick, I use hot water on linens, towels, messed up clothing...just in case.
As of late, it seems like we are in replacement mode. Like, I have 10 pairs of undies and 4 pairs now have finally had the elastic go and I had to get some new bras (I was still wearing my bras from before I was pregnant and they stretched alot). Hubby is in need of some news clothes, since I can't remember the last time I bought him more than his fleece at Christmas. Charlie is growing so fast that I have resorted to uniforms for him that he can grow into, like khackis with a white shirt. They can all be bleached and he stays cool in the Texas heat!!!
I enjoy the challenge of making something out of nothing. People are always surprised because they have this mentality that more or new is better and that I must be poor or dirty or something. I recently had friends over and they told me how "nice" my house looked, it was very cute and styled and were shocked at how simple and inexpensive it was to make it look this way. I spent about $150 on my complete bedroom and it looks darn good. My friend just spent $150 on 2 lamps!! HA!!!
A few years ago, I was renting from a friend. I stayed in on of the bedroom of her house for low rent and I liked to help around the house. It was a cute single story 3 bedroom one and 1/2 bath bungalow type home. It was in rough shape cosmetically but we worked all summer to spruce it up. We scraped and painted the whole outside, tore out the grass and put in her prize irises in the front along with a "sitting" garden. We painted just about every surface in that house- from the walls, ceilings, closets, doors, you name it, it got painted. It came out so beautiful for only the cost of the paint and some elbow grease. She had a running list of what she wanted to get and scoured and saved to wait for a sale or when the opportunity presented itself. That house was stunning when it was done and I think all in all, we tallied up the whole thing and she only spent about $2500 on the whole house. (plumbing, electrical, roof, were all in good shape). I know people who spend that much on the kitchen sink!! Point is, you can make a beautiful home that rivals anything today.
Hubby and I were married by the Justice of the Peace- total cost, including clothing was just under $300. I never had a wedding shower or even gifts, along with no baby shower or gifts and people are amazed that we have what we have without the help of others or spending exorberant amount of money on things.
I do my own manicure but I do get pedicures because of ugly, problem feet but that is only once every 3-4 weeks and it is budgeted for. I keep my hair really short now and I trim in between cuts because it grows like a weed and I would be at the hairdresser every 3 weeks. I can push it every 6 weeks and still look humane!!HA HA!!! I don't buy trendy clothes but I make sure the color and fit work for me. Makes me look more stylish. I got some awesome sunglasses at Target for $7 and they rival any fancy glasses out there. Same with my eyeglasses, I picked a stylish frame but had a 20% off coupon for them. It dresses me up. I wear a wedding ring and I like bold necklaces and little earrings. Makeup is an eye brightner, mascara, lip gloss and the occasional funky eyeliner. Good eyebrow tweezing and shaping is essential. I do think I can hold my own against any gal who spends a fortune to look good.
I do believe in a once a month massage. Been doing this for years. I have a lot of back and neck problems and it also destresses me. Again, it is budgeted for. Probably costs less per year than what someone pays for coffee in a year!!
Hubby is saving for his Harley (something he has always wanted) and Charlie will be allowed A SPORT when he gets older. Hubby also likes to eat out once a week. We also like our yearly vacations. So my house might be sparse and simple to others, but it is my home and I have a great life!!!
I believe in living my best life and it can be done if thought out and done right. Budgets, common sense and living for your life, not the Jone's will get you there.
I watched my parents struggle some with money (or at least they wanted to seem like they had nothing) yet my mom was a pack rat and a yard sale junky, as in buying wants instead of needs at yard sales by the truck loads and then telling us we had no money for a vacation or clothing and even not allowing us to shower more than once a week to conserve water and electricity ( I was never wasteful but imagine telling this to a teenager...yikes...I admit I would sneak showers when the parents were not home and Yes, I made them hot and long). Our house was filled to the rafter with stuff, dad had a 3 bay garage with loft stuff with expensive tools of every kind and we always had at least 3 vehicles in the yard but we couldn't even afford 1 pair of jeans from Walmart for school...this is were I get my priority settings from and why I live the way I do. We never took a real vacation and my parents always seemed to put money before anything else, including having a life.
Ok,,I am done for now...PHEW!!!
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| bboopster |
Posted - Mar 20 2008 : 08:00:20 AM
FarmGirls this is great. I am almost 50 and have raised my children (5) as a single mom, working a job at the local high school so I could be home when they were. Which meant there was not a lot of money for anything needs or wants. I did own a 1400 sq ft house which was a raised ranch which doubled my footage to 2400. Everyone told me the house was ugly and need of updating and I should spend more to get a better one. Excuse me, 5 children, single mom, who was also the kool-aid mom of the neighborhood. Why would I want a beautiful put together home that I would constantly have to watch my children and their friends so they didn't spill or bang something. Don't get me wrong they where held responsible to show respect for their house and belongings but things happened when there was 5-10-15 children around. Why did I have all those kids over because I knew where my children were and what they were doing, who their friends were. Those children were there because it was a home and an Adult was there to talk, teach, help, or just there. Our Family was fun. We did not go out to eat very often. We did McTate burgers on the grill with french fries and milk shakes or juice with seltzer. Tate Queen for Ice cream sundaes. So much more fun and you can do it more often then the real Dairy Queen. Made going to the laundry mat a picnic. Always pack our own snacks when we went someplace so we did not have to buy them. Drove old cars, wore second hand clothes from were ever, camped in the back yard or local park for vacation, ECT... My 2nd DH was the same type of person. I tease him that he could live out of a bean can. The X was a name brand, have better then the next guy ect...
This past year year my daughter was married. $22,000. She met a young man who was from a family that is all about looks and judges others by what they have or do not have. So needless to say the X and the new InL get along great they compete against each other all the time. My DH and I laugh. The wedding shower & wedding was a competition to see who gave the biggest gift, had the best purse, wore the latest and greatest clothes. My SIL was very discouraged that my DH and I did not hand over a bunch of money or buy them huge gifts. He decide that we had more money then anyone because we built a new home and it looks so much nicer then any of there families homes. He and the other families were so upset that we would not buy in that they decided that we should not have our names on the invitations. Our name was finally put on the invitation but of course last, they went in order of who gave the most. My daughter did not talk to my DH and I or my side of the family for 6 months after the wedding because we did not give what they thought we should. I don't think a dish washer, gas grill, and an expensive water heater for tea and other household gifts are anything to be upset over. But things have changed a lot in the last year. They both now talk to us, but still do not understand why I do not go back into the corporate world and land a big paying job. We my DH does not go back to being an electrician and make big money instead working hard at home restoring motorcycles and just making ends meet. Which all of them are scrambling to do with their jobs. Always on the verge of going over the end.
I am happy here at home with my Nanny job, my DH is happy here at home with his job we have really no bills other then the general bills you have to live, utilities, health costs, food, ect.. We spend more time then most couples do together and like it that way. I have one credit card that has a balance and it's from the wedding because after all was said and done, it cost me in addition to what they spent $5000. And alot of what that money was spent on was handmade or second hand. Gift opening was 100 people. Can you imagine. When I offered to do it I never dreamed I would have to do a sit down meal for 100 plus beverages. I feel bad for my other children as I will never spend that much again.
I hope to never have to be attached to a job because of debt. I want to always be able to have an open home that is comfortable but not stuffy, I like my antiques (old stuff), My car with out payments, my second hand clothes (they are all name brand)and my simple life. I love that people stop by and feel at home, enjoy our simple meals, and life. It is amazing how many people try to achieve what we have and if they only realized they can. But they have to find enjoyment in what they have and can afford and not it what they want.
My Grandpa always told me that I can do what ever I want with my life by putting my mind to it and that wealth was not how much money you had in the bank but what you did with your life and if you enjoyed it.
http://www.bboopster.blogspot.com
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| corporatefarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 20 2008 : 07:04:26 AM
For years I did stay home with 5 kids. My husband worked construction so if it rained we were in trouble. Everyone always asked how we did. Simple, take care of the needs first. The wants were treats. No new cars ( I could afford one now but refuse), cooked meals with planned menues, yard sales and second hand store shopping, ect. A cell phone was considered a luxuary. We did get one of those ones where you pre pay just in case a car broke down somewhere. Now I have one from work and I HATE IT.. could not go to the store without getting a call. Now I turn it off.
All of our kids played sports, where in bands and choirs. So we had those costs.We always raised what I would call a Victory Garden ( I brought it up in an earlier post). We bought everything on sale. Christmas the children would each recieve three gifts representing the three gifts given to baby Jesus.
In today's society it is so much about getting the WANTS - I want a new ipod - I want a big screen tv - I want, I want, I want. There is NOTHING wrong with wanting or having these things IF you can afford to buy them. What is wrong is to go into debt for wants.
This is just a very sensitive topic for me. I see so many people complaine that they can't stay home with their children or they are so far in dept they do not know what to do. Then they go buy the 4.00 cup of coffee 2x a day or eat out 5 nights a week and don't forget the new car...I want to say GET REAL.....When did 4.00 cups of coffee's, weekly manicures, and $50.00 haircuts become needs??
ok i will now step off the soap box  I just want to say that what I LOVE LOVE LOVE about this group of ladies is that we are looking at how to do things with a good old fashioned farm girl attitude. Common since prevails
there is a seed to plant in every heart |
| sweetproserpina |
Posted - Mar 20 2008 : 06:42:17 AM
quote:
One of my relatives is constantly telling me how she would love to stay home with her daughter but how she can't afford it. She just picked up a second job to pay for the high heating costs this winter. She goes on and on about money and how hard it is and blah, blah, blah. But guess what? She just went out and bought a brand new SUV so not only does she now have a car note but also much more in gas costs. Are young people not taught to think sensibly anymore? Honestly, it makes me sick.
-Elizabeth
I hear ya, Elizabeth. I'm in the same age group as you and Bridget and it is sad how materialistic our peers have become. They don't understand 'saving for a rainy day' or living with less, and can't imagine getting by on less then two incomes. It frustrates me to no end when people are agog at how my fella and I live. We choose to live on one income - mine or his- right now it's his, we make do with less and are pretty happy about. We get to spend so much time together and pursue our passions, and I wouldn't give that up for all the SUVs or big screen tvs in the world. My best friend and I are two polar opposites when it comes to all this, she is staggering under car loans, student loans, credit cards and yet still spends like crazy. I try to be understanding when she complains about it, but it's tough not to just say - Stop spending! Her partner just landed a great job 50000+/year and she's worried about how they'll manage while she's trying to find work. I just don't get it sometimes.
What we do:
own ONE car - an 83 volvo that the fella can take apart, fix, and put back together blindfolded.
putting in a big victory garden this year
getting my chicky chicks next week!
mend it, instead of buying new
spend our time, instead of money (ie. for presents, fixing stuff, renovating etc.)
ask (because you never know who has a skill they would love to teach you, or a thing they would love to lend/give you.)
Great thread girls, I'm really enjoying reading it.
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 7:43:49 PM
It was an article from a Ladies Home Journal or something like that from about 2 years ago (got to love the doc's office!!!)
Let me see if I can think of some more things...
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| bboopster |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 7:17:23 PM
http://www.earthlypursuits.com/VictoryGardHandbook/VGHv.htm
A neat website on the Victory Gardens and suggestions on planting it. 
http://www.bboopster.blogspot.com
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| CountryBorn |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 6:45:25 PM
I never had a lot of money growing up and truthfully I didn't even care. I never went without or for sure never went hungry! I have always been very good with money,I was brought up to believe the bills should always be paid first, then other things.My Dad and Mom were always people who believed in paying off all your debts, it was a matter of honor to my Dad, you know, he gave his word and he kept it. I have credit cards and use one in particular for most all purchases. I pay it in full as soon as I get the bill.When my husband and I were younger it was very lean so you learn how to stretch a dollar as far as it can stretch!! I have a microwave and use it to warm up things or bake potatoes for a quick meal, and once in a while popcorn. I really don't think I have ever actually cooked anything in it. Clothes mean very little to me, as does jewelry. I love jeans sweatshirts,sweaters, tee shirts and shorts. Sneakers are my fav shoe. I love to fix up my house and gardens a lot more. I don't feel guilty about the things we do have, we have worked hard for 42 yrs. of marriage and we deserve what we have. We struggled for A LOT of years. I have to admit it is nice to not have to watch every little penney. We were married for 30 years before we even went on a vacation! Yes, the economy is in trouble now, honestly the work force has been dwindling for years,it has been a slow insidious decline. Now a lot of people are having a very hard time of it. I am still very careful and make sure we aren't wasteful or unprepared for harder times. But, don't be afraid. Just be cautious and sensible and it will work out for all of us. It is true maybe some having to do without some of the fancy frills and live a bit more down to earth, if nothing else, maybe it will help people realize we really don't need all the extras to live a good and happy life. So many people feel they just can't be happy unless they have all the latest gadgets. But, we farmgirls know that is just not true. Oh, I have to add both my grandchildren 14 and 10 know how to make change!! Thank goodness for that!!
What a good thread!! MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 5:39:40 PM
Yeah me too, is this from a book or site? I love this!!!
Honestly I suspect the microwave of being evil.....I know I sound weird but I swear CANCER it screams.
I am guilty I like the big screen tvs I bought one when I moved home...BUT they give off radiation or something so sit far away.
I still toy with the idea of a blackberry or iphone cause i use the net so much for school. lol I can't justify it yet.
I am having so much fun. I better order some organic seeds :) to plant
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://ligonierfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 5:21:58 PM
This is a great post and I've enjoyed reading what everyone does or is trying to do. I too wonder how I would fare in hard times like my parents went through.
Betty Jo - I had to laugh at the cell phone comment, 'cause I just replaced mine - it died. I have a new every two plan so I can get a phone every two years. OMG it takes me that long to figure out how to use the darn thing. Anyway, the sale person told me I got a $50 rebate on any phone so I asked him to show me all the phones $50 and under  , that way my phone would be FREE (my favorite 4 letter word). He just stared at me. Don't you want to know what they do? he says. Me: I know what they do - call out and call in. He was floored that I too didn't want all the "gadgits".
I have never replaced an appliance unless it was unfixable. Unfortunately, most of them nowadays are not made to last long - poor manufacturing irritates me.
I think we've lost so much moving away from some of the practical classes in school like shop and Home Ec so we can concentrate on standardized tests. People don't realize how much learning there is in these seemingly useless classes. I think I used more fraction math making my quilt blocks a few weeks ago than I have in ages. My friend (a CPA) and I kept staring at each other laughing - it was taxing out little brains.
I do use my microwave, but mostly to melt butter for my homemade popcorn. DD had friends over one Friday for movies and I made it. The girls had no idea you could pop corn outside of the microwaveable bag.
My pet peeve about retail is that they can't make a sale without that dang cash reg to tell them what to do. And God help you if it goes haywire.
The thing I can't figure out is the whole "big screen" TV craze. And, having to upgrade everytime a larger size comes out. Who the heck wants that thing screaming at you.
I'm too am doing my best to teach DD about spending wisely and not just on "stuff".
Heather - wanted to know if you found this info on a website or in a book. If so please share. I would love to read more.
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| bohemiangel |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 3:51:08 PM
OHHH Victory gardens great one! I always have heard about them. Yeah I think we need to do this! I also think spending hours trimming grass is pointless..... enjoy it!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://ligonierfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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| catscharm74 |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 3:04:09 PM
Yes!! Victory gardens. I would love to get the word out on that. I plan on turning a large portion of my yard into a garden plot, with maybe flower out front. Very much in the traditional cottage style. Who wants to worry about perfect grass? I would rather be lying in the hammock with my hubby than mowing!!
Can you even imagine what would happen if we were forced to ration like they did during the war? Remember all the scrapping they did for the "Cause" and living frugally was the American thing to do. Imagine that??
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| corporatefarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 3:00:49 PM
Having been raised on a farm I was lucky enough to know how to do the basics in life. Later on, as a mother I insisted my children lean those things as well. Even when we lived in cities. Our home always had at least a small garden. When we lived in Reno NV it was raised garden beds at the side of the house. Our sheets were always hung out on the line because NOTHING smells better than freshly aired sheets. Food was cooked and microwaves are only allowed for certain snack items.
I am encouraging everyone I know to grow what use to be known as Victory Gardens. Based on today's economy it would be a victory not to pay for every tomatoe you eat! Large yards are such a waste of space. If everyone grew some of there own fruits and veggies they would save money and eat better. Also don't forget to support the local farmers markets!
I have way TOO many clothes. Mainly due to being in the corporate world. My favorite item of clothing are my overalls. Wish I could ware them to work :) .
there is a seed to plant in every heart |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 2:27:32 PM
Well I was just thinking about the cards issue and how I use cards, but i love to use my debit. I also have a credit card that earns me a lil for a college fund for when I have kids. I pay for it to be monitored. I had a lil fishy time in my cards before. lol But who pays for that.... I talked at the dinner table to fam about this issue about the economy etc. I still am paranoid.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://ligonierfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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| bohemiangel |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 1:40:17 PM
Oh Elizabeth this is how I feel, but my background is diff. I wish I had been taught NO and you don't NEED that. I struggle with that. So many of my friends just go shopping or get their nails done. I did the nail thing in college OMG I can't stand fake nails the feel EW, but they did look pretty. I give myself a french manicure and paint my nails all the time. I don't like to go to the mall for one I get anxiety (don't laugh) just the NOISE, people, just everything (Walmart is the same way for me) too much too much. Give me a lil ol ma and pa grocery store. But I hate going to the mall to GO to the mall...if I don't need something so be it. I need dress pants and I spent good money on them about 5 years ago but they have since bit the dust....I waitressed in them taught in them and went to church in them. I got my money's worth. I keep putting off going to the brand name store to get them though.
Amie yeah I'm glad I'm not alone. hehe
Cell phones, internet and cable.....I struggle with those ideas. IF I didn't enjoy BBCAmerica so darn much I'd get rid of the cable. I think I NEED the internet esp for schooling. I keep toying with the idea of my own biz too so it helps. Cell phone, never wanted one till after 9/11 and mum insisted. Now it is my life (sadly) but it is nice to keep in touch with people but I feel like the phone company owns my soul. I toy with the idea of TIVO and can't bring myself to do it. I did buy it when they had the lifetime membership fee. Our house is too old so it didn't work. LOL
Oh so many thoughts.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://ligonierfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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| catscharm74 |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 1:31:57 PM
Elizabeth- you are very inspirational, along with everyone else. When we get to Texas on April 1st, I decided to see just how frugal I can get. You have all given me ALOT of great ideas and inspiration!!!
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 1:31:18 PM
Yes, they are Elizabeth.
Case in point.
My son is 17 and has his first job-at Mickey D's.
He is saving up for a laptop of his own.
He thought that he should go to Best Buy and get a credit card through them to buy it and pay it off that way.
I told him first off, he is too young. Secondly, it will mean more to him if he saves up his money.
Third and most important, always pay for things in cash.
If you don't have the money in the bank, available to use, you don't need it.
I explained that when he was little and I was freshly divorced (and terrified) the reason I worked two jobs for so long, is I had to pay credit cards off. I told him had I not bought "stuff" and just saved my money instead, I wouldn't have had to work so hard.
I told him if I had a do over, I would have never opened a credit card ever.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| babysmama |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 1:09:36 PM
I have been thinking about this type of thing the past week or so. You see, I'm weird (for around here anyway). I am one of the younger generations (in my mid-twenties) and I am just so strange compared to most of the others my age. Maybe it was because I grew up fairly poor and really appreciated everything I got - a can of pop was a HUGE treat to us and now my younger siblings get pop every time they go grocery shopping with my mom so it is nothing to them. Our household income, or maybe just the spendable cash changed, when I was about 13 years old so we had a little more then but by then my mind was already set on what is truly important to spend money on and how we can go without a lot.
I use everything up until it is beyond use. We have sheets and towels from when we were married seven years ago and I still consider them newer, when most people buy new sheets and towels every year. My daughter is using a comforter on her bed that I received as a Christmas gift when I was 12 years old - so it is about 13 years old and still looks great. We had an old washing machine that my parents gave us and only upgraded last year when I finally decided I couldn't do without that hot water for the cloth diapers (the washing machine was over 20 years old and still worked but only ran cold water!). We will use this new washer until it is completely dead. We have a dryer but only use it in the winter. We buy used vehicles and pay cash. Our '95 Lumina just died and we sold it to a scrap yard and got $185 and were able to find a '97 Chrysler LHS for $1450 which was paid in full before we drove it home. Of course, we made sure we didn't pay asking price for it!
I could go on and on but my point is that it is disappointing to see the spending habits of the american public. Hasn't it been said that the average household has $7,000+ of credit card debt? Thankfully, we have no debt other than our house mortgage. We have to go without sometimes, such as no cable, no vacations, no new cars, etc. but I think that is better than worrying about money and bills. I saw a commercial on tv recently were a woman tells her husband that they need a new tv. He jumps up and grabs the credit card and runs to the store and the commercial goes on to talk about how he can text the credit card company to see how much credit he has so he can see what he can afford. Which means, "Hey mister, since you have $5,000 credit instead of buying that $200 tv which is all you really need you get to buy that $2,000 wide screen tv." Stupid commercial as decisions should not be based on how much credit you have but rather what you need and how cheaply you can get it. Ugh!! 
One of my relatives is constantly telling me how she would love to stay home with her daughter but how she can't afford it. She just picked up a second job to pay for the high heating costs this winter. She goes on and on about money and how hard it is and blah, blah, blah. But guess what? She just went out and bought a brand new SUV so not only does she now have a car note but also much more in gas costs. Are young people not taught to think sensibly anymore? Honestly, it makes me sick.
-Elizabeth |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 12:56:15 PM
I may be fooling myself, but I've said it before--we're as pared down as we're going to get. I mean, we don't have cell phones or cable/satellite; we rarely eat out because Justin likes my cooking best , and I am the queen of freezing and saving foods and buying items on special. Right now alone, our freezer has 15 different soups, stews, etc that I can use at any "lean" time moneywise. We will have the garden again this year, I will can again and our Christmas gifts this year are coming from the wild blackberries the earth was so kind to give us.
I have 2 credit cards (one all purpose visa for emergencies and a tractor supply card--don't laugh, everyone else does), and I paid off the Lowes and Home Depot, so we really don't have much going out in those forms of bills. However, it's the utilities that are killing us--our natural gas bill is SKYHIGH and I keep the thermostat on 64 degrees. We wear sweaters, we turn off lights--Good ole Duke Energy just keeps getting higher.
I'm afraid for all of us, but especially folks like us...when you don't have much to lose, it seems like you can lose alot!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
| Amie C. |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 12:47:16 PM
Bridget, I'm more in the same boat as you in not thinking I will fare well in a depression. I don't have a lot of fat in my budget to trim off in the first place. I don't even own a cell phone, because I would have to choose between that and internet. |
| Past Blessings |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 12:06:39 PM
I love my microwave and since it is mostly used for reheating leftovers or doing quick baked potatoes, I don't feel too bad . . . it uses much less energy than turning on the oven. I am in the midst of thinning out my clothes. Most of mine are from thrift stores, but still more than I need. If I don't like the way it looks on me or haven't worn it for a long time, it doesn't deserve the space. I love mending things, so I can make things stretch further. Darning a sock is relaxing to me. With three teenaged boys, this is a constant. We started out with a second hand washer and dryer from Ron's mom. When it died, we bought a new set 15 years ago. We were able to trade them for newer ones for free when a friend flipped a house, so at no extra cost. While I love some of the new steam washers that use less water, I don't foresee replacing ours until they break down. I think this recession or depression or whatever it is we are entering, could actually be a good thing in many ways . . . teaching us to live frugally, appreciate what we have, etc. I think in lean times we are able to learn to seek the blessings and in so doing discover many unplanned blessings along the way!
Hugs & blessings,
Brenda
Past Blessings . . . Celebrating Life as it used to be . . . when people loved God, loved their families and loved their country. |
| kissmekate |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 11:39:10 AM
First off, let's not panic about the economy just yet. Everyone take a deep breath.
We can all do this and make it through any tough times.
Be resourceful and creative.
Do you really NEED that? Or do you WANT that? Try to discern whether everything is a want or a need.
If you NEED it, can you borrow it? Buy it used? Use soemthing else?
I don't know, just some ideas to think about off the top of my head (and while I am on at work-shhhhh....don't tell!)
And for the record, I had my son and I on cell phones with Verizon and canceled them. "We" (meaning I) was paying 85 dollars a month for both phones-that we didn't use much.
I did the math and canceled them after I figured I would save 800+ dollars if we payed the cancel fee and went with the pay-as-you go phones. I pay 23 dollars a month on the "family plan" with Trac fone, and that included adding my daughter. I love it so far.
I only wanted a cell for emergancies anyways.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 10:47:13 AM
See I'm not so sure that I CAN make it....do you think you all could put this info in a list or start a new thread in a list way. Like a lil what to do to get by when the economy plummets?
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://ligonierfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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| bboopster |
Posted - Mar 19 2008 : 10:18:30 AM
I love the topic.
My boss was raised with money and I was not. It causes problems between us. She loves to shower her children with things, loves her purses at FULL price, shops at the local Whole foods to be completely organic and spends in one week what I spend in a month. I have to cook very extensive meals for her and the three young boys. Which I throw half away because the boys do not eat it, but she loves it so it has to be. I have to rip my pay check out of her hands and fight for money to cover my gas and partial maintenance on my car as I drive less then 20 miles a week for myself and 200 for her and the boys. I drive an older car, she has a brand new one, but mine is in better shape. She always remarks about it. I just say that I have to take care of it because if it needs to be replace, then I will not have one which is the truth. I wonder if she gets it? I hang clothes outside or on racks and she has to have dryer sheets. Organic pricey ones and use it only once. My clothes smell better and cost less.
I do admit to a closet bursting it's seams with clothes and shoes but can say it all was hand me downs or less then $5 at a thrift store. But not anything close to my private areas that clothing is new but cost efficient. I've started turning the ones I do not wear into crafts. Recycle or create, my motto.
No microwave in my kitchen that sent the builder for a loop could not understand why not. I just kept telling him it was less costly and tastes better to reheat on the stove and I do not ruin my plastic storage containers. DH has a micro in his shop for reheating.
I could go on forever. I raised my 5 children by myself just as my grandparents taught me. With their needs covered and a few wants.We vacationed camping while there friends went no where. They played with simple toys and their friends enjoyed them too. NO video games, cable TV and only one small TV in the house that WE ALL SHARED!!! We were happy and I think wealthier them most families we had each other. They are all out on their own and they come back to me often to say thank you. It's a tough world out there especially when you are in the minority when it comes to living a frugal but happy life style.
Last thought, cell phones. I just replaced mine as I got a free one from my carrier. My old one was at least 4 years old. I loved it. When I went to have my contacts switched to my new one I was talking to the clerks and they could not believe that I had my phone that long. The average length of time is 6 months for most people. I was shocked! How do they afford them? I also did not get one with all the music, fancy cameras ect... just functional. Blew their minds.
It is going to be very scary when our economy takes a dive which is on it's way. What will everyone do? I know I can make it, my children and many of you. But think of the eye opener some may have.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on one of my biggest pet peeves wastefulness.
http://www.bboopster.blogspot.com
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
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