| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| asnedecor |
Posted - Mar 07 2009 : 09:30:12 AM
With these hard times I was wondering what Farmgirls are doing to save and cope?
We recently had another layoff at work, this time much larger. Even though my job was spared, I figure I better start doing some cut backs to put a bit more money in the bank. DH owns his own business and he is making cut backs to keep it going, so I thought I better do the same.
So I have given up buying my lunch, I pack it every day and I pack a breakfast too, because we start early in the morning at work no time at home to eat breakfast. I also gave up my daily Starbucks. I hate the coffee at work, terrible, terrible stuff, that is why I started buying my one Starbucks a day - but it was adding up. What to do, hate coffee at work, don't want to make a partial pot at home because I can never get it right and end up wasting and I love that one latte a day. Solution, bought a stove top espresso/latte maker. I had Visa gift cards from Christmas I hadn't used yet and decided this would be a great thing to buy. Doesn't have a lot of parts, easy to clean and if a part goes bad you can purchase a replacement without having to toss the pot. Works like a charm, while it is brewing on my stove in the morning, I have time to pack the breakfast/lunch, pour the latte and still get to work at the regular time. The pot cost under a $100 and will basically pay for itself in 18 days, as co-worked pointed out to me.
Seems to be working out good and I feel a bit better now that I am saving some much needed cash.
Anne in Portland, OR
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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| 24 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bellepepper |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 11:33:48 AM
My parents were raised during the Great Depression, 20's and 30's. They never changed their way of living. I was raised in the 40's and 50's and Mom and Daddy never changed their way of living. I raised my kids in the 60's and 70's and continued living like Mom and Daddy.
Someone already mentioned that they can cook better than what you can get eating out. Me too. We (almost) never eat out. If we do it is for lunch because we are out of town to a Dr appt. We usually take our lunch.
I only go to the grocery store to buy the weekly specials. We have a really good supply of everything we eat in the celler, pantry, or freezers. If there is nothing on sale that we regularly use, I don't go to the store. We only go to the dairy store for milk, sometimes bread.
WE do the garden, canning, freezing thing. Barter for beef and pork from neighbors. Trade eggs for hair cuts. Even trade eggs for a bottle of wine once in a while.
We drive a Honda CRV and a tank of gas will last us sometimes a month. We DO have satalite TV. But don't "go out". I buy books from Amazon if it is something special. Really take advantage of thrift stores. Try to stay away from garage sales. I have enough junk. Once in a while will find something that I really NEED.
I am sure there is 1000 other things that we do. It is hard to think of things when you have done them all your life. Seems natural, not something we do to save money.
Belle |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 11:10:56 AM
Great Topic!!!
We too have cut to the bone. No work to be had in the Great North Woods until the summer folks start re-opening the summer camps. For us yard sales, Barters and Swaps have been a huge benefit.
We purchase 3-4 months worth of food and supplies at a time and limit a run to the store until it is truly needed. . . then it is for just the basics like milk, butter, cheese. We heat with wood, have not bought any oil for the oil tank in 3 years!
Planning on a big garden, wild gathering of herbs and fruits, hunting and fishing to stock the freezer. Hoping this year the weather will cooperate.
We pay cash for all purchases,avoid the debit card. Seems if you are counting out that hard earned money to pay for something, you make sure it is needed.
I have to admit, my favorite thing to do is Barter my sewing services for my needs. Soaps, Honey, Cards, Stationary, Candles, Fabric, Patterns, Books, Yarns, Wool, and so on. We barter for fair value,
that means all expenses are figured out first and let's say my fee would be $25.00 and there's would be $28.75, I would send a check for the difference to make it a fair deal.
Love hearing how all of you are coping and saving too!!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
www.CountryCents.com
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://Twitter.com/Eastwooddesigns |
| Twinsmom |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 10:39:59 AM
I cook from scratch and have started to double up and put the extra in the freezer. We stopped eating out. I pack lunches.
We do not have satellite tv. Our kids don't have video games. They enjoy their books, coloring and playing with their toys.
We live as simple as we can!
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| solilly |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 08:05:25 AM
I guess the best thing I can say is that my hd and I do not watch tv we cook and eat from scratch and garden he hunts so that helps the table big time we do not like to eat out for the cost the noise and sometime the bad service. One knows when one thinks a bout it that the food is frozen, packaged more salt etc. Then anyone ever needs in a week. On grocerys we get mike, eggs, cheese and greens which we try to do at the farmers market. I try to stay at about $25 a week. We do not owe anyone. We worked hard and payed all our bills more then the min. ever time we had to make a payment that really helps. We don't have any kids at home anymore. We do with out because we know we do not need it. We are not as simple as the Amish but we are not to far behind and it has made a difference. Love all Lilly
learning the life I always wanted. |
| vintagediva1 |
Posted - Mar 14 2010 : 07:51:57 AM
Glad to see this up again.
My dear son (26) and his wife were here visiting last week. She wanted to go to the mall so I went along because I wanted to spend every minute with them. They have been quite avid consumers in thepast.
I was very proud and surprised when my son looked at several shirts in a store that he has always loved and said" I can get these waaaay cheaper at the thrift shop" I almost fainted.
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.artfire.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Mar 12 2010 : 11:47:12 AM
Just thought I would bump this up
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory
http://merryheartjournal.blogspot.com/ |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Mar 12 2009 : 9:13:22 PM
Today I called and cancelled the satellite TV, cell phone, house phone, and internet through Qwest. I will be getting internet through another provider for a very good introductory price. I have to have internet for my school and my business. This is going to save $160 a month! I love my cell phone and love having TV but when you have to choose between buying food and paying for luxuries, the basics have to come first. These are tough times and they call for tough measures. I haven't told my teenage daughter we're not having cell phones yet. You may hear that scream around the world.
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
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| asnedecor |
Posted - Mar 09 2009 : 06:58:40 AM
Doing the list for grocery shopping does work. I just did our major shopping a week ago and stuck to the list, shopped the deals and came home with at least two extra bags of groceries for the same price and stayed within the budget I set. Cooking at home does save the cash. I am prepping my veggie garden too - I have gotten lettuce started early in my new cold frame and will have it about 2 to 3 months earlier then I usually do. Pretty excited about it.
Anne in Portland, OR
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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| catscharm74 |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 5:22:40 PM
"How many hours does my honey have to work so I can purchase _____?" It puts things into perspective. I never want to burden my husband and strap him down."
Sharon- I do the same thing!!! It really puts things into perspective.
We really want to buy a house this year, to get gardens going and just live small and happy. It is hard to modify an apartment because they don't want you too. Like, I put plastic over a bedroom windown and luckily, it is behind bushes, so no one sees it. This apartment is drafty and it helped.
We are looking at something with 2-3 bedrooms or I would even prefer 2 br with a screen porch (I have a great idea for this for extra bedroom space without the bedroom) and 1.5 -2 baths. We can fix things up within reason. Real estate agents are shocked that it being a buyers market, we STILL want something small. We found something cute for only $75,000 and probably could get it for less. They keep showing us $120 + and I don't like them. I have to have character, ya know??? I rather put sweat equity into it. I really want to find that dream cottage house or something that is a diamond in the rough, ready to be cottagized : )
I also make a list of EVERYTHING we need for the week- never go to a store without one, and having a running wants list, which is slowly dwindling. I realized we can live with a lot less and it is actually very freeing and calming for me.
I do not turn down freebie items because I figure if I can't use them, I can find someone who can. I rather do that than have them trash it. Saving the environment too!! : )
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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| peggysue |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 5:20:29 PM
Since I live alone, I cook 2 big meals on Sunday, and separate everything into meal sized portions and freeze what I don't eat that day.. this avoids eating out, and I take my own lunch to work instead of eating there.
I also shop the flea markets and thrift stores for clothing.. I also save all the change that I get in tips thru the week... it really adds up quickly. To save on utilities, I rely on natural light during the day.. I turn on a real small lamp when it gets dark..
visit me at my blog
mousiesmom.wordpress.com
http://youravon.com/pmcclure |
| Libbie |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 5:11:57 PM
Oh my gosh - I don't know HOW I didn't think of the gleaning aspect of things. I'm going to add "Barter" and "Glean" to my list of things I can do! Thanks for the great ideas!!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 5:06:14 PM
I have always tried to be thrifty. Here's what I do:
~Plant a garden. I love being able to harvest from my garden. I like knowing where my food comes from. I freeze, dry and preserve
~I Glean. So many of our neighbors have fruit trees and do not pick. I always ask and have always been told to pick away! I have ended up with plenty of free plums, crabapples, peaches, apricots, apples, pears, sour cherries and blackberries. These I either freeze or make jams, jellies or syrups for gifts
~Thanks to you gals, I am making my own Laundry Detergent and cleaners :)
~I use rags and cloth napkins. We still use "some" paper products.
~We save up during the year to buy half a cow. Since there are only two of us, it lasts us a year(and that is after giving alot away) It's a big chunk at once but the beef is way better quality and it's nice to "shop" from the freezer :)
~Thrift Store. I LOVE shopping here! I love the thrill of the hunt and the bargains I get.
~I also check out Freecycle, Free ads in the paper, and Craigslist when looking for items.
~I use the public library to check out books or if I find a killer price through Amazon I will purchase from there. Only if it is a book I really, really love!
~I usually make gifts for Christmas.
~I cook mostly from scratch so I save money by not purchasing convenience foods. I bake my own bread and baked goods as well as make my own condiments.
~I don't say no if someone wants to bless us with produce from their garden. I get to it and freeze or can it.
~Take advantage of sales and stock up.
~I shop off-season to save money. Things like seasonal or Christmas items.
~We mostly prepare meals at home, but occasionally (maybe once every couple of months) we do go out.
~I am determined to learn how to sew this year :)
~We only have a TV for DVD's that we either already have, borrow from afriend or the library.
~I comparison shop when we do need something and will often bid on e-bay to get the best price.
~This year we plan on raising chickens for eggs.
~We purchase milk from a local farmer for $2.50 a gallon which is cheaper than stores here and so much better.
~My husband roast his own coffee. Okay maybe it's not a whole lot cheaper but it sure tastes better :)
~I would like to try soap making again too!
My husband is a pastor but also does professional lawn maintenance in the Spring thru Fall to supplement our income (we are a very small fellowship). I try to look at things this way: "How many hours does my honey have to work so I can purchase _____?" It puts things into perspective. I never want to burden my husband and strap him down.
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory |
| Libbie |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 4:21:04 PM
I'm planning/planting a big garden here - bigger than ever so far - in hopes of not only feeding us for the summer, I can get on the ball and preserve enough to last most/some/ANY?!?!?! of the winter. I wasn't so successful with it last year - I got hung up on pickling and, yep, we had enough pickles, but nothing else!
I'll be doing some more sewing, too - probably not for the boys - they are a little too proud of their "OshKosh" overalls for that one, I'm afraid - but darn if I'll be purchasing anything for myself! I found one dress pattern, a skirt pattern (from MJF) and a pattern for bloomers (from here, too) that I'll be creating a new wardrobe from. I have all of these little pieces of fabric around here that I'm going to use. Patchwork summer, here I come!!!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 3:30:08 PM
We have cut to the bare bones already but I'm always looking for ways to cut even more. We do have satellite TV but that is our only entertainment. Since I'm not working and my husband has lost two jobs (thank God he has a new one), things are very slim around here. In the last year we've lost $1600 a month in income - he took a $1000 a month pay cut in the last two positions that he's had. I will definitely be putting in a small kitchen garden so we can eat from that over the summer. I'll also be supplementing by purchasing at Farmer's Markets and will buy in bulk to can and freeze for next winter. I don't buy new clothes of any kind and would shop thrift if I did. We don't eat out and I make everything I can from scratch. We're eating more simple meals - lots of pasta, veggies, protein from other sources besides meat. When we do eat meat it's usually chicken that's on sale.
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
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| Brew Crew |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 3:01:05 PM
I've cut my food budget by $100/ month. We also aren't going to have a summer lawn this year; the water bill in the summer for us is close to $300 when we water our acre. I'm going to be eating out of the garden, depending more on the food we have from our steer, hog, and goats. I've taken it for granted in the past. Also, all of my kids will be getting yard-sale only clothes this year!! Instead of going to Disneyland for our family reunion trip, we are going camping....that sort of thing. I hope it helps!
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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| bohemiangel |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 1:06:31 PM
I have yet to cut out eating out, it's a weakness. I am finding ways to prepare food at home more. I am choosing more vegetables over meats. Cleaning and doing yard work so that is good exercise. I subscribe to netflix so I do that for recreational fun. If I eat out I choose cheaper options. I picked up selling jewelry to help with a lil extra cash and it's going well. Trying to use up what I have before buying anything! Going to purge and have a yard sale in may. Realizing I can live with a LOT less than what I have and realizing I don't have many needs. Taking pleasure in free things time, friends, family, doggie, boyfriend. That's what is keeping me going and saving. I have that darn Citi credit card to pay off but that is it. :)
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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| Sandra K. Licher |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 12:58:41 PM
Well, not sure I can cut back much more....I already have done most of that stuff for years. Even when I worked, I always took my own coffee in a thermos and my own lunch. I VERY rarely ever go out to eat. I actually prefer my own cooking to most restaurants. I have never bought bottled water, I have a purifier and I run it through there and fill containers with it that I already have. I was making my own bread, I always paid my CC in full and I only use them for internet purchases or if I am traveling. I make most of the gifts I give but I do buy books and magazines because I use them again and again and our library doesn't really carry much of the stuff I care to read and if they do it is REALLY out of date.
Most of my clothes are from thrift stores since I am not working anymore and I do my own painting/decorating and garden and can/freeze. The only thing I do hire is electrical...I won't mess with that and/or tree trimming! I have savings projects for different things and I give 10% a month and save 10%. So far so good, but in reading Clara's Depression cooking and MJ's magazine I am still learning more and more and I love it! It is challenging to be self-sufficient and save your money. It challenges your mind, your wit, and your problem-solving abilities and builds that muscle we call self-confidence plus you get what you TRULY desire in life instead of what you are programmed to want via marketing. I used to tell my children..."You can have anything you want in life....you just can't have everything".
Sam in AR..... "It's a great life if you don't weaken!"
Farmgirl Sister #226
www.farmgirlsam.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 11:25:02 AM
Doug and I are cutting back. We are thinking of getting rid of the cable service and only watching TV through Hulu.com We also are moving to a place that is a bit less expensive each month. We are hoping that the new place is also a bit cheaper in utilities.
We already eat mostly at home, but we will probably eat more at home than we have been and Doug will be packing his lunch to work on a more consisten basis.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| ddmashayekhi |
Posted - Mar 08 2009 : 09:24:34 AM
A good thermos would help with the coffee and you could also bring soups in it too!
We pay our charge cards in full every month and we take advantage of the cash back bonus plans that they have. I also only buy on clearance or sale, use coupons, make all my own cleaning products, use rags not paper towels, make all of our meals, have a vegetable garden in the summer, reuse everything that we can, and anything else that will help us save $
Dawn in IL |
| melody |
Posted - Mar 07 2009 : 6:02:10 PM
Well, first of all we have been burning wood and only turn the furnace on early in the morning when the fire is out and only long enough until we get another fire started. It has cut our heating bill drastically.
Also, we are more careful about spending on clothes (kids)....My sixteen year old has discovered FINALLY ...thrift stores and Goodwill for shirts and jeans. Yippee! She actually likes going and does really well as bargains go. Makes me very proud! 
And this spring we are planning to grow veggies in a raised bed...my sixteen year old is also a vegetarian... Thr veggies will be for ourselves and the local farmer's market only 2-blocks away from our home. This is going to be FUN!
Melody
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com |
| Ingrid |
Posted - Mar 07 2009 : 3:30:14 PM
The number one thing I did was put my debit card away. I now use the only credit card we have for groceries and gas for the vehicles and pay it off every month. Cash for anything else. Both of us are strict. Amazing I saved a bundle on useless items I would debit. Also, now instead of saying oh I'll stop and get dinner on my way home I now plan my meals consistently and make it at home. Eat better and save money. The other good thing it is easier to say no to your children if you don't have your debit card because the answer is "sorry, I don't have cash on me."
Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do! |
| asnedecor |
Posted - Mar 07 2009 : 2:42:45 PM
We've also cut down on the eating out, instead of 2 or 3 times a week - we might go once. Also even if I am too tired to cook after work, going to the deli at the grocery and buying a "heat & eat" item for the main course and just doing veggies and pasta on the side is still cheaper then eating out. We are also getting better at using up leftovers too.
Anne in Portland, OR
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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| vintagediva1 |
Posted - Mar 07 2009 : 12:30:52 PM
Besides all of the above, we are trying to use the Library a whole lot. Books, movies, music.
I like being at home so that is not a hardship. I can quilt or knit.
I am trying to show my grown kids how to economize on groceries by making stuff from scratch. For instance, they were amazed when I taught them hoe to make REAL oatmeal in the microwave instead of that totally devoid of nutrition instant stuff.
1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal, 1 cup Water, micro 2 min.s Done and Good For you and so much cheaper.
Got reusable water bottles for all of them so they will quit buying bottled water.
And just trying to stay out of stores help, too.
Doing lots of thrift shop buying and trying to almost totally eliminate disposables. I say almost because I am not giving up toilet paper.LOL
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Mar 07 2009 : 11:14:45 AM
We already are cut back to bare bones. We still eat out once a week, just for the pure joy of doing that. We do try to keep the bill under $30. We used to spend $45-50.
I am also working on keeping the weekly food budget at $60. I actually buy more fresh items this way and we eat better. Usually, I would spend around $75. That extra $60 a month from savings goes directly into paying down our highest interest CC. That adds up to $720 a year MORE on paying down our debt.
We have paid off 3 smaller CC's and ***TODAY*** we paid off our personal loan. That adds up to almost $250 in CC payments we were making that now can be put towards something else.
Always packing lunch, making dinner at home and finding cheap entertainment for Charlie- coloring, bubbles, the park, swimming in the river, riding bikes. The advantage has been we are feeling healthier and I have lost 10lbs already.
I am also building up my work wardrobe. I allow myself $20 a month towards this and if I don't use it, it goes into the kitty for next month. I shop KOHLS and found 2 cute shirts and a pair of pants for $15. Can't beat that!!!
Simplifying what I use each day is saving money too. I use DOVE white bar soap on my face and body followed by a nice moisturizer. That is it. Nothing special but I think my skin looks better than it did. Hair- I get a cute cut every 6 weeks and pump it up with a mousse with built in body, conditioner and shine. Just shampoo, add product and go. This is really saving me in $$$$ because I was the gal with 10 bottles of moisturizer and 15 hair products on her shelf. I do indulge in hair color but the $2 box works just as well as the $7 box.
Gave up coffee. It was irritating my bowels anywho and got a resuable water bottle.
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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