| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| babysmama |
Posted - May 30 2010 : 09:15:50 AM
That is the question I am asking myself. For the month of June I have given myself the challenge of raising our family of five on just $1,200. That includes everything (mortgage, bills, food...everything!). I will be profiling my journey on my blog the whole month and would love you farmgirls to follow along and add any tips or anything. You can read more at www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com
Just curious, how much do you think the bare minimum would be for your family to live off for a month?
-Elizabeth |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Alee |
Posted - Jun 22 2010 : 06:56:31 AM
Thanks Ladies! It's been hard because it means NO extra spending- budgeting really tight on money and generally not having a lot of out-of-the-house type fun (conserving gas etc). But by getting it taken care of now it opens up the possibility for so much more down the road.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| farmmilkmama |
Posted - Jun 22 2010 : 06:41:26 AM
Congrats Alee! So proud of you!!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.wakeupstartlearning.blogspot.com
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com |
| kittykill |
Posted - Jun 22 2010 : 06:32:20 AM
That is so awesome! Good for you!
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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| Alee |
Posted - Jun 22 2010 : 06:16:51 AM
Guess what ladies! This up coming paycheck we are paying off an additional $555 of Stupid debt!! That's almost all of it now! Then after this paycheck (so 4 weeks from this Friday) we will pay off an additional $550 of stupid debt! Then we are all done! All told from the middle of May through the first part of July, we will have paid off over $2000 of high interest revolving debt aka Stupid debt. I am sooooo happy! When I look at what our money is going to be like on a graph there is this huge depressed section and then suddenly we start having a little bit to work with and by the end of the year we should have a nice savings account for emergencies so we don't have to do the stupid debt any more. I feel this HUGE weight coming off my shoulders! Phew!!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| 2quilter |
Posted - Jun 22 2010 : 04:54:54 AM
I just found this thread today...and running very low on funds till payday (nearly 2 weeks)...so your posts give me inspiration that I too can make it...maybe not the challenge this month...but definitely on track to live within our means....thanks!
When life hands you scraps, make quilts! |
| Beverley |
Posted - Jun 21 2010 : 11:37:00 AM
Hulu is great and now I have watched a lot on casttv.com too. really who needs a tv anymore with all the stuff you can do with the computer. oh tv sits there and we watch movies on it. My sister is going to buy it off of us cause we really don't use it hardly at all anymore. We have another one if we want to watch movies anyway. I little smaller but not much and it is stored in the closet so the first one is going. I really like living off the grid. now if I could only afford a wind thingy. Oh right now I forget what it is called but the big white windmills. I guess. I would love one of those....
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| goneriding |
Posted - Jun 21 2010 : 07:22:52 AM
Sorry, my ADD is kicking in and I can't read all the posts but I have learned a quite few ways to live very cheaply when not on our big rig. Even on our big rig, I have cut lots of corners to save money.
Matter of fact, I'm getting a bit addicted to saving money and hubby sort of stepped in to slow me down. I was getting a little too militaristic about not spending money. So, I finally broke down and bought some more clothes. Our company said to dress a little better (not so worn looking) because it looks like they aren't paying us very well!! No kidding! So, I did give in there, must have a job!
I've suspended our Direct till Sept but we're out of the time limit and so am going to turn it off. There is Hulu on the puter and I watch most of my fave shows there anyway. I get the internet for free at one truckstop chain when I use their points card (which is what paid for the net I'm using right now!!) or free interent at rest areas or some truckstops that use it to lure us truckers in.
I went down on our phone bill and only call out in the evenings or wknds when it's free. Someone calling in doesn't use any of our minutes.
I loff our local library and check out a lot of books. Also, now you can download from anywhere some of their audio books too. How cool is that??
When we get set in the 5th wheel and land, we are going to be off the grid too. I have lived no-tech before and really, to tell the truth, I loved it. Except for my ex-husband being there, it was one of the best times of my life! So, my current hubby and I are looking forward to the uber-simple life again.
So, yep, I do believe you can live on little to nothing if you are prepared and ready to do some sacrificing.
For some 'venting'-type of entertainment, please read my blog, http://lostadventuresintrucking.blogspot.com .
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| Alee |
Posted - Jun 21 2010 : 07:17:01 AM
Also you can buy a cable that connects you laptop to your TV if you have a TV that was produced within the last 5 years. The cable costs about $20 and then you need a sound cable (looks like the end of a headphone cord but the metal plug in is on both ends) for another $10. Then you can just hook up your laptop to the TV and watch Netflix from there. That's what we do. Also if you have an old computer that still connects but doesn't have a monitor or something all you need is for the computer to be able to access Internet Explorer and have a somewhat decent connection to the internet for it to play the movies.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| msdoolittle |
Posted - Jun 21 2010 : 06:18:08 AM
I also wanted to add something about entertainment/movies. I bought my husband a year of Netflix (the one movie @ a time one) for Valentine's Day. It was about 110 dollars, I think. We have wireless internet here @ the house (I have a wireless router w/ DSL service) and now with his laptop he got for Father's day, he can watch as many movies as he wants, and it doesn't affect the 'one DVD out at-a-time' thing! So....basically for 9 bucks a month, we can watch whatever we choose, when we choose! It is SO cool. They also make a receiver for about 70 bucks that, as long as you have wireless, will transmit movies from your computer to the TV. (or, if you have a Wii or PS3, it will already do that!) I think that would be a great Christmas present! We are turning off our satellite since everything on TV just about is JUNK, and I don't want the kids watching that mess.
Satellite service = $44/mo
Netflix = $9/mo
Hmmmmm. Just a thought for those who are sick of the crummy programs on TV and tired of paying for cable/satellite. :0D
P.S. I got the laptop at a local business for 270 dollars. It is a refurbished HP and is GREAT. I thought I would mention that since this thread is about saving $. Don't forget the 'little guys' out there!
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
| Beverley |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 6:01:19 PM
yea we only have one phone carrier and that is what we have ours through. we kinda live in the sticks so we don't have many choices. they kinda have it all sewed up around here.
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| babysmama |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 5:44:39 PM
Our internet is through our local telephone company, which is Iowa Telecom. It is DSL so fairly fast. Maybe you can find a similar deal with your local telephone service?
The library...we love the library! We get almost all our movies there, check out piles of books each month, and the kids are involved in their summer reading program and go to several of the activities. Can't beat free! :)
THe two oldest kids start Vacation Bible School tomorrow. It isn't at our church as they aren't holding on this year, but it is a church right down the street. It will be three hours a day each day this week and I am looking forward to having three hours of relative peace and quiet (though 2 year old Joe will still be home) and I think that they will enjoy it. It is free as well. Got to love summer activities!
-Elizabeth
www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com |
| Beverley |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 5:35:23 PM
oh I agree the library is great!!!!
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| kittykill |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:47:56 PM
Oh yeah Pamela! Libraries are great! We also cut down on our garbage by having pick up once a month. The recycle is through the city so that's "free" every week or we compost. About twice a year I get all my friends together and we have a naked lady party. I always get great clothes and shoes.
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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| fudsy |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:32:28 PM
I also use my local library. Movies,games,books. Even my MaryJanes Farm books come from our local library. If I see anything I really like I just make a photo copy of the page.
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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| nubidane |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:22:21 PM
Elizabeth, you can do it!! THinks beans & rice, rice & beans. I'm not sure how old your kiddos are, but maybe you could have a contest to see who could create the cheapest meal. Or have each kid do a cheap meal for the week. Pop popcorn the old fashioned way. Make homemade popsicles with plastic spoons as the stick.(good old fashioned KoolAid will do in a pinch!)
Make mud pies in real cookware(got that one from miss wilma!)
Make homemade bubbles with dishwashing liquid & wire in different shapes, or challenge kids to come up with free fun crafts.
I am emphasizing HOME cause once you step out...well we all know what happens.
Unless there is a free concert in the park! & be sure to take your own snacks!
You can do it! |
| Beverley |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:20:21 PM
Elizabeth, what internet carrier do you have? ours is twice that much. I would love to cut ours in half!!!
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| fudsy |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:04:41 PM
Finding short cuts is fun. We have a camper and planned several trips this summer. We own our business but the summer is our "poor" month as we store boats for the Marina's in the winter. So all winter I pre-paid for camping and we put all our dollar bills and change in a jar. Now I'm pulling out the change we have collected to cover gas for the road trips. This is the best summer yet even in the worst of times. Last year we stayed home because of no money to do anything. This winter I was ready to plan for the summer. I have loved reading the posts. We have been eating out of our freezer for June also. It's almost empty, now I can clean it and get ready for more sales. I also to "once a month" cooking it helps keep the food bill down.
Farmgirl Sister #1599
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| babysmama |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 1:01:25 PM
We do have internet access at home...our phone and internet bill is combined and it is $51 a month. We do not have cable so that saves us a bunch!
Kpaints...thanks for your comment on my blog. Actually, we do go through a bunch of yogurt each week. About how much is a yogurt maker? I have been thinking about purchasing one but need a push to do so!
-Elizabeth |
| Beverley |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 12:17:30 PM
elizabeth,
I just figured my finaces out for the month and we are already at only spending about $1,200 a month. I don't know how you are doing it with a family of five. who hoo for you!!! I was wondering if you have internet service and cable at your house. we stopped cable over a year ago. If we want to watch tv we do so online where it is free. so we do have an internet bill. so I guess it isn't really free.. but we are not paying both. But I have to give it to you that is really good for a family. we don't have any 2 legged kids at home anymore. hehehehehehe Good for you!!!
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| Beverley |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 12:04:15 PM
I just like following along and seeing where other people cut on their spending and look st my budget and see if I can do that too. it is just me and my hubby but we have 9 dogs and livestock that has to be feed, so we spend there. I was just happy when we cut out spending on things like paper towel and re use things instead of stuff to throw away. so I am having fun just reading all of these. Keep up the good work girls.
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| farmmilkmama |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 11:58:03 AM
This is a great thread to follow. What I also think is great is that people are realizing that $1200 a month simply isn't possible for some people here (living in different areas, different financial situations, etc.) but no one in being judgemental, and everyone is learning. When I first saw this thread when it first started, I thought I won't bother because there's no way we can do 1200 a month, our rent and gas for the month is 1200 since my husband started commuting to work. But I guess the point is to figure out what you CAN do and stick with that.
We put $750 in the savings account this month, and that was an AMAZING feeling!! Not that we have ever been big into spending, but I think the thing that has really worked for us is planning out our meals so you don't get to 4 pm with no supper plan and end up running to the store (makes me so angry everytime that happened!!) We have been doing the menu plan for a month faithfully now and its been great.
Another thing we have been doing is keeping three envelopes on the wall: one for gasoline, one for food, and the other for misc expenses. Whenever we spend money, a receipt goes in the appropriate envelope on the wall. At the end of the month, we add up what we spent (although we also have a running total going too) and we know exactly what money went where. It is always so amazing to look back over the month and see where your money went, and then to use that knowledge to cut corners.
I firmly believe that one of the best things that has helped us is to plan plan plan what is going on as far as our money is concerned and have those goals that you are passionate about. For us, its being able to move to a REAL farm in the next couple years with as big of a down payment as we can come up with!!
I look forward to following this thread and seeing what everyone else is doing too!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.wakeupstartlearning.blogspot.com
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com |
| kpaints |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 10:19:29 AM
Thanks for this post Elizabeth, I posted on your blog too. I am single and it is just me and my dog but I feel a need to watch my pennies too. This will help me keep an eye on things. I have been thinking a lot about it and this is just the little kick in the butt...I needed.
A person will be just about as happy as they make up their mind to be. Abe Lincoln Find your joy and live it. http://cheneybaglady.blogspot.com/http://www.kpaints.etsy.com http://www.thevintagebaglady.etsy.com FG #377 |
| kittykill |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 11:53:40 AM
I live on less than 1,200.00 a month right now. Partly due to the economy, partly my decision. I have found that when I have less money-I am more creative and happier. I appreciate things a lot more. I don't have children-I have three dogs and a husband. I also only have one credit card bill to pay besides my utilities. Budgeting is the biggest thing. Also, I live in a city where there are a ton of free things to do-which helps with getting me out of the house. I need to curb my going out to dinner and buying on a whim.
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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| Alee |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 11:43:31 AM
We're still doing good on our plan. We are staying pretty close to the budget- had a few suprise expenses, but everything has been able to be covered by the budget so far.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| karla |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 08:50:20 AM
I too have been trying to eat out of the garden & freezer. Except for apples I haven't been to the store in 2 weeks. Boy that feels good!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
