| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| 5 acre Farmgirl |
Posted - Oct 01 2010 : 08:48:51 AM
What if you had absolutely no money, no job and the like? We have been reading about the "GReat Depression"...what if it was like it was then? What would you do? Give me some ideas/thoughts? Maybe real life ones or fictional.....
Farmgirl Sister #368
~~~**Terri**~~~
http://thecontentedwoman.blogspot.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| msdoolittle |
Posted - Oct 12 2010 : 09:02:08 AM
Let's see...if we had no money...
The first thing is, I would have to figure out a way to generate enough income to keep my house. I mean, that's just number one. If I lost this place, I would lose my garden, my eggs and my chickens, and our workshop, which keeps us going. I would sell ANYTHING non-essential, and get rid of any non-essential bills. I would pick up scrap metal (we made 125 dollars yesterday by doing this...just old junk in the back of our property!), cans, whatever it took to keep this place. I mean, I'd do anything to stay here (with exception to illegal practices, lol!)
So then, beyond that, we always have eggs to eat and I have my garden. I wouldn't be too proud to go to the soup kitchen if I needed to. Of course, if you truly have no income, I suppose there is always government assistance. I do NOT have a problem using this assistance if you truly need it. I was on the WIC program when I had my oldest child. I mean, we were poor, and I needed that extra help. Anyway, that's a whole 'nother can o' worms to open, but that is what I would do if I really needed food. I don't have dairy animals so I don't have access to dairy product, unless I bartered for it.
And that's another thing to think about...what IS the dollar besides a form of bartering? We barter a lot around here, whether it's services for services or services for goods. I am extremely fortunate to have a DH who is just brilliant with repairs/construction/etc, so that often comes in handy!
That is what I would do if I were in that position.
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
| Room To Grow |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 3:15:10 PM
Well we are going to try to do our bills without my husbands disability payments. He got them taken away because he tried to work. He was able to make $980 a month before taxes. Well last yr he made 300 to much in 1 month and now they are taking them away. He is able to reaply. But not until he recieves his last paperwork. So November is his last check. Now I am going to have to work 10 hrs a week more to make ends meet. I am so thankful I have a job and they are willing to work with me. My work said they would do this for 6 months. And then see where we are. So my husband cant work any more than he is now. We will make it...I have faith.
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Oct 05 2010 : 05:54:09 AM
Denise, You could go to the library for your internet. Borrow books from there to read for entertainment. You are right, if we must we can come up with all sorts of solutions while maintaining some of our connections. Maybe people would write more letters? Do you remember when we played telephone with cans and string?
Denise, you are so right about talking to people and just introducing yourself. I'm a little shyer in this area, but the BF is great. His family is so huge, we can do a lot of trading within so that is nice. Neighbors and friends are so important because everyone has something to give or get.
Best Growing |
| sherrye |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 1:18:03 PM
well i thought i would add my 2 cents. which is about what we have. we here do what we call - make do - .we were living like most high off the hog. had discretionary income. sure was fun. not so now. some of you know how broke we were. 2 years now. on off work. just like lots of folks.i started with the tv. we use netflix. 8.99 cut out cell phones. we have 1 now for when he is in another state working. laundry cold water. wood heat no premade foods. NONE i am not a shopper. so we eat what we grow and make.
My dad said i never met a stranger. he was so right. i have a gift of gab. i love people. so i stop and look around. right now i found 2 farms over 20 apple trees. free to pick. i went to the door introduced myself. ask if i could buy work or trade for apples. yes was the answer. so now i am recruiting help to harvest. we will cook for these farms. apple pie ,apple butter etc. and take it to them in return for the apples. everyone wins. i am trying to form a local group of off the main road folks to share in work and bounty.i shop habitat for humanity, goodwill especially for my stainless stuff for animals, the dollar store. when i butcher i use scraps and make dog food. i check craigslist for the free section like a job. i make our soaps and personal care items. i belong to frontier catalog and to azure farms for natural and organic stuff. we build what we need. papa juts made 4 portable scaffolds. we have the tools and know how. we are self taught. we learned it was smarter for us to buy the tool and make or do the job. then we had the tool and know how when done.we now although broke most of the time we do really well. the cow and chickens are truly the bones for the farm plus the tractor. so we can freeze dry and whatever any food we can harvest wild or on the farm. so very many folks are having hard times. this is just our way. what works for us. we are all different and have different situations. i am hoping all the farmgirls are getting by these days sherrrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
|
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 11:57:11 AM
Well, if you mean really no money then I guess we would not be online because the first thing we would do is get rid of all non-essentials. Internet, cell phones, dishwasher, dryer, things of that nature. We wouldwork on doing anything we could that would lessen te money going out.
Right now my husband has his own business but is looking into other options because that has slowed considerably and I'm sure it will during the winter. I work pt. time but that is 1 day a week right now. Sowe will do whatever we need to in order to pay our bills and such. Presuming it may come to that.
farmgirl sister#43
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
|
| melanie47601 |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 07:35:30 AM
Growing up things were more than a little tight. We moved around a lot. When I was 12 I started babysitting and working other odd jobs to pay for my clothes, school supplies and help around the house. It was tough growing up like that and some of the other kids would pick on me and my sister because we didn't have what they had. It didn't really bother me, but it bugged her a lot. I have never been interested in keeping up with the Jonses and I rather like dancing to my own song. 
Now according to the experts my income is considered to be at the poverty level, but yet we have everything we need and all of our bills are paid. I thank God everyday for all of our blessings and pray for everyone in these tough times. We moved into an older home this summer and are working at fixing the old place up a little at a time. I can't afford to hire a contractor to do the work so my cousin and my sister's b/f work on it here and there and of course the kids and I do what we can (like the bathroom sink- I knew almost nothing about plumbing but turns out it's really not that hard to learn.  ) I do a little bartering, sell baked goods around the holidays and crafts, love to freecycle (to give and to get), think up creative ways to repurpose things around the house and do everything I can to cut energy costs and pinch every penny I can.
This next year I will put out my first garden in years. I am excited and nervous. I'm also going to learn to can and preserve as much of our food as I can and of course share all of my extra produce with others in need.
I love reading what everyone else is doing. You are all a wonderful inspiration!
Hugs~ Melanie
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says "Oh Crap, She's up!"
Blog~ http://wheelsarealwaysturning.blogspot.com/
|
| MInwife |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 8:39:24 PM
We have no $$$ , dh has his own business and I work part time.... I mean, we have SOME money, but by most standards today we have no money... The biggest thing we have done is to change our way of living...
Our home is not a show place, but paid for... we have one car ( 4 years old) and a 1970 pick up truck, we garden and have animals, we barter when we can, we don't own a dryer or a dishwasher we are always finding creative ways to make a buck...this month I am teaching basketry workshops...dh is selling extra fire wood...
We just choose to live as simply as possible
Lea
www.theendoftheroad.typepad.com
Farm Girl Sister # 2078 |
| CathyM |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 12:46:41 PM
At this point my daughter, she 25, and I live an apartment and have been able to pay the bills for 4+ years on our own even with layoffs happening throughout that time. I have been in the position of having little to no money more than once. My family has lived through being homeless for the better part of 5 years, we managed to get by though. We had 6 people, my sister, her two children, my mom, my daughter and I, in a Chevy Cavalier and most of our belongings were in storage. Both my sister and I had child support coming in, hers she could depend on but mine was sketchy to say the least. We would sleep in the car for 2 nights and then on the third get the least expensive motel room just to take showers and have someplace so the kids could sleep comfortable, watch a little TV and the adults could sleep through the night without taking turns for watch duty. We slept in the car at rest stops on the highways. My sister and I took odd jobs and my mom was on social security. Life deals you only what you can handle and teaches you every step of the way is my philosophy. We managed to get through those years and we always laughed about the situation, even at the time, because if you don't laugh you cry and there is no sense in crying it doesn't get you anywhere. At least I know that anything that life throws my daughter and nephews way they will be able to handle. The kids were always well aware of what was going on and even at their young ages they helped make decisions, I believe it made them stronger adults.
www.MurrayDesigns.etsy.com
Farmgirl Sister #710
"Not all who wander are lost"
JRR Tolkien
|
| marjean |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 09:52:47 AM
Hey,that is a good idea. Let me know the next trip he will be coming my way. I get to meet a farmgirl in person. Yeah! I've talked to a few now on the phone and just felt so connected to them now.
We were just in Kissimmee for a Bible convention. I had my Mom drive the turnpike from I-4, I close my eyes most of the time. lol
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo |
| Dorinda |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 09:45:28 AM
Annika You also have a wonderful Sunday!! Thanks for the kind reply! Your sister Kate also sounds like a wonderful person!
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
| Dorinda |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 09:40:29 AM
Well Hi Marsha! I would love to meet you one day. I do drive but I do not like to drive in fast moving traffic. (turnpike, I-4, freeways, ect.)
My sons laugh at me about it. I take roads that are 55 mph or slower. My dh is also a jack of all trades. We are in the Septic Business. He goes to Deltona every once in a while to do repairs. With work being slow he has to travel alot now for work. We do not turn any thing down. Maybe next time he has a job in deltona I could ride with him and he could drop me off to meet you. We could sit and chat while he works. I would love to attend a Tea party!
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
| marjean |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 09:15:03 AM
Well, hello Dorinda! You are so close to where I live in Deltona. I'd love to meet you one day. I don't drive so if you could come to my house that would be great. I'll email you about a spa/tea party I'm planning at the end of the month or in Nov. Just a few close friends and family around 8-10 at most and they'd all love to meet you too.
We could share lots of stories with you how we help each other during disasters and all about our volunteer work in the community.
My dh just fixed the neighbors truck. They barter all the time. My dh is a jack of all trades and master too at them. Their a/c went out and it was going to cost a bundle according to the a/c company and my husband fixed it for peanuts. I got a new mattress out of the deal they needed to get rid of.
That is how it goes in my house. My dh does so much for people and we get so much in return. People always come to us when they are in need because they know we won't turn them away.
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo |
| Annika |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 07:00:10 AM
Dorinda, You sound like my sister Kate, she is always feeding the hungry and sometimes homeless kids in Seattle You are so right, we all need to stick together to make it right now. Times are tough and who knows how for long or how much harder things are going to get?
And sharing what you have and having something shared in return, even if that is gratitude is a wonderful feeling. Thank you so much for the inspiring post There is so much that I can share with others, things that I don't need and could pass on. Blessings! Have a wonderful Sunday!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
|
| Dorinda |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 06:41:31 AM
I have been gardening off and on all my life. But I have really been steady at it now for about the last 5 years. It really does save you money at the grocery store. I only buy seasonal veggies at the grocery store. The corn was really plentiful and cheap this year at the grocery store. So I bought alot and froze it. Everyone around us is broke and losing their homes. I feel very blessed and thank God every day for what I have and try very hard to help others in need. I do think there is some States that are actually in a depression. I have got alot of people around here gardening now. They come over for advice on the gardening. I have about 12 good friends and we meet every Month if it is one of our birthdays. We all give 10 cans of food to them for their birthday. Then the birthday girl either donates it to the food pantry or a family in need or keeps it for their family. That's 120 cans of food. I have been feeding alot of teenage kids also that can drive and come over to my house. Some of their parents have called and thanked me. Things are really bad here. Our County has the highest forcloser rate in homes here in the
state of Florida. My neighbor and I raised 4 hogs together last year. We had them processed and gave alot of meat away also. Now is the time to work together and help your neighbor and family if you can.
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 06:37:19 AM
You are all an inspiration. I went years getting by. Remembered what it was like as a kid when we had so little, and I embarrassed my mom when I told my scout leader we couldn't afford the supplies for the project next week. These days, I do have a good job, a house, and a savings account. The sad part is that if I am working someone else is suffering, as I work disasters. My friend is getting ready to loose her house after her husband was fired and two houses in my small subdivision have been lost by their owners.
I've been canning for years, make a lot of gifts and cards and except books and food, shop very little. I am thankful for what I have and my luck, because sometimes I think that is a large part of life. Ingenuity is too from the sounds of how many of you get by.
Here's a virtual hug to everyone and the good thoughts that neighbors and family are so important at all times.
Laurie
Best Growing |
| Annika |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 06:23:03 AM
My sweetie-pie has a good job, I'm on disability and we're doin' ok. I feel very blessed to be where we are in this world. We have been down to our last dime and have done a lot of hard work to crawl out of it. I have little retirement, as soon as I am able, I'll be trying to get a job, which will likely as not be cleaning for people. So just that. Going door to door and asking for work, when you have nothing every little bit helps =)
You'd be surprised how far you can stretch a dollar!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
|
| karla |
Posted - Oct 03 2010 : 06:10:11 AM
I love hearing of all the creative ways you ladies have of working through the money challenges! It makes me think that I can make it too. Keep the ideas coming. They are a help to a lot of people!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
| goneriding |
Posted - Oct 02 2010 : 6:07:12 PM
Money challenged is what it should say. I'm on my phone and boo boos do happen.
For some 'venting'-type of entertainment, please read my blog, http://lostadventuresintrucking.blogspot.com .
|
| goneriding |
Posted - Oct 02 2010 : 6:04:34 PM
I have been literally rich and downright poor. Right now we're on the high side of middle of the road. But last year I learned to garden and can. Being "money challened" doesn't have to be a bad thing! Matter of fact, I kinda like being on my toes moneywise. Keeps me appreciative of what we are blessed with.
For some 'venting'-type of entertainment, please read my blog, http://lostadventuresintrucking.blogspot.com .
|
| marjean |
Posted - Oct 02 2010 : 5:51:30 PM
We went from having more than enough income a year ago and savings down to no savings and living week to week now. It is tough on my husband because of my ill health. It's one thing to be strapped when you have your health and completely a different story when you don't. But, thankfully, my dd is a gem amoung kids. She is like Angela's was saying about her kids. We only have the one but she pitches in and helps buy my food since I have to eat a special diet. It costs more.
I am trying to grow a garden in this Florida soil is a challenge. I conditioned the soil and lost all my stuff this summer. So, I started again in the raised box my dh made for me. I took all the seeds from an organic spaghetti squash and put them in the box. I have at least three plants growing from all those seeds. You'd think I'd have 20 or more. lol
So, I am babying those with my life. I watch them daily. I eat a ton of vege. and need to grow my own to save us money. It is so expensive even from the coop I belong to.
My neice is moving in with us in Dec. and that will help her and us both out. A little here and a little there gets us by.
I have a lot riding on my new website and I am depending on Joanna's expertise to get my Watkins and Fuller Brush businesses going to bring in an income not just pocket change each month. It will help everyone that is a member so that is why her and I both are putting our heart and soul into this to help everyone of you farmgirls that are struggling like we are.
But, I just sat and read all the stories in the latest MJF magazine about being grateful. And, it tied in so nicely with my latest Watchtower article on Loving-kindness and what that means and how to live if in our lives each day. When you are loving and kind to your family and friends and even strangers it improves your relationship with them and with God. He will bless you for acting with his fruitages of his spirit.
I'm going to put some of the tips and scriptures on my blog tomorrow for any who want to read it.
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo |
| cajungal |
Posted - Oct 02 2010 : 04:25:27 AM
We could probably be okay with food because of the chickens, rabbits, dairy goats and the garden.
Our biggest expense is our home mortgage so we'd need to generate income to keep our home. I would like to think I could be as resourceful as Angela. Wow! She and her family have true determination and strong will.
I do sell many different products from our small farm but it usually covers feed costs. I'd have to step it up a notch to really sustain my family on the income.......which is my dream for the future.
Blessings,
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Oct 01 2010 : 7:18:06 PM
I am trying to grow as much of our food as possible. And raise our meat and eggs and milk goats for milk. I think more people need to have gardens. There are so many people who have the space to have a garden but don't. I just don't understand all these people who don't have alot but want it given to them. And they have places to have a garden but there isn't one. What is wrong with them? I know gardens take awhile to come up and to produce but really. I think most people have time. I hate to say it but they will not know what to do if it came down to this.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| pinkroses |
Posted - Oct 01 2010 : 1:16:15 PM
Good luck to those of you who are without jobs
My hubby is the only one working
We have a new home we built and desgined ( most of it)
Still haven't sold our old one.
The old one is payed for.
But money is tight.
so, I know how to do without.
hugs Sheila
http://www.sheilascreativetouches.blogspot.com/
http://www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com |
| nut4fabric |
Posted - Oct 01 2010 : 1:09:19 PM
My parents both grew up in the depression and were poor. My grandmother had a large garden and nothing went to waste. Once they had a large hail storm and it ruined all the tomatos that had not ripened yet so she made green tomato ketchup. It's always interesting to hear mom and dad talk about their childhood and we can learn alot from what they went through.
Kathy |
| karla |
Posted - Oct 01 2010 : 11:01:27 AM
We have chickens so we eat a lot of egg dishes, we raise a garden every year & can, we raise rabbits for meat, & we stay out of stores as much as possible-it will suck the money out of you!!!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
