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Across the Fence:  Can You Live Off $1,200 a Month?  |
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Heather B
True Blue Farmgirl
562 Posts
Heather
Longmont
Colorado
USA
562 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 01 2010 : 11:40:50 AM
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Thank you Alee for your excel sheet.
Heather
http://homesteadincity.blogspot.com/
"Only your real friends tell you when your face is dirty"
Farm Girl Sister #662 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2010 : 1:56:04 PM
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We're close...we live on $1800.00, but we're a family of 3 (unless you count 4 large dogs and 2 cats). We don't have car payments and I only budget for groceries on a weekly basis. We do have credit card debt which I'm paying off as much as I can. We also have medical bills b/c we have a high deductible plan, so that takes most of our income right now (which bites!). Our house payment is half what most folks are paying though, so I feel lucky there.
After medical bills and credit card bills are paid, we might seriously be able to accommodate this $1200 figure and put some by for savings!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1143 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1143 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2010 : 3:57:36 PM
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We're doing the 'Dave Ramsey' thing; been doing that for a year. Now that I sold my car (woohoo!), the monthly bills are WAAAAY down, but I can't do 1200/mo. My house payment is 950 to 1350/mo depending on how many weeks are in the month! BUT, today being June 1, I thought about you, Elizabeth, as I made some purchases @ the grocery. My grocery bills have been way too high lately...I have fallen off the frugal food wagon. So, tonight, we ate what was handy...gonna try and eat up what we have here. I'm taking the challenge, too! My personal challenge is to, once again, get groceries under 300/mo, which should be very 'doable' since the garden is going nuts out there. :0)
Plus, this is the first month w/o paying for my car/insurance. Yay! I'm in!
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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reereebee
True Blue Farmgirl
142 Posts
Marie
Clark
WY
USA
142 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2010 : 4:39:19 PM
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June 1st and right on track! I washed two loads of clothes in cold water and hung them to dry in the Florida sunshine. Just had to rush to get them in since it's thundering outside. Our summertime evening showers are pretty routine.
I can't wait until the end of the month to see how much I can slash my power bill.
“Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else”
- J.M. BARRIE, Novelist
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babysmama
True Blue Farmgirl
931 Posts
Elizabeth
Iowa
931 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2010 : 5:33:33 PM
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I'm so glad that so many of you are wanting to follow along! If anything, this will make us all more aware of where every cent is going. Today I paid the mortgage and hubby mailed a CD at the P.O. which was $1.73 so we are down to $737.27 for the rest of the month. There are a lot of good sale items at the grocery store this week so I hope to be able to get a week's worth of meals for about $55 to $60.
-Elizabeth
www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
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RochelleS
Farmgirl in Training
37 Posts
Rochelle
Muscatine
Iowa
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 07:17:12 AM
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ELzabeth- hope the week continues to make good progress. I found a basket full of signifcantly reduced produce at one of the local grocery stores and felt like I was nearly stealing as I walked out with not one,not two, but THREE bags of citrus fruit for $2.50. I promptly brought them home and made a 1/2 gallon pitcher of freshly squeezed juice...yummy!!! Great start to a great day.
I have loved following you blog.I always wondered why I never really felt like a"soccer mom" until I saw the term "granola mom" on the blogsite. I feel like I have been identified at last ! ;)
Have a geat day,Elizabeth, and be encouraged on the journey !!!!
Your fellow Iowa Farmsister,
Rochelle
"Nothing is too small to make a difference." - Wanda Urbanska |
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babysmama
True Blue Farmgirl
931 Posts
Elizabeth
Iowa
931 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 07:32:40 AM
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Good deal on the citrus fruit, Rochelle! Don't you just love a great deal like that?!
I noticed earlier that you asked if I thought there was enough ladies in the area to have a farmgirl get together? I would love that...but the other farmgirl who was in my area has been MIA for the last year or so ont he board and hasn't answered any of my e-mails either. I think there is another from around Cedar Rapids. Maybe you could do a shoutout to see how many Eastern Iowa ladies there are?
For those taking this challenge along with me, add your progress on my blog today. It's challenge check in day to see how everyone is doing!!
-Elizabeth
www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com |
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Lizabeth
True Blue Farmgirl
560 Posts
Washington
560 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 5:36:51 PM
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Great idea, Elizabeth! We finally started a cash only system in May and are eliminating as Alee calls it 'stupid debt'. I found a really great excell sheet that is like the envelope system http://www.mdmproofing.com/iym/products/envelope-check-register/ So now I know not just how much I have left in the checking account, but also to what cattegory that money belongs. And it is so much easier to see when money budgeted for a certain area is all gone.
I initially set this up with an average amount in each cattegory based on previous spending. Now I am hoping to adjust down each cattegory as far as possible so more can go towards the medical bills and debt.
Here is to living below your means!!
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babysmama
True Blue Farmgirl
931 Posts
Elizabeth
Iowa
931 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 08:24:07 AM
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Well, we are a little over halfway through the challenge and haven't run out of money yet! We still have $235.63 left for the month so I think we may be able to make it!!
www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com
-Elizabeth |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 08:50:20 AM
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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/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
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kittykill
True Blue Farmgirl
608 Posts
Pam
Portland
or
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2010 : 11:53:40 AM
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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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kpaints
True Blue Farmgirl
1564 Posts
karen
cheney
wa
1564 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 10:19:29 AM
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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 |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 11:58:03 AM
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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 |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 12:04:15 PM
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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/ |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 12:17:30 PM
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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/ |
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babysmama
True Blue Farmgirl
931 Posts
Elizabeth
Iowa
931 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 1:01:25 PM
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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 |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:04:41 PM
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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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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:20:21 PM
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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/ |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2873 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2873 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:22:21 PM
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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! |
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fudsy
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Pamela
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:32:28 PM
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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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kittykill
True Blue Farmgirl
608 Posts
Pam
Portland
or
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 4:47:56 PM
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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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Across the Fence: Can You Live Off $1,200 a Month? |
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Can You Live Off $1,200 a Month?
