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Hogs & Quiches & Prayers Round-up:  Am I the only one??  |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 07:37:41 AM
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Am I the only one who is finding it harder & harder to make it? It seems the job I have used to be able to support us but now it seems to be needing more & more money to be able to make it. We are struggling to make ends meet & not finding it very easy. I am thinking I am going to have to go find another job with more hours & pay. Any suggestions? Anyone else having the same problem? I have treid selling some things on my blog & Craigslist but nothing there. We tried to have a garage sale last week & I didn't even break even. Out in the country just does not bring people out to garage sales. I have items in consignments shops but that brings very little in. What is a person to do???
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
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star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
942 Posts
Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 07:43:09 AM
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We are having trouble too--we just don't have the "cushion" we used to have to use when emergencies come up - like when our well pump decided to give out and our boys are quickly outgrowing their clothes. My husband is picking up extra hours and I'm picking up a second job but luckily, I will be able to do it at home - teaching online for a university.
We can do no great things; only small things with great love - Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927 |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 08:46:15 AM
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It's getting tougher all around. I don't think people are realizing how much more things are costing. Those few cents an item raise in prices really start to add up. That doesn't even include the bigger ticket items which about knock you over!
To do??? The one thing I have been doing this summer is canning and preserving. I put out the word I would take any left over produce. I have 4 boxes of homegrown pears on the porch from a friend. It's been an exhausting workout, but the pantry is getting quite full. That will help a lot with our grocery needs.
We have starting canceling things and I think as time goes on we will do more. It's one step at a time. =)
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 08:46:20 AM
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Things are harder now. Up here in AK the middle class is not quite in a bad a shape as outside but the working poor really took a big hit. Our non-profit last year was able to help people with rent and utilities from a grant that was substantial. The same grant was more than cut in half this year and we are having to fight for the second half. The first half was gone in less than 30 days even though we were careful.
CMF |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 09:03:11 AM
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Yep... we're in the same boat, too.
I am finding an especially difficult hit at the grocery store - it's a budget buster! I've made a lot of changes in how I do food: I make almost everything from scratch, supplement all meals with homemade bread (it's a filler - LOL!), don't buy paper products other than t.p., try to stick to the outside aisles, etc. I also do a lot of bulk shopping through Costco. It wasn't easy at first, I had to start small. But after spending a little there each month, I've kind of bought forward and have a fairly good stock of necessities in my cupboards. We just try to use less, drink lots of water, freeze leftovers, get creative... My garden experiment this year produced a lot of lovely plants, but not nearly as much produce as I had hoped. I've only done a little canning, but I do freeze a lot. I don't spend a fortune on pre-made food, nor do we go out to eat anymore. I will make a big double or triple batch of whatever I'm cooking or baking - lasagne, stuffed cabbages, hamburgers (freeze with cheese on the bun - instant microwave lunch!), meatballs, muffins, biscuits, for example - and will freeze ahead. On those nights where the day has just worn me down and I just don't want to face cooking another meal, I pull out our pre-made dinner and voila - Heaven! Homemade pizza night is almost a weekly event, too.
I also decided a couple of years ago to sell a lot of our extraneous possessions on ebay. I went through our attic and cupboards, pulled out whatever we hadn't used in a while, looked them up on ebay and watched to see what similar items were selling for, how they were described, what kind of shipping was offered, etc. I can honestly say I didn't make a mint off of what I have sold, but it really did help keep us afloat, and it really helped me clean house. I also started buying on ebay whenever I could - clothing, housewares, gifts, electronics, Christmas gifts, etc. I bought used AND new. I have saved a small fortune on birthdays and holiday gifts purchases, I assure you. You just have to watch the prices, be careful about shipping, and be sure you are buying from a highly rated seller. I've also started making whatever I can so that I don't have to buy.
Home decor and gift-giving inspiration comes from stores, but I've learned you can make a lot homemade if you put your creativity to use. I am in the process of shopping for a good sewing machine and a good how-to book so I can start sewing our clothes and other items... even want to try my hand at knitting again!
Clothing - that's a funny one. My husband is vertically challenged, our son is a mind-boggling vertical miracle. A couple of years ago, when my son hit 12, they shared clothes. Last year, my DH started wearing his hand-me-downs - even shoes! LOL! This year, our son is so tall that when my husband dons his shoes and clothes, he looks like a freakish clown! LOL! We used to shop at Steve and Barry's to save money (my son outgrows everything in a matter of weeks, and my husband ruins everything at work - why spend more?), but they've long gone out of business. I usually shop the sales and match coupons whenever possible, and we use clothes til we can't use them anymore, but I just think I really need to start sewing!
My DH takes sidework whenever it comes, and has taken our son with him as often as possible, teaching him wonderful things like plumbing, piping, roofing, carpentry, insulation, window-repair, etc. They even do all the work on our vehicle whenever it's making a noise. A lot of times, my husband and son will help neighbors or co-workers fix things on thier homes in exchange for help with work on ours, or barter for items we need. For our family, elderly neighbors or shut-ins, they never charge or accept payment other than a hug or a baked good now and then. Our son loves working with his Dad, and he's learning the value of hard work as well as gaining experience that will benefit him his whole life! We always make sure he knows what it would've cost had he had to pay someone to do the work, and when there's a job we cannot do ourselves, we are sure to tell him that cost as well. He is learning the importance of do-it-yourself and the importance of helping your neighbor. He's becoming quite a special young man and pretty money savvy in the process! I haven't had the time to go with them and learn for myself, but I have also been eye-ing a couple of do-it-yourself books designed especially for women. God forbid my DH ever gets hurt or incapacitated, but I think it would be a very wise thing indeed to know how to take care of things for myself.
My husband and son are also avid scavengers. I have a lovely house full of scavenged furniture. It's mis-matched, but cozy and pretty. My DH also made me a GORGEOUS bed out of scavenged antique doors a couple of Christmases ago. Everyone says he should go into business making them... but when would he find the time?
We got hit with a lot of damage to the house last winter, and although we received a small check from our insurance, it wasn't nearly enough to cover all the repairs. I'm a nervous wreck about getting it done before the cold weather hits, but I just keep the faith in knowing from experience: God provides.
Weatherizing your home for the winter is an absolute must. I can't stress that enough. Insulation, caulking windows and doors, covering windows, insulating outlets, making sure there isn't air flow under your doors - it's amazing how much energy and expense is spent when these "little things" are overlooked!
My husband travels from work site to work site for his job, which used to REALLY kill us with the cost of gas. Thankfully, after a heart-to-heart discussion with his boss, his employer now provides a work vehicle and gas card to cover his travel costs. He drives two other men to and from the jobs every day, which benefits everyone. And he never ever ever uses the vehicle outside of work for personal purposes. He maintains the vehicle himself, unless it's a serious problem at which point he employer takes it to a mechanic. This has been a godsend, I assure you. We have been able to pare down to one family vehicle, and it has saved us - and the other men he works with - a tremendous amount of money - prior to this, it was killing us!
We don't travel at all anymore. Family vacations are at home and usually include free museums and events in our area, but that's the extent of it. Our summer nights are spent playing board games, with a pool full of kids under the moonlight. We've learned to really enjoy the good stuff - and man, is it good! Our family lives all over the country, and we used to make it a point to visit whenever we could. Now, we have ONE annual family visit/event at a location central to most of us, that is it. We all even agreed to skip this year and just make next year more special. It's hard, but we're all in the same boat. And email is a wonderful way for the kids to keep in touch. The one thing we've learned is that people are way more exciting than places and things. There is a lot to be said for being together and the laughter and love that it brings!
Health insurance... don't even get me started. His employer maintains a percent of its cost, but our contributions have been steadily increasing for the past couple of years. What used to be a minute consideration in our budget now has its own category. His employer added a supplemental insurance to cover a portion of what is not covered by the main insurance, and we have been told not to pay any bills until the supplement pays in and sends us a confirmation EOB. If I pay first, they won't. Well, this supplement has taken up to a year to pay out in some instances, and our medical providers and I are now on a first-name basis as a result. Gives me heart palpitations and outrage coursing through my veins just to think about it. Moving on...
Movie nights are usually pre-recorded on DVR so we can speed through the commercials, and we always make homemade popcorn, cookies or brownies, or even oven S'mores to make the night fun. It's easier to use the DVR for lots of things. I usually scroll through the listings a couple of week in advance to see what's coming and record them ahead of time. We also record our favorite programs and history, science and home and garden programs. On free nights - which are rare - we never are at a loss for a good show, and are never at the mercy of the garbage programming that's out there!
Lights and electronics are off unless in use. No dry cycle on the dishwasher anymore. I'd love to hang laundry outside, but our allergies would KILL us. There's not much room to do it inside, but we do tend to hang the lighter clothes rather than use the dryer. We also are very careful about making sure the faucets are turned off tightly - nothing worse than paying for unused water!
You know, I honestly have to say that since we've changed how we do things, our lives are much fuller and much happier than they used to be. We don't have a lot, and we do struggle - no "cushion" here anymore, either! - but we have really learned to appreciate what we do have - especially each other. I can do without a lot, but the one thing I can't do without is the love and companionship of my family and friends.
Wow - that was a book! I'm sorry - I got carried away!
Good luck to us all in this economy! I know we'll all be okay, though. We just have to batten down the hatches, hold closely to the ones we love, say a few prayers, trust God and ride out the storm!
Hugs,
Nini
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
Farmgirl Sister #1974 |
Edited by - Ninibini on Sep 15 2010 11:26:02 AM |
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knittingmom
True Blue Farmgirl
665 Posts
AnneMarie
Edmonton
Alberta
Canada
665 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 09:06:11 AM
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No you're not the only one. The cost of rents has increased, the cost to buy a house is unreachable for most people now, the cost of food is steadily going up, utlities increase every year, the cost of fuel is higher. There really isn't such thing as middle class anymore.
The fact is we just have to become more frugal and really be aware of what is a want and a need and save up for those treats instead. We just have to become more selfsufficient, look to what our grandparents and greatgrand parents did.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 09:33:03 AM
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Yep, it is hard. We struggle from week to week too. Some bills have to go on the back burner for awhile til there's enough to pay them. My hubby is a truck driver. So one week might be really good but the next 3 are not. But I feel really fortunate that we still have a home and some land and animals on it. There are so many that are losing their homes. Just hang in there, Karla. It will get better. It has to. I will be praying for you and your family.
Hugs, Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Saffron
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Sheila
Dallas
Texas
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 10:52:47 AM
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Karla, I agree with you! It is harder to make it. I am a single Mom and I live paycheck to paycheck. My home AC went out and thank the Lord I was able to get a payment plan that I will probably be paying on for the rest of my life! My prayer is that I don't get sick. As long as I am able to work, I hope to keep my head above water. I would take on a second job, but physically, I don't think I could manage it. I don't have any answers and I don't see it getting any better. Boy thats depressing! Like so many others have said I just have to keep cutting back and be as frugal as possible.
Stay strong!
Sheila
Farmgirl #1987
"We cannot Lord, Thy purpose see, but all is well that's done by Thee." |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 7:49:39 PM
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You have all given me lots to think about. I too can & freeze garden food. We have chickens, ducks, rabbits, & goats. I guess if all else we will have eggs, milk, meat & veggies to survive on! Lots of good ideas.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 05:35:51 AM
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Karla, I think Nini has a lot of good advice there! You are not alone and it is hard, but sometimes the hard is what makes it great.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World! |
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 06:17:30 AM
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it's just tough all over. I go thru hubbys paycheck so fast it scares me and that's with cutting so many corners. I don't know what else to cut. we need to move and find cheaper rent but unless I go without electricity and heat...I don't know. Finding a job in this area is almost impossible. So many people out of work the competition is fierce. Trying to figure out ways to make some extra but am not too successful
You aren't the only one |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 09:14:58 AM
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It seems to be all over! You know in the summer I don't mind going without electricity & air but in the winter I can't stand to be cold! We wear sweaters & keep it turned down as far as we can stand it & I have an electric blanket.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
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natesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1735 Posts
angela
martinsville
indiana
USA
1735 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 09:47:53 AM
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We have been hit really hard lately. My DH was off work for an injury for over a year. Then he managed to find work just in the nick of time and we had just caught up all the bills when his boss closed up shop and he's back on the job hunt agian. My whole family gardens and I've been collectin every single peice of extra produce from them and everyone I can locate. We have canned, dried, and frozen all of it. Now my mom and dad are off work for surgeries and my grandparents are sinkin pretty hard on SSI. I am dishin out the stored up produce to everyone and even have had to resort to food banks for supplementin everyones food supplies.
I have used freecycle and craigslist to collect things we need for our girls and household repairs. I have clothed my 3 girls and had some for everyone from freecycle and have located a toilet and kitchen sink faucet from craigs list when ours needed replaced. We even found a lawn tractor that wouldn't start, but had the part we needed for ours on it that was still good. It only cost us about $8 of gas to pick it up and got us $50 in scrap metal!
We have picked up cans from the roadside, scrap metal from craiglist, and rented out our older girls and us as housecleaners, yard rakers, garden weeders, and even seed planters this past spring. It only gives us a few dollars extra, but it's allowed us to do a few things for the girls, so they don't feel so much like paupers.
It's hard everywhere, and seems to be gettin harder. I am prayin that everyone is able to hold on through it.
On a kinda side note. There have been some very strange break-ins reported lately. Peoples have reported that cash and the regular stuff was stolen, but their kitchens were cleaned out as well. There was even one report of only food bein stolen. The people said that everything from the fridge, freezer, and cupboards was taken, but nothing else. The theif left a note that said, 'I'm so very sorry. I had to.'
Makes me wonder why america as a people aren't seein this and standin up to pool our resources to survive better. I guess fear reigns supreme anymore. My suggestion is to at least try to organize your family members to support each other and try to survive till things balance out.
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 12:22:22 PM
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Truly difficult and we do need to get back to helping each other. Last winter heating fuel was one of the things being stolen as up here a lot of people still use fuel oil. At $11.00 per foot the nat. gas line might as well be on the moon as 2 lots above me. I am supplementing the fuel oil with wood heat when I am home but the stove is too small to hold a fire for more than 2 hours.
Also up here on our freecycle we had a couple of dingbats complaining because people were asking for stuff. If I have it and its sitting around doing nothing why not give it away? I have a couple of renters that were out in the cold, he was sleeping in his car and she, recovering from cancer was sleeping on the x's couch. They are now sweat equity renters. At least they will have a warm dry place for the winter. Our NP is looking for a place for a pregnant single mom living with her son in a store with only a bathroom sink and toilet. I think we have a line on something for her.
CMF |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 12:46:21 PM
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It is so sad to think that people aren't willing to help. I hope you find a place for her to live. Has it started to get cold there already? I hope & pray that more people are moved by the needs around them.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 3:32:58 PM
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Low 40's high 30's at night. I think we have hooked her up with another NP, Family Promise. They have nice warm places for people and shuttle them from church to church until they can get on their feet. Main problem is having so many families to help. There is one man up here who has a bunch of small cabins, warm and dry but haul your water and chemical johns. He does not ask for a security deposit, credit check, so many cannot pass that now. He rents monthly. Some really bright people were trying to shut him down and we keep pointing out to those folks that there really is not much else that people in that situation can afford. One guy died up here last year trying to live in a cabin he heated with a small propane heater and no ventilation, he got monoxide poisoning and was found dead in the cabin. You just cannot do that up here in the winter. Very dangerous.
CMF |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1152 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1152 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2010 : 08:40:39 AM
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We have been doing the 'Dave Ramsey Plan' since May '09. I can't tell you how informative it was to physically write down a budget sheet and maintain that sheet. I couldn't ever figure out WHERE the money was going, just in my head. I kept on thinking, "Why are we always broke?". Then I started doing the budget sheet (which is free on his site, BTW) and modified it to our own needs via Microsoft Word. THEN, I was like....OH! THAT'S where it's going! Lol! Seriously, it was a very eye-opening experience. I faithfully maintained a budget sheet for about 8 months. After that, it was all in my head. I think everyone should try this; it sure helped us out a LOT.
I sold my own car. Didn't really need it. That, alone, freed up about 700 bucks a month, including gas and insurance costs. With the money I made from the sale, I have been able to build a fence around our orchard, and will be able to pay all our property tax. Turned off our TV, my Napster account, sold stuff around the house. I have been putting the kid's clothes in a consignment shop. I have already made about 150 bucks doing this. No way I could have made that much trying to sell those clothes in a garage sale! No WAY! I buy clothes either at Goodwill or the consignment store. Can't beat the quality for the price. I do not shop there often, of course, but when I need something, it's the first place I go. Goodwill is a great place for other things, too...I found a fire ladder (for a 2nd story window) for about 10 bucks. We have been needing one for our upstairs rooms and that is CHEAP. I got a very nice, looped cotton rug for 5 dollars.
By writing down where the money goes, I was also able to redirect funds on paper, which is actually kinda fun. By turning off the TV, I could add that 50 bucks to the grocery fund, or where ever else I needed it that month. The very first thing you work towards in the 'Plan', is to save up 1,000 bucks for an emergency fund (I call this my Crap Happens account). We were able to do this very quickly because I already had money saved up previously. Then, you start the 'Debt Snowball', which is, you pay off your debts from least to greatest in amount. I am proud to report that since the beginning of starting this, I have been able to pay off about 37,500 dollars in debt...this includes the sale of my car, and I am also including the payments on our truck, which I pay extra towards. It also includes business debts, too (we own our own business), so the number is not just personal debt.
Anyway, there are so many ways to 'cut back' which have been discussed here, but writing down what we brought in and how it goes out was the best thing I ever did.
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2010 : 12:11:26 PM
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I keep my budget on a spread sheet and carry it with me to the office on a jump drive. I always know what is going where. It is a simple Xcel spreadsheet with all bills listed. I have it set up so that as I put the amount of the bill in it automatically deducts that from the balance and tells me what I have left over. I need at least $75.00 to go from paycheck to paycheck after all is done. I also go on line as soon as I get paid and through my Credit Union use the bill pay feature to pay all first. That way there is no temptation to sluff off a bill to next time. If I do not keep paid up it will get out of hand and I cannot get behind as I will never get caught up.
CMF |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2010 : 9:32:38 PM
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Praying for you Karla!
Hugs,
Hannah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Lifes not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
Just a small town country girl, farmgirl,loggergirl, trying to live her dreams. :)
P.s. I've been playing around with the spelling of my name ( weird I know) and I've decided that I will stick with Hannah for good. Sorry I got you all confused. Hugs!! |
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karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2010 : 07:53:13 AM
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Thanks-it has been a challenging year! I hate the thought of having to change jobs but it is still looking like the best option.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
http://rua2j-grammysheirlooms.blogspot.com/ |
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jill skane
True Blue Farmgirl
853 Posts
jill lillian
stacyville
maine
USA
853 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2010 : 08:25:06 AM
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We thought we had our house sold but the couple backed out as soon as a lower price house came on the market, we were hoping to retire to our farm in Maine, it would make life easier for my husband and I. Now we have to start all over again with the sale and the best time for selling here in New England has past us. I am going to have to go back to work again and I don't like the idea.
Jill Lillain |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2010 : 08:38:05 AM
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All 6 of us in this office with the exception of my part time person, my DD, are old enough to collect SS. One part timer is in her 70's. She and one of the bosses collect SS now. I am waiting and will keep on working probably for at least another 2 years. The other boss and I decided that we have that much in us if thing go on they have been doing. Good thing, I need the money. I have to get that house to a rentable condition as far as the other half is concerned with a cushion for major problems like the septic system. I have one more large item that I can sell but I do not intend to let is go bargain basement. So the sailboat can sit on the trailer in the yard until the right person comes along. With the rent money and SS I can just make it. My bosses bless them both, are paying my medicare premiums so that is good for now.
CMF |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2010 : 08:59:50 AM
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I think it is being hard for so many of us and nearly impossible for others to make the money stretch for all of the things needed. We need to let down our barriers a little and help each other more. I know that we will be giving to the charity thrift shop that runs a homeless shelter, to the women's shelter in town and helping out food drives and the food banks. I ALWAYS wish I could do more. But we, too, are having to pinch pennies.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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dutchy
True Blue Farmgirl
4427 Posts
4427 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2010 : 09:08:06 AM
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Join the club. I am always struggling as well. It is not possible (for me) to start a little side business because taxes would be too high, I would loose all my benefits (not that they are that great anyways, but loosing those would send me over the cliff)
I don't have a dryer anymore, it broke down and didn't want to spend a huge amount to repair it OR the same amount to get a new one. Now I use my lines outside. My neighbor told me I can use hers in the winter for the sheets and other big items. Small ones I can dry inside.
My lights are all the low wattage ones, I always turn lights off when I watch tv, just have 2 on, not more. Heating on low and put on an extra sweater or snuggle with a blanky :)
I never go out to a movie, I have plenty DVD's or else I read a book or do some craft. I will start knitting a warm sweater for myself soon nice and warm.
That is about ALL I personally can do to keep the bills low. I need to eat, so cook big pots (if I cook) of pasta and other dishes, freeze the left overs and use those later. Groceries are getting more and more expensive here too!! WOW the prices sometimes are sky high, that is why I always shop at Aldi's and stores like that, for most of my items except veggies.
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
http://pinkprincessdecorating.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me, my home and my crafts
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IdahoShamrock
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Kathy
Hayden
Idaho
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2010 : 10:05:27 AM
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I was very blessed to spend a lot of time with my grandmas as I grew up. They both survived the Great Depression and I learned a lot from them. My personal policy is: If it was good enough for my grandma, it is good enough for me.
Shoot your television. It is expensive and depressing to watch and cable is expensive. Or better yet, sell it. Use a clothes rack or clothesline and never the dryer. I found small metal clothes racks at Target for $13.99 and they fold up small. My wooden ones kept breaking from so much use! I have also seen retractable clotheslines that can be hung just under your ceiling and pulled out for use if you don't have room for a rack. Purchase Kirkland(Costco) brand fabric softener and dilute it 3-1. Works just as well, smells just as fresh and lasts much longer. Never use dryer sheets. Toothpaste,baking soda and peroxide all work on stains, depending on the stain so expensive stain removers are unnecessary and unhealthy. Some of the HE type of laundry detergents are useless for heavily soiled clothes, so do a little experimenting on what works best for your family. Although Clorox is more expensive, it is more effective as bleach, so you use less. You can also use it (1 T:1 gal water) to soak fruits/vegs to remove pesticides and fertilisers. A splash of Clorox in hot,soapy dishwater is great for cleaning everything. The cheapest place for Clorox is Costco.
At the grocery store, buy only what is on sale, and if you can afford it, buy a case or two to stock up. If you can do that regularly, before long, you will be able to only buy what is on sale. If it isn't on sale, don't buy it unless it is absolutely necessary. Use coupons and check out couponmom.com or redplum.com. Fred Meyer gives you a .05 credit for each reusable shopping bag you use so carry them with you. (Hey, 25 cents is 25 cents!) If chicken breasts are on sale for .99/lb, buy 20 lbs and freeze or can 15 lbs of it. The library has lots of cookbooks, find some that give you good recipes for overripe fruits and vegs. Muffins, breads and cakes are great with some fruit in them and they are easy to freeze. And, packaged nicely, they make lovely gifts for all occasions. Cooking from scratch is always less expensive and healthier. See if you can find a food co-op. I am able to purchase from Azure Standard, azurestandard.com. not sure if it is available all over the US, but explore a little and see if you have one close. Spices, herbs,bulk foods are much less expensive and they come in fairly large packages, so you have enough to store some as well. And only store what you eat and eat what you store. When my husband was laid off last year, that stored food was a lifesaver for us. But I discovered that no one would eat the lentils or split peas that I so carefully stored!
Your local library may the Tightwad Gazette books. Written by Amy Dacyzn (sp?) they are awesome references on how to live frugally. You may read thru and think, oh I am not THAT poor, but there are so many great ideas, that you will find many that work for your household.
Bear in mind this is my opinion, but I think that economic hardship is not necessarily a bad thing. It forces us to focus on what is really important in life. Playing a cutthroat game of Monopoly while eating popcorn (and no! not microwaved popcorn) is a really fun way to spend family or friend time. Learning to live on less than we make is a good thing, and learning to enjoy the challenge of living like that was an amazing attitude transformation for me. Really, who needs info on idiots like Kim and Kloe Kardashian and who wants to be a wastrel like Paris Hilton? What value do they bring to our liv A lifestyle that values family and friends and is based on what we can afford is so much healthier and happier.
Good luck to you, Karla and consider yourself hugged!
www.dustbincards.etsy.com |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2010 : 10:12:26 AM
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Such great ideas Kathy, thank you! I gave up tv years ago, and am trying to simplify and reduce the "stuff" that bogs me down in my home to only what we really need or use. Who needs all of the new gadgets? Or to be , as you say, a wastrel like Paris????? Maybe we should have a freebies and give aways section to our Forum, to better help each other out?
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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Hogs & Quiches & Prayers Round-up: Am I the only one?? |
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Am I the only one??
