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Entrepreneurship:  How Does *Your* $$ Grow?  |
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PJJ
True Blue Farmgirl
95 Posts
Paula
Bristow
OK
USA
95 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 21 2005 : 07:20:56 AM
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Okay, so it's a bad offshoot of an old rhyme. But, Clare's comment on another topic (something about dollars being slim-to-none) made me decide to write.
I'm facing something really pretty new for me -- the extreme need to budget. Now that I'm facing single parenting and two parttime jobs for income (the former husband doesn't really provide what he's supposed to; he's managing to work the system so far), I'm finding it hard to change 40+ years of *not* budgeting. 
I'm trying to get the house in liveable shape, work, work some more, take care of the kids and the dogs, take care of the yard, try to take care of myself, make a *home* for all of us -- you know the drill!
I would have liked to have done a (fairly) local CSA, but didn't have the $400 to buy in, even though it only works out to about $20/week. So that means I have to drive 40 miles one way to get organic produce of any kind. Hard at $2+/gallon. But it's worth it to get well-produced food for the family.
Any BTDTs or recommendations on setting up budgets? Shoot, I need recommendations on setting up my life! I would love to sit out on my little deck, which faces the west, and watch the beautiful sunset -- even "every once in a while." But I'm chasing my tail at the moment. I could use any help available.
Thanks, ladies. I am absolutely certain this is going to work out really well for the kids, dogs, bird and me, but not unless and until I get a handle on it so I'm not in a constant state of panic.
Paula J.
Paula J., with Ty, Cara, Brody, Blue, and Fidget |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2005 : 09:14:25 AM
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Well, Paula... I can tell you what not to do first.... do not rely on credit cards to see you through this rough patch, if at all possible.
I would suggest seeing if your community college has some classes that would be appropriate to budgeting that you can take. Or maybe check online - do a google search- and see what comes up regarding creating a budget. There might be some good free resources out there.
Once you've got the budget figured out, get the kids involved in the basics of it so that they are on board too. Once they know it's important and that they can't have everything they desire, then that will alleviate alot of whining.
Also, get some legal counsel regarding your ex's evasion tactics. There usually are free legal counsel offices available in larger communities. Nail him to the wall and make him pay up. That's the least that can be done. Afterall, it's for the kids support. I had the experience of asking for more child support, and it got ugly and my lawyer was so outraged by their tactics that he did the remainder of the court stuff pro bono. Bless him.
My best to you Paula.... just use your common sense and spend some time evaluating what you absouletly must have in your life. Everything else is gravy.... and it's actually quite freeing to cut out the gravy.... (besides it's fattening!) 
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2005 : 6:03:17 PM
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I agree with Clare's recommendations. I also set up a spreadsheet on Excel and listed all my monthly bills and gasoline for the car plus my income. I have too jobs as well, 1 full and 1 partime. I also pay all my bills right when I get my paycheck, which I get twice a month. So I pay half at the 1st of the month and the other half mid month. Then I back out my gas for 2 weeks and the rest is what I can spend on necessities until I get paid again. Seeing how much is left over can make you cut back on the gravy as Clare says. I hate to budget but I hate late bills and bounced checks.
Maybe you can have someone mow the yard in exchange for baked good or something. People like to barter! Divorce is hard (been there) and it can get ugly but you have to take care of yourself and the kids! Be strong
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow |
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BamaSuzy
True Blue Farmgirl
138 Posts
Alabama
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2005 : 09:46:55 AM
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We have never ever set up a formal budget because it usually takes whatever we bring in just to pay the necessary bills (mortgage on farm and the little utilities we have.)
We try to do no impulse spending and bartering is good. I sell enough eggs to pay for the chickens feed and some of the other animals feed and I'm getting more new customers for my goat milk soap....
Because my husband's job in the steel industry was sucked out of the country by NAFTA a few years ago, he will likely never get to fully "retire"......He is 61 now....and I am 53....But we both have home-based businesses so that makes it not quite as bad....
The best thing to remember is not to spend money you don't have! (and I too have been a single mother of two little ones with an ex that refused to pay child support and left the state completely for a decade....but you can get by and live a good life!)
You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt! |
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JoyIowa
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Joy
273 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2005 : 10:04:32 AM
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My little bit to add: Be good to yourself first. This manifests itself many times over to your kids. It is hard to do this, but it is by far the most important. There is a great book "How to live on what you have?" The auther escapes me at the moment, but when I go to the library tomorrow I'll check. I second Clare's advice about not rolling to credit cards. They can be so evil!!!! They have also saved my tail a few times!
Lean on all of us here when you need to sound off, yell, cry, or spew. There's always someone here who has been there and done that. It's what makes this forum so strong!
Joy
To live without farm life is merely existing, to live with farm life is living life to it very last experience. |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2005 : 8:32:27 PM
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Paula-- When my son was 9 mths and I had given up work to be an at home Mom my dh was downsized (can you imagine at 35)we had just sold our home in Pa and were in the process of buying another. We ended up losing a 20,000. deposit because we didn't feel comfortable going to closing and lying about our income and work status. Some people thought we were foolish but the new house was almost double what the previous mortgage had been and even with mortgage insurance we would have been in too deep way to fast. What we did was opt for a house we could afford outright and my husband had the opportunity to start a business doing what he really liked: historical renovation and restoration. Money was so tight that there was no extra for many years and we went without health coverage for almost four years. Very scary! Fight to keep your health coverage at all costs, it is the one thing that can be your undoing with one trip to the hospital.I learned to stretch every dollar and make it do double duty. I cut out alot of extras and learned what was really necessary as far as groceries.I made use of dollar stores and places like Save A Lot for bargain purchases. Know your prices on everything so that you know a bargain when you see it! Every litle bit of money you save is in your wallet and not someone elses. Keep a little notebook and write down everything you spend for a month or two. You will immediately see where you need to cut back. Make a master shopping list and see what is necessary, then secondary. You'll be surprised what falls by the wayside. I switched long distance phone companies (Working Assets is great and quite reasonable) and saved all the service charges from the mega company. I'm a Thrift store shopper so I just approached it as more of a "job" and found almost everything we would need.I watched someone's child every weekend while they worked and made some exra $$$. I also supplemented with herb and everlasting wreaths, arrangements that I sold at craft and farm fairs and markets.I know this change for you has been difficult but if you approach your changes as something to be conquered you will be the winner.I remember all too well wondering if I was going to be able to afford
anything nice ever again , but it does pass if you are vigilant.
I agree w/ the no credit card topic, ONLY for emergencies. If you binge at Bloomingdale's how are you going to pay for the hot water heater when it blows up?
Does your state have anything like pre-divorce mediation? A good friend utilized it here and she saved herself alot of headaches trying to get a settlement from her ex. It was all worked out ahead and they got to remain civil and not haggle over the details (which he was definitely leaning toward). I hope your transition goes smoothly and you are not overwhelmed. We are here , so ask for help and emotional support when you need it. Be well,be strong, know peace.
with a happy heart |
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Lazycreek
Farmgirl in Training
39 Posts
Charlee
Mt Ida
AR
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2005 : 5:18:34 PM
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Paula,
First thing you do is concentrate on the most basic of NEEDS----clothing, food and shelter. I assume you and the kids have clothing right now, so food and shelter (mortgage, utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance) comes first. What is hard budgeting wise is determining what is a real NEED and what is a WANT. A great book to get is "Your Money or Your Life" and "Choosing Simplicity". You should be able to get both at your library or thru an interlibrary loan without spending any money.
Next thing would be transportation.
Be sure you have medical insurance and try not to have to use it.
Go down the list in priority order. One priority would be an emergency fund.
Ebay can be a wonderful place to shop for clothing and shoes if you don't have access to resale shops.
One thing I do is if there is something that I determine is really more of a WANT rather than a real NEED, I wait a week before buying. If I still really want it in a week and I'm clear that I have the CASH money to buy it and still have money needed for all the NEEDS, then I give myself permission to buy.
Charlee
Believe in the power of your dreams |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2005 : 5:41:30 PM
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My two cents worth: decide between your needs and wants. This is probably going to be a difficult task. Do not rely on credit cards! Pay yourself first: no matter how much, make sure you put a small amount into a savings account for your later years (don't worry about IRAs etc. - just try to save). When you get a four figure amount, put half of that in an insured CD. Courses at community colleges are nice if the teacher is qualified; depending on where you live, check out any services for single parents/low income, in your situation regarding help for childcare, heat, etc. Food pantries can help - don't be embarrassed, even college students use them. Do you belong to a church? They may have some help available. Did you have a lawyer for the divorce or are you still separated? Check out the Legal Aid bureau in your area, perhaps they can advise you regarding child support, etc. Use the library for books on money matters, etc. instead of buying books, or ask your friends for castoffs. I have so many books saved over the years, would like to donate them rather than give them to Goodwill, etc. but the postage to send them I can't afford. Although I have never been in your situtation I know others who have - it took time, but things worked out OK. Take heart, don't panic, think before you do anything.
Cecelia
ce's farm
"Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery" Victor Hugo |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2005 : 5:58:02 PM
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I have been where you are now too....divorced at 29 with a 7 and 9 year old. I agree with what everyone has said so far. I worked 3 jobs at one point for about 8months the first year and was very lucky to have relatives for free child care during that time.(my ex never paid a dime of child support in all the years since we split up) Eventually things get easier, really!
I have never had extra money all these years, but have learned to stretch a dollar and learned the hard way not to rely on credit cards. Husband and I have been married a little over 9 years and we still struggle financially..what comes in goes right back out..but it works. I loved Cecelia's suggestion about using the library...I have done that..and not living above your means is SO important. My main thing was that I didn't want to live in an apartment! I had our dog (a basset) and the two boys and I. We lived in an apartment for a year until I could afford to rent a small house where I could have a garden again and chickens and then things got better..alot of it was my attitude and a better job (this was a better waitressing job..nothing fancy) then I started a child car business in my home and did that 6 years straight along with selling crafts and things. Never lived in an apartment again...my goal.
You can do it..and like Joy said..we are here for you if you need to vent or talk!!
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things! |
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LJRphoto
True Blue Farmgirl
760 Posts
Laura
Hickory Corners
MI
USA
760 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2005 : 10:03:15 AM
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| This is just my two cents and you probably already know this, but I want to say it anyway in case you lose focus in your struggles. Always, always, always pay your mortgage first. Before food, utilities, doctors anything. I used to work for an attorney that represented mortgage companies in foreclosure and I can not tell you how many times I heard people say, "we couldn't pay the mortgage because we had to pay the doctor," or "we couldn't pay the mortgage because we had to pay the heating bill." The doctor can't take your house away and it doesn't really help you to have heat if you can't stay in the heated house. Once a person goes into foreclosure it is really just so hard for them to get back on their feet. So, when things are tight and you are worried about getting the bills paid, remember, none of the other stuff matters without a roof over your head. |
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bubblesnz
True Blue Farmgirl
291 Posts
helen
New Zealand
291 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 11:23:16 PM
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Believe it or not, you will get thru this and be all the stronger for it. The feeling of running around in circles will pass.
Take a deep breathe and MAKE the time to sit on your deck. Tomorrow will still come and panicking just wastes good enegry :)
Veges can be grown in plant containers, if you have no garden.
My biggest thing was letting go of my ego. Do what works for you and your kids, even if it is recylced clothing etc and dont worry about what other people are saying. Be proud each day of what you have accomplished so far. You will probably amaze yourself at how resorceful you can be.
BUT remember, without your health you have nothing!!! Take care of YOU.
A great oak, is just a little nut which held it's ground. |
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realme52
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Klara
Gatesville
Texas
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2005 : 07:45:53 AM
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We have been in tight spots financially, also. It wasn't because of divorce, but because we had behaved irresponsibly, had spent more money than we made and accumulated huge creditcard debt. We got ourselves out. All the way! What worked for us was to put a budget on paper and stick to it. No exceptions allowed. We had to keep track of every single cent we spent. If a bugetitem didn't work out, you had to change it for the next month, but you couldn't just go over whenever you wanted. If the grocery budget was used up by the 20th, for example, it was frozen leftovers for the rest of the month.
I made it more "interesting" for myself by playing this game (with myself,haha)where I would see with how little I could do. I.e. let's say I had a longing for a new sweater. I would picture the "ideal" sweater and figure it would cost me $60. Then I would keep my eyes open when I did errands, talk to friends about swap meets, digg into my own closet,etc....you get the idea...and probably end up with a sweater that was 85%"ideal" for 15% of the figured price. (That 85/15 percent rule is NOT my idea, I read it somewhere!) This principle works for just about anything, food, "designer"coffee, books, magazines,...
One thing I wanted to add though (and this is only my own humble oppinion): I did NOT find it moneysaving to grow your own vegetables, at least not in the beginning. It takes a lot of expenses to get everything set up properly. You get it all back over the long run and you get a lot of long-term-benefits (like health improvement etc.) but it is not cheaper than buying (the watery, tasteless, yucky)stuff at the supermarket. But, like I said, this may only be MY truth...
from this hour i ordain myself loss'd of limits and imaginary lines -Walt Whitman |
Edited by - realme52 on Jul 16 2005 07:46:50 AM |
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Lena@HickoryGroveFarm
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Marlena
Brunson
SC
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2005 : 1:40:46 PM
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Paula, you can get through it, and the advice here is so great I almost have nothing to add but my support. There are a couple of things, though. The first is to make sure you do something for yourself at least onece a week. Even if it is a hot bath, or a walk, take care of yourself and you will be a better mom. Also, you are the glue holding the family together, so it is important that you take care of you for that reason if no other.
Second, think nothing of taking steps to receive proper child support. Just remember, it isn't for you, it's for the kids, and it will benefit them greatly.
The third thing is not to panic. No matter how hard it seems, no matter how awful things get, you will get through it. Panic is like Demerol; it will render you ineffectual.
Laura stated above that you should never get behind on your mortgage, and she is right! I'd like to add one more thing to that... don't sell your home! That home is your nest egg, and no matter what, hang on to it. As a last resort, you can always refinance. I say as a last resort if you already have a good interest rate, because it is never free... there is always a cost. But faced with big debt and a crash-and-burn, it is a viable alternative. Just don't wait until the last minute.
Most of all, I am sending you my best wishes and all the good stuff I can muster. I think you will be just fine- and the other side to this coin is that you now get to redefine yourself! This is a link to one of my favorite articles, and helps explain why you feel so panicky. Read on: http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200401/omag_200401_beck.jhtml
Budding Farm Girl and member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Art
see www.marlenam.com |
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glades girl
Farmgirl at Heart
9 Posts
lynn
Fernandina
fl.
9 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2005 : 07:43:52 AM
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| Heloo from glades girl. I too have been there its very easy to get upset but that will only cloud your judgement. we went form 40, something thousand to $16,ooo a year. I have also been a single mom, here are some of things we do. Go to the dollar store for food, name brands are being created for these stores at cheaper prices. 3 cans of food for a dollar realy helps if your not gardening. bleach for a dollar, cleaning supplies that work, sponges 3 or 4 for 50 cents ect. Goodwill, consignment shops, can supply your shopping urges for clothes, shoes ect. Yard sells keep the children happy, toys for a dime or a quarter make them feel like thier getting something great and they never feel short changed. Happy children make happy moms and you wont feel like thier suffering, they will also learn how to hadle money if you give them a limit. If they spend it all and go to the next sale and find something better, they learn about impulse buying.My daughter learned the fine art of hageling and could get all kinds of stuff for free or much less than it was priced. Plan all your shopping trips for one day to save on gas. Most cook books tell you how to substitue ingredients when your out of something. Depending on your income there are oganizations that help you with your bills like one time mortage payments, electric bills and gas for heating. one the government supports is liheap poverty guide lines can be high. Like a family of three 100% is $16,090 110% is 17,669 and 150% is $24,135. Just type liheap in your computer and you can find a local chapter. Its alot of work but it can be worth it in emergency's. Also hair cutting colleges do manicures and cuts and color ect. alot cheaper. Hope some of this helps please contact if you need more. All my prayers and support are with you Lynn. |
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Jul 27 2005 : 11:47:53 PM
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Wow, sorry you are going through all this. I can recommend two excellent books, but unforunately I don't remember the authors. One is titled "Pay it down" and the other is "All your worth". The first deals with getting out of debt and the second deals with budgeting and really getting a grip on what your expenses really are.
Jana |
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Whimsy_girl
True Blue Farmgirl
576 Posts
USA
576 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2005 : 2:37:31 PM
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Here is another list of books that may be helpful to you.
My favorite guidebook ever, The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs, has helped me so much through my life in many ways, money, spirituality, my family.. it has so much wisdom within it's pages, I read it cover to cover at least once a year. It's so banged up it's funny, it came to college with me, and back and forth on the bus to my after school jobs and been through 7 moves now.... poor thing's nearly in shreds.
My next suggestion would be the Tightwad Gazette books by Amy Dazcysion... (SP?) I'd give you the correct spelling but they are still packed up in boxes in the garage, so I can't be sure....
And my last suggestion is "The Millionaire Next Door" still pretty new and popular.. can't recall the author of that one, but with a name like that you should be able to find it in your libraries computer pretty easily.
At least with all this homework we are all giving you, odds are, you won't have to spend much in the "entertainment" part of your budget in order to stay occupied!!!
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. James Stewart in the movie HARVEY |
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grammy-o
Farmgirl in Training
25 Posts
Lisa
Greenville
WI
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2005 : 09:44:22 AM
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You also need to right down every time you spend money for a week or two at least. If you stop at a gas station for soda or gum, everything. It may help you to eliminate some extras. Just remember to occasionally splurge and do something special for you and the kids, even if it's renting a movie and having microwave popcorn. Been there, made it, you will too!
Let's keep FARM LAND as FARM LAND! |
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FarrarFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
330 Posts
Lynda
Frohna
Missouri
USA
330 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2005 : 9:05:14 PM
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PJJ
I know exactly what you are going through and my heart aches with you about your situation. I have been there and it can get very dismal. However, you are a survivor and you will persevere. When I was in that situation I would tell myself several times a day, "Better not bitter." The difference between those two words in one letter, an E instead of an I. What's the significance? When I said things will be better, I was acknowledging that Everything would be taken care of by God, E comes before I and so it would help me think of God first for my needs. With the word bitter, the I stood for "me, myself and I" and I knew that "I" couldn't do it alone and so if I called upon God for my strEngth and my hElp, things just had to get bEtter. Everything did get better, with time and trial and error, however I was not bitter about the situation - I just couldn't be.
I'm not saying that because I think you are bitter, but it was a saying that just helped to keep me thinking, more upbeat and everything in the right frame of mind, it gave me the energy, determination and faith to know that me and my 4 children were going to be taken care of and alright. It was forward thinking, not dwelling on things gone by. I also called on a verse in scripture, Romans 8:28, "And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those He has called according to purpose and to those who love Him." The key word here is in "all" things, that means good and bad times, rest assured He is working for you and your family's good and He has a purpose for this time in your life.
The divorce is certainly not good, your finances are not the best, but that's okay, He is still working for your good. You will learn things that you didn't have to know before and you will feel good about learning new things to help yourselves, your kids will learn how to handle responsibilities better, you will be more organized because you have to be, you will grow personally & spiritually in ways you wouldn't have even imagined, you will become more confident as a mother and an individual, you will know your limits better and help your children learn them, too. You will learn it's okay to cry and be sad and mad and how to handle it. You will learn the joy of bargain hunting and how to discern between want and need. And you will be so thankful for all that God blesses you with from the smallest of things like a smile and silly kids to the biggest of things like an unexpected gift from a friend or relative or a utility bill that wasn't so bad. The list goes on and on, thankfully, it doesn't happen overnight. You will be amazed and humbled by the sovereignty and provision of God even without asking. He knows your needs and loves you enough to take care of them. I pray you know Him and are willing to ask His hand in your life for guidance and wisdom, peace and patience, comfort and rest. I will pray these things for you, too.
I wish I were close enough to you to lend a helping hand with the kids, meals, shopping, cleaning or just a day away for yourself. I know how much that would have meant to me, consequently I have a soft spot in my heart for single moms. I want to just reach out and hug you and encourage you to be strong, in time, it truly will be better.
At one time I juggled the 4 kids and 4 part time jobs, as I look back on those times now, I am amazed and wonder how I managed. The truth is I couln't have ever done it without the help of God - that is the ONLY thing that got me through. If it weren't for trust and faith in Him, I don't know what would have happened to us. I don't apologize for my faith, that is what helped me, and I pray that is what you have to draw your strength from, too.
As for your finances, the job I am in now has a web site with resources to help you get started and organized no matter how jumbled up you think things are. There are worksheets to help you sort through things so that you can see a fresh clean slate and start from there. I work in a financial education department and we give presentations to college students on how to prepare for the transition from college life to real life in the area of finances. I realize your situation is a lot different, but the principles of basic financial mangement is still the same. I'd love for you to take a look at them to see if they can help you in anyway. They are free, you just have to download them and print them out. Go to: www.concordiaplans.org, click on the education tab (on the right), then click on the financial education tab (left sidebar), then click on worksheets (left sidebar). On that page you will find links for all the basics. If you have any questions at all, please email or call me. I am here to help you in whatever way I can.
I wish we would have been sitting across the table with a glass of tea or something and having a conversation, then I could have given you a hug before I leave, so here's one the best way I know how with a computer XXXXX, hopefully you feel a little better about your future. I'm cheering you on! You and your kids are in my prayers, please stay in touch. God bless you richly and abundantly with His love and provision.
In His hands,
Lynda
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt. |
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realme52
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Klara
Gatesville
Texas
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2005 : 05:09:35 AM
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Lynda,
just wanted to thank you. We don't really know if Paula (PJJ) is still reading this (or do we?), but I am thankfull that she started this subject. Eventually it lead to you writing what you did, and even though I'm not in such a desperate situation, your words seemed to be directed toward me in a way I didn't even know I needed. I'm sure there are many more people out there who feel the same, even if they don't respond.
I am hanging a sign with "Better not Bitter" written on it in a prominent spot in my mind where I will be reminded when I need it!
Thank you.
from this hour i ordain myself loss'd of limits and imaginary lines -Walt Whitman |
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PJJ
True Blue Farmgirl
95 Posts
Paula
Bristow
OK
USA
95 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2005 : 06:53:32 AM
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I am, just with not much time to answer anything at the moment.
I'm very thankful for all the kind words, good advice -- everything. Just wish I had more time to be involved, but it's quite crazy here. I'm hoping to be able to participate more soon.
Fondly,
Paula J.
We don't really know if Paula (PJJ) is still reading this (or do we?), but I am thankfull that she started this subject.
Paula J., with Ty, Cara, Brody, Blue, and Fidget |
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amystew
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
Amy
Eureka
CA
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2005 : 7:10:52 PM
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I think this is all great advice. The only things I can think of to add are a piece of advice I heard on the radio once and something I've figured out recently myself.
The radio advice, from a financial advisor: Don't tell your children, "We can't afford that." Instead, make it clear that you're making a choice that you are proud of. Make it about your values. Our values are to live simply, grow healthy food, recycle, make our own gifts, etc. For kids whose parents are middle or upper class, the "we can't afford it" reason really doesn't wash, because the kids see the parents spending money on other things. So his advice was to make it clear that you are making a choice not to buy the kid a TV for his room, because your values are that children don't have TVs in their room. Etc etc.
The second thing is related to the first thing. I have figured out that living frugally is part of my values. I love fine wine, but I choose not to have the kind of career that I'd need to afford fine wine. Instead, it's something of a game to find great wines for under five bucks. (I leave the price tags on with pride!) I have figured out that a lot of "nice things" that are supposed to make me happy--beauty products, clothes, furniture, cars--are really just designed to make a corporation wealthy. It's a lot easier for me not to buy stuff when I realize what that purchase is really about. It's about a corporation that has figured out how to get me to behave in a way that makes them more profitable.
Suddenly, my old car, banged-up toaster, homemade soap, etc. are much more attractive to me, because they stand for what I believe in!
Gardener, chicken lover, worm wrangler
http://humboldthens.blogspot.com |
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realme52
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Klara
Gatesville
Texas
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2005 : 06:16:14 AM
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Wow, Amy! How enlightened! I love that way to see it. Thanks for your insight.
From this hour I ordain myself loss'd of limits and immaginary lines. Walt Whitman |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2005 : 09:45:04 AM
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I highly recommend going to http://agebb.missouri.edu/commag/dairy/bailey/dairyqb/chapter9.pdf
(Note that it is a PDF File)with "Using Budgets to Better Manage Your Farm". It shows what you need in a general budget, as well as how to set it up using Quickbooks software. We use this example with our farmers here in Lexington that are doing diversification projects.
Hope that this helps!
Jessica
Jessica~Miss Wilma's Niece
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lamarguerite farm
True Blue Farmgirl
649 Posts
missy
Battle Ground
Wa
USA
649 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2005 : 09:49:14 AM
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One of the best things we ever did was go to a cash only basis. We still have a debit card, but only use it if absolutely necessary or if we have to order something on-line. I write down all expenses every pay period. I try to think of anything and everything extra with the kids that my come up with sports, b-day party's, etc. I use an envelope system. I have them set up for the utilities, food, gas, etc. and then I add extras for any of the other things I mentioned. This way you will at least have everything you NEED for that pay period. There are times we run short if something unexpected comes up, but we do pretty good. We do have some of our bills come out of our bank account and just make sure we deposit the amount to cover those things. Good luck and I wish you all the best!!
Blessings,
MIssy
If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2005 : 09:50:53 AM
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May I recommend the websit simpleliving.net
They have forums similiar to this website and lots of great ideas. Have a great day!!
Heather |
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Entrepreneurship: How Does *Your* $$ Grow? |
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How Does *Your* $$ Grow?
