May. 12, 2008 - A Penny Saved...
It’s no secret that
A couple of years ago, my family hit this economic crisis long before the rest of country caught on. My husband is in construction in
- Create a budget. I know this sounds like common sense. You shouldn’t be spending money unless you know how much you have to spend. Unfortunately, talks about money and budgets between husband and wife rarely go well. We’re so steeped in the emotions of our relationship that we can’t see the business side of marriage. My husband and I were guilty of this for years. Fingers would point, voices would raise, and we’d accomplish nothing. We’d each spend money foolishly and blame our money problems on the other. If we had any hopes of surviving our financial crisis, we had to join forces, and we had to be realistic. Thinking that $200 a month was enough to feed the family was as ridiculous as thinking $2000 was necessary. Once we attacked our budget as a team, our financial situation wasn’t the only thing that benefited, so did our relationship. So, do whatever you can to come together to face the real enemy instead of making each other the enemy, even if it means pretending you’re the accountant and project manager of a big corporation at a budget meeting. No emotions there, just all business.
- Proper Planning Prevents…well, you know. A very wise friend told me once, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” That advice holds true whether you are planning an attack on your budget or just on your dinner. A little time spent in planning, saves time and money. Here are some simple ways that pre-planning can help you save a lot of money:
Menu Plan – Menu planning comes in a lot of shapes and sizes, but having a meal plan for the week saves on last minute trips to the grocery store and on those quick-fix, unhealthy food choices that add little or nothing to your health but take a lot way from your wallet. Menu planning also keeps you aware of food you have on hand so you can use it before you lose it.
Pre-plan – Gas prices are soaring. How many trips do you make in a week that could have been combined? Be aware of where you are going and when. Going past the grocery store on your way to Girl Scouts? Put a cooler in car and everything will still be yummy when you get home. Also, be aware how long you’ll be gone, and pack a snack or even a lunch if you’re going to be out awhile. You’re wallet will love that PB&J sandwich, celery sticks, and apple, and your body will love the healthy fare.
- Turn Off the Television. Now I’m not talking about just hitting the power button. I’m talking about a complete disconnect. Obviously, you are going to save on that cable bill and electricity, and, of course, there’s the time you are going to save, but there’s more. Much more. Think about how much money you have spent over the last six months because of something you saw on television. I bet it’s higher than you even realize. Let’s face it. We are bombarded by advertising, and it works. If it didn’t, advertisers wouldn’t do it. How many half-bottles of three-dollar cleaners are under your sink because the ad was better than the product? How much quick-fix food have you wasted good money on because an advertiser made you believe you couldn’t cook a piece of chicken yourself? Don’t be embarrassed. We’ve all done it. One of the best things we ever did was cut the cable cord. Guess what? I can cook a delicious healthy dinner completely from scratch in less than thirty minutes. So can you!
- Dispose of Disposable. How many rolls of paper towels do you go through in a month? How about bottles of water? Do your budget and your environment a favor and stop. Reach for a rag instead of that paper towel. Invest in a couple of refillable water bottles, fill them and take them with you. Now, take a look around. What other consumables in your cabinet can change to renewables? Do you keep paper plates for picnics at the park? How about investing in an inexpensive set of washable plastic? Do you buy single serving size snack for a quick grab? Did you know that quart-sized baggies are refillable? My husband likes potato chips in his lunch. He gets one baggie for the week that gets refilled every day.
- Pray. I may have saved this for last, but bringing your finances to God is the first step to surviving this out-of-control economy. Bring Him your concerns. Ask Him for answers. He will bring them. And wherever your financial circumstances take you, be sure to tithe. He challenged us test Him on this. Rise to the challenge.
The biggest complaint I get from people who ask me how to make big changes to their budget is that they just don’t have time make these changes. The truth is, you don’t have time not to. So, unplug that television, open your kitchen cabinets, spread the grocery ads out on the table and start planning.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope that some of what my family has been through over the past couple of years can help you. If you have any sage advice you’d like to share, please, post it here in the comments. I know many people who would love to hear your ideas, me included! I think it’s time for a nice cup of afternoon tea. Care for a cup?
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance. – 1Peter1:2b
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May. 12, 2008 - Monday Meanderings 5/12
Check out what other moms are doing this week on Tiany’s Blog!
- Bible Study/ Devotions ~ Tom and I studied a little more this week in Matthew. We only worked on chapters 7-9, but the slow pace allowed us to get clarification on some tricky verses. For my own study, I’ll be reading Lies Women Believe. I’ve wanted to read this book for some time now. I can’t wait to dive in!
- "Must Do"~ What must I do this week? Write!! I have several articles to write this week on urban farming.
- Zone~ Bathroom and laundry room this week.
- Train Them Up~ We are pretty much business as usual in the school department this week, except the making of catapults this week. I’ll also be looking into the possibility of starting a First Lego League next year.
- Menu Planning~ With food prices continuing to climb, it’s time to rework my recipes and menus in order to stay in my budget.
Monday – Steak Fajitas, beans and rice, corn (we took my mother-in-law out to lunch yesterday and were too stuffed to have these for dinner.)
Tuesday – Macaroni and cheese
Wednesday – Creamy Chicken and Veggies over Rice
Thursday – Spaghetti
Friday – Black Beans and Rice
Saturday – Sandwiches (We’ll be working the Church Yard Sale all day, so sandwiches are going to taste very yummy for dinner)
Sunday – Swedish meatballs, pasta, veggies
Hope you have a blessed week!
Thanks for stopping by.
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance. – 1Peter1:2b
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May. 10, 2008 - Happy Mother's Day
I heard this on the radio the other day and knew I had to share it. This is my Mother’s Day Card for you.
For my mom who is with the Lord: I miss you.
For my Mother-in-law: Thank you for bringing your son into the world and raising him to be such a wonderful husband. And thank you for being my friend.
For my Sister-in-Law, Jamie: Thank you for your generosity and kindness over the years. Hopefully, someday when we aren’t separated by a thousand miles and only twenty-four hours in a day, I’ll be able to thank you properly.
For my Sisters-in-law, Linda, Aleda, and Cori: Thank you for taking such good care of my brothers. It means more to me than I’ve ever told you. And thank you for bringing all these wonderful children in the world. You’ve inspired and encouraged me more than you will ever know.
For my niece, Janice: I hope you are enjoying your very first Mother’s Day. Snuggle that baby close. He’ll be grown before you know it.
For my nieces, Staci and Brynn: Your babies will be here sooner than you think. Cherish every moment.
For my niece, Heather: Well, you’re an old hand at this now, and doing a great job. I’m so proud of you.
And for every mom out there…
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