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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
Comments
May. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Some great helpful and very useful info. Thanks for sharing.
Homemaking Mama
http://homemakingmama.wordpress.com
May. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by ClagettsFLStyle
Great tips!
We have been on a budget for years and now I'm enjoying the new art of internet coupon clipping and getting stuff for free! Every little bit helps!
May. 12, 2008 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>
Posted by Clemons
What you said about cooking from scratch is so true. I can save a lot on my grocery bill just by making my own granola instead of buying those expensive boxes of breakfast cereal. I get my rolled oats in 50# bags from a local health food store. I store it in plastic pails I got for free at walmart's bakery (they once contained frosting).
grace and peace, Kathy aka Queen mother of 8
Edited by Clemons on May. 12, 2008 at 4:36 PM
May. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sagerats
Very true! When I don't have a menu planned out I spend more money on food then when I do. One thing I learned about menu planning is to make sure I have ample menus for those nights I just don't feel up to cooking. I keep several easy recipes on hand that take no time at all, like tacos. All I have to do is fry up the meat. That's when I found my biggest trouble to come in, when I was just too tired and would finally say "let's go get something to eat."
Abiding in the Vine!
May. 12, 2008 - So helpful...
Posted by floridasnowflakes
That was really great. I am starting to seriously look at what I can do to bring costs down ,our groceries in particular. Several of the tips you gave were excellent reminders.
Do you all trek up to the FPEA convention? We'll be down your way that weekend to see family and then we'll be up in Orlando for a few days as well.
Thanks for the wisdom,
Cindy
Happy Belated Mother's Day
May. 13, 2008 - Hi!
Posted by strs
Thank you for dropping by for a visit. Thank you for acknowledging my prideful accomplishment.
Your post about ways to save money is full of useful ideas; financially and environmentally. Our tv stays off most of the time. All the superifical advertising really gets underneath my skin. Thank you for sharing your hard learned insights.
Have a wonderful, blessed week!
Tafy Sills from Blackberry Lane Farm
May. 13, 2008 - Wow!
Posted by shawtime
Another great post, Betty!! I agree with every suggestion you mentioned. I especially love the one on reusables. This is one of my pet peaves. My DH tells the girls not to use a dishtowel to dry their hands, but to use paper towels instead. To me, this is such a waste! Paper plates too. On the other hand, planned meals would be my weakness. I can see how that would save $ in gasoline and impulse shopping. Thanks for sharing your wisdom once again. ~K
May. 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Haflingerhorses
Thank you for your post. It is excellent. You hit the spot. I was blessed by the reading of it. Some of your points I've already been doing or thinking of doing - the prayer one is the one I'm already doing. Jesus, help me be better at not spending money. Help me to be wise with it. #2 I am going to focus on meal planning - I've been "o.k." with this, doing it kindof, but I'm going to get really really serious about it.
Thanks for all the suggestions. The t.v. one is a good one, too.
Antoinette
