Deal With It, Simply!

I am still thinking how to live on 1 income. We discussed about budgeting and food saving ideas.  If you missed part 1

Cutting out convenience- If you were to ask a group of us what is a convenience?  I bet we would all have different ideas.  This is sometimes a hard thing to do, but if you do you will save your budget some cash.

• Quit using credit cards- The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7  When we use credit cards and can’t pay them back at the end of the month. We are Living beyond our means.
• Live within your means! Save for what you want! Anything worth having is worth waiting for!

• Look for thing you can do without. The usual things like newspaper and eating out, but how can you push it a little and really save. Maybe the cable or consolidating to one car.
• Use less- Shampoo, laundry soap is a great place to start, but how about water. Shower take less water then a bath. Only wash full loads of laundry, full loads in the dishwasher and we only fill one of the soap cups and our dishes come out great.
• Hair cuts- I have always done our own hair cuts but now my boys like their hair a little longer so it is getting harder. We receive coupons from a local hair salon for $6. Then I can keep it up for a while and save.
• Barter-  Goods and services we are all looking for ways to save and this is a great way. It doesn’t hurt to ask!
• Car pool- to work, shopping and errands and it is better to be with a friend.
• Bulk club membership- like Sam’s or Costco go with a friend and split the fee. I can’t say I always find the best deals at my club, but it doesn’t hurt to look and you will find them.

What are some convenience you are doing without I would love to hear. Have a great night, Candy

I have heard  more of my friends and relatives say they are out of work. I was thinking about Shifting to one income…can it be done? Yes, it can and want to talk about how we can do it.You can be an income saver. There has been a shift back to the days when family and community are more important than the stuff!

I was never a budget person, but I have found now I see where my money is going. Here are a few tips to help you plug a few leaks out of your budget.

1. Track your spending for a few weeks. Keep you receipts, statements and checkbook register you will must likely have a few whoa moments seeing it right in front of you where your money is going.  This will start you on the right track.
2. When Randy and I first sat down to do a budget it was great to communicated. It is funny when you have it all written out you can actually see where your money is going.
3. The first few times we sat down to pay bills together we were excited and wished we had more money to pay more. Don’t get discouraged.

One of the biggest way for your family to cut back is food.

1. Beans and rice diet- Dave Ramsey is always talking about beans and rice. This is his expression to remind us to get back to the basics. Cook at home, plan those meals and save!
2. Angel food Ministry and Great Food for all are both organization that work through a host site which are usually churches or senior centers. You receive a box for $30 and each month there is a different menu and you can buy additional items for different fees. Checkout their sites for locations in your area.
3. Skim the fat - While shopping I sometimes pick up snacks or convenience foods. If you cut back on this buying then you will skim some off your budget  and save on our health.
4. Make sure working extra isn’t sucking the life out of your budget! I noticed when Randy were so busy working an extra job we were accepting of spending the money to eat out. I was tired and had that we deserve attitude again. I think any extra money we did make I spent on convenience. It just wasn’t worth it.
5. Coupons- First, I want to say I used to hate coupons. I could never find the coupon I needed when I needed it. I had to get organized and I have to say you will spend time looking for deals, but you will save money and find items you may not have tried before!  I learned a lot here is our WTOL video to show you what we do.
6. Pantry/stockpile- I have said it before, but want to again. Take an inventory of what you have in your pantry, freezer and cupboards. You will be surprised what you find and you will save money not buying what you already have. Challenge yourself to use what you have shop your own home and save!

Have a blessed day, Candy