Good morning to all. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Today I am just going to talk a little about frugality AGAIN! I do know that we often have new readers or those who happen to be just beginning the frugal journey. New readers may stop by, and for all that do - please know we welcome you with open arms.
Know that living a frugal life is not an easy fix to all your problems. It isn't easy at all - until it becomes a habit. It is a LIFESTYLE - not just a fix. It is a path to finding you your way and to give your life and ways value.
Be practical. Just try to live a wise life. It is all about choices. We have all made good choices and we have all made bad choices - that is just life. But seeing that and changing the behavior is how one gets into the habit of making good ones and moving forward in a happier life.
It isn't an overnight fix - it is a journey! A lifelong journey.
Realize that you start with baby steps. Maybe stop the lunches out or stop stopping for that expensive coffee. Stay away from shopping. Add a little each week to your savings plan. JUST START DOING SOMETHING!
You may have a dream - a house, a new vehicle, college, a savings for emergencies, early retirement, and so on. Each little change you make, helps you get a moment closer to your dream. It will never happen if you do not change something or lots of things!!!!
Live within your means. What does that mean? You make XX amount of dollars a week/month - you have to live within those financial constraints. End over spending and making debt.
Yes a home payment, a car payment, and medical bills, are acceptable debt. Shopping, charge cards, and frivolous spending is NOT!
You may never get rich! But you can sure live a happier and less stressful life. Just knowing that you can easily pay your bills, that you have emergency money, and that you are moving in a positive direction is ever so wonderful.
This is a journey - a lifelong journey! We are all in it this together. We can each help the other - by giving direction, support and caring.
Read and learn. Go back through this and other blogs and read all the lessons offered. See suggestions for doing everything a little differently. Use what you can. Just get started.
NEVER give up. Tomorrow is a new day - and a new beginning.
If you fall off the wagon - get back on. There is no right or wrong way to do this. It is personal to each and every person and the path you take is yours and yours alone.
I hope that those who are just beginning this journey truly believe that it can be done. There are many gals here to testify to that. We will all offer support and ideas when we can.
For those of us already well into the journey - it sure has been worth it - hasn't it?
May the frugal lifestyle get you interested into having a wonderful and bountiful life.
Get started today! Your tomorrow will thank you!
It is worth it! We are retire and 100 percent debt free. We learn more frugal ways every year and it is habit to live this way. Today I am prepping food for two weeks of vacation. We will have rest and time away with super easy meals at the ready. I also have a ham bought on sale that I am going to break down into slices and cubes and package for the freezer. The bone will go into a Dutch oven with vegetables and be baked for our supper today.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great?! I love life after retirement and having no debt. Being frugal enabled that to happen for sure.
DeleteYou are doing great and have great plans. I love that you are taking your food with you for vacation - there is another huge savings tip!!!! Hoping you have the best trip!!!!
The ham and veggies sounds wonderful, Lana. Have a wonderful vacation! --Elise
DeleteThe ham is all cut and packaged and in the freezer. Thirty one meals from an $8 ham! By processing hams this way we have almost zero waste because even the scraps will be used for seasoning.
DeleteTaking food on vacation is such a good idea! We've done it too. However... one time it bit back: We brought food for a week at the beach, only to discover that grocery prices there were about 2/3 of our grocery prices at home! What a surprise that was, and we brought much of our (non-perishable) food back home plus added supplies from the beach grocery! :)
DeleteEnjoy your holiday!
MaryB
I don't comment often as I don't always feel that I have anything to add, but today I would just like to say that trusting yourself and your own judgement is essential. Also ignore the negative comments and you will get them, most often from people drowning in debt (hence my first point).
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Su. --Elise
DeleteSo so so very true! (How do I scream that out?) In 1986 we were on the brink of bankruptcy between bad advice from in-laws and the tax law changes. I am hear to tell you we were debt-free before we were age 50, owned our home and a mountain cabin and 2 reliable vehicles and all that time investing in retirement as quickly as possible putting every take-home pay increase in and not "upgrading" our lifestyle. We lived on 30% of our income and invested heavily in retirement as the years went by. I retired at age 58 and never looked back. Hubster is still working as he is enjoying his profession. We both turn 62 this month! (Meanwhile, the inlaws have yet another mortgage on the home they purchased in 1979 and are still living on that original carpet that feels like we're walking on plywood.) I'm so grateful for having "seen the light" when we were just 25yo!
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!!!!!! Testimonials are the best things we can all offer people starting out or getting frustrated in the journey. You should be so very proud of your accomplishments (I am sure you are).
DeleteWhat a great success story.
I hear people today no one can live on X amount of dollars - no one can. Well, I do - I live on less than what they say (these are You Tubers). It is choices and saving and lifestyle. Truly, what I spend a month on everything is well below what is considered poverty level - but I live anything but poverty!
Thank you!!!!!!
Writing a check for my dream car in 2015 was absolutely delicious. When I paid off the previous car in 2004, I never stopped making the car payment. Cash baby cash! And my sales guy didn't blink an eye. I drive less 3-5k a year so it is likely my last car unless gas becomes obsolete. (I took a quick day trip last week and got 29mpg). Last year I went through 6 tanks of gas🤣
DeleteYES!! I bought a late model used Chevy S10 truck on New Year's Eve in 2002. The date, time and cash payment meant I could get it with tax, license, etc. all rolled in for the sticker price. It was a GREAT feeling. I drove it, then oldest son did for many years, and he got a decent price when he traded it in on his 1st late model used car. :-)
DeleteWe worked it out in our marriage that our payments - including house - could be made one or the other of us. Our house was older and sure we could have bought more - but how much room do 2 people really need?
DeleteWe bought the first brand new car for either of us in the fall of 2001. I am still driving that vehicle. It has 67,000 miles!
Thanks. Yes, it is a wonderful feeling. Less stress and strife in life can also help with ones health too - so a win-win.
ReplyDeleteJust having security means so much!
There was a time, when we'd just learned the meaning of the words "surplused" and "downsizing", when our youngest was an infant and we'd moved cross-country for my husband's new job (sight unseen) that times were TOUGH. That was 30 years ago. Three contracts on our house in another state fell at close of escrow. Three. We eventually sold the house at a loss. In the meantime, I was faced with the choice of buying groceries to feed my sons or pay the gas bill to keep the heat on (in CO). I found help in the Tightwad Gazette books by Amy Dacyczyn. We were able to avoid bankruptcy.
ReplyDeleteHere at your blog, Cheryl, there are conversations and interactions. New tips. New ideas. Lots of encouragement. Things for any stage of life a reader might be in. Not just the busy child-rearing years. There's faith shared, too. That's so essential, because life always tosses out curve balls. We pray for each other. That's BIG.
Thank you for continuing to remind us all why we're here.
Hugs! --Elise
Still have my Tightwad Gazette bought from Jolly’s discount books decades ago for $5.95 - did it help? Yes, as i sit here on the porch of my debt free home, overlooking tilled gardens, and retired from 34 years of teaching.
DeleteI eventually bought copies for myself from a used bookseller. Very honestly, those books helped us make it through some very lean years. And it becomes ingrained, so lasts a lifetime.
DeleteThank you for your words Elise. I think this is just the best group ever!!!!! Such a kinship in so many ways!
DeleteAmy and her books are still right here beside my couch! I have the 2 indiv. ones and I also have the all in one book. I tend to go through and re-read a lot of it every year. Not all things are relevant now - but it nice to be reminded.
Hi Cheryl, great topic again. A friend at work introduced me to one of Dave Ramsey’s book (total money makeover) when I was about 50. It took me a few years of effort to finally get the swing of frugality but it changed our life. Decided to payoff all our debts, and then six years ago (when I was 59) we retired, debt free and were able to do what we wanted and know our bills would be paid. Peace of mind. Hilogene in Az
ReplyDeleteMy eyes were opened by 'Your Money or Your Life'. The work was excellent and we did every bit of it. Still applicable today except for the investment advice.
Delete"Your Money or Your Life" completely changed the way I look at money. I was raised frugally, but it helped me to see the true cost of things (not just in $$). When it came down to exchanging precious hours of my life for goods/experiences, I learned to evaluate purchases more thoroughly and make fewer impulse buys.
Delete--Frances in the Trailer Park
You gals all have something over on me. I have never read that book - I was never a fan of Dave Ramsey for some reason. I truly do not know why. Maybe I need to give it a second try - and read that book. Thanks for reminding me - and I am so thrilled he has helped you all.
DeleteWe read "Your Money or Your Life" and Larry Burkett's books, "Debt Free Living" and "The Coming Economic Earthquake." "Debt Free Living" has excellent advice th on paying yourself first, paying a tithe or first fruits, and trusting God that you will make it on the other 80 percent of money coming your way even if at times it looks like it's not possible. Cookie
DeleteCookie - I was always taught that from my parents. We always saved before making bills, tithed, and had faith. Still works for me!!!!! I just love all these comments!
DeleteYour money or your life was written by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin. And I agree, it was an exceptional book as well. Hilogene in Az
DeleteMy biggest mistake in the frugal journey has been trying to be TOO frugal. (I'm a perfectionist and always overdo/overthink things.) Frugality doesn't mean having to live so close to the bone that you are are obsessed with saving every last penny. You will set your own priorities and eventually discern your own family's level of frugality. It truly IS a lifestyle.
ReplyDelete--Frances in the Trailer Park
Yes! Even though we are very frugal and debt free and retired and still socking money into savings we do eat out. It is my husband's favorite thing so I budget for it and hand him the money in cash each month. Then we make that cash work for us with deals and coupons. Many say don't eat out at all but it is part of our frugal lifestyle.
DeleteFrances that is so correct. You still live and need to enjoy life. Just not going crazy - but being reasonable. Great reminder.
DeleteLana - I am finally getting into enjoying a meal out. G and I got meals once in a while - but usually had gift cards for the expensive stuff.
I didn't eat out much at all for ages after losing him. I am finally letting go and enjoying it now and then.
Just want to add a few notes here:
ReplyDeleteYou CAN be truly HAPPY on less. It takes a bit of adjusting expectations, but you soon find you're less stressed and more appreciative of little things so easily overlooked in modern life.
If you're in a bind right this minute, think of ways to earn a little extra income. My (now 67 yr. old) sister has never been a good cook, but is absolutely amazing at baking and decorating cakes. When her kids were growing up, word got around and she earned money baking and decorating cakes for events, including military events and weddings. Not she earns a little each month at selling her crafts, then a chunk-o-change at the holiday season with craft bazaars. When my kids were little I did some small scale, in home daycare. I also wrote for a living (freelance, business writing, books) and did business photography for catering companies and the Chamber of Commerce. I continued with food writing until the last recession (2008), developing recipes for a PR company with nationwide food company clients, and also writing a regular food column for a local online paper. If you grow your own produce and have extras, consider a small roadside stand (if zoning allows it); you can even sell propagated cuttings from your plants.
If none of that sounds like you, we ALL have stuff in out homes we don't wear/use/want. Clothes (especially popular brands), books, shoes, purses, and so much more can be resold very easily these days. This is yard sale season, but you can also sell online. Throw any/all income at your bills and watch them shrink. --Elise
Very good points - there is always a way to make some extra money. You just have to be willing to work!
DeleteMom used to sew for others - she did that for years. Making and alterations.
I have done crafts over the years and went and sold at a lot of bazaars. Major yard sales over the years. Glen used to chop wood for others (in his good days). He was a mechanic and could do side work.
There is always a way. Just takes a little thought and creativity!!!!
Thanks!
Sorry for the typos! Yes, today they call it a "side gig", but it's nothing new. One of my great-grandmothers took in ironing and fixed binding of school books for extra income. One grandfather worked at a factory and did other mechanic's work on the side. Hubs, a computer guy, has done small programming jobs for small businesses, or developed webpages. --Elise
DeleteWhat a great post Cheryl. It is a journey, you learn as you go. NOt everything works for everybody, but you find what works for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. That is absolutely right. We just each find our spot and move forward as best we can!
DeleteThis one is for you, Cheryl, and Frances, and anyone else following along. BIL got the text he can pick up the keys to his house.
ReplyDeleteIn front of Hubs, he said, "I may have to stay here tonight, because there's not enough time to get stuff over there."
I pointed out it was only noon. Plenty of time. Hubs agreed.
Then he said, "Well, since my Star Link roof mount hasn't arrived yet, I'll have to come here to use my laptop everyday until it comes and I can get on the roof."
Hubs reminded him he does have ground mount, and said it would be best for him to just use that at first to make sure he gets a good signal anyway.
He said he wants to take us to dinner tonight as a thank you, and depending on how long that takes, might have to stay here tonight anyway. We both reminded him it's going to be raining off and on (it is now), so we can go out to eat over the weekend when it's predicted to be sunny. He said, "I thought you were going to go out for a late Mother's Day over the weekend."
We responded that we can do both when the weather is nicer. As you can see, we're holding our ground. Gently, but firmly. Thanks again to you all!! --Elise
Makes ya' wonder if he's afraid of staying alone, doesn't it. Good for you and your husband for sticking to your guns and not letting him weasel out of moving asap.
Delete--Frances
I think so, Frances. He's (intentionally) dawdling. What he hasn't yet grasped is this isn't an option... he'll be in his own house tonight, come h-ll or high water. I don't care what it takes.
DeleteAs my Pop used to say, "She's made up her mind now, A. Ain't no talking to her now."
;-) --Elise
Scratch that last post. It's almost 8:30 pm and he's still not back to get his stuff, knowing we're up at o'dark thirty with the pups every day, often up at least once in the night.
DeleteI'm so angry I could bite a rail road spike in half.
--Elise
I truly think his stuff would have been in boxes out on the drive IN the RAIN!!!!!!!
DeleteHe was on his way to his own house with most of his stuff by 11:00 pm. Thank you, God! --Elise
DeleteI'll "hide" this last rant here, then shut up. The house BIL bought was more than $500k, 4BR, 3BA, 2000+sq. ft. and fully renovated in 2021. It has a new roof, bonus room, new deck, new water heater, a 1000 gal. propane tank and several outbuildings on 2.5 acres that's fully fenced. The previous owners had horses. There are 6 horse stalls, a tack shed, a feed barn, large corral, garden shed, and shipping container. There's also a chicken coop and a garden plot about the size of a large swimming pool. They left behind a $2K BBQ and smoker + at least 3 months' worth of firewood for the wood stove in the living room. The house was painted and got new flooring in 2021. Aside from cleaning, it's move-in ready. For most people. Not everyone. He has a l-o-n-g list of what's "wrong" or "needs improvement". He bought paint, a sprayer and all that goes with it, etc. He ordered $4 per sq. ft. carpet. Also bought a chest freezer, gun safe, etc. and arranged to move a larger (40 ft.) shipping container onto the property for additional storage.
DeleteWe've listened to endless complaints for weeks. Every reason imaginable that it's not-quite-right. My nerves are shot. I'm simply NOT used to this. At 61, I've never seen anything like it. He'll be back to get the rest of his things eventually, including the stockpile of firearms I never mentioned. It's rainy and I'm tired, but I'm also more grateful than words that he'll be there now.
Thank you all for your patience. --Elise
Oh my Elise, The house sounds lovely though. I'm so sorry your BIL seems to be so difficult. I would be be upset too.
DeleteLaurie, it IS lovely. Surrounded by pine forest. A little too isolated for me, but that's what he wanted. He's my height (5'2"), so maybe he needs such massive amounts of everything, and all of it just perfect, in order to feel more important? Could be. God alone knows, and he's fully in His hands now.
Delete--Elise
Excellent post and good advice from all the ladies also. I cringe when I think of frivolous spending in the past. No more!
ReplyDeleteOh I did the same at a point in life - then I finally got it!!!
DeleteThanks
This is why I called my old blog "Practical Parsimony." Washing my clothes on a rock in a river might be cheaper than a washing machine, but it is not practical. By spending/using money wisely, being parsimonious, I can be practical and get the same results--clean clothing. Practical Parsimony works in all areas.
ReplyDeleteGood points! being practical and wise are the keys. People just need to learn there are some things they CAN do without and others they can't.
DeleteWhen life hits you hard that is when a person realizes the difference between wants and needs. It's a journey of small steps but once you have reached practical frugality it is clear sailing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Exactly! Huge difference between wants and needs. One day it all becomes a way of life.
DeleteWould that I had learned some of these lessons when I was much younger. However, better late than never. I was never one to live much beyond my means thankfully, but when I started making a better income, I didn't save nearly as much as I ought to. The pandemic sure taught me a lot of lessons. Good luck to those starting their journey, it may not be a quick fix, but definitely worth it in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI understand and resemble that comment!!!! I wish I knew then what I know now!
DeleteI really didn't change a thing during the pandemic years. I still shopped and lived quietly and cheaply as possible. My life is pretty simple.
Yes, so true. It is definitely worth it...If people would just *think* and pray. We've had to live below our means for years because of hubs being a real estate broker, owning our own business. Bills to pay and commission only. Many times he worked so very hard and people were not loyal or flaked out but then many have been his faithful customers for 30 years, I've seen at one point my husband sit in court with a precious older Italian woman going through a horrible divorce only to have her nutty son give the listing to someone else after he worked so very hard, it's unbelievable how horrible people are, and trust me, my husband is a good Christian man who did these things because he was a Christian to help people who became friends, he was also a volunteer prison chaplain and did street ministry too (another blog). It was hard raising four daughters and me being home but we made it work with the good Lord's help and ingenuity. We had only one car at one point but it was all worth it and now it's A-okay thanks to the Lord! It can be done if people will try and pray, asking God for help.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminders Cheryl!
I do believe the Lord gives us what we need. He helps us survive in every way. Never did He say it would be easy - but we make it.
DeleteSounds like you were both loyal in beliefs and hard working for your family.
(Little Penpen) hi Cheryl! Great advice. When I need more inspiration, I have a few Instagram hashtags I visit to get me going again. #wearethehomemakers #workingkitchen #stockingpantry #feedyourfamily I just enjoy the wonderful photos and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHi Penny! Have missed you. There are so many places to inspire us - thank you for sharing those.
DeleteI love how everyone shares!