We are always talking about stocking and prepping and crafting and making mixes and baking and cleaning and purging and donating.
Please know that you may not be able to do all these things and that is OK!
People shouldn't feel bad if they don't cook from scratch but use boxed and canned.
People shouldn't feel bad if they don't craft or sew - not everyone wants to.
People shouldn't feel bad if they don't bake - but buy premade instead.
People shouldn't feel bad to be homebodies - that can be the content, happy place (is for me)
People shouldn't feel bad if they use chemicals instead of natural for cleaning.
People shouldn't feel bad if they don't have a years worth of groceries stocked. You have what you think is right and you know what kind of room you have. HOPEFULLY you ARE stocking - just do what you feel is right.
Everyone needs to do what is right for them and their homes. You don't have to fit into any particular type of mold. Do what works for you!
I used to have people that made remarks about my feeding all the animals and spending so much on them. Well, my comment back was "it isn't your money - so don't you worry about it". "I am not asking you for money, so not your concern". That shut them up!!!! LOL
I have been criticized for stocking a lot, especially being alone now. (Not by locals who don't know - just family) Well, what happens if my paychecks stop or I can't get out any more? I will have supplies to survive and won't have to depend on anyone. Odds are those same people who question me - wouldn't help any way!
Having extra dollars has advantages. If you want to eat out once in a while - do it.
If you want to splurge on something - do it.
If you want something new (not need) - do it
We have all been in that position when we couldn't - so it is ok to spend a little when you want. That is why we have all been frugal - so at some point we CAN!
I find that those HARD times we all had have made us stronger and we can do so much more if necessary! Not everyone has the skills. We learned, observed, challenged ourselves, learned skills and know how to improvise. Those are GOOD traits to have. So being poor or having less money can teach many great skills that come in handy at another point in life. Never look down on anyone with little money - they generally can survive about anything.
BE YOU - BE HAPPY - do what works for you. Please don't feel you have to do all the things we talk about here or that you aren't 'keeping' up with others.
We each go at our own pace and that is what works for you.
This is a learning, teaching, sharing, caring and fun place! Not a place to make you feel bad.
As the song says "Don't worry - be happy"!!!!!
(you'll have that in your head now!! LOL)
Absolutely!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteAt the start of the pandemic, my dentist asked me where I was going to get cauliflower when the supply chain was interrupted. I told him about the wild berries, kale, carrots, etc that were in the freezer and the bean, tomatoes, etc preserved and stored in the cold room. I wouldn't worry about the cauliflower that couldn't be delivered. Amen for a well-stocked pantry and freezer. That's why I do it.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to have choices and options. Maybe we can't have this - but we have that!
DeleteI love my pantry! Good job.
TRUTH! Not everyone wants to save, not everyone wants to spend and most of us are likely somewhere in between. Help when you can, receive when you need. Now that I CAN spend, I don't really want to-I like my mindful way of life. But I will drop a Ben if the mood strikes ;-)
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC EAR WORM! Don't Worry, Be Happy !!!!
You sound like me. I can spend now - but really don't need a thing, so don't. I guess we trained ourselves well over the years!
DeleteYep, that will be in my head all day!!!!!!
Having been through what we've been through (loss of a spouse), I think we both grew from that tragedy. My hubs had not yet filed for SS, even though he was eligible to do so -- it was on his "to do" list. But when he passed, I learned the hard way that a) it takes a major metropolitan government more than 8 weeks to process a change in a pension payment and there's lots of red tape and hoops to jump through, b) that my survivor's pension would be 50% of his, thereby significantly reducing my monthly income, even though expenses would remain close to the same, and c) you have to book an appointment weeks in advance with the Social Security Administration. While my income dropped drastically, I had the same house payment, no reduction in electric or natural gas or house insurance; we commuted together, so that expense would remain. The only thing that was less was that groceries were for one, not two -- but I was still buying the same size packages, for the most part. Unless you shop the butcher's case, you can't get one chicken breast, or one serving of a flavored rice. Those first months were stressful, not knowing if I would be able to make ends meet. In those early days, I explored Aldi and some of their brands. It was not a store I had ever shopped; it wasn't big as my regular store and didn't offer the numerous brands that I was accustomed. But I was soon buying their 0.50 yogurt, rather than Oikos at my regular grocer (4/$5, when on sale), their milk, eggs, and half & half instead of Deans or Borden's, and I restricted my grocery trips to necessities only. More importantly, I returned to using the pantry skills I learned from my mother and grandmother. Today, I am confident that what I have on hand could carry me through the entire winter -- well, except for fresh produce for salads and my coffee creamer -- a splurge I gift myself. With the exception of a turkey, I could easily serve Thanksgiving dinner for 8-12, without sh0pping for anything else. But, this way of life is my choice and what works for me. Having a full pantry and freezer allows me to focus my energy on things that bring me joy and comfort, rather than dealing with traffic headaches, the crowds at the grocers, and worry over whether or not what I need is in-stock. Note: Following my husband's passing, I moved from a 100+ year old single-family home into a newer townhome -- the sale vs. cost to buy was a wash, but maintenance is significantly less; I am now retired and my monthly income is even less than it was, and I am comfortable that I can make ends meet each month without touching my IRA until it is required.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspirational story to others!!! Thank you for sharing. We just make the choices in life that we feel are right for us and us alone. No one can tell us HOW to.
DeleteI was lucky and didn't have the house payment - plus I got G's retirement as well as SS. I have done fine.
Not everyone is that 'lucky'. I am so glad that you found a location with less upkeep and maintenance and you now know you can handle whatever comes your way. It is sure a learning curve - and one I wish on NO ONE!
HUGS and great job! Thank you for sharing.
Cheryl, like Out My Window (below), I too hope that I have not offended anyone. I guess I just had a lot that I needed to "get out" and I am hopeful that people don't become complacent in thinking "everything will be just fine." In a heartbeat, everything can change and you can find yourself not knowing if you'll survive or not, whether or not you'll have enough to pay the bills or buy groceries. What individuals do for themselves, being thrifty or not, is their choice. From my experience, I am thankful I learned skills that helped me in a difficult time and was able to turn things around for my own situation. Your posts have been an inspiration and strength during times when I often needed a reminder.
DeleteYou simply shared your story - no one should ever be offended. I appreciate you sharing as that is a learning point to others.
DeleteNo mam, you never know how things can change in literally a second!!!!
So thankful you , I and many others had the sense to know to stop and breather for a moment - then think it all through. We then made decisions and went forward. The 'moment of' a disaster is not the moment to make plans. You aren't thinking clearly and your head is else where.
Hopefully your story, my story and those of others here will be a good warning and learning situation for someone.
Thank you
What a thoughtful, encouraging post today, Cheryl. Thank you! --Elise
ReplyDeleteThank you. We are such individuals and our paths go in many directions - yet we are all kind of the same! I love that.
DeleteIt used to really bug me that I couldn't crochet dishcloths. No, really, they are horrible! So what? I just bought 8 nice dishcloths for $5 that will last for several years. We're good!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it feels like you earn a badge of honor if you never eat out. It is seriously my husband's favorite thing so we budget for it and enjoy it! He earned the money while I was home with the kids so he can choose that if he wants!
Love it. I tried that too! It didn't work for me either!! I used to crochet years ago - but have lost the knack. Oh well.
DeleteSomeone else knows how and has talent, and I will pay them.
Exactly - he worked hard and deserves some pleasures now. That is what it is all about. We trade one thing for another.
Amen sister! With travel being risky, we eat out. I could care less if it costs $100. (we tip VERY nicely right now as we are very grateful to those who are working). We've spent a small percentage on it while the travel fund grows.
DeleteGood for you. I went out today with my sis and she paid. She mentioned she paid 20% for the tip and well I left another 20%. Sis about had a cow - but I told her I was grateful for them working and we had a wonderful waitress.
DeleteWe need to let people know we appreciate them. It was nice to make someone's day.
This post is something everyone needs to read and understand---we can all suggest ways to do things, but every one needs to make their own choices. I used to love crafting---now have no interest...same with sewing. And that is OK! I am thrifty and keep a deep pantry, and have always done most of the cooking--we rarely eat out. But that's just ME! My sister likes her pantry to look fairly bare and spacious---she says the grocery is just around the corner for her. I told her my view, and have shown her my back-up pantry. She has no interest in changing. That's OK---
ReplyDeleteThanks for the many topics you cover...I love it when you show pics of your pantry, home, and yard areas. Makes me feel like a neighbor!
Yes we all need to realize we are different human beings and not everyone likes the same things. It is OK.
DeleteIt is amazing the things some people think in these days - but heck it is their choice!
I try to think about different things I think about at times. I figure if I do, others do too.
Thanks - I wish we had a neighborhood all together.
I love this Cheryl. We are in our 70s and now have more income than we ever had when we were working. Partly because a surprise disability pension came through. Even if we lost it we would be fine, house and cars were bought with cash. We're still quite frugal because we certainly needed it when we were young and it's in our nature, but we also have money to toss around a bit.
ReplyDeleteMy husband, like Lana's, adores eating out. He's 79 and can do whatever he wants to in my opinion. We still do it on the cheap, mostly lunch. My weaknesses are books, flowers and new tees, and I know the cheapest way to do all of those.
We give a ton of money each month to various charities. I'm proud of us.
You should be proud of you!!!!!! Great job.
DeleteSame here - can do what I want - but I really do. My lifestyle is just that - a way of life I have worked on for decades. It is just me.
You are so right - hubs should do what he wants. By golly we can't take it with us - so enjoy it!!
Sounds like you have it figured out. Love it!
Yo are so right Sheryl. I think about my posts and I hope I have not hurt anyone. As my blog was set up as a financial blog and I was so in debt when we started, I just want people to get the most from their money. But everyone is entitled to do what they can, with the resources they have. Shame on people for not wanting you to love your furbabies.
ReplyDeleteYou have shown what can be done with great determination. That should never hurt anyone's feeling. It should be an inspiration. You have done well and you get to live a nice life because of it. BE PROUD!!
DeleteI always say that I am frugal in certain areas so that I can spend in others.
ReplyDeleteI have decided that the next time my friend complains they have no money I am keeping my mouth shut. I have given her so many ideas over the years and she has not followed one.
God bless.
Love it. I think many are the same - save here so they can spend there and not feel guilty.
DeleteSome people will just never listen or learn. Next times she complains maybe say - that's got to be rough. Then stop.
You can lead a horse to water......
Blessings
Thank you for this post, Cheryl! I felt myself viscerally relax! I am thinking of leaving a couple of groups that I love because (to me) they feel like a competition. I have always cooked and baked from scratch but this past year I have started using short cuts like mixes & frozen food home delivery. The comment about not wanting to crochet dish clothes did it! I tried! Now I'm going to donate my yarn! I have vision problems and arthritis and at 86 I decided I've earned the right to buy my dish clothes!!! Thanks to all your lovely Commenters, too! Stay safe everyone. Shirley K. near Seattle
ReplyDeleteShirley I say you have earned it as well. Life shouldn't be a competition. I should be an journey that we enjoy. Some things are just easier to buy than make - I am sure learning this as I get older.
DeleteYou do what works for you!
Have a great day!
The text on the picture says it all. We try to be frugal as possible without feeling totally deprived. There are some things that add to the quality of daily life and they don't cost the earth. We found some things at Meijer on the clearance shelves, 70-90% off. I did get a $5 haircut at the local beauty academy last week. She did a dandy job.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend. Looks like cooler weather is here to stay.
Indeed. We stay frugal just so we can enjoy some of the 'finer' things in life and not feel deprived. What finer is - is all up to the person.
DeleteYep - fall is here!
So true. I think sometimes I forget that I am not competing with others and I don't have to stock all the items they do or buy something just because they say it is something I should have. Great reminder for us to just do us. Thank You Cheryl
ReplyDeleteWe don't need to compete with anyone. Friend, family, or acquaintance. This life should be about US and our immediate family and concerns - not everyone else.
DeleteThanks - have a good day