Sunday, November 25, 2012

Why I do radical things to save money

I've often wondered what people think when they read some of my money saving ways. I remember posting something quite a few years ago that was very uncommon and had responses as to "why in the world would you do that?"

This is why I sometimes do things that seem radical to others in order to save money:

I have a plan...

and the plan is to eventually (hopefully) live on only my husband's disability check  (when Miss Alice no longer needs my help) which is under $2,000 a month.

My current budget is set at this amount and I'm practicing each month how to live on only his check. It's difficult but I'm thankful that I have some time to practice. Groceries are still the hardest since prices continue to rise.  I use my part time paycheck for 'extras' and savings. We had a plumbing bill this weekend so my check will pay for things like that.

This is how I look at it... I would rather practice 'radical' money saving ways than work extra hours outside my home. This is my preference. I would rather be cold in the winter and hot in the summer than work outside my home. I would rather cook everything from scratch than work more hours outside my home. I would rather make my own laundry detergent than work outside the home.  I see these.. not as inconveniences.. but as a lifestyle choice that will help reach our goal.



Life is more hectic when I work outside the home and it effects my relationships.. even if just a little.. but sometimes it's a lot. I struggle with impatience when I'm torn in too many directions and my husband knows this very well.  That is why he asks that I keep my outside commitments to a minimum.

I personally just miss being in my home full-time and especially now since my husband is home full-time. I've been a homemaker the majority of my married life except for these past few years since he became disabled. Most of the previous years I did something from the home to make extra money. I ran a used homeschool book business from my home for 10 years. I've done sewing, ironing, babysitting, surveys and typing.. all in an attempt to make extra money so I could be a full-time homemaker.

Everyone has their reasons why they live frugally. For me, personally, it's a small thing to live radically frugal because the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience.


How about you? Are there some things you do that others think are radical in order to achieve an important goal?

(Permission given to use picture from posters.com)

6 comments:

  1. I admire you so much. I keep learning from you and one day will need to stay home because of my husband's Alzheimer's.

    Unfortunately, I am working outside the home for expenses such as gifts and for knocking down the credit cards. My Social Security pays the mortage essentially. Were my husband to pass away, I would have to have a renter or sell the home because there would only be one Social Security then. When I am 71 in several years, I can take out investments to help without a tax penalty.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Carol

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  2. God has been good to provide a way for you to pay down your credit cards. I know you would be home if you could Carol. I have to keep focused on TODAY.. that for today my Alice needs help and I don't want her to have to leave her home before she has to so I keep focused on that fact. We have some big expenses looming at us so I'm thankful I can help my husband at this time. I work on leaving the future in God's hands.

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  3. this really speaks to me heart, Georgene, I am so thankful to be at home full time right now though I know anything could change. It is all in God's hands.

    I especially understand your "rathers" about cooking instead of working and such.

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  4. I have two toddlers, and they'd have to go to daycare if I worked outside the home. I figure that if I did go to work to help with the household income, most (all!) of my paycheck would go to daycare tuition, professional wardrobe, eating out because I'd be too tired to cook after work, increased gas and maintenance on my car from the commute, increased doctor bills because my kids picked up a virus from daycare, etc. It's cheaper if I just stay home and raise my own young'uns!

    So my husband and I agree that we will trust the Lord to provide for us through my husband's income alone. Because the Lord does provide for us, I have come to realize that what He has given to us is enough. If I can't live within the means God has given us, then I need to rethink my priorities.

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  5. Preach it sister!! I would rather forgo vacations, name brands and bigger houses than work outside the home more than the few days I do.

    Truthfully....I fully believe God intended it that way.

    I love your blog. It inspires me to try harder.

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  6. I am so glad that I found your blog. I have worked outside the home, and only recently have I begun to see how it has affected my children, husband, and other relationships. I hope this is my last year to work full time, and that next year I will homeschooling my children. Please keep me in your prayers.

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