Friday, August 24, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
What I buy at the "Dollar" stores
You really have to know your prices when comparing the Dollar Stores items to other shopping places. Sometimes I know that an item will cost me a bit more if I bought it in a larger quantity at another store but I may be limited on funds and just need a small amount. Peanuts are one of those items. Every once in a while we like them for a snack. Generally the prices are good and the store helps to stretch my dollar.
Do you have a list of items you regularly buy at the "Dollar" stores. I'd love to see it!
Here is my list (and it's growing):
1. Chorizo
2. Freezer bags (occasionally) for large quantities of meat
3. Corn Tortillas
4. Eye Liner
5. Paint Brushes and rollers.
6. Foam brushes for acrylic paint.
7. Gift bags
8. Cards
9. Flowers for the cemetery
10. Bibles (to give away)
11. Frozen vegetables
12. Small bags of nuts
13. Measuring cups
14. Feminine products
15. Hand soap
16. Cheese slices
17. Eggs (depending on the price).
18. Sweet potato chips
19. Pickles
20. Body soap
21. Plastic wrap (I just tried this and it worked great!).
22. Tinfoil
23. Bubbles (for the grands).
24. Craft supplies (for the grands) such as coloring books, paint brushes,
25.Kitchen scissors (they were really sharp).
26. Paper plates
27. Room freshner
28. Laundry detergent (to have on hand if I get lazy about making the homemade recipe).
29. Small bags of nuts. I can't afford the big bags at Costco.
30. Cough medicine
Do you have a list of items you regularly buy at the "Dollar" stores. I'd love to see it!
Here is my list (and it's growing):
1. Chorizo
2. Freezer bags (occasionally) for large quantities of meat
3. Corn Tortillas
4. Eye Liner
5. Paint Brushes and rollers.
6. Foam brushes for acrylic paint.
7. Gift bags
8. Cards
9. Flowers for the cemetery
10. Bibles (to give away)
11. Frozen vegetables
12. Small bags of nuts
13. Measuring cups
14. Feminine products
15. Hand soap
16. Cheese slices
17. Eggs (depending on the price).
18. Sweet potato chips
19. Pickles
20. Body soap
21. Plastic wrap (I just tried this and it worked great!).
22. Tinfoil
23. Bubbles (for the grands).
24. Craft supplies (for the grands) such as coloring books, paint brushes,
25.Kitchen scissors (they were really sharp).
26. Paper plates
27. Room freshner
28. Laundry detergent (to have on hand if I get lazy about making the homemade recipe).
29. Small bags of nuts. I can't afford the big bags at Costco.
30. Cough medicine
Saturday, August 18, 2012
New Idea to stop spending money
I kept pretty good track of my spending this past month. Boy, what an eye opener! I was able to see exactly where my money went. I've got to pull in the reigns on my spending a bit tighter.
I discovered through tracking my expenses last month that I use my debit card way too often.This throws my budget off because I use the envelope method for certain categories such as food, dental, auto tuneups, year end accounting, gifts, etc. When I use my debit card instead of the assigned envelope money then I'm taking money that is designated to other bills.
So, I've come up with a plan. I took my debit card and all but one credit card out of my purse. (The credit card I kept is used for my gasoline purchases.) I'll carry a week's worth of my budgeted amount for groceries. When the money is gone then the spending must stop.
I'm hoping this will work. Time will tell.
How do you curb spending?
I discovered through tracking my expenses last month that I use my debit card way too often.This throws my budget off because I use the envelope method for certain categories such as food, dental, auto tuneups, year end accounting, gifts, etc. When I use my debit card instead of the assigned envelope money then I'm taking money that is designated to other bills.
So, I've come up with a plan. I took my debit card and all but one credit card out of my purse. (The credit card I kept is used for my gasoline purchases.) I'll carry a week's worth of my budgeted amount for groceries. When the money is gone then the spending must stop.
I'm hoping this will work. Time will tell.
How do you curb spending?
Friday, August 17, 2012
Living WITHIN our means: Spouse Allowance
I shared on my other blog that my income had dropped since we moved into our new little home. My dear Alice fell not long after I moved and has been in rehab. I'm still helping her with laundry and a few other duties which gives me enough money to 'almost' pay my insurance. I'm not sure if I will have a part time job after a few months so I'm practicing how to live on only my husband's disability check. (I just found out that she will be coming home for a 'trial' run to see how she does. I'm still going to try and live on my husband's check and put the rest towards upgrading our electrical so I can have a dryer for my clothes.)
I made a budget before we bought our new home. I wanted to make sure that we could live on only one salary because I knew the day would come when I might not be working (hopefully). If my Alice does not come home I hope I won't have to work permanently again.
So, I need a plan.
I've revised my budget. It will be tight but we can make it. I've cut back on a few areas (food, gift giving). I'm not sure if I can reach my goal for the food ($200) but I'm going to try.
Even though I've had to cut back in these areas, there are a few I hope to not touch.
First and foremost, I plan to continue giving to the Lord's work.... cheerfully!
Secondly, I've learned it's important to include an allowance in our budget. Years ago, before our 10 plus years of prosperity, I fought resentment because I never had money to spend on small little things (gift giving, lunch with a friend). My attitude was sinful and I suffered discontentment but it also taught me a good lesson that I've carried with me all these years. I am handling the finances now I don't want to tempt my husband to resent me. So, each of us will still receive a small allowance to spend on what we wish.
The third thing I don't want to cut is a small amount designated to our savings. It's not huge but $50 a month over a period of a year ends up being a hefty $600. That small savings would purchase a new washing machine if mine decides to 'give up the ghost'. *smile* It's WAY over 10 years old. I'm already having the bank take $25 automatically each month and put it into a Christmas gift account for the grandchildren.
But, as always, I want to keep in mind that # 2 & #3 are not 'God given rights' and prepare myself to give these up if needs or necessities come our way.
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Next time I hope to share what I'm doing daily to keep expenses low in our home.
I made a budget before we bought our new home. I wanted to make sure that we could live on only one salary because I knew the day would come when I might not be working (hopefully). If my Alice does not come home I hope I won't have to work permanently again.
So, I need a plan.
I've revised my budget. It will be tight but we can make it. I've cut back on a few areas (food, gift giving). I'm not sure if I can reach my goal for the food ($200) but I'm going to try.
Even though I've had to cut back in these areas, there are a few I hope to not touch.
First and foremost, I plan to continue giving to the Lord's work.... cheerfully!
Secondly, I've learned it's important to include an allowance in our budget. Years ago, before our 10 plus years of prosperity, I fought resentment because I never had money to spend on small little things (gift giving, lunch with a friend). My attitude was sinful and I suffered discontentment but it also taught me a good lesson that I've carried with me all these years. I am handling the finances now I don't want to tempt my husband to resent me. So, each of us will still receive a small allowance to spend on what we wish.
The third thing I don't want to cut is a small amount designated to our savings. It's not huge but $50 a month over a period of a year ends up being a hefty $600. That small savings would purchase a new washing machine if mine decides to 'give up the ghost'. *smile* It's WAY over 10 years old. I'm already having the bank take $25 automatically each month and put it into a Christmas gift account for the grandchildren.
But, as always, I want to keep in mind that # 2 & #3 are not 'God given rights' and prepare myself to give these up if needs or necessities come our way.
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Next time I hope to share what I'm doing daily to keep expenses low in our home.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
We've moved and settling in..
It's been a few weeks since we moved into our little 'Grandma' house of 748 sq. ft. The move went well. We had plenty of strong help. (Boy did I feel old on this move compared to the last one!) The house and garage filled up fast with towers of boxes. So much so that we were not able to move the items in our 10 x 10 storage unit on the initial move. I finally was able to move them this past week. Lots of decision making because there is no way that we can fit everything we own into this house. I have a very large pile of STUFF ready for a garage sale. I've also sold some items on Craig's List and have more listed. We're using the money to pay for some dental work. :-)
I've spent over 5 years downsizing and really thought that this move would not be that difficult. We sold a LOT of stuff when we sold both of our previous homes. I knew I'd have to get rid of some things but never imagined the magnitude. Frankly, there were so many times that I felt overwhelmed and wasn't sure how I was ever going to manage all of the work ahead. But, God continued to guide and direct.. even the simplest of decisions. I'd pray and ask for His direction and it never failed that an idea would eventually come that worked perfectly.
I'm so thankful that I didn't get rid of any organizational baskets,etc. because they have really come in handy to make use of every nook and cranny of our small home.
This is what amazingly floors me.. this house does not feel small at all. I'm being honest. We have plenty of room and it feels spacious. God knows exactly how to prepare His children for what lies ahead. After living in a barn studio and as a caregiver in less than 300 sq. ft. this home feels roomy to us. Isn't that amazing? Now, I can imagine that if we had gone from nearly 3,000 sq. ft. to 748 sq. ft. we'd feel cramped and complain. God knew the exact circumstances that would prepare our hearts for our future home and gave us 2 1/2 years to practice living in an even smaller space. He's so smart!!! *Smile*
I think if I had to choose 1 theme that would describe these past few years I would say it's 'live for today'. Some describe it as living in the 'present moment'. I believe the Lord will continue to teach and train me to live in the present moment until I leave this world. It seems that I've been in His classroom for many years with one situation after another chosen for me that I would not have chosen for myself. It never immediately comes easy to stay focused on living for His glory TODAY but peace is always found when I submit to His assigned portion.
I may or may not have a job next month so I'm again placed in that situation where I cannot assume what my future may hold. I'm a planner. I want to have all my ducks in a row but that is not what God has assigned. So, I continue to reign my thoughts and fears back to what God's Word says.. not to worry about tomorrow... for today has enough problems of it's own... and to remember that God cares more for me than He does the creatures He has created ... and He takes care of them just fine. Mt. 6:25-34
Living is quite the adventure.. wouldn't you say?
May we live (coram Deo) before the face of God,
Georgene
I've spent over 5 years downsizing and really thought that this move would not be that difficult. We sold a LOT of stuff when we sold both of our previous homes. I knew I'd have to get rid of some things but never imagined the magnitude. Frankly, there were so many times that I felt overwhelmed and wasn't sure how I was ever going to manage all of the work ahead. But, God continued to guide and direct.. even the simplest of decisions. I'd pray and ask for His direction and it never failed that an idea would eventually come that worked perfectly.
 | |
| Our new home. The grass is slowly coming back to life. |
This is what amazingly floors me.. this house does not feel small at all. I'm being honest. We have plenty of room and it feels spacious. God knows exactly how to prepare His children for what lies ahead. After living in a barn studio and as a caregiver in less than 300 sq. ft. this home feels roomy to us. Isn't that amazing? Now, I can imagine that if we had gone from nearly 3,000 sq. ft. to 748 sq. ft. we'd feel cramped and complain. God knew the exact circumstances that would prepare our hearts for our future home and gave us 2 1/2 years to practice living in an even smaller space. He's so smart!!! *Smile*
I think if I had to choose 1 theme that would describe these past few years I would say it's 'live for today'. Some describe it as living in the 'present moment'. I believe the Lord will continue to teach and train me to live in the present moment until I leave this world. It seems that I've been in His classroom for many years with one situation after another chosen for me that I would not have chosen for myself. It never immediately comes easy to stay focused on living for His glory TODAY but peace is always found when I submit to His assigned portion.
 |
| My granddaughters spent the night Friday and made chocolate chip cookies. |
Living is quite the adventure.. wouldn't you say?
May we live (coram Deo) before the face of God,
Georgene
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
We're moving!
It's been so long since I wrote that I'm not even sure if I shared that we put an offer on a small little 'grandma' home (750 sq. ft) and it was accepted. Did I share that with you?
Anyway, it's been an extremely interesting 5 weeks or so. Our offer was accepted within hours. My realtor said that was unheard of. We had met the great-grandson of the owner the first night the house went on the market and the Lord gave us favor with him. There were multiple offers but they chose ours.
The appraisal passed. The inspection was not too bad. Our loan was approved. We sailed right through each hurdle and then signed our escrow papers. The loan was due to fund the next day and then record the following day which is when we were supposed to get the keys. Suddenly, we hit a brick wall. Apparently, there were problems with the title. I won't bore you with the details but let me just say that it looked like there was a chance that the whole deal was going to fall through.
I'm going to be honest and tell you I had a pity party for myself! I even cried. I didn't realize, until that phone call came, how much I had invested my emotions into the house. I had been going over 2-3 times a week to water the flowers so that they wouldn't die. It was something happy to think about. Oh, and did I tell you that my daughter in love and 2 grandchildren live directly behind the house? You literally can see their house from my pack porch. Our son passed away in January so this was an added blessing to have his family close enough that they could visit often.
We spent some time praying and repenting and got our eyes back on Christ and prayed for God's grace to submit to His will. We basically released the house in our hearts and prayed for God's will to be done.
This afternoon, after we came home from watering, we got a phone call and all the problems with the title had been solved. It was over. The loan funded today and is expected to record tomorrow. Lord willing we will be moving on Saturday.
So, that is my quick update. It's been 2 1/2 years since since my husband filed for disability. We sold our home (s) and then moved into my aunt's barn studio for a year and then moved in as caregivers
1 1/2 years ago. It has been the most amazing 2 1/2 years as we've watched God provide time and time again. Absolutely amazing! I hope someday to sit down and share some of what the Lord has been teaching me. But, now is the time to PACK! :-)
Anyway, it's been an extremely interesting 5 weeks or so. Our offer was accepted within hours. My realtor said that was unheard of. We had met the great-grandson of the owner the first night the house went on the market and the Lord gave us favor with him. There were multiple offers but they chose ours.
The appraisal passed. The inspection was not too bad. Our loan was approved. We sailed right through each hurdle and then signed our escrow papers. The loan was due to fund the next day and then record the following day which is when we were supposed to get the keys. Suddenly, we hit a brick wall. Apparently, there were problems with the title. I won't bore you with the details but let me just say that it looked like there was a chance that the whole deal was going to fall through.
I'm going to be honest and tell you I had a pity party for myself! I even cried. I didn't realize, until that phone call came, how much I had invested my emotions into the house. I had been going over 2-3 times a week to water the flowers so that they wouldn't die. It was something happy to think about. Oh, and did I tell you that my daughter in love and 2 grandchildren live directly behind the house? You literally can see their house from my pack porch. Our son passed away in January so this was an added blessing to have his family close enough that they could visit often.
We spent some time praying and repenting and got our eyes back on Christ and prayed for God's grace to submit to His will. We basically released the house in our hearts and prayed for God's will to be done.
This afternoon, after we came home from watering, we got a phone call and all the problems with the title had been solved. It was over. The loan funded today and is expected to record tomorrow. Lord willing we will be moving on Saturday.
So, that is my quick update. It's been 2 1/2 years since since my husband filed for disability. We sold our home (s) and then moved into my aunt's barn studio for a year and then moved in as caregivers
1 1/2 years ago. It has been the most amazing 2 1/2 years as we've watched God provide time and time again. Absolutely amazing! I hope someday to sit down and share some of what the Lord has been teaching me. But, now is the time to PACK! :-)
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