Now to reign it all in.
This week we were able to glean some hay from a local feed store. As long as you pick it up off the ground or clean off the stairs it was free. We got 4 walmart bags full of it, and will use it for the chickens to lay in and maybe our dogs (if we ever get a pen built.)
I was given a free pair of very nice dress shoes with Dr. Scholls inserts in them by my nephew because they don't fit his daughter.
Aunti L gave me a shopping bag full of hand me down clothes for each of my kids.
We decided not to order school pictures for my son, but experiment and take some of our own or find a way to get nice pictures done for less.
I also participated in a local church's bread basket giveaway and took advantage of a food bank that another local church offered. With 11 of us in the house, we were not prepared quite enough to feed everyone and this will help us become better prepared. The local schools have been sending home a sack of snack items for each of the five children that live in our house that are considered to be homeless.
We worked on our budget, and I tried to help my nephew with his using what I have learned in the past year and a half. I know he payed his bills for the week, but blew what was left on a night out at a local bar instead of socking it away so they can find another place to live. Then they realized they have a couple more bills they forgot they have to pay, and my nephew feels he needs to budget in for new shoes, but they must be name brand. I am not sure how to help him. My husband is feeling overwhelmed and like his home is being taken over by the other family.
Sorry, got off track. We (my family of 4) personally ate every meal at home.
I made some dog food in the crock pot. We have worked very hard to make sure no food is wasted or ends up in the trash.
I have unplugged items when they are not in use. We have regulated how many loads of laundry can be done.....1 load per family each day if needed. I have also ensured all lights are turned off when not in use. That is all I can think of. My financial software finally says we are living within our means again. (We probably have not been since my husband's brother passed away.)
The last two weeks of this month are no unnecessary spending weeks for us. We have some serious goals to meet with having to pay my old landlord. I did end up resigning from my job, we realized we really weren't losing that much money after paying for gas and the babysitter. My husband feels like I am needed more at home.
Do you live a frugal life style....do you ever have times that chaos still reigns and realize you stopped doing some of the things that save you money?
How was your week, what did you do to save money?
You have a lot going on, girl. I think it is a good idea that you resigned from your job. It sounds like it may be easier to manage your 'adjusted household' right now. I will pray that your extended family can get on track with their spending- I'm sure you can help out and encourage them in that area. Setting a budget and sticking to it can be difficult- some people find it more difficult than others. I think it all comes down to priorities and the well-being of your family. Sacrifices have to be made and a lot of people are unwilling to do it. I have friends who live that way and they are miserable because they are always behind on their bills but they squander the income they have coming in their house every month on useless and meaningless things (they have an above average income so it makes me a little sick when I hear them crying that they are broke.) I find that when it is chaotic it is usually harder to stay on track and stick within our budget, but in the end I don't let it get too out of hand or else I know it will put us in a bad position when things calm down again. Glad to hear that you guys are on track again- I know you have had a rough go of it lately. I'm proud of how you are holding up and all you do to keep pressing on. :)
ReplyDelete