It seems that money is key during any kind of celebration. Whether it’s the holiday’s or a birthday, there’s never enough money. We hear this more and more especially in single income families. I realize it’s hard, I’ve been there too. So I speak from experience. I’ve often said that money is the source of all evil and credit cards is the death of all.
The year is about to end and a fresh new 2013 will begin. Debt will not go away unless you make it go away. The next time you feel the need to say, “I don’t have enough money”, take inventory. Inventory your life, where are you and what can you do to get ahead? Use the resources around you. Live simpler, you’ll love it!
The following list is changes we did in 2008 that helped save money. It was hard and we fall off the wagon a time or two. We had to constantly remind ourselves where we were and where we wanted to go to stay on top of our finances.
- We started the envelope system suggested by Dave Ramsey
- Mike stopped chewing ($27 for a roll of 5 every 2 weeks = Approximately $700 in annual savings)
- We used the library instead of buying books, magazines, & newspapers
- We used the internet at the library instead of buying at home
- We borrowed movies from the library or used red box ($1.00 rentals) no more cable
- We stopped eating out and treated ourselves to once every 2 weeks – mostly pizza
- We used coupons, but only for the items we normally purchased
- Shopped the clearance and reduced item carts in the grocer
- We started a small garden (failed the first year)
- We didn’t have cell phones
- Purchased used cars instead of new ones
- Rode our bikes when ever possible
- Bargain shopped for clothes and frequented thrift shops
- Started charging for babysitting (the first couple of times it’s a favor after that it’s a habit)
For daily entertainment we utilized the public parks, bike paths, board games, card games, puzzle’s, visits with friends, etc.. Not every activity has to cost money. The park is a great way to spend time with the kids while letting them burn all that energy naturally. We had the space so we would have camp fires and the volley ball net up.
Or course this is not all-inclusive and there are so many more ways to save and while you’re at it, you live simpler and happier. We have!
W.
Ay no right Mama.... 