Comments on: Simple Tips for Living on Little http://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:42:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Mrs. Theresa Gouldhttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281460 Mrs. Theresa Gould Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:39:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281460 Just think, Crystal, if you had not gone through those lean years, you might not have got to this point of earning income from blogging. It seems that when we are stretched outside of our comfort zones that the Lord prepares us for the next thing.I know that as we are living on $2100/month as a family of nine, plus whatever extra the Lord chooses to bless us with, that we are thinking and doing things we might not have otherwise done or thought.And we LOVE George Mueller's biography, along with The Open Door and Ten Peas in a Pod. All of these books are inspiring.Also dwelling on the fact that the Lord is our Jehovah-Jireh - Our Provider and the many scriptures where He promises to meet our needs are great faith builders.We are into our eighth month of unemployment and have stayed out of debt as well, but God's merciful grace.Blessings, Theresa Just think, Crystal, if you had not gone through those lean years, you might not have got to this point of earning income from blogging. It seems that when we are stretched outside of our comfort zones that the Lord prepares us for the next thing.

I know that as we are living on $2100/month as a family of nine, plus whatever extra the Lord chooses to bless us with, that we are thinking and doing things we might not have otherwise done or thought.

And we LOVE George Mueller’s biography, along with The Open Door and Ten Peas in a Pod. All of these books are inspiring.

Also dwelling on the fact that the Lord is our Jehovah-Jireh – Our Provider and the many scriptures where He promises to meet our needs are great faith builders.

We are into our eighth month of unemployment and have stayed out of debt as well, but God’s merciful grace.

Blessings,
Theresa

]]> By: Marisa Moorehttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281459 Marisa Moore Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:41:38 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281459 Great ideas! I also appreciate your tips for blogging beginners as I have just started a blog that has to do with how to be eco-friendly by being frugal! View it at http://greenismygoal.blogspot.com Great ideas! I also appreciate your tips for blogging beginners as I have just started a blog that has to do with how to be eco-friendly by being frugal! View it at http://greenismygoal.blogspot.com

]]> By: Lisa Merrimanhttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281458 Lisa Merriman Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:05:46 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281458 Today's post on my blog explains how I learned to live simply.Take a look - but pardon my slightly sappy, PMS'ing tone to it.Great ideas! Today’s post on my blog explains how I learned to live simply.

Take a look – but pardon my slightly sappy, PMS’ing tone to it.

Great ideas!

]]> By: learning the ropeshttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281457 learning the ropes Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:58:35 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281457 I have two tips that have proved really worthwhile for me:1) Cut back your laundry expenses - With homemade detergent, line drying and little hand-washing to stretch the frequency of using the washer. You can really feel the difference if you live in a "pay per wash" apartment like we do.2) Try sprouts to cut back your grocery expenses - They offer all the health benefits of fresh produce without costing half as much. I agree that you can't totally shut down using vegetables and fruits but the sprouts will stretch your grocery dollars in a pinch. They are easy to make and healthy too.I have covered it in detail here http://learningtherope.blogspot.com/2008/07/sprouts-easy-quick-healthy-versatile.html I have two tips that have proved really worthwhile for me:

1) Cut back your laundry expenses – With homemade detergent, line drying and little hand-washing to stretch the frequency of using the washer. You can really feel the difference if you live in a “pay per wash” apartment like we do.

2) Try sprouts to cut back your grocery expenses – They offer all the health benefits of fresh produce without costing half as much. I agree that you can’t totally shut down using vegetables and fruits but the sprouts will stretch your grocery dollars in a pinch. They are easy to make and healthy too.

I have covered it in detail here
http://learningtherope.blogspot.com/2008/07/sprouts-easy-quick-healthy-versatile.html

]]> By: Leahttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281456 Lea Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:43:29 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281456 .. our big thing was our house... I wanted a huge victorian what we could comfortably afford was an old farm house with about 1100square feet... Then there was the realization if God felt I needed to live in 1100 sq. feet... He must think I only needed 1100 sq feet of stuff... with 4 grown boys and 20 years later... we've been debt free for years... got all but one through college or career choice ( youngest is still 17).. and are able to live well in this economy .. our big thing was our house… I wanted a huge victorian what we could comfortably afford was an old farm house with about 1100square feet… Then there was the realization if God felt I needed to live in 1100 sq. feet… He must think I only needed 1100 sq feet of stuff… with 4 grown boys and 20 years later… we’ve been debt free for years… got all but one through college or career choice ( youngest is still 17).. and are able to live well in this economy

]]> By: MaryAnnhttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281455 MaryAnn Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:54:16 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281455 I am all for living frugally, but not at someone else's expense. A previous poster commented that her family has not signed up for internet service and that they simply use a neighbor's unsecured connection. Unless that neighbor is aware and has given them permission - and I hope that is the case here - that's theft.A better idea would be to use the internet connection at the local library. Just my two cents.******************** Money Saving Mom here: I agree, MaryAnn. If you don't have permission to use something, you shouldn't use it. I am all for living frugally, but not at someone else’s expense. A previous poster commented that her family has not signed up for internet service and that they simply use a neighbor’s unsecured connection. Unless that neighbor is aware and has given them permission – and I hope that is the case here – that’s theft.

A better idea would be to use the internet connection at the local library. Just my two cents.

********************
Money Saving Mom here: I agree, MaryAnn. If you don’t have permission to use something, you shouldn’t use it.

]]> By: Sarahttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281454 Sara Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:34:38 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281454 I just have to agree with whole-heartedly with one of your posts! PRAY! So many times we've needed something that we couldn't quite afford, or DH didn't want to buy unless it was dirt cheap. I've found that if I pray, and ask God for the things we need, He almost always provides them (if not, we didn't really need it did we?). When I scour the stores and online trying so hard myself to find the thing we needed, I almost never can find anything. But when I pray, God provides it easily and always in an affordable way! And so many times I've been overwhelmed by how God will provide things for us out of nowhere that I secretly wanted, but knew we would never get any time soon. He is so GOOD! Instead of going to Him as a last resort, pray first, and you may end up being amazed!! I just have to agree with whole-heartedly with one of your posts! PRAY!
So many times we’ve needed something that we couldn’t quite afford, or DH didn’t want to buy unless it was dirt cheap.
I’ve found that if I pray, and ask God for the things we need, He almost always provides them (if not, we didn’t really need it did we?). When I scour the stores and online trying so hard myself to find the thing we needed, I almost never can find anything. But when I pray, God provides it easily and always in an affordable way! And so many times I’ve been overwhelmed by how God will provide things for us out of nowhere that I secretly wanted, but knew we would never get any time soon. He is so GOOD!
Instead of going to Him as a last resort, pray first, and you may end up being amazed!!

]]> By: Kaseyhttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281453 Kasey Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:00:19 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281453 The best way I've found to live on little is to find your joy in life's blessings, and to fill your time with worthwhile pursuits that don't cost you money- that way you don't have time to sit around and think about the "stuff" you don't have!For me- I do scrapbooking and paper crafting, which can be expensive if you want it to be, or you can go to a craft store and spend only a few dollars on items that will last you a month! I also enjoy running, reading books from the library and working in the garden, all free and fulfilling.I also try to show my kids the wonder in the world around them- I encourage them to have fun just being kids- riding bikes, playing in the dirt, walking through the woods and collecting leaves and rocks, splashing in the tub. That's how children throughout the last few hundred years have grown up, and society has fared pretty well!Overall, just recognize that it's the simple things in life that most people are missing out on because they are constantly trying to fill the void with stuff! Don't worry about the stuff! Rather than spending money, spend time! Spend time with your family, spend time getting to know yourself, spend time helping others, spend time just looking at the world around you and feeling grateful to God for your blessings. The more time you invest in yourself and others, the less money you will feel inclined to spend, and you will be far richer and far happier than those whose lives revolve around their bank accounts.Okay, my sermon is done. :-) The best way I’ve found to live on little is to find your joy in life’s blessings, and to fill your time with worthwhile pursuits that don’t cost you money- that way you don’t have time to sit around and think about the “stuff” you don’t have!

For me- I do scrapbooking and paper crafting, which can be expensive if you want it to be, or you can go to a craft store and spend only a few dollars on items that will last you a month! I also enjoy running, reading books from the library and working in the garden, all free and fulfilling.

I also try to show my kids the wonder in the world around them- I encourage them to have fun just being kids- riding bikes, playing in the dirt, walking through the woods and collecting leaves and rocks, splashing in the tub. That’s how children throughout the last few hundred years have grown up, and society has fared pretty well!

Overall, just recognize that it’s the simple things in life that most people are missing out on because they are constantly trying to fill the void with stuff! Don’t worry about the stuff! Rather than spending money, spend time! Spend time with your family, spend time getting to know yourself, spend time helping others, spend time just looking at the world around you and feeling grateful to God for your blessings. The more time you invest in yourself and others, the less money you will feel inclined to spend, and you will be far richer and far happier than those whose lives revolve around their bank accounts.

Okay, my sermon is done. :-)

]]> By: Helenehttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281452 Helene Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:31:31 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281452 This is great. I'm new to the blogging (frugal) world. I love the list especially since my mortgage takes up almost 50% of my income as a single parent. I especially like the "don't buy expensive gifts." I graduated college with a bachelor's degree this past June after 30 years since high school of trying. I dreamed of an Oprah-style party :-) The only gift I got was amazing. A friend I had watched go all the way to a doctorate (someone whose focus I kept as inspiration) made an 8 hour drive one-way to take me out to lunch to celebrate since he couldn't be at the ceremony. After he left I kept bursting into tears for at least 4 days :-) I used to think expensive meant great. This is great. I’m new to the blogging (frugal) world. I love the list especially since my mortgage takes up almost 50% of my income as a single parent.
I especially like the “don’t buy expensive gifts.”
I graduated college with a bachelor’s degree this past June after 30 years since high school of trying. I dreamed of an Oprah-style party :-)
The only gift I got was amazing. A friend I had watched go all the way to a doctorate (someone whose focus I kept as inspiration) made an 8 hour drive one-way to take me out to lunch to celebrate since he couldn’t be at the ceremony. After he left I kept bursting into tears for at least 4 days :-) I used to think expensive meant great.

]]> By: Hannelorehttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281451 Hannelore Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:07:12 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281451 "Recycle" your children's clothing. By this, I mean to buy from the thrift store and after they wear the clothing, sell it at consignment to make some money on it. My children are very well dressed on thrift store/garage sale finds. I am constantly amazed at what people give to Goodwill. I frequently find Ralph Lauren items/expensive boutique dresses/nice shoes that look like they were never worn for $1. I also frequently sell them (after we're done with them) for MORE than I paid for them. Then, I take the money I make and buy more clothes. I only have to ask my husband for a small clothing allowance (say $100 for 5 children-3 boys, 2 girls) a couple times a year and this is ususally for items like shoes, underwear, socks, special outfits, or things I have not been able to find elsewhere. I am not discouraging giving hand-me-downs to others (we have both done this and been the thankful recipients of such hand-me-downs!), but I do think it is good stewardship to make some money where I can to lessen my clothing budget. “Recycle” your children’s clothing. By this, I mean to buy from the thrift store and after they wear the clothing, sell it at consignment to make some money on it. My children are very well dressed on thrift store/garage sale finds. I am constantly amazed at what people give to Goodwill. I frequently find Ralph Lauren items/expensive boutique dresses/nice shoes that look like they were never worn for $1. I also frequently sell them (after we’re done with them) for MORE than I paid for them. Then, I take the money I make and buy more clothes. I only have to ask my husband for a small clothing allowance (say $100 for 5 children-3 boys, 2 girls) a couple times a year and this is ususally for items like shoes, underwear, socks, special outfits, or things I have not been able to find elsewhere. I am not discouraging giving hand-me-downs to others (we have both done this and been the thankful recipients of such hand-me-downs!), but I do think it is good stewardship to make some money where I can to lessen my clothing budget.

]]> By: Chris from St. Mary'shttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281450 Chris from St. Mary's Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:42:36 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281450 The link is working for me. The link is working for me.

]]> By: Kristinehttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281449 Kristine Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:42:27 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281449 One thing we did recently was get rid of our cable. We downgraded from basic cable to the basic basic service which is essentially "bunny ears" through the cable company. We get the major networks, PBS and a couple other random stations for $10/month. I wasn't ready to give up TV altogether, but this way saves us about $50/month. One thing we did recently was get rid of our cable. We downgraded from basic cable to the basic basic service which is essentially “bunny ears” through the cable company. We get the major networks, PBS and a couple other random stations for $10/month. I wasn’t ready to give up TV altogether, but this way saves us about $50/month.

]]> By: Leisahttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281448 Leisa Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:09:11 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281448 First, I want to tell you how much I LOVE your blog! I learn so much from it and it is a tremendous encouragement to me. I checked out the Frugal Gifts link (which worked fine for me) and have my Christmas gift list over half completed (with what will be lovely but very inexpensive gifts), which is nothing short of a miracle for me. Usually I am frantically searching the mall on December 23 for ANYTHING I can find...not this year though! Thanks again for all the great ideas! First, I want to tell you how much I LOVE your blog! I learn so much from it and it is a tremendous encouragement to me. I checked out the Frugal Gifts link (which worked fine for me) and have my Christmas gift list over half completed (with what will be lovely but very inexpensive gifts), which is nothing short of a miracle for me. Usually I am frantically searching the mall on December 23 for ANYTHING I can find…not this year though! Thanks again for all the great ideas!

]]> By: Seesawstarhttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281447 Seesawstar Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:43:11 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281447 My suggestion is not to sign up for Internet, cable, or home phone service. Our TV was broken in our recent move and we're waiting for the moving company to compensate us, so I wasn't going to sign up for cable and pay for it while not having a TV to watch the cable on. So far, we're spending more quality family time and reading more. We already decided not to get home phone service, because we only use our cell phones - for an additional $20 towards our plan, we get more minutes than we can ever use, whereas any home phone service is over $20 in this area. As for internet service - we're piggy-backing off someone in the neighborhood without a secured connection. Just by not getting these three "essential" things, we save nearly $100 a month.We're only going to be here for 4 more months, so our family challenge is not to get phone/Internet/cable while here. Besides, it's not worth the hassle to set it up only to cancel in 2 months. My suggestion is not to sign up for Internet, cable, or home phone service. Our TV was broken in our recent move and we’re waiting for the moving company to compensate us, so I wasn’t going to sign up for cable and pay for it while not having a TV to watch the cable on. So far, we’re spending more quality family time and reading more. We already decided not to get home phone service, because we only use our cell phones – for an additional $20 towards our plan, we get more minutes than we can ever use, whereas any home phone service is over $20 in this area. As for internet service – we’re piggy-backing off someone in the neighborhood without a secured connection. Just by not getting these three “essential” things, we save nearly $100 a month.

We’re only going to be here for 4 more months, so our family challenge is not to get phone/Internet/cable while here. Besides, it’s not worth the hassle to set it up only to cancel in 2 months.

]]> By: Rachelle/mamabearhttp://moneysavingmom.com/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281446 Rachelle/mamabear Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:39:19 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2008/08/simple-tips-for.html#comment-281446 Crystal-I was not sure where to post this. I just wanted to tell you and your readers I have a nice FREE Give Away on my blog. It starts today and runs till 8/14/08.I thought someone may enjoy a free gift basket! Good Luck Crystal-

I was not sure where to post this. I just wanted to tell you and your readers I have a nice FREE Give Away on my blog. It starts today and runs till 8/14/08.I thought someone may enjoy a free gift basket! Good Luck

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