Guest post from Kelly of Kelly Cox At Home:
I recently left my career of 13 years… which means our home now runs solely on my husband’s income.
We always planned to live on one salary so that when children came along that I could stay home full time and we’ve worked hard and budgeted in order to make my “retirement” a possibility. (No children yet, but we are waitlisted to adopt!)
If you are considering living off one income, here are 6 frugal tips that help us…
1. Mend your own clothes.
I’m learning how to sew and mend clothes. Recently, I needed a dress hemmed and it was going to be $20 to take it somewhere. We hemmed it “in house” instead and saved money. Also, I’m having a good time learning to sew!
2. Make food from scratch.
I think food that is made from scratch tastes better. Over the last few years, I’ve continued to broaden my cooking skills and have saved money and provided better ingredients for our family.
If this seems overwhelming then just pick one thing to try like bread, pancakes or pie crust and start saving money and growing your skills one recipe at a time.
3. Make your own cleaning products.
Pinterest has been the source of many recipes for me to make my own cleaning products. I haven’t bought laundry detergent in years because I make my own. My husband and I make our own Swiffer solution refills and have learned to make other household products in order to stretch our money.
4. Set a budget
You can create a budget for free. We operate our home on a one income budget where we tell every dollar where to go. We have fewer discussions about money because we decide ahead of time how we will handle our finances, which is a timesaver, and blessing for our home.
5. Make your own repairs
My husband handles most repairs on our cars and home. However, if he is unsure how to do something, he’ll look up tutorials and YouTube videos in order to learn how to make a repair before calling anyone to do it for us.
We’ve saved a lot of money over the years by teaching ourselves to do it on our own.
6. Shop smart.
Since we live on one income, we have to be smart shoppers. I shop at Aldi, use coupons, buy what’s on sale and embrace house brand items.
The goal to live on less means you have to shop wisely and stretch your budget when possible. I’m able to purchase more of what we want by being strategic with how much I spend on particular items.
The goal to live on one income is attainable.
You may have to sacrifice a little, but the benefits will follow as you have greater financial freedom and flexibility for your household.
Kelly is a Christ follower, blessed wife, mom-to-be and a lover of all things home. She blogs at Kelly Cox At Home about her homemaking adventures, marriage, and passion for debt-free living. She hopes to encourage others with their homemaking goals while sharing tips on how to manage and enjoy all things that make up HOME!
Lawerence says
Frugal living is the best way to control unnecessary spending. Me and my
husband also used to apply frugal lifestyle.
It works!!!
Scout Semmes says
How do you make laundry detergent from scratch? The detergent recipes I’ve researched ruin washing machines. As a new SAHM, we are also trying to save money. We cloth diaper as one of our cost savers.
review guru says
Yes, learning to sew has saved us so much money! I’ve mended my husband’s jeans so many times! And for me, I will go to the thrift sore, buy work pants for $0.20-$0.99. Many have flared or wide legs and then I adjust them to be more in-style cuts! It’s not that hard once you get started!
Kelly Cox says
Great idea to go to the thrift store for inspiration and ways to create fun sewing projects. I’ve made several fun things this weekend just to practice!
Aimee Hadden says
It’s so fun to “meet” another mom on a similar path. My husband has saved us hundreds of dollars by repairing our vehicles. And while I looooooove eating out, we save SO much money by packing our lunches and cooking from scratch at home. Great post!
Kelly Cox says
We do sound like we have similar paths! Packing lunches and cooking from scratch is regular in our home. 🙂
Mrs. Balanced says
Making your own cleaning supplies is such a great tip! I haven’t purchased many store cleansers in years. It surprisingly easy to make your own with non-toxic ingredients. Better for your home and wallet.
Kelly Cox says
Absolutely. Better for both!
Rosanna says
You are making such smart decisions. I love it! I also stay home and have for over 11 years now, as we homeschool our children. We didn’t plan so well, though, but we’ve made big strides in spite of it. We are working on paying off our mortgage and that should be done somewhere around the end of next year. I can hardly wait!
Kelly Cox says
Rosanna, that is exciting about your payoff coming up. It takes work but I’m with you that it’s worth it!
Keelie says
Such great advice Kelly. Youtube has saved us sooooo much money. It’s amazing what you can learn to do on there. 😀
Kelly Cox says
Yes, YouTube can help you fix about anything!
Alex Guglielmo says
Thank you, Crystal, for featuring another Kelly Cox at Home post! She always shows her biblical wisdom and heart for the home in these!
Kelly Cox says
Thank you, Alex!! 🙂
Jessica says
I’m curious as to why you left your career already if you guys are still on the adoption waitlist?
Kelly Cox says
Good question. We will have about a day’s notice to go and pick up our child. We decided it was best to “bow out” rather than leave so abruptly. My employer was very supportive and I’m enjoying the time at home as we wait. We hit 1 year on the waitlist tomorrow.
Jessica says
That makes sense if you’ll have such short notice. Thank you for answering.