Last week, I made Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, a recipe I made often for Jesse’s lunches during our beans and rice law school days.
As I was making them, so many memories flooded my mind and heart.
One of them was the memory of going to the grocery store and longingly looking at other food and wishing we could buy it. But no, I knew that I had to stick to the list of basics and things that I could get free or almost free with coupons.
I remember thinking, “I wonder if there will ever come a day when I could go to the grocery store and put whatever I wanted in my cart and we could afford it?” I couldn’t imagine that day ever happening, because money was so tight then that every penny had to be carefully accounted for.
I know some of you can relate — and maybe that’s where you are right now. Can I just encourage you? I know that it’s hard to live on a beans and rice budget.
I know it’s hard to make big sacrifices. I know that it’s discouraging when you have to pass by so many things because they just aren’t in the budget.
But I’m here to tell you that those short-term sacrifices WILL pay off! Don’t give up!
Mae says
Hi Crystal, Any advice you want to give for those of us who truly don’t think this will get any better? I am not trying to be negative/pessimistic, but for some of us maybe there really is no light at the end of the tunnel?
Diane says
I don’t know if this helps, but I try to remember that even if we don’t have extra grocery money , everyone was still fed. I can be thankful for our food although I won’t be putting in anything I please into my cart.
Crystal Paine says
I believe that if you live in a first world country, there are a world of possibilities and opportunities. They are going to be different for everyone, but if you live in the US and have access to the internet, there are a thousand ways to better your situation or learn to bring in extra income.
So I’d start by changing your mindset from an, “I’m stuck and there’s no way out” to a mindset of, “What can I do with what I have where I am?”
Then, focus on what you DO have. Focus on what you can be grateful for. Focus on what you can do right where you are. A content spirit and a can-do attitude can make a world of difference!
Need Anap says
Also know that you’re not alone!!! Money Saving Mom is built on readers that are living on a rice and beans budget. 🙂 We choose for me to stay at home and homeschool 3 out of 4 of our children. My husband is in ministry. Most ministry positions don’t pay a lot and can be volatile (in the fact that you can be let go at any time and it can take a while to be hired elsewhere). We’re probably always going to have a limited budget but it’s fun to challenge myself to see how we can save. HTH 🙂
Crystal Paine says
I love this! Thank you for sharing!