Saving $$

We try to save money so that we have money for what really matters. I have no magic formula or plan. I guess basically it comes down to spending less then I make and knowing the difference between a want and a need. I find contentment in living simply, less is more, being thankful and making the most of the blessings we have. It is almost a game to save money.

Here are some of the ways we stretch our dollars.

• Credit cards are to be paid off when the bill arrives. I only use one.
• Never pay full price.
• Plan a head so you can pick up what you need at a steal.
• Coupons? I used to be a bigger coupon user. I often would over buy not a bargain but waste. Use wisely. If you use coupons, a great method is to organize them in a binder with baseball trading card protective sleeves.
I do stock up on groceries we use when they are on sale.
• Buy close to date items that are clearance and freeze.
• Try store brands.
• I always ask myself? Is this a want or need? Do I have a place for it? Will it be in the donation bag next year? Just because I like it doesn't mean I need to buy it.
• We limit dining out. Good on our wallet and health.
• Sack our lunches.
• Don't be afraid to buy second hand. Savers and Craigs list are full of bargains of all kinds.
• We try to use and reuse items.
• Pay attention to bills to avoid unnecessary late fees and poor credit.
• We have recently started to make our own laundry detergent. Thank you to a wonderful blog: Raising Olives. She has posted not only a simple recipe but pictures too. I've added the recipe under our recipes here at Jellybeans.
• We have a lot of Arizona sun and it can often dry the laundry quicker then the dryer. Hang out the laundry, there is something soothing and relaxing about it.
• Garbage soup? We have a bag where all those last few green beens, carrots etc go in the freezer then we use that for a nice vegetable soup.
• Get out the old board games. Not only are they fun, they teach children valuable social skills.
• Turn down the heat, bundle up or keep the air on a resonable temp. We also turned down the water heater temp. Its safer and cost effective.

We choose not to have cable tv, we have an antenna.

Avoid having a car payment, I'm not sure I'll ever want to buy new again.

We use the library for dvd rentals, books and magazines we enjoy.

Stay up to date on whats going on in your community, many events are low cost or free. We go to the museums on the free days.

I adore having my toe nails painted and a salon look! I just couldn't pay all that money for painted nails. Instead, I invested in some colors and watched a few Utube videos on nail art. The girls and I now have salon quality toes for pennies and a fantastic bonding experience too.

Why do this? It allows me to have time with my kids by working a school schedule. We have money for what we truly value. Reduced worry and stress and in return, we are truly happier.

Resources we've grown from:
The Bible
Susie Orman variety of books
David Ramsey- Financial Peace University, offered through many churches.
The Millionaire Next Door ( book)

These messages from the bible, help keep me on track:

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies.  Psalm 49.16

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7

A generous man will himself be blessed for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9