Life has a funny way of preparing you for what you need to know. My mom raised me and siblings on a limited budget, seems like life preparation although I didn't see it that way at the time..
For much of my 10 years of marriage, money was not an issue. However, after the divorce I found myself a spoiled middle class SHM with no work experience and 3 mouths to feed! Boy, did I quickly remember mom's lessons! Luckily cooking and crafts were my "hobbies" and serve me well now. I do occasionally eat out, treat for me and kids, but much less than before.
We have learned how to garden (still very new at it), make laundry/dishwasher detergents/cleaners etc. I have always been a no med girl, so we don't spend money on cold meds/rash creams/ointments. Most of my clothes and household items are from thrift stores or friends.
Cable was a luxury that I deemed unnecessary, and a new digital tv the same, so no tv for us.. (just heard about Weiner 2 days ago, don't think I missed anything worthwhile..) We do splurge on Netflix, I can afford jsut $10 a month for unlimited online movies and boys have I-phones from dad so they watch lots. Seems worth it to get about 50 movies/documentaries and once a week we have family dinner and a movie in the comfort of our own home.
So for the past 5 years of single life, I have been debt free. Although last year I bought my first home and put college education on a credit card, the first time homebuyer refund paid off the card already! So my home is my only debt, and living expenses are low.
These small steps feel so empowering, and I am proud to show my boys that money is not all its cracked up to be. Letting them see how both sides live is a fantastic opportunity for them. Their dad is still Very comfortable and spends and wastes unbelievably, so I really like being the most frugal and penny-pinching one to show them it can be done.
I had worked up to 4 part-time jobs, but realized it wasn't worth the gas/time spent getting there and back to only make an extra $100 per month, so started working for myself. Its slow building, but very rewarding and best of all, I make my own hours and can still supervise these young men when needed. And boy, do adolescent boys NEED it!!
btw the homemade laundry soap and softener keeps my laundry from being stiff and scratchy, and line dried clothes smell so wonderful. That smell just cannot compare to the chemical fragrances that are available at stores!
So over the next few years the plan is to get fully off the grid and self sufficient, the turkeys, chickens, ducks are a beginning. Goats would be great, but I have been so busy that I had to sell them to someone who had time to work with them. Now, we get raw goats milk from a local lady once a week. Learning to hunt and dress animals myself is on the agenda as well! Local butchers give me funny looks when I say I want the bones, organs and extra fat.. Come on! thats food too!
Grocery shopping for me is very rare, as I have a deep freeze full and tons of staples on hand. Not going keeps me from purchasing those darn potato chips that call my name! But boys and I have learned to cook and keep on hand items for making the exotic ethnic foods we love, but don't want to drive an hour and pay an arm and leg for!
Well enough rambling from me, I am absolutely loving this thread!
