Lost my job today - need your ideas to save money...

[hoosier]

Have you checked out the Sufficient Self Forum? There are a lot of ideas there.

 

[cwc362]

Rebecca,

Sorry to hear that- Just found your thread- I feel terrible for you- being out of work with bills and kids - Same situation- different circumstances here- But God will see you through and you will make it. With all those talents you have, I'm sure you will be able to find something. Have you throught about selling on Ebay or something- YOu take wonderful pictures. Also don't forget, Tony and Scott are opening that feedstore- hint, hint. Maybe not the kind of work you've done BUT- Since you have become addicted to the chicken and animal farm thing- might be right up your alley now. And btw- I'm kinda dumb -- what is IT?

 

[FrChuckW]

Rebecca, I am sorry to hear you lost your job. However, make sure that you apply for unemployment. This is funded by the employers and administered by the states.

If your barn is large enough, boarding a couple of horses will help cover feed costs and possible fencing costs to fence off areas for the horses to graze in.

Check on craigslist and freecycle for possible materials to use in fencing off the paddock areas.

There are some good suggestions already given to you. I agree that you should check out the Self Suficient forum, also you can check out Mother Earth website and the Homesteading website for some more self sufficient tips.

Get the Sunday Papers from your area and clip coupons, look for sales on items that you normally use and buy them when on sale and use the coupons. The suggestions about lowering your car insurance is a good one, and selling things that you don't need is also a good one.

Also take any loose change from purchases and put them in a jar, you'd be surprised at how fast that will add up. Also it will give you some mad money on hand. If you don't have a savings account, open one, and try and put $20.00 in it every payday. If they pay is bi-weekly then you will wind up with $520.00 at the end of a year. If weekly then you will wind up with $1040.00 at the end of the year. Also when you get enough money in the jar add it to the savings account. Even though the interest won't be that great at first if it is compounded daily they will post it to the account. Leave it in there as it will add to your balance and increase your money. Don't take the money out of the savings unless it is a last resort.

For those reading this thread and still have jobs, I suggest that you do this also. Most experts used to say have at least 3 months worth of what your expenses are in savings. Now they are saying 6 to 9 months or more. Even living paycheck to paycheck it can be done.

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

My DH was off for 5 years, the best thing to remember, do things that will keep you going, and look to the future, keep your chin up, stop the prepared meals learn how to cook, its better for you anyway, no more eating out, including coffee. I started to buy my beef and pork from a local farmer, it more expensive to start with but in the long run its less and less waste, when its warm hang you laundry outside if you can, more work but smells better and lower bills. 'the golden rule is make it simple' This is what got me through.

 

[needmorechickens!]

I want to thank everyone for such great ideas and thoughtful responses. I will check out all the other forums and sites y'all recommended.

My property is not fenced yet, and my barn is not completed yet. We only have a small paddock for the horse we have. We just moved here a year ago and have been working on getting everything going and the barn and fence were next.

God has lined everything up for his next move. I can't wait to see what it is.

~Rebecca