Seriously, is there ever any way to get ahead?

[debilorrah]

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Generic yes, necessities yes, sale items usually, scratch mostly (We both work full time), grow/raise food not so much. Our soil here is hard as concrete, called colicci, we need a jack hammer to make a hole. Make cleaning supplies gotta look into that one. Lights off, as much as possible, but we do have a 3 year old.

I appreciate everyons comments and suggestions.

Deb cleaning supplies are easy peasy sis! And save a TON of money...that junk is overpriced. Example:Store laundry soap $8 gallon versus homemade $2 gallon! That is cutting it back 75% just on laundry soap. Glass cleaner: generic $1 bottle homemade glass cleaner 50 cents a bottle. don't use paper towels for cleaning, use handkerchiefs or old t-shirts or holey socks are still great for dusting. Do you have a clothesline? You might could use it on the weekends if you can't during the workweek. Go to Sufficient Self and check out some of the Roll-Your-Own Homemade Products threads. LOTS of great ideas there!

Ok I have high effiociency washer so I can't make my own soap and have the warranty remain in place, but I am interested in recipes for the rest!!! I use handi-wipes for cleaning - 5 wipes for $1.67 and you can wash them over and over again. No clothesline - WAY too much dust here for that

When I sweat it would be mud!

 

[redhen]

Really, Beekissed?? God gives you money??
I'mma believer now!! ...

**waiting for my check**

 

[debilorrah]

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No we cannot live without cell phones. Ken is dependent on them for work and he is TV fanatic. No credit cards here, no car payments either. We do heat with wood for the most part, but being in SoCal helps alot with that!!!

I sell eggs for lunch money, which makes me believe I need to start taking lunch and using that money toward the household. And I have faith. ALOT of it. What makes me so mad is that when Friday comes we are FINE!!!

 

[Beekissed]

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Yep...He truly does! I could spend some time telling you how God funnels money to me just when I need it most and He does it in such wonderfully delightful ways that always leaves me scratchin' my head and wondering "how???". God doesn't go back on promises, you know!

 

[annaraven]

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Deb cleaning supplies are easy peasy sis! And save a TON of money...that junk is overpriced. Example:Store laundry soap $8 gallon versus homemade $2 gallon! That is cutting it back 75% just on laundry soap. Glass cleaner: generic $1 bottle homemade glass cleaner 50 cents a bottle. don't use paper towels for cleaning, use handkerchiefs or old t-shirts or holey socks are still great for dusting. Do you have a clothesline? You might could use it on the weekends if you can't during the workweek. Go to Sufficient Self and check out some of the Roll-Your-Own Homemade Products threads. LOTS of great ideas there!

Ok I have high effiociency washer so I can't make my own soap and have the warranty remain in place, but I am interested in recipes for the rest!!! I use handi-wipes for cleaning - 5 wipes for $1.67 and you can wash them over and over again. No clothesline - WAY too much dust here for that

When I sweat it would be mud!

For most cleaning, ASW works well. Ammonia, dishSoap, and Water. Fill a spray bottle 1/10th of the way with ammonia. Add a squirt of dishSoap. Fill the rest of the way with water. Shake to mix. Instant cleaner that will take care of almost everything in the house.

And watch for sales on craigslist for used fridge, washer and dryers. Rental places are total ripoffs!

 

[BarkerChickens]

I'm with Redhen on this one. Especially in this economy!! We live cheaply/frugally and are still living paycheck to paycheck.

edited to add...and I make our own bread, soap, cleaners, garden, started quilting, etc.

 

[annaraven]

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Agreed. Lots of good info there.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

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Yep...He truly does! I could spend some time telling you how God funnels money to me just when I need it most and He does it in such wonderfully delightful ways that always leaves me scratchin' my head and wondering "how???". God doesn't go back on promises, you know!

Amen! I can attest to that also

Deb, yeah bring your lunch sis...could save you a bundle!! You CAN use homemade detergent in those new fangledy washinmajiggers...but you will forfeit the stupid warranty

Poop! I hate those machines for that reason!

Could you line dry a few things in the house? Maybe small loads IF you have the space. You can get racks to air dry laundry, but not worth much if you have huge loads and LOTS of laundry....thinkin how many other ways you could shave off a few dollar bills from that paycheck...hmmm...Sufficient Self is loaded with lots o good ideas I just can't seem to think of all of them right now

Gettin sleeeeeeepy

 

[redhen]

Deb.. if you have really high feed bills..it may be time to sell off some of the critters..
I rehomed my goats and ducks cause they were just adding too much to my feed bill...
I keep the chickens (but only like 13 hens... enough to give my family eggs.. no more. Cause i'd have to sell a LOT of eggs to make up the feed cost if i had more hens.. )
I keep my 2 blue Seb geese... cause i can sell their eggs or goslings for a few bucks if i want to. (of course, i just give the eggs away... and pay shipping too. Cause I'm retarded..

)
And the pigs.. well.. they dont count

... cause if push comes to shove.. they can eat all our food scraps..they'll eat anything, and can be eaten too.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

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Which reminds me..buy in bulk if you can. supplement with scraps. Do you have a small grinder? Sprouting reaaallly stretches the feed and it's easy, just rinse and let sit on most stuff. It improves the nutrition of the feed and they tend to eat less that way.