A Strict Budget

Selecting seeds for a Victory Garden, 1943. (LOC)

Many are facing financial challenges. Despite careful saving and spending, the expenses seem to increase each year.  They are grateful to have their bills paid and some groceries in the kitchen. Yet, many worry when there isn't any cash left over to get through the month.  

This is when we need to get creative. We need to know how to get by and to manage the kitchen and the home when there is little money available. We need to be cheered along and encouraged.

We are in this same situation as so many others are right now.  I have heard people mention the idea of a "no spend" month.  This sounds like a good discipline to avoid spending money unless absolutely necessary. 

Here are some ideas that may help:

Spare Change

 The older housewives used to put coins in a money jar and hide it away for a rainy day.  They would keep adding to this so that when a need arose, they could face the trial and have some cash to meet the expense. I believe most of us have some change put aside in case we need to put a little gas in the car, or buy milk, or bread.  It is comforting to know there are coins saved away to help get through the month.

Count the Days

When you are trying to get through the month, waiting for things to improve, it is a good idea to count how many days are left for the month. Currently, we have 25 days until the end of February. Sometimes, when we think about it in this way, it is less overwhelming to realize we only have to get through a certain amount of time before things get better.

Cut Back on Electricity

In my effort to save money I am reminded of how important it is to avoid the waste of electricity.   In the winter months the days are shorter. I need to get all my work and reading finished during daylight hours. It would be good to go to bed early. This will save the use of electricity, such as the use of television and lights.  In the old days, homes were lit by candles, lanterns, or gas lamps.  It made sense to get to bed early. 

Plan to Garden

Many of the seed companies have free catalogs available to send out to potential customers.  We can get our minds off today's troubles when we look through these catalogs and imagine starting a small garden as soon as spring arrives.  Do you remember Victory Gardens?  In the 1940's, families were encouraged to start gardens to help provide their households with food.  There is a lot of labor involved but the cost of seed is minimal. If you can do this, even on a small scale, you will spend less at the grocery store.

Stop Thinking About Money

Do you think about money every day?  Is buying something often on your mind?  Since we are bombarded with advertising, it is no surprise if you do.  It is better to keep busy with projects and activities around the house.  The older housewives spent more time cooking and cleaning than we do today because they did not have all of our modern conveniences.  They would also spend their time sewing clothes, mending quilts, and darning socks. They would bake bread and simmer stew on the stove while they were occupied with other household tasks. They were too busy to always think about money. 

Stop Worrying

I was tempted to worry today.  I paid most of our bills, including the cost of filling our kerosene tank for our heat.  After looking over what was left for the month, I was surprised to realize there isn't much left.  I had to remember that today, all is well. I am grateful for the privilege of prayer. I have a Heavenly Father who will take care of us. I must not worry. I must have faith and trust. This gives me a sense of peace and rest.

It takes a great deal of effort to live on a strict budget. It is an incredible accomplishment to manage on a small income.  The benefits of frugality, thrift, and prudence help bring about a better quality of life. 

Simple days of wanting less, while joyfully serving the Lord, is a wonderful way to live.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Peaceful living From the Old Days - Sunday Driver. 

Overcoming Worries and Troubles - Reviving the Prayer Journal.

Taking Care of the Family - A Comforting Sick Room.

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