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| 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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10 comments:
Things are difficult financially for a lot of people. You gave excellent advice and encouragement. We have chickens who are (most thankfully) laying right now and for that we are grateful. Not to be thinking about money and spending all the time is something I struggle with, so thank you for the reminder.:)
It is indeed difficult for so many people right now. And winter heating costs only add to the financial stress. You gave lots of good advice here. I have been financially on the lower end all my life and so has my husband, so we are quite experienced about frugal living. It helps a lot that children are grown up and on their own now. We are on a fixed social security income. We recently got a notice that in April electric costs are going up 8% in our area. That means tightening up the budget a little more somewhere. We are fortunate to be able to have and tend to a large garden. I try to plant heirloom and open pollinated vegetables so that I can save the seeds for next year. This saves a lot on seed costs. I start my own plants from seed. Some things I have to buy new seeds for such as cabbage and herbs and onions. We barter for things if possible so no money is involved. And of course I never turn down free things or hand me downs. It all adds up. So far the Lord keeps blessing us greatly, so that we hardly get stressed out that our budget is tight! But utilities had better not go up too much!!
Such a practical and encouraging post, Mrs White. I'm a 'war baby' so often remember the ways my Grandma used to be frugal during the post War years. I like to cook from 'scatch', I dont buy fast foods, there was no such thing when I was a child, My clothes are the best I can afford and looked after well, so they last. You are right to advise 'Stop worrying'. Of course we all worry but it should take over our lives to the extent that we are miserable. Thank you for such a readable post.
I remember my mother talking about the victory garden their neighborhood had where all the families pitched in to grow vegetables during the war. I do wish we had a way to garden where we live, but we live on a wooded lot. Still, we definitely live within our means. Blessings, Mrs. White!
We've spent much of our life like this. We're in a down time right now, but we always hope for better times. I have let things like baking bread lapse, because we don't have children at home. But, we still eat bread. ~smile~ I need to be more mindful. I've had to take a part time job, but it doesn't always bring in much. It does help, though.
Be blessed,
Laura
Mrs. White, this is so timely. As Laura said (above), I've also taken a part time job at the local library, as my husband lost his job two weeks before Christmas. We had just bought a bigger house in the Fall and now here we are, two months later and my husband is still looking for a job. I have to remind myself daily that the Lord knows our every need and has always been our source. Thank you, as always, for such sweet and gentle reminders.
I also think we are being squeezed from insurance companies. And a cheap meal was always an egg for a breakfast or a snack! But now it's ridiculous! I do agree about the change jar, it always was nice to have it when my kids were little. Hugs, Roxy
Praying for your husband to find the perfect job for your family.
When my girlfriend and I were in Bible College in Southern California, in the early 60's we were waitress at the Chicken House at Knotts Berry Farm. We got $1.20 an hour plus our tips. we kept our tips in a jar to buy groceries. Our wages paid for college. We had to live on a budget!!! Thanks for you insights and thoughts.
When my husband was in college in South Florida we did not have air conditioning and it was so hot. We saved change and when we had enough we could go sit in McDonald's and enjoy a Coke and the cool air conditioning. It kind of sounds silly now but it was a wonderful break.
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