Making Ends Meet

Setting the table in 1937, Vermont. 

 

Many of us are struggling with rising costs. Our housekeeping expenses must be kept under control. We are always facing some increase in utilities, gas, and food.  The cost of living is a challenge but with great care and planning, and the blessing of God over our households, we can find a way to manage.

We are running out of things and learning to get by until the next payday. Many live paycheck to paycheck or month to month.  We can only spend a certain amount each month. When a grocery item is gone, we need to manage without it until the next pay cycle comes along.

In our house we have run out of coffee a few times this past summer.  This has been a hardship for my husband. We talked about how much the price of coffee has skyrocketed. My husband said he would start rationing his coffee, making it last much longer than normal. In other words, he will have less.  We also started rationing butter and other goods. The portions are smaller. This should help us get through the rough times.

However, there is nothing pleasant about going without things, especially things for which we feel are necessary.  This is a temporary hardship.  We want to recover from the strain of high expenses. We need to be creative. One of the greatest and most expensive needs of a household is the cost of food. We need to put food on the table. In these days, this costs hundreds of dollars a month. 

We are saving money to pay for our annual property taxes, and the cost of kerosene to heat the house this winter.  We must not use this money for ordinary grocery costs. Money saved for such things cannot be replaced.  

When household repairs are needed, or new items need to be purchased, we have to bide our time and wait. Our toaster oven broke this year, making the toast feature unusable. To get by until we can afford to replace it, we use the "cook" feature on the dial to make toast. It is not ideal, and it is not the same, but it works for now. 

In these days it is harder to eat whatever is put before you. So many are plagued with allergies and health limitations, making food choices more limiting. We should not be buying luxury items or expensive groceries.  But if we have a basic idea of certain foods that are affordable, we can try to keep these on hand for when the money runs low. A dinner of oatmeal with fruit and toast is nutritious and easy to put together.  These days I am able to find produce from our garden and have a fresh salad each afternoon. This is such a blessing!  

Through it all, we will not dwell on hardships!  Getting creative and remaining cheerful is essential for a joyful life and for a happy home.  If we can set a pretty table and serve with grace and kindness, the meals will be more pleasant. 

We must focus on that which is positive and good and lovely. We will not dwell on hard times. Today, there is gas in our car. The lights of home are on. The birds are chirping, and the rain is gently falling. As we do our best to make ends meet each month, let us always remember to pray to the dear Lord for our daily bread. He will never let us down. We are grateful!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Peaceful living From the Old Days - Sunday Driver. 

Old Time Manners - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.  

Living on a Small Income - Standard of Living.  

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 Mrs. White's detailed explanation of keeping a financial journal and budget:

 

For old time encouragement in living simply on a limited income, order Mrs. White's book:

"An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife"

77 pages, paperback.