So easy to say. Believe me, I know how hard it is to do. Uncertainty weaves it's way through our brains, like a like a worm, eating holes in our great plan. When the time comes to actually do the work, we have plenty of excuses, those also have holes in them.
Money
Weight
House cleaning
Job
Love
Past
The list goes on and on.
What is it that you can't put down. Perhaps it's a combination of some or all.
Some things are easy to put down. Some you can drop with a dramatic thud, making a huge mess. Some, the heaviest, need to be set down slowly, perhaps with help.
Evaluation of what is holding you back is so important. This week I had the thought that I would like to lose the 40 pounds I've gained in the last few years. I had lost 90 pounds and really felt terrific. But as the week went on it became a burden. I'm clearing out my house and paying off my bills and building up my writing and working and...I don't need another project. So I'm being more careful about what I eat and working more walks, free entertainment, in my schedule. If I lose some, terrific. What I let go was this idea that I had to be able to do it all at the same time.
Don't bite off more than you can chew. Ha! I'm punny.
For now, I'm dancing in the living room, which is made possible by the great clean out.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Choices Must Be Made to Eat Cheap
Everyone wants to know how to save on groceries. It is an expense that really bothers people. While I am not thrilled at the price of ground beef, I am glad that we have regulatory practices that keep our food safe. And, as the mom of truckers, I'm glad everyone who gets me my food gets a fair wage to do that. I really am glad I don't have to hunt, kill, carry home, clean, and store and cook.
What really gets me is the people who beg me to teach them how I fed a family of five on less than $300 a month, including non food items, but don't want to give up expensive choices. When I say things like, "Buy the off brand" or "You don't really have to buy $4 packages of cookies and expensive mini juice boxes", the battle cry starts. "Oh I can't stand XYZ jelly. I have to have ABC." "My kids love their fake fruity sugar water, I can't say no." Or, my personal favorite, "There has to be a way that I can have what I want and not clip coupons."
Welcome to America, Land of have your cake and eat it too.
How did I, and do I, keep my food budget tight? I checked unit pricing. I bought off brand.I tried to find a way to make my own. I planned carefully and I clipped coupons. I used left overs. I followed portion suggestions.
Unit pricing. I was shocked when I discovered that two small cans of tuna cost less than on large can. Ounce for ounce. Check the unit price.
Quality. Ask yourself how important it really is that this item be the end all. I knew a woman who bought the cheap jelly and poured it into the name brand jar so her husband would eat it. In the four years I knew them he never knew. Really, will your entire day really be ruined if your jelly isn't perfect? Expensive steak is better than cheap steak, but cheap steak can be really good, if it's prepared well.
Home made. Being a fair cook is important. There are lots of web sites to help a frugal cook. It goes back to unit pricing. An already prepared chicken costs the same as a raw chicken, not exactly. The cooked chickens tend to be two pounds, where as the raw is four. Put that chicken is a roaster with some salt, pepper and garlic powder. Easy. The prepared meatloaf cost comparison is the same, however, preparing a meatloaf requires more time. The way to save there is to make two and freeze one for days when you're running late.
Menu planning. I did this loosely. I wrote a list of meals for the time between paydays. I counted the use of leftovers. And shopped for the list. Then I would pick one to make each night. So there was planning with flexibility.
Coupons. There was a time when I was a super couponer. I had a register tape that had as many coupons as items. It is a job. If you have the time, which can include clipping while watching t.v., it can be very beneficial.
Leftovers. If you have to throw away more than two items a week because they went bad in the fridge, you're doing it wrong. If you always have two pork chops left over and you throw them out because they got stale. Cook fewer pork chops. If you have a bunch of vegies, make stew or hash.
Portion. We eat portions that are way too big. Granted, there are some people who need more. For the most part, we could all use to stick to the recommended portion size. Fill up on vegetables with proteins in a salad. Garbonzo beans or nuts are good choices. It may take a little while to get used to, but your body will figure out that you are not starving.
Snacks. Be creative. Quesadillas made with inexpensive tortillas and cheap cheese are a nice treat. Graham crackers with peanut butter. Pretzels. Stay away from anything in individual packaging, unless it's a big sale.
Juice boxes. I get it. I really do. But thermos' don't shatter anymore and it only takes a minute to fill. And learning to enjoy flavored water is so good. A slice of lemon or orange will make it very flavorful by lunch time. Better for teeth, better for the environment, better for the budget.
Nothing really new there. You have to ready to commit to the challenge. Interestingly, it is becoming more affordable to buy fresh from local farms. So don't discount that. And be thinking of ways to barter with that gardening neighbor.
Please, please do not cry about the price of groceries if you're (1) not willing to give something up and (2) if you have a $6 coffee in your hand. I have nothing against $6 coffees, but you need to look at the bigger picture first. If you can't give things up, you must give up more time to work to afford things.
Eat, drink and be debt free!
What really gets me is the people who beg me to teach them how I fed a family of five on less than $300 a month, including non food items, but don't want to give up expensive choices. When I say things like, "Buy the off brand" or "You don't really have to buy $4 packages of cookies and expensive mini juice boxes", the battle cry starts. "Oh I can't stand XYZ jelly. I have to have ABC." "My kids love their fake fruity sugar water, I can't say no." Or, my personal favorite, "There has to be a way that I can have what I want and not clip coupons."
Welcome to America, Land of have your cake and eat it too.
How did I, and do I, keep my food budget tight? I checked unit pricing. I bought off brand.I tried to find a way to make my own. I planned carefully and I clipped coupons. I used left overs. I followed portion suggestions.
Unit pricing. I was shocked when I discovered that two small cans of tuna cost less than on large can. Ounce for ounce. Check the unit price.
Quality. Ask yourself how important it really is that this item be the end all. I knew a woman who bought the cheap jelly and poured it into the name brand jar so her husband would eat it. In the four years I knew them he never knew. Really, will your entire day really be ruined if your jelly isn't perfect? Expensive steak is better than cheap steak, but cheap steak can be really good, if it's prepared well.
Home made. Being a fair cook is important. There are lots of web sites to help a frugal cook. It goes back to unit pricing. An already prepared chicken costs the same as a raw chicken, not exactly. The cooked chickens tend to be two pounds, where as the raw is four. Put that chicken is a roaster with some salt, pepper and garlic powder. Easy. The prepared meatloaf cost comparison is the same, however, preparing a meatloaf requires more time. The way to save there is to make two and freeze one for days when you're running late.
Menu planning. I did this loosely. I wrote a list of meals for the time between paydays. I counted the use of leftovers. And shopped for the list. Then I would pick one to make each night. So there was planning with flexibility.
Coupons. There was a time when I was a super couponer. I had a register tape that had as many coupons as items. It is a job. If you have the time, which can include clipping while watching t.v., it can be very beneficial.
Leftovers. If you have to throw away more than two items a week because they went bad in the fridge, you're doing it wrong. If you always have two pork chops left over and you throw them out because they got stale. Cook fewer pork chops. If you have a bunch of vegies, make stew or hash.
Portion. We eat portions that are way too big. Granted, there are some people who need more. For the most part, we could all use to stick to the recommended portion size. Fill up on vegetables with proteins in a salad. Garbonzo beans or nuts are good choices. It may take a little while to get used to, but your body will figure out that you are not starving.
Snacks. Be creative. Quesadillas made with inexpensive tortillas and cheap cheese are a nice treat. Graham crackers with peanut butter. Pretzels. Stay away from anything in individual packaging, unless it's a big sale.
Juice boxes. I get it. I really do. But thermos' don't shatter anymore and it only takes a minute to fill. And learning to enjoy flavored water is so good. A slice of lemon or orange will make it very flavorful by lunch time. Better for teeth, better for the environment, better for the budget.
Nothing really new there. You have to ready to commit to the challenge. Interestingly, it is becoming more affordable to buy fresh from local farms. So don't discount that. And be thinking of ways to barter with that gardening neighbor.
Please, please do not cry about the price of groceries if you're (1) not willing to give something up and (2) if you have a $6 coffee in your hand. I have nothing against $6 coffees, but you need to look at the bigger picture first. If you can't give things up, you must give up more time to work to afford things.
Eat, drink and be debt free!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Evaluating Self Worth
This isn't about self esteem. It's about the true worth for the work that is done.
When I sell on the online yard sale type forums, I do not make very much per hour. But I make enough to keep my head above water and it gets stuff out of my house. If I didn't need the money, I'd take it all to the thrift store. The tax deduction, likely, would be a better investment of time.
When I sell my hand crafted items, I'm fortunate if I make $5 an hour. Think about that the next time you are looking to buy something hand crafted.
So why do it? Because something's better than nothing. Because I truly enjoy the process. Because it is working well enough.
I have no intentions of this being my life forever, even if it often feels as though it is. For now, it is providing what I need.
And now I'm looking at it all from another angle. How much is my time worth to clean up and around all the stuff? How much time is spent fussing about stuff? Buying stuff. Cleaning stuff. Storing stuff. Disposing of stuff. It costs time as well as money.
My mantra has become: If it doesn't add light or life, it's not needed.
If it doesn't make me light, happy or it doesn't sustain existence, it's not worth keeping around.
So, more cleaning out tomorrow. Here's to hoping for lots of sales.
3 more days until the big payments. Sucking it in to tighten the belt. Breathing is over rated.
When I sell on the online yard sale type forums, I do not make very much per hour. But I make enough to keep my head above water and it gets stuff out of my house. If I didn't need the money, I'd take it all to the thrift store. The tax deduction, likely, would be a better investment of time.
When I sell my hand crafted items, I'm fortunate if I make $5 an hour. Think about that the next time you are looking to buy something hand crafted.
So why do it? Because something's better than nothing. Because I truly enjoy the process. Because it is working well enough.
I have no intentions of this being my life forever, even if it often feels as though it is. For now, it is providing what I need.
And now I'm looking at it all from another angle. How much is my time worth to clean up and around all the stuff? How much time is spent fussing about stuff? Buying stuff. Cleaning stuff. Storing stuff. Disposing of stuff. It costs time as well as money.
My mantra has become: If it doesn't add light or life, it's not needed.
If it doesn't make me light, happy or it doesn't sustain existence, it's not worth keeping around.
So, more cleaning out tomorrow. Here's to hoping for lots of sales.
3 more days until the big payments. Sucking it in to tighten the belt. Breathing is over rated.
Monday, January 27, 2014
I Quit, I've had enough
Okay, not really. But some days just feel like that's the answer.
Just when you think you're doing well, something comes along and makes you want to throw in the towel. It may be an outside influence. Or, more likely, it's an internal instinct. The one that says, "This is bad, but it's what we know; so let's stick to it."
Change, even positive change, is frightening.
I have been thinking about the places where I have had to put aside my old way of living for a better life. In the last few years, there have been several stepping stones along the way. Few have been easy. Mostly they have been too small for my foot and slippery. I've slipped. Friends have helped me find my balance. I've fallen and pulled myself back up. I keep going.
But tonight, the pity party is forming. I want a day, heck a couple of hours, to curl up with a book and a cup of tea, without feeling guilty for not working on selling stuff. I want to go buy a cup of coffee, without calculating what I have to do to make it up. I want...
I want what I'm working for.
fine. You're right, universe, I'll keep working.
So what am I afraid of that is causing me to feel discouraged? I realize I'm afraid of losing my identity. No, really. Broke, scraping by, making do has been who I am for years. I don't know who I'll be when I'm done.
I am starting to think about what "me" will look like when money doesn't dominate every waking thought. I'm excited to meet that person.
Having clear goals has helped my through this rough patch of thinking it would be easier, and more fun, to just go back to living as I was.
I want to buy a cup of coffee, without figuring out if I just took money out of the electric bill for coffee.
Perspective.
Tomorrow I am going to schedule time to do something I enjoy. Read a book, watch a movie, take a walk. Something to keep my mind fresh and ready for a new way doing things.
Just when you think you're doing well, something comes along and makes you want to throw in the towel. It may be an outside influence. Or, more likely, it's an internal instinct. The one that says, "This is bad, but it's what we know; so let's stick to it."
Change, even positive change, is frightening.
I have been thinking about the places where I have had to put aside my old way of living for a better life. In the last few years, there have been several stepping stones along the way. Few have been easy. Mostly they have been too small for my foot and slippery. I've slipped. Friends have helped me find my balance. I've fallen and pulled myself back up. I keep going.
But tonight, the pity party is forming. I want a day, heck a couple of hours, to curl up with a book and a cup of tea, without feeling guilty for not working on selling stuff. I want to go buy a cup of coffee, without calculating what I have to do to make it up. I want...
I want what I'm working for.
fine. You're right, universe, I'll keep working.
So what am I afraid of that is causing me to feel discouraged? I realize I'm afraid of losing my identity. No, really. Broke, scraping by, making do has been who I am for years. I don't know who I'll be when I'm done.
I am starting to think about what "me" will look like when money doesn't dominate every waking thought. I'm excited to meet that person.
Having clear goals has helped my through this rough patch of thinking it would be easier, and more fun, to just go back to living as I was.
I want to buy a cup of coffee, without figuring out if I just took money out of the electric bill for coffee.
Perspective.
Tomorrow I am going to schedule time to do something I enjoy. Read a book, watch a movie, take a walk. Something to keep my mind fresh and ready for a new way doing things.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Trash Talking
No, I mean trash, real trash, garbage.
I took a trip to the dump today. I guess they aren't called dumps any more, but that doesn't change what it is.
By taking my own trash to the dump, I saved about $50. With my new resolve to compost, recycle, and reduce what I bring in to begin with, I hope to not need to go back to the dump.
By buying a whole chicken and cutting it up myself, I have just the bag to discard. No more plastic tray.
Taking my own bags to the grocery to put produce in. Shopping the perimeter saves money and resources again.
Being aware of take out places that have compostable containers is worth the effort.
I am really encouraged by the resourceful uses of common items I'm seeing again. Pinterest has glorified imagination so it's trendy again. That's wonderful.
I am collecting tin cans to make lanterns. Pounding holes in the cans for the light and using old, wire coat hangers for handles. Pictures to come.
Tiny pallets, they're about 1/4 of a regular pallet, are becoming table tops. Or, perhaps, a plant stand. Imagination isn't a skill that has been exercised in a while, it's coming back to me fairly quickly.
And I finished a cowl to post for sale with a pair of fingerless gloves. Crochet really is something to fall back on.
The most important resource, people. By spending time with friends my needs are met.
Vivid imagination and active reduction all lead to better uses of all my resources.
I took a trip to the dump today. I guess they aren't called dumps any more, but that doesn't change what it is.
By taking my own trash to the dump, I saved about $50. With my new resolve to compost, recycle, and reduce what I bring in to begin with, I hope to not need to go back to the dump.
By buying a whole chicken and cutting it up myself, I have just the bag to discard. No more plastic tray.
Taking my own bags to the grocery to put produce in. Shopping the perimeter saves money and resources again.
Being aware of take out places that have compostable containers is worth the effort.
I am really encouraged by the resourceful uses of common items I'm seeing again. Pinterest has glorified imagination so it's trendy again. That's wonderful.
I am collecting tin cans to make lanterns. Pounding holes in the cans for the light and using old, wire coat hangers for handles. Pictures to come.
Tiny pallets, they're about 1/4 of a regular pallet, are becoming table tops. Or, perhaps, a plant stand. Imagination isn't a skill that has been exercised in a while, it's coming back to me fairly quickly.
And I finished a cowl to post for sale with a pair of fingerless gloves. Crochet really is something to fall back on.
The most important resource, people. By spending time with friends my needs are met.
Vivid imagination and active reduction all lead to better uses of all my resources.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Appreciation
A few months ago I went to an event that didn't, socially, dictate tipping. I appreciated that the young man working that night was doing so for salary alone and ended up staying late for us. So I slipped him a few bucks. It really wasn't much, later I wished I had given him more. That young man remembers me every time I go into that establishment, and falls over himself to make me feel welcome. Not because he made so much money, but because he was appreciated.
2, 4, 6,8 Who do you appreciate?
Do you tell them? Do you show them?
I'm not always good at it, but I try to practice a spirit of appreciation for the people who make the world a better place, in a big or little way. It catches on and comes around.
It takes thought, but the world is such a better place if you see the effort people make for you as a gift, even if it is their job. It lifts them up and makes them want to do better.
Like a child wanting to please a parent. I guess we're all still children at heart, some times.
As I have run the numbers for the January/February budget, I've become appalled at my ability to waste money. Is so easy to not see it when we think of it in $10 or $20 increments. When it's added up, it's amazing. This has been a great reminder, already, of be conscience of my gifts and where I give them.
I appreciate you, each one that takes time to read this blog. Those who "like and share" it. When it is retweeted or google plussed. I am humbled that you would find my words worthy. Thank you
Yes, I still want a tablet. Yes, I still want a new couch. Yes, I still want to go to plays in the city. But I am thankful for what I do have.
When we can appreciate, be grateful, for what we have, it is so much easier to forget what we don't have.
2, 4, 6,8 Who do you appreciate?
Do you tell them? Do you show them?
I'm not always good at it, but I try to practice a spirit of appreciation for the people who make the world a better place, in a big or little way. It catches on and comes around.
It takes thought, but the world is such a better place if you see the effort people make for you as a gift, even if it is their job. It lifts them up and makes them want to do better.
Like a child wanting to please a parent. I guess we're all still children at heart, some times.
As I have run the numbers for the January/February budget, I've become appalled at my ability to waste money. Is so easy to not see it when we think of it in $10 or $20 increments. When it's added up, it's amazing. This has been a great reminder, already, of be conscience of my gifts and where I give them.
I appreciate you, each one that takes time to read this blog. Those who "like and share" it. When it is retweeted or google plussed. I am humbled that you would find my words worthy. Thank you
Yes, I still want a tablet. Yes, I still want a new couch. Yes, I still want to go to plays in the city. But I am thankful for what I do have.
When we can appreciate, be grateful, for what we have, it is so much easier to forget what we don't have.
Time
Since I have been spending less time filling time, I take time.
I take time to care for things. Things I've been, ostensibly, too busy to do. Today I cleaned my HE washing machine. Which is supposed to be done every month. It's not like I have to climb in and remove parts to do this chore. Realizing that I have neglected this I decided it was time to do something else I've been avoiding, making a household schedule. So, on the 24th of February, my washer will be cleaned again.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
"It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?"Henry David Thoreau
In holding a discussion with some friends tonight, I realized I hadn't been to the eye doctor in over 2 years. I have insurance. Too busy, not enough time.
"Time is what we want the most, but what we use the worst." William Penn
I am taking the time to finish projects that have been hanging around. And to organize new projects so as to include a time frame.
"Make use of time, let not advantage slip.'" William Shakespeare
I am writing more than I ever have. Knowing that the kitchen is clean clears my mind to focus on the words that need to be written. My writing is filling a void that has been longing to be filled for my whole life. Lack of time management relegated my poetry to personal journals. Not wasted, but not valued.
"Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it." M. Scott Peck
If you, like me, have said, "I wish I could, but I don't have the time." look at your life. What will it take for you to have the time? Are you willing to make the sacrifice?
If time is money. How will I spend it? How will you?
Time passes by
like the plate on Sunday morning
If you are not prepared
the tempo is stalled
All around you stare, wondering,
"Didn't they pay attention?
Why are they not ready?"
The musician makes the song a little longer
You drop in your offering
Perhaps a little more than you intended
Because it's quicker
Then you wonder how you will pay
for gas to get you home and hope
that you can't out give God.
You hope, in your unpreparedness,
there is a way to make it up.
You hope there will be enough
Time
I take time to care for things. Things I've been, ostensibly, too busy to do. Today I cleaned my HE washing machine. Which is supposed to be done every month. It's not like I have to climb in and remove parts to do this chore. Realizing that I have neglected this I decided it was time to do something else I've been avoiding, making a household schedule. So, on the 24th of February, my washer will be cleaned again.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
"It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?"Henry David Thoreau
In holding a discussion with some friends tonight, I realized I hadn't been to the eye doctor in over 2 years. I have insurance. Too busy, not enough time.
"Time is what we want the most, but what we use the worst." William Penn
I am taking the time to finish projects that have been hanging around. And to organize new projects so as to include a time frame.
"Make use of time, let not advantage slip.'" William Shakespeare
I am writing more than I ever have. Knowing that the kitchen is clean clears my mind to focus on the words that need to be written. My writing is filling a void that has been longing to be filled for my whole life. Lack of time management relegated my poetry to personal journals. Not wasted, but not valued.
"Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it." M. Scott Peck
If you, like me, have said, "I wish I could, but I don't have the time." look at your life. What will it take for you to have the time? Are you willing to make the sacrifice?
If time is money. How will I spend it? How will you?
Time passes by
like the plate on Sunday morning
If you are not prepared
the tempo is stalled
All around you stare, wondering,
"Didn't they pay attention?
Why are they not ready?"
The musician makes the song a little longer
You drop in your offering
Perhaps a little more than you intended
Because it's quicker
Then you wonder how you will pay
for gas to get you home and hope
that you can't out give God.
You hope, in your unpreparedness,
there is a way to make it up.
You hope there will be enough
Time
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