I have learned. THINGS do not make you happy. LESS is MORE!

[maf8009]

My family is having "tough" times.. But this is the best Thanksgiving ever. My husband just got a job after 1 1/2 year no real work!

We have our health, Our grown kids and grandchildren are all fine, We have learned to cut back big time..... We are in Ch 13 bankruptcy

IF YOU DO NOT LEARN THIS NOW... YOU WILL LATER... L-E-S-S IS REALLY M-O-RE

If you can't get a raise... cut your spending its the same thing!

We had serious financial losses with the sale of our home in a bad economy and loss of husbands job for a long time

1) I have turned in my sports mini van (did not need it I work at home saved $550 per month!)

2) do not eat out (rarely if ever) and buy in bulk- cook in large batches - start a garden

3) started a "side business" of selling pullets chickens for $ cash and barter

4) joined barter groups for trading and getting free stuff

5) if duck tape and w d 40 cant fix it... its broken look in recycle shops or resell shops, make a substitution or leart to do without it

6) TURN OFF TV.... it makes you stupid... besides you are paying $100 for cable just to watch something that you can see for free in the internet. Most TV shows and news are free on the internet!

So I feel really really blessed to not shop with my credit cards in the malls for expensive things that I do not really need, GLAD to not have the "credit card" think over me anymore. I just occured to me... just because something is really appealing, pretty. smells good, gives a few minutes of enjoyment DOES NOT MEAN YOU REALLY NEED TO B-U-Y IT. I must have been stupid for a long time (until I turned the TV off) and realized **** news flash!**** there is a real life waiting for everyone outside of materialism!

Try it yourself! but I best most of you already have. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and wish you all well

 

[hikerchick]

You know it's weird. I rarely think about getting "stuff", but if I have to go to the mall for some reason (which I avoid like the plague) suddenly all this bright shiny merchandise looks so appealing. I start to think, oh I really want that! But the mood passes and when I get out of there, I realize I never wanted the thing in the first place. It's just the feeling of being a kid in a candy store.

So, I try to stay away from the candy store.

 

[FarmerChick]

I am adopting a simpler lifestyle also. Back to basics and not going into debt is my key goal for my older years.

(and those older years are coming faster at me now)




I love #5
if duct tape and wd40 can't fix it...HAHA




Some things I do not want to do without. I love tv. Certain shows only.
Bigger vehicles I need cause I farm...can't do without those either.

BUT I have given up alot to make my simpler life happen.

For me, no cell phone. Don't need it and never wanted one.
Tony has one for emergencies on the farm...and it has proven many times over its importance.


I think also best thing I did was be a better shopper. What do I truly "need" vs. a "want"----most of my spending was wants for the heck of it.....I do not do that anymore. Very rare I buy anything for a want.

More money stays in my wallet than thrown around needlessly out in the big world now.


Some stuff I buy does make me happy and I have no trouble spending money on those things....they are just very more selective now.
Yes, less is more. I agree!!

 

[hwillm1977]

I agree with most of your money saving tips, and I definitely agree with your less is more philosophy...

I can't cancel the satellite though, high speed internet isn't available where I am so I'm stuck on dial-up... it would take me ten years to watch a show on the computer, and I do love some tv shows. That is a luxury though.

Another good way to save money is learning to sew, you'll save a fortune on clothes... I work in an office, and instead of spending $150 on suit jackets and skirts for the office, I buy material on the bargain racks for $1.00/yard and sew myself a suit for around $10 worth of material and 4 hours of my time. I sew our curtains, some bedding,

I figure as long as I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and a happy family to come home to (right now that's just my husband, two dogs and a cat) then I'm doing pretty good, everything else is just a great bonus.

 

[Wildsky]

Another good way to save money is learning to sew, you'll save a fortune on clothes... I work in an office, and instead of spending $150 on suit jackets and skirts for the office, I buy material on the bargain racks for $1.00/yard and sew myself a suit for around $10 worth of material and 4 hours of my time. I sew our curtains, some bedding,
.

I always thought sewing my kids clothing I was saving money, NOPE - I can buy stuff cheaper at Walmart, I have it right away, don't spend hours sewing. You can't beat a $4 t-shirt or sweatpants etc.
I can't make Jeans, and they're $10 at walmart, I actually got myself a pair a few weeks ago for $9.

Sometimes, sewing just isn't cheaper. I don't wear fancy suits or anything like that, I'm a jeans and t-shirt gal, and really Walmart prices are just too good on those things.

 

[hikerchick]

Another good way to save money is learning to sew, you'll save a fortune on clothes... I work in an office, and instead of spending $150 on suit jackets and skirts for the office, I buy material on the bargain racks for $1.00/yard and sew myself a suit for around $10 worth of material and 4 hours of my time. I sew our curtains, some bedding,
.

I always thought sewing my kids clothing I was saving money, NOPE - I can buy stuff cheaper at Walmart, I have it right away, don't spend hours sewing. You can't beat a $4 t-shirt or sweatpants etc.
I can't make Jeans, and they're $10 at walmart, I actually got myself a pair a few weeks ago for $9.

Sometimes, sewing just isn't cheaper. I don't wear fancy suits or anything like that, I'm a jeans and t-shirt gal, and really Walmart prices are just too good on those things.

It really depends on how you dress. I don't even own a pair of jeans. My job is business casual. I typically go from work to my errands to home; at home I wear sweats or shorts. So I don't need a lot of casual clothes. I find jeans horribly uncomfortable anyway so I wear pull on pants if I have to run errands other times. But you are right; if you wear jeans and t shirts, sewing is not helpful. If you wear skirts, it can be a goldmine.

 

[Big Daddy]

If you wear skirts, it can be a goldmine.

I guess I should learn how to sew.

 

[Farmfresh]

Oh yeah! A man in a kilt!!

 

[big brown horse]

I always say less is more. Three little words that mean SO much!!!

 

[dragonlaurel]

Oh yeah! A man in a kilt!!

I agree about kilts. I told my DH to wear his kilt for our wedding. He is not the tux type and I don't care about them. He was really relieved.