Home Sweet Simple Home
A New Trend?
While traipsing here and hiking there thru some little burgs in the Land of Blog, I’ve seen many people taking up the banner of using less, spending less and doing with less. Some have resolved to not buy anything beyond necessities in 2008, others resolve to buy nothing new in 2008. Some are joining financial challenges (like this one- it's good!) and still others have resolved to clean up their clutter (doing with less) and make their home a true haven or sanctuary.I find it all interesting and love to rabbit trail here and there reading how others are doing it. Its rather encouraging to see others wishing to live within their means or “below” their means.
So what am I doing? Here the challenge is by necessity--- but it is a joyful challenge (most of the time). I often find it rewarding to get a good deal or to be able to keep to my grocery list- not buying anything not on that list.
Sure, there are times I wish I could go grocery shopping without my calculator and be able to purchase whatever I wanted without concern of having enough money to cover it . . . . but I have learned that doing that is not good stewardship. I want to be like the servant who was given 5 talents (one talent is equivalent to a thousand dollars today) and went out and doubled that.
It’s not my money I’m handling—it’s God’s money and I want to be able to stretch every dollar and pinch every penny—getting the most for His money. I cannot afford to be frivolous with His money. Every penny that comes into our home has a spot in our budget.
I don’t purpose to buy used but I’d say a good 80%+ of our clothing is purchased used. I don’t actually purpose to buy things only on sale but that is what I often find myself doing- ex.-- clothing (bought new), I find myself only buying when on sale. Food that I buy at the major chains (not Aldi’s)- only sale purchases.
To keep from adding more clutter to my home I live by the one in, one out principle—if I bring 1 shirt in for a child, one of that child’s shirts must go in the give away or toss box— If I bring in a new home decore item- something else has to go!
So what am I doing in 2008? Well, let me point you to this—where I wrote on choosing joy. Besides choosing joy- I choose to continue with gazelle-like intensity to pay off our debts. I choose to continue to make Abraham Lincoln and George Washington scream when I shop (from the pinching and stretching, you know). I choose to consider carefully the fine line between a need and a want. I choose to pray before spending, pray before paying bills and simply pray for God to bless us each and every day. I choose to be content with what I have and where I am.
Here’s a new one- I choose not to make any impulse purchases that cost more than $10. If it’s more than $10 I resolve to think and pray on it for at least 24 hours. Sounds crazy I know- but I am resolving to do it! Of all the impulse purchases I have made in the past I figure roughly 1/3 have probably been good ideas—those aren’t good odds.
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3:21 PM, 2008-Jan-10 .. Posted by PattiseaI think praying over impulse purchases over $10.00 is a great idea.
I think I will adapt that to $5.00 for myself ($10.00 tends to add more clutter for me).
What I like to do is give myself $5.00 a paycheck for just "thoughtless" spending. The funny thing is, since I know it's the only $5.00 for that, i have a hard time spending it!
I have enjoyed your blog a great deal (although I rarely comment) over the past ...has it been a year? Anyway, thanks!
Patti
Untitled Comment
3:31 PM, 2008-Jan-10 .. Posted by gabbie427I am trying to do all kinds of things to save money, and I have learned so much from blogs like yours and other here that have taught me so much!!!
God's Blessings,
Amy Jo
Hello!
5:45 PM, 2008-Jan-10 .. Posted by AnonymousIf you want a wonderful blog about how to live simple you should go visit Rhonda at her blog: down---to---earth.blogspot.com
I am glad to see how hard you are working on get
rid of your debt.
Blessings
Ma
P.s Have you read Dave Ramseys new book called Priceless it Great!
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