I am excited about my new challenge for 2015. My goal is to live on $19,000 a year for a family of four for the next year. This will include all expenses including housing, food, utilities, car repairs, gas for the car and any expenses that come up unexpectedly.
Sounds tough, right? I am sure it will be. I am sure this will be a huge challenge and one I am looking forward to. I don't know if it can be done in 2015 with the price of things, but I am willing to try. I am going to blog about it so I can see how I did it when I am successful, what errors I made and how I can do better. I am starting out in good shape - my pantry is well stocked, although not enough for a year. Which means I am going to have to purchase food items every month. My monthly bills are in check, and i have been sticking to a pretty good budget. I am going to have to be organized and disciplined. I can't wait to start!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Minimum Wage Increase
Let me state, I would not want to raise a family making minimum wage, which in my state is $7.45 per hour. I don't like to see families struggling to pay bills. I think it is a shame to see a person choose between medication and food for the month. I see that more and more in America. Too much.
On the other side of the coin, years ago, there were definite wants and needs in life. Food, clothing, shelter was a need. Anything beyond what was needed to live was a want. And, you had to save for those wants. These days, it seems that wants and needs are one and the same. Here would be my modern day wants
Cell phone
brand name clothing
designer purses
brand new or next to brand new cars
large houses
vacations
Modern day needs
medication
food
clothing
shelter
car
There are probably a few more needs, but you get the gist.
My point being, is America has turned into a consumer and commercialism economy. Even with the housing bust, credit bust and the CEO scams that have taken place, people don't have seemed to learn much. Maybe they were not affected, but I would imagine, they knew someone who was. Did they not learn from the experiences that their friends and neighbors went through?
We were not affected by any of this, but I knew plenty of people who were. I witnessed people loosing their jobs, cars getting repossessed, and houses being foreclosed on. As I watched what was going on, I felt sorry that good hard working people suffered. As selfish as it sounds, I knew that could happen to each and every one of us. Scary.
I suppose that is what led to our life now. We made the decision to do more with less. We made the choice to rely on ourselves versus an employer that we didn't know if our jobs would be there the next day. When the economy tanks, each and every business is affected.
I don't know what will fix a society that is based on consumerism, I don't know if it can be fixed if people don't stand up and pay attention.
On the other side of the coin, years ago, there were definite wants and needs in life. Food, clothing, shelter was a need. Anything beyond what was needed to live was a want. And, you had to save for those wants. These days, it seems that wants and needs are one and the same. Here would be my modern day wants
Cell phone
brand name clothing
designer purses
brand new or next to brand new cars
large houses
vacations
Modern day needs
medication
food
clothing
shelter
car
There are probably a few more needs, but you get the gist.
My point being, is America has turned into a consumer and commercialism economy. Even with the housing bust, credit bust and the CEO scams that have taken place, people don't have seemed to learn much. Maybe they were not affected, but I would imagine, they knew someone who was. Did they not learn from the experiences that their friends and neighbors went through?
We were not affected by any of this, but I knew plenty of people who were. I witnessed people loosing their jobs, cars getting repossessed, and houses being foreclosed on. As I watched what was going on, I felt sorry that good hard working people suffered. As selfish as it sounds, I knew that could happen to each and every one of us. Scary.
I suppose that is what led to our life now. We made the decision to do more with less. We made the choice to rely on ourselves versus an employer that we didn't know if our jobs would be there the next day. When the economy tanks, each and every business is affected.
I don't know what will fix a society that is based on consumerism, I don't know if it can be fixed if people don't stand up and pay attention.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Plain Life misconceptions people have
- That we are financially unfit.
Nothing could be further from the truth. I always find it interesting that when your house is not full of "stuff" that people think you want or need it, then unannounced, they purchase it for you and give it to you. Without asking. This always puts me in an uncomfortable situation.
Do I accept it out of guilt?
Do I say "Thanks but I don't use that product"
Or, my favorite:
Do I say "No thank you. I think consumerism and commercialism in America is out of control and I cannot support it."
More of often than not, I do not say the last option. Honestly, usually I accept it out of guilt. Someone had a thought nice enough to see they felt we needed something and went out and spent their hard earned money on it. I just can't see trying to explain something that is so foreign to them, that they won't understand anyway.
- That we have no style
The right hair, the right clothes, the right "look" has become the norm in America. So, when people see our clothes, our lack of style, my lack of make up or lack of hair spray, they assume we just don't know what the latest fashion is and just feel plain sorry for us. Again, as kind people usually do, they give me valuable tips of what I would look good in, what colors of make up would fit my skin tone and how my hair would look. I figure if they are comfortable to bring these topics up then I should feel comfortable telling them about our life. I tell them I don't believe in vanity, so I prefer the way I look. I love their reaction "You mean to tell me you want to look like that??". I don't hold it against them, they just are so used to the American culture it is all they know.
- That we don't clean our house
My house is not dirty, I just don't own a bunch of commercial cleaning products. I feel they are bad for the environment and toxic. Look around my house, you will see sprinkle ajax, vinegar and baking soda. Ok, I have to admit, I really like the scent of Mr. Clean floor cleaner, so you will see that also. Homemade cleaning products cuts way down on empty containers which is bad for the environment, they are more natural for cleaning, and it's cheaper to make your own. A win-win if you ask me.
-That we have no food
This one always amuses me to no extent. When someone goes to give the kids a snack they are looking for store bought food. When I tell them we usually only eat homemade cookies, snacks and canned fruit they look at me like I grew another head. This one they never get used to. Especially popcorn made from kernels. Love that reaction.
I take the time to explain to people who either prod for answers, or seem interested.
- our house is not filled with *stuff* because we don't purchase products we don't use
-we have a Plain style. We never spend more than 5 minutes trying to figure out what we are going to wear. Our shirts are different colors, but we always wear blue jeans. The more time we spend on trying to decide what to wear the less time we can devote to things we need to do, want to do, and of course pray.
- I like non toxic homemade cleaner's much better than toxic cleaners. Plus, I never have to figure out how I am going to dispose of the container.
- Please, I have enough food for almost a year. If your hungry, open a quart jar!
Nothing could be further from the truth. I always find it interesting that when your house is not full of "stuff" that people think you want or need it, then unannounced, they purchase it for you and give it to you. Without asking. This always puts me in an uncomfortable situation.
Do I accept it out of guilt?
Do I say "Thanks but I don't use that product"
Or, my favorite:
Do I say "No thank you. I think consumerism and commercialism in America is out of control and I cannot support it."
More of often than not, I do not say the last option. Honestly, usually I accept it out of guilt. Someone had a thought nice enough to see they felt we needed something and went out and spent their hard earned money on it. I just can't see trying to explain something that is so foreign to them, that they won't understand anyway.
- That we have no style
The right hair, the right clothes, the right "look" has become the norm in America. So, when people see our clothes, our lack of style, my lack of make up or lack of hair spray, they assume we just don't know what the latest fashion is and just feel plain sorry for us. Again, as kind people usually do, they give me valuable tips of what I would look good in, what colors of make up would fit my skin tone and how my hair would look. I figure if they are comfortable to bring these topics up then I should feel comfortable telling them about our life. I tell them I don't believe in vanity, so I prefer the way I look. I love their reaction "You mean to tell me you want to look like that??". I don't hold it against them, they just are so used to the American culture it is all they know.
- That we don't clean our house
My house is not dirty, I just don't own a bunch of commercial cleaning products. I feel they are bad for the environment and toxic. Look around my house, you will see sprinkle ajax, vinegar and baking soda. Ok, I have to admit, I really like the scent of Mr. Clean floor cleaner, so you will see that also. Homemade cleaning products cuts way down on empty containers which is bad for the environment, they are more natural for cleaning, and it's cheaper to make your own. A win-win if you ask me.
-That we have no food
This one always amuses me to no extent. When someone goes to give the kids a snack they are looking for store bought food. When I tell them we usually only eat homemade cookies, snacks and canned fruit they look at me like I grew another head. This one they never get used to. Especially popcorn made from kernels. Love that reaction.
I take the time to explain to people who either prod for answers, or seem interested.
- our house is not filled with *stuff* because we don't purchase products we don't use
-we have a Plain style. We never spend more than 5 minutes trying to figure out what we are going to wear. Our shirts are different colors, but we always wear blue jeans. The more time we spend on trying to decide what to wear the less time we can devote to things we need to do, want to do, and of course pray.
- I like non toxic homemade cleaner's much better than toxic cleaners. Plus, I never have to figure out how I am going to dispose of the container.
- Please, I have enough food for almost a year. If your hungry, open a quart jar!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
A nice reminder
A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend. She had mentioned how "easy" our life was. I laughed at first, then thought about it. Of course she thinks we have an easy life. We don't work conventional jobs. I had to think on this a bit, and to do that, I had to reflect on when we did have conventional jobs and this is what I came up with.
When you have a conventional job you:
- work on another person's schedule
- If you don't work you lose a day's pay
-you are able to purchase food at a grocery store
-your income rarely changes
-you have more wasteful spending
-you are always trying to beat the clock
When you live a life of simplicity you:
-are more flexible with your schedule, usually
-you store fruit/vegetables/meat for the year
-if you don't "work" you don't eat
-season's greatly affect you
-income varies greatly
-plan your food for a year
So, to live a live of consumer simplicity, holy simplicity and corporate simplicity, you actually do work. This is a pleasant reminder of why we do what we do. I think I'll stick with voluntary simplicity, thank you very much!
When you have a conventional job you:
- work on another person's schedule
- If you don't work you lose a day's pay
-you are able to purchase food at a grocery store
-your income rarely changes
-you have more wasteful spending
-you are always trying to beat the clock
When you live a life of simplicity you:
-are more flexible with your schedule, usually
-you store fruit/vegetables/meat for the year
-if you don't "work" you don't eat
-season's greatly affect you
-income varies greatly
-plan your food for a year
So, to live a live of consumer simplicity, holy simplicity and corporate simplicity, you actually do work. This is a pleasant reminder of why we do what we do. I think I'll stick with voluntary simplicity, thank you very much!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Results of peach season
Peach season is probably one of my busiest times for canning. I make peach jam, canned peaches and this year I did something new and made some peach butter. I wasn't overly impressed with the butter, it tastes to much like my jam. Jam is not as time consuming as the butter, so I think I will stick with that.
Here is my count from peach season. Out of 4 bushels I got 26 pints of peach jam, 17 pints of peach butter, and 64 quarts of peaches. The cost was $108. When I compared the quantity I got of the canned peaches to store bought peaches the price was only $6.00 difference. It paid to do peaches this year!
I don't can what I do to save money, although it certainly does, I can what I do because it is healthier for my family. I can give my kids healthy food and skip the preservatives in store bought food! And, because of the weather this year, I was thankful to have the connections I do, it enabled me to even get the peaches!
Here is my count from peach season. Out of 4 bushels I got 26 pints of peach jam, 17 pints of peach butter, and 64 quarts of peaches. The cost was $108. When I compared the quantity I got of the canned peaches to store bought peaches the price was only $6.00 difference. It paid to do peaches this year!
I don't can what I do to save money, although it certainly does, I can what I do because it is healthier for my family. I can give my kids healthy food and skip the preservatives in store bought food! And, because of the weather this year, I was thankful to have the connections I do, it enabled me to even get the peaches!
Results of strawberry season
Strawberry season is the first season I start canning. This year I got about 38 quarts. The cost was about $95. I love strawberry jam, it's the one thing i can for myself. Out of 38 quarts I made 65 8 oz. jars of jam. I didn't save enough to dehydrate any like last year. That's ok. I have enough of my jam to last until next summer!
Small Change by Shelia Roberts
A friend let me borrow a book. I was skeptical. I like to read books where I learn something. Most of my friends read True Crime, Mystery, or Romance. I wasn't holding out much hope. I was pleasantly surprised!
This book is about three women. All different ages, different season's in life and different lifestyles. Together, each take the courage to face challenges in their lives. The book is well written and the characters are well developed. As of the 2nd chapter I couldn't put it down.
The book walks you through their life to learn creative ways to be frugal. Overcoming certain addictions, overcoming traumatic events in their lives to move forward, take control of their lives and becoming financially fit.
What I did like about the book is that it is so different than so many books about finances you encounter, it doesn't tell you what you should do, or how to do it. It starts at baby steps and blossoms out and walks with you through the forest to get out. A fictional book I am sure, but it really helps start you of in the right direction.
It's a keeper in my library!
This book is about three women. All different ages, different season's in life and different lifestyles. Together, each take the courage to face challenges in their lives. The book is well written and the characters are well developed. As of the 2nd chapter I couldn't put it down.
The book walks you through their life to learn creative ways to be frugal. Overcoming certain addictions, overcoming traumatic events in their lives to move forward, take control of their lives and becoming financially fit.
What I did like about the book is that it is so different than so many books about finances you encounter, it doesn't tell you what you should do, or how to do it. It starts at baby steps and blossoms out and walks with you through the forest to get out. A fictional book I am sure, but it really helps start you of in the right direction.
It's a keeper in my library!
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