When we decided to do something about our finances, and their very sad, sorry state, we began to brainstorm about anything and everything we could do to help fix it...nothing too big, nothing too small that it couldn't be written down on paper. Our list was extensive, and even silly sometimes...for example-things on that list include write and sell a best- seller novel, become a singer, audition for American Idol, America's Got Talent, Real World, write VH1 for a reality show, babysit, nanny, craft and open an etsy shop, mow lawns, become secret shoppers, sell extra clothing, sell anything we don't/won't use, make household supplies, and the list goes on and on, and on, and on...and-well, you get the idea.
What we actually ended up doing seemed to be rather common sensical (oh, I probably forgot to mention that I have a tendency to make up words), to us anyway. Our core concepts were simple, and yet made a profound impact on us that we weren't even aware of at the time, and still may not be to some extent.
**We cut costs where we could*** Are you amazed? I know, right?!! If only we had thought of this, or been willing to do this earlier...BUT it's not about what you could/would/should have done, it's about what you're doing, right? Right.
*We stopped buying paper products we don't need-(paper towels, napkins, etc. We DO firmly believe in toilet paper!)
*I started making our laundry detergent. Now that I've done this for a couple of months, it already has impacted both Matt and I!!!! Now, the only way we buy laundry detergent is if it comes out free after a coupon (which is NOT often), or is just too unbelievable of a deal to resist..but one of those has yet to come along. Besides, I get enough free samples thanks to several other blogs that I ALWAYS have trial sizes in case I'm crazy-busy, or sick..and this can get us through in a pinch.
*I started clipping coupons. While I have yet to master menu-planning (working every weekend alternating shifts, and second shift during the week, as well as being full-time college students doesn't really open itself to flexibility that way), I do however-plan what meals we have available, and keep our pantry stocked. This allows us some meals that are quick and easy if only one of us is home for dinner, but gives us great options for when we are home to eat dinner together too! The coupon thing has probably been one of the most fun, and awesome things to come out of this experience. I can remember my mom clipping coupons when I was younger, and my Grandma would talk to me about them, and I have a FABULOUS cousin who was lovely enough to have me over one afternoon, and show me the ropes, and give me some great starting advice..and to her I am forever grateful! I usually don't have time for hobbies, but couponing is one that I make time for. It relaxes me, and becomes a game to see how much I can save.
*I use free samples...ALOT!!! There are numerous blogs available that put together the weekly coupon match-ups, best deals of the week, and who/where to get free samples. This allows me to try new products, have stuff that I want and/or need in small enough sizes that when a guest comes over, or if I'm headed out to camp (like later tonight!) I am covered, and don't have to take a full-size bottle.
*We sold stuff we didn't need/want/use anymore through sites like Craigslist...and had garage sales.
*We started looking for things that we wanted/needed in the "free" section of Craigslist
*We joined Freecycle! (This is one of my favorites...I'm kind of a hippie)
*I started a garden. (See above-hippie)
*Matt picked up odd jobs with a friend of our's that is a sub-contractor, doing work whenever it was available, and he wasn't working at his "normal" job..sometimes working 19 hours in a day!
*We started babysitting together (or separately, depending on our schedules) for some friends of ours whose son is adorable
*Matt started flyering for a local pizza place-doing advertising on foot for them on the weekends while I'm at work, and when our schedules coordinate and we don't have other things to do, we do this together.
*Matt began to offer his techie services via craigslist, and business cards, and word-of-mouth advertising to fix, make, clean-up, and do just about anything one can do to a computer.
*Matt also began collecting spare computer parts from wherever/whenever he could get them, and now assembles computers, and sells them when/where he is able.
*We began shopping for our holiday presents all year round. I already have several birthday/Christmas gifts for individuals we know we will be buying for each season set away for the coming year of 2010...(Getting married and having 3 brothers means I have lots more presents to buy...and I LOVE it!!!)
*We let our friends know we were trying to be on a budget, and work our events around that. Matt and I have been very fortunate in having friends who are content with coffee or tea that only costs $1.00 in a smelly coffee shop, just to hang out, and have fun..being together is what really matters.
*We started eating at home, and packing brown-bag lunches. My husband and I LOVE food...especially when we don't have to cook it! But, this is expensive, and now is reserved as a treat, or emergency measure!
*We started to budget. Together. Consistently. And we check our purchases with each other. Now, before anyone gets bent out of shape, this is NOT a control thing, it's a respect, a "united front", a "We WILL conquer this together, and our relationship WILL get stronger because of how we deal with this" thing.
*We set goals. Consistently. And strive and evaluate how to meet them. Consistently.
*We stopped making plans for fancy vacations with friends. Did it break my heart to cancel a wine-tasting weekend in beautiful country-side with my roommates from Ireland and their spouses this summer? Yes. Is it going to be so much more worth it when Matt and I can attend these trips without feeling guilty, or not paying certain bills in order to be able to go? YES YES YES.
*We learned to enjoy each other's company, and simple things like walking our dogs, playing cards, playing chess, watching movies, learning new games, hanging out with my parents, and quietly reading together.
*We opted to both be in school full-time at the same time, and set educational goals. While this doesn't exactly give us booming social months for most of the year, it does allow us to get closer to our eventual final goals, and teach us self-discipline.
Some of these things were easy-making laundry detergent for example, only takes me 30 minutes, and can be done while I watch a movie. Some of these things though, like telling our friends our financial woes, was not so easy. But we were shown nothing but grace, and mercy, and understanding by our amazing support system...and more often than not good, sound, solid advice.
Hope this peek into some of what we did/do was helpful, or at the very least entertaining!
I won't be posting again until Monday, or Tuesday, we are heading a few hours north, to camp with some friends and their children for the weekend...we pitch our tent on the property of their cottage, and they use their camper...it's a relatively new tradition for us (this is only the second year we've done this), but we look forward to it, as this is our only vacation!
Happy holidays everyone!
C.
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