Ways to Save

A family of ten needs to find some ways to cut corners and save some money. I could be a whole lot better at that. Just thinking about it, I came up with a list of ways to save money without really trying. At least not very hard...

1. Cut down on the trips to Starbucks. Do the exercise of adding up the cost of coffee drinks for one month. It may astound you!

2. If chips and pop consumption are a regular part of your family’s diet, cut it down to 2-3 days a week. If that’s hard, ask the kids to buy the extra snacks they want. Drink more water for health and savings.

3. Combine errands instead of making separate trips, especially if you live rurally. It makes for a long day, but if planned well, cuts down on transportation costs.

4. Use long distance phone cards instead of a long distance carrier. Even though there is extra time taken in dialing the access number, it is well worth it. Phone cards available at Costco and other big stores.

5. Make use of second-hand stores for clothing and housing needs. People throw away things that are in great condition. You just have to look for the diamonds in the rough. It can become quite rewarding.

6. Ask for quotes from other insurance agencies. If they know you are interested in changing companies, they will work hard to give you a better price.

7. Shop the day old bread shops. Store up and freeze what you won’t be using right away.

8. Freezers are a good investment. Being able to buy food in bulk and store it safely can reduce your grocery bill. But make sure the bulk buying from your club store is something you will eventually eat.

9. Stay away from convenience foods. Compare a snack box of crackers and meat for you child versus buying the individual items and having many more servings.

10. Walk instead of drive. Not easy in a lot of situations, but try it when possible.

11. Extracurricular school activities can be fun, but also mean money. Talk about playing only one sport a year instead of two. Dinners away from home, snacks, equipment and travelling costs add up quickly.

12. Instead of getting the newest book hot off the presses, check out the library and put in your request.

13. CDs of your favorite music artists add up quickly. Multiply each jewel case by $10, at least. If movies rentals are a frequent purchase, try out a movie club like Netflix which doesn't have late fees.

14. Make a menu plan and buy accordingly. Go to the grocery with list in hand and promise to keep to it. This will cut down the impulse buying.

15. Make natural cleaners instead of buying the expensive brands. There are plenty of websites that show you how to make cleaners from natural ingredients.

16. Don’t run the washing machine for one or two items. Hang the laundry out to dry or on racks in your home.

17. Sew your own clothing. (OK, not easy, but can be cheaper) Do price comparisons.

18. Teach your kids early that hand-me-downs are not a bad thing. Small children grow out of shoes quickly without wearing them out.

19. Turn the heat down and wear a sweater. Keep screens on outside doors and place towels around door crevices.

20. Pay bills online. Even savings on stamps will help a bit.

21. Grow your own food. Again, not easy, but a huge cost savings if you have a green thumb. Lots of produce can be grown in very small places. Check out books like Square Foot Gardening.

Got Free Time?

We made up a list of things to do when there is free time. Some of the ideas are just for fun, while others have some sort of educational or productive value.

1. Alphabetize a bookshelf
2. Shoot basketball hoops
3. Build a blanket fort
4. Build paper ships and see if they float
5. Make a card tower
6. Entertain a little sibling
7. Teach yourself to crochet or knit
8. Chalk art on the driveway
9. Build with blocks
10. Do a crossword puzzle
11. Make a friendship bracelet
12. Start a collection of leaves, feathers or rocks
13. Dominoes
14. Design a room or a whole house on paper
15. Practice flashcards
16. Memorize a poem or Bible verses
17. Clean your closet or a messy drawer
18. Do an act of service
19. Start a story and have someone else finish it
20. Jump rope

There are so many other ideas out there. The best thing is to have them on paper, so when that child asks what he should do, you will have just the answer!

Birthday Photo Contest

Do you like scavenger hunts? I always did, but you would often end up with a bag of stuff you didn't know what to do with after it was over. Now there are scavenger hunts where you can keep all the stuff, but it won't clutter your house.

It was my oldest daughter's birthday not long ago, so we decided to do a photo scavenger hunt. We have done some before, but decided to go with themes this time instead of specific images.

I will share a few of the favorites over the next few days. Enjoy!

One theme they had to display was "an emotion". These were some of the strong emotions entered in the contest.




Another requirement for the hunt was "you in a hat". My son took that very literally.






More next time...

Fasting

I am ashamed to say that I have been a Christian for over 30 years and I can count the number of times I have intentionally fasted on one hand. There have been many years of pregnancies and nursing that have kept fasting at a safe distance. I haven't had to consider it while I was taking care of a little one in the womb or out of it.

There have been times of fasting from activities or from a particular food, i.e. chocolate, mostly. Those fasting times are valid and sincere.



But what are my excuses for not fasting meals? My first experience with fasting was not a real positive one, so I have been slow at repeating it. I was a college student, just learning a bit about the disciplines of Christianity. Wanting to pray sincerely about a matter, I decided I would fast. I remember starting at midnight, probably after my 11:59 pm snack and feeling as though I was starving come breakfast. Just knowing I wasn't going to eat made it worse.



I struggled through the day's classes, constantly thinking about the discomfort in my belly instead of listening to the lectures or spending time praying! The on-campus store held my favorite chocolate-chocolate chip cookies, so they were purchased in anticipation of midnight. The digital clock was my constant companion as I tried to study and maybe even to pray that evening. At 12, I was free! How pathetic...



I heard on a sermon this week that the early church thought it was normal to fast a couple times a week. Jesus said, "When you fast", not if... We live in a time where self-denial is an ugly term and we don't know how to do it. Instant gratification is paramount.

Well, I am guilty. I'm not good at denying self or delaying gratification, but I want that to change.



Today, I started that process by fasting again. Did I forget about food and spend all day in prayer? No, and no. With eight children in the house, that would be an incredible feat. But the fast did look different than the one I did many years ago.



There was time to read the Word, to pray and to praise. I passed up some food and tried to focus on the Lord. Fasting is not about twisting God's arm until He gives you what you want, but drawing near to Him.



I'd like to work up to fasting for days instead of meals. I'd like to say "no" to my flesh more and practice this discipline. Although I have a lot to learn about fasting, I believe God saw my heart and my desire to know Him better today.