Frugal Fortune
“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”
As our country dives deep, deep, deep into debt with numbers that if my 5-year old would ask if possible, I would say – of course not…that will never happen to you! But, it is. It is happening to all of us.
We are raising the debt ceiling, our credit rating is falling…does any of this sound familiar? Is this happening to you?
Is the United States government finally facing the reality that most Americans face every day?
Too many finical obligations….too little cash.
Where do you make cuts? Where do you choose not to spend your money? (as I sit here with acrylic nails that are desperately in need of a fill, unpainted toe nails and gray roots showing…store brand staples in my cabinet and Groupon pinging off the roof…) Small changes are happening here. A coupon diva I am not – post about that later.
The government choices are much harder. But, I think that if some of the trust fund babies that can afford to get elected would give up some of their benefits…it might make a difference, a small one.
We live in an entitled society. From the Congress Man who is entitled to a lifetime of benefits and retirement for his service, to the poor who are entitled to health care (– and as a member of the uninsured for a couple of years – I DO NOT say this lightly!), to the 16 year old who is entitled to a new car, to the 4 year old wanting a cool toy with his Happy Meal. (and Apples Fries!)
“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”
On a more personal level…I have a son going into college. Thank God for Pell Grants, for scholarships, for parents working together to put him through college, for grandparents offering an amazing amount of support. But – all the same, it is an expense. He is moving…moving…(getting into emotional territory with no tissue available) to another state. There are expenses. Being frugal is very important, overspending must be avoided, we need to try to set an example.
I want my son to grow up without debt, without unnecessary financial obligations. I want my children to not rely on our government for their welfare, I want them to be financially independent.
The same with everything…I have to try to set the example, and I will admit, I am not always the best, our government is not the best, but I pray that they learn from example. In some cases, we all must learn for the example of what NOT to do! I always stress the importance of education to my kiddos…I never finished college, did not finish medical transcription training…at this point, I am where I am. I am entering a new phase in my life, I want to write…but have little time raising 3 kiddos, being a wife, having 2 jobs – I feel like my house will never come together, I am not spending enough time with my family, my parents, my spouse, my friends, on my jobs, on my writing, on myself…I am overspent. Overspent finically, emotionally and physically…I need to learn to be more frugal. Smarter about my time, smarter about my money, pay more attention to politics and turn my air up to 80 to avoid the rolling blackouts that may happen here in Texas.
“You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.”
How do you try to live this fortune? How are you frugal and avoid overspending? Tell me, I want desperately to find the balance I need.
Live, Laugh, Love ~
Vanilla Mama
Cannot forget the lucky number…is it the path to financial independence or just another unnecessary expense? I promise to let you know, if you do!
16, 17, 20, 26, 29, 30
(as a side note…all of these are AGES I have passed…SIGH!)
Coming up will be a money saving post, and hopefully a couple of book blurb posts…
It is unfortunate that we do not tend to become frugal until forced. We are fortunate in that most of us are able to remain financially afloat as adjustments are made. I know no other methods other than watch for sales, clip some coupons, try to pair the two as often as possible, turn up the thermostat, eat at home and stay at home (reducing gasoline consumption.)
ReplyDeleteMy background always tought me to be careful with resources. I have tried to inculcate that in my kids. Some of the things I practise , they do too, but some they don't. I guess we can do waht we can. This is Munir over here at Focus.
ReplyDeleteI agree one hundred percent.
Ugh, this is so problematic! We've cut cable/satellite out and went with Netflix. You pay about 11 or 15 a month for this with the one movie option but live streaming online. Love that. Then there's shopping at bulk stores like WinCo that requires NO membership. *sigh* No eating out. No using credit cards. We only use debit cards. Saving is one of our challenges.
ReplyDeleteIf you get a big tax return, use those for paying off debt, forget Hawaii or Disney Land. You can go camping for a week and have just the same...(uh, well, I don't like bugs, so...)
Those are a few things we've done over the years. Believe me, it's taken us YEARS to get to this point.
♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!
I personally think that the United States is on a downward spiral to oblivion. We can blame the conservative forces that because of greed, heaped 10 trillion in national debt on the country during one administration...that of George W. Bush. Dissatisfaction with being ousted from power because...let's face it...they were making money hand over fist, these privileged elite would like to seize power once again, have all legislation put into place to ensure their continued massive wealth, and say to hell with all the poor and middle class people who are scum in their eyes.
ReplyDelete