No, this isn't a commentary on my diet and exercise life (though I could use some tips on that too!) When we were first married and living in Seattle, on my income no less, it seemed like money was tight. We lived in a tiny studio apt and scrimped on everything. However, we always had money to do things like go to Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Stomp and countless other productions and events. We figured we'd rather have experiences than stuff.
Nine years later, why does it seem like we have less money? Phil is an accomplished prosthetist/orthotist, travelling around the country (and out) to speak to people and showing his expertise, working hard and making good money. I'm happy to be home with the boys, but not bringing in much mullah doing so (they don't pay well). As we look at finances these days, people always talk about the essentials and non-essentials and getting rid of those thing that aren't mandatory. I don't know about you, but our expenses are as follows:
mortgage - fixed WAY too high
tithing - fixed
401k - fixed
insurance - fixed
taxes - fixed
utilities - fixed (I'm not going without AC thank you!)
savings - fixed MUCH too low
etc, etc - fixed
The balance is not huge and with it, we are supposed to survive in today's society!! This is making me crazy lately. So I've been thinking about what I could give up...well I've actually been thinking more about my little indulgences in life that I don't want to give up if at all possible:
Clorox wipes - I LOVE these things. I can't imagine cleaning a toilet without them!
High speed Internet - We held off for so long and now, there is no going back!
Ziplock baggies (of all shapes and sizes) - I am probably breaking some kind of environmental code with the way I go through these, but I can't help it, they are handy!
Gatorade - In the little bottles for my runs. They are the perfect size for me to carry.
Oatmeal Cereal Squares - These are one of the only cereals I pay full price for because they hardly go on sell. They are a great snack and actually have 6 grams of protein!
Good grief, what a sad life if this is all I can come up with!!! If anyone has any ideas to help me save money so I don't have to give up these necessities of mine, I'd be much obliged. Otherwise, I'm going to have to start using those sandwich bags that fold over the top exclusively...HELP ME!!!!! (I'd also like to know what you splurge on, maybe it would help me feel better about my list!)
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8 comments:
I don't have any great words of advice on "trimming the fat," but I have to tell you that I also would have a hard time giving up my Clorox wipes, Ziploc bags, and high speed internet :)
I found your blog through Shelly's and Emily's. What a fun way to get to know your cute family better! I feel like I never see my cousins these days.
One way I save money is using coupons (I've even had some for the oatmeal squares in the past). You can get a Sunday newspaper, or print them off of websites like coupons.com. If you combine coupons with sales, you can get ridiculously low prices (like I've been buying name-brand cereal like kix and cheerios for less than a dollar).
My indulgences? I won't buy generic on applesauce or sour cream. Ben cannot live without high speed internet. And lately I've only wanted to use the most expensive Huggies wipes 'cause they work so much better. I signed up on their mailing list online just to get coupons for those :).
I totally agree with the Clorox wipes! I am glad I am not the only one! One thing I can't bring myself to give up is the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. I usually buy the generic brand on most things, but the Ranch has to be Hidden Valley! (I know it's kind of wierd) We go to second hand stores a lot and garage sales. You can find some good stuff for a great price. Just make sure you go with something in mind that you are looking for or you could end up with a lot more than what you wanted!!
This is a great post Jen! I am with you. I used to try and save a penny here and a penny there and then I just got TIRED. So, I now buy my Bath and Body Works hand soap and lotions. We do try to limit our eating out to once a week and grocery shopping is huge for me. I probably should clip coupons, but again, I'm TIRED. I do try to buy things only on sale though...but then I just buy more of it. I'm not much help, am I? :)
Ok, I gave you this tip the other night but decided I'd post for someone else as it might be useful information. I LOVE Mr. Eraser, and I cut them in half or even fourths. The cheapest place to buy them is Walmart and so I buy three or four boxes at once, but the time they save me in my cleaning of smudges and hard to clean areas is PRICELESS. The other thing I will not trade is Bounce select a size paper towels. They are more money than the store brands, etc., but I know they save me in the long run. You can use a little or a lot and they double as napkins in our home.
Great topic!!! I've loved the responses.
Thanks for the comments you gals!!! I love it. I'm going to be saving money left and right. I also love using coupons, HVR dressing and those select-a-size paper towels. Believe it or not, I sat in the store one day comparing the number of sheets on these to regular and decided that I'm actually saving money doing it that way because I only grab one of the small ones each time. No wonder I'm so TIRED like you Leslie!!
Jennie, DON'T go to the fold over sandwich baggies...not worth it!! He-he. I'm being serious though! Just like you, high speed internet is an absolute must!!!! Who knows if this is even splurging, but I feel badly every time I buy toilet paper b/c I HAVE to have cotonelle. I used to just buy whatever was cheapest...then one time I thought I would try a more expensive brand, JUST to see if I could tell the difference. Um...YES! I could. Now I'm hooked!
This might not ease your mind, but it may make you laugh.
I do not buy clorox wipes. I pathetically have them categorized as a luxury item that we purchase to take on family vacations etc. But it is pure indulgence to get to use the left-overs.
I do buy the fold-over baggies. It just makes me feel less guilty and I can throw them away with a clear conscience, whereas the zip lock baggies make me feel like I should rinse and reuse. I do, however, buy the zip-lock variety and use sparingly when the fold-over kind just won't do.
When work stopped paying for high-speed internet I had no choice but to sign on for the $9.99it is painful, but we survive.
Cereal prices (along with gas prices) are just part of a secret combination conspiracy to bring America down. We have no power.
Finally, I have actually mixed Gatorade powder and put it into recycled bottles--It just may be that saving virtue that squeaks me into the celestial realm, but it did not necessarily save our budget.
And finally when I list my indulgences, they are more expensive, (cable tv for the "sports") less justifiable, (tide detergent, soft toilet paper and grandma sychamore bread), and much more caloric (chips and Tillamook cheese)than your pracitcal,healthy, near-necessities.
So in conclusion, my advise is rather than giving up these items, just give up the guilt.
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