Marriage Monday "10 Tips for Frugal Living."

1. Menu plan.
2. Do not buy what you do not NEED, or what you truly can not afford.
3. The total Money makeover by Dave Ramsey is a plan for financial fitness.
4. Educate yourself. This month for me I will learn the art of bread baking.

Learn a new skill that will save you from having to spend funds for someone else to do it. With the internet and the library we have endless council on "how too" just make good use of it. It is free (save for the internet access of course!
Over the summer I studied gardening and have tended soil and planned, planted and tended. Now we have food growing in our own yard.

5. Mr U and I do not buy anything we have to make payments for . We have no cell phone bill, we do not have cable nor any other thing we have to "make payments on". We budget for entertainment and purchase movies after they drop off of the "new release list". A little bit of temperance goes a long way.
6. Teach your children that advertisers are "snakes in the grass" They temp and toy with your emotions. Talk with them in a relaxed manner and make fun of the commercials. We say "what are they trying to sell you?" Then ask Do YOU really need it. Learning and teaching the difference between WANT and NEED will take your family far.
7. This tip is for those who are friends with God.
When a need or desire (want) comes up ...ASK him to meet it. If I need fruit or a certain thing on my list. I pray (looks like just talking to you I speak relaxed with my Abba God) Then keep your eye out for it and be patient. You will be amazed at the freedom and joy and delight this way of life gives.
8. Use the "Lead Ins" those adds that come from the grocer that have the big deals to get you IN the door. Take the invitation but do not fall for the ploy (once they get em' in tempt them with all we are worth")..."snakes in the grass". Then buy those items you use on a regular basis in bulk. I usually save 30%-50% and then some. Remember Ruth in the Bible. Glean the shelves. Make a walk through the field (the isles) and keep a eye out for grain (deals) the harvester (the grocer) has left for those willing to receive "the imperfect". Often it is really perfect just not popular. They get paid for every inch of shelf space. If A product does not make them money they will often clearance it out to get one in that will bring a profit.
9. Reuse, recycle and stop wasting anything. Use your water wisely. For example when you do dishes try this...Fill your sink half way, then wash up your first sink full now rinse over the dish water...this will fill up the sink with the hot water (you are paying to heat) and not just let it run down the drain. Now wash up the next few pans while you have a pan soaking in the other sink with dish soap. Once you are ready to wash it pour the hot soapy water into the big sink not down the drain. Use up the heated water and the extra soap. Simple things done every day with thoughtfulness will add up to great things over time. I believe it is simply an attitude of respect and gratitude for what we have. Think of those in 3rd world country's what would they think of how you use your resources? I have been to Russia twice you bet they are appalled by the way we Americans just throw away what is given to them. They just chase the dollar and spin around.

There is a story of the Monkey catchers ...They place a sweet smelling nut in a heavy glass bottle. The monkey reaches in and grabs the nut and is trapped. The only thing holding the monkey... is his greed.

10. Sharing what we have with those who are less fortunate.
There will always be those who have more than you and those who have less.
Considering the single parent and help them out. The time will be less difficult for you because you will truly see how fortunate you are. This also teaches children to respect what they do have.

I'd love to hear how you're stretching the family budget during these challenging financial times. Please join us today for our MM topic, "10 Tips for Frugal Living."

As always, your entry doesn't need to be a long one. Once you've posted, come to Chrysalis and add your permalink to Mister Linky. Then take a few minutes to visit the other Marriage Monday contributors.

Next month, we will meet on Nov. 3, 2008. Topic: TBA.

Wanted: You as a Guest Hostess

Would you like to have the opportunity to host Marriage Monday? I'm looking for a few regular MM participants who would like to take a turn as guest hostess. Please e-mail me and let's discuss the possibilities. It's time to share the Marriage Monday linky love farther and wider!

Blessings,

e-Mom