Saving money. I'll admit it. I pinch my pennies. When I became a stay at home mama our income decreased significantly. We've learned to live on less, and we've learned to live abundantly by living a simpler lifestyle. I don't regret it for a moment.
We cut back on eating out, we got rid of cable, we stopped going to places like Target and other big box stores just for entertainment. We became frugal, and in the process found out more about ourselves and what was truly important in our lives.
We grew a garden, we joined a CSA, we started using the library, we became more eco-conscious. We use our dryer less and our laundry line more (in our case we just hang our damp clothes up inside).
What we discovered in the process is that we make more than enough money on one income. And we're happier, fuller, and more fulfilled since we decided keeping up with the Jones' wasn't going to be a priority for us anymore.
Yes, I still have my frivolities. I like the occasional pedicure. We budget and then splurge on vacation getaways. I can't give up my good chocolate and expensive cheese. But life has truly blessed us.
Abundance is cheaper than you think!
Simple Mama
Swagbucks 2nd Birthday
I am so inspired by this post! I too, am a stay at home mama and we are living on one income. We have really struggled to budget ourselves and stay within our means. Do you have any tips, worksheets, etc. that you used?
ReplyDeleteMy biggest issue is spending $ on our kids. My husband and I very very rarely spend $ on ourselves...instead, it is me spending $ on great, natural toys and things for our two girls. (Etsy is my extreme guilty pleasure) I know as I am buying things that our children do not NEED more toys, dolls, etc. but I love providing them with such awesome handmade things that mean something. But, yeesh!, at some point it has got to stop!! =)
Anyway, if you have any pointers I am very game to hear them! =) Thanks!
I'd love to get to that stage, but until these blasted renovations are done then this house will continue to be the deep dark money pit that it is! One day though and soooooon I hope lol!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post. I don't remember how I found your blog, but I love how like me it is! This is exactly what we strive for. It seems like abundance really only comes with simplicity. If it's not simple it just ends up being excess, rather than abundance. Lovely reminder. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteyes,yes, we really do need to meet up asap :) we are doing all of the above but still struggling.
ReplyDeleteThank you foir the wellwishes, too, we are finally coming around *knock on wood*
I forgot to say when I replied on my blog: the bonnet..does indeed come in adult sizes, too ;) want one?????? You and I could make one in less than an hour!
Beautifully stated! The simple things bring so much joy to life.
ReplyDeletebeen there for 12 years now and it really is wonderful. there are so many places to save money- and many of them by just not spending what you really dont need to spend.
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