Financial Fears - How to Take Action Today

I have family members calling worried because their jobs are shutting down.
I am so grateful to have been raised by Depression Era grandparents and their children who taught me these things and it helps with resourcefulness now.

What to do if you lose your job or have a temporary shut down. 

1. Apply for unemployment immediately.
2. Call all your creditors and negotiate payments, pay minimums, or get an extension.
3. You may have to repeat #2 with your landlord or mortgage lender and it may or may not work but it's worth a try.
4. Look for a job in the gig economy like delivering food or running errands for others.
5. Sell your stuff. If you have electronics, clothes, cars, etc that you don't use or can get by without for now go ahead and sell them on Marketplace, Craigslist, etc.  Many people who do have money take advantage of times like this to buy things cheap. It will help you and make you realize how much you don't actually need.
6. Needs over wants. I had a trip planned to see my son when this all began and since it (Corona) hadn't spread yet I went ahead (I needed to lay eyes on him, parents get this) .We  ate out a few times as planned but otherwise stayed in. I noticed at one particular outlet mall a lot of people shopping. A few folks I talked to where still planning trips or shopping. That's fine if you have the money but honestly we do, and there is no way I would be spending it on anything except needs right now.
7. Identify needs. Shelter, food (basic not fancy), you probably have enough clothes, basic transportation cost (can you extend your car payment if you have one, or your car insurance?). Gas is at an all time low but at this time unless you need to drive don't.
8. Reduce your utilities. While your home try to conserve. Close off rooms and vents you are not using. If you have wood heat use it. Only do full loads of laundry and dishes. Use up those old disposable plates for your kids birthday party. Turn off the lights. Put on a sweater or strip down if you are hot. Use fans in hot weather and bundle up and get some tea in cold weather.
9. Think. Think "How can I save money on this, on everything".
10. Make a plan for next time. It really worries me that so many folks live pay check to pay check. This is the time for starting a plan to have an emergency fund. When we come out of this, and we will, work on a plan to have three to six months worth of money in an emergency fund. At minimum get one month and hoard it like gold for times like this. I would actually tell all the Dave Ramsey fans and those in debt to have at least one month of expenses put back while you are paying off debt.
11. Don't go back to your old ways of spending after this is over. Let this be a lesson that you learn from that can impact your future for the better.
12. If you have a tax return coming in pay your bills ahead first and stock up your pantry and save your money!  Put all other purchases on hold.
13. If you can pay your bills leave your retirement accounts alone and your 401K or IRA  contributions. You are dollar cost averaging and buying stocks at deep discounts right now. Historically the longest it has ever taken for the market to bounce back is 3 years, 13 months is the average. Don't look at it and don't touch it unless you are starving.

Much Love and Stay Strong. You are smart and you are capable.

Love,
Courtney

Beyond Beans and Cornbread

As a young girl I had a beef and pork allergy so I became a vegetarian at the ripe old age of 8, and mostly was a cheese and bread -etarian off and on for that ten years. I don't recommend that!
 My kids were raised on small amounts of meat and I now am a vegetarian again and my husband mostly is. I don't want to get into the why here,  but yes health is a big reason. I have four kids who eat meat now and so I have developed this for them but notice that many of folks  are struggling to meal plan with out meat (as there is a shortage at the time of writing this due to the quarantine), so here is an easy meal plan. Simply Google recipes if you aren't sure of the cooking skills. I'll try to give some guidelines.
I shopped the basic list for this yesterday in Fayettville AR and it cost me about $50 for five days of meals. Everything was in stock from this list.
This is Gluten Free and Vegetarian. It is not super low in carbs, however if you want to watch carbs eat the LC meal in the evening. If you are Vegan substitute with the vegan option for dairy and eggs (you can use tofu for a scramble). This is high in fiber and will keep you full. The fat content is moderate and the protein is substantial, you will get plenty of protein on this diet.  You can substitute if you have other options like peanut butter for almond butter, different veggies, sweetener of your choice. These use many of the same ingredients so you can buy once and cook many meals.

1. Oatmeal add in any of the following, banana, nuts, almond butter, sweetener of your choice (My son uses honey, I use stevia). (high fiber)
2. Omelet with veggies, cheese and salsa (low carb)
3. Baked Potato or Twice Baked Potatos with veggies, butter, sour cream and cheese (Or mash the insides with the sour cream and a little milk of your choice and then add in the veggies, put it all back in the shell and sprinkle cheese on top bake for 30 mins at 350 degrees for a twice baked potato). You can use Sweet Potatos to make lower carb. 
4. Nachos with whole grain chips, fat free vegetarian re-fried beans (heat first), add chopped cooked veggies, cheese and broil until lightly brown in the oven or microwave till melted, top with sour cream, salsa and jalapenos. 
5. Broccoli Cheese Soup and Biscuits or Cornbread Cook a package of broccoli per instructions, mix with cream cheese, veggie broth, cheese and optional milk of your choice, sprinkle in a cup and a half of cheese and smash or blend and heat through, add cheese on top. Buy GF BisQuick and make biscuits or make GF Cornbread from a mix. 
6. Lentil or Legume Pasta with veggies, sauce and Parmesan Cheese
7. Snacks: Banana and almond butter, Chips and Salsa, Almond Butter and Cornbread with Honey. 

* Additions

I purchased a bag of cutie oranges because Vit C is crucial in immune health. 

*Options for more meals with these ingredients. 

Buy some tofu and brown rice and use leftover veggies to make a stir fry (remember the Tamari or Soy Sauce). *I use cauliflower rice to make LC. 

Quiche crust-less, literally eggs, milk, and veggies with spices poured in a pie pan and baked. (LC with out crust).

 

Buy a bag of greens and make a big salad (LC)  or use in smoothies with the orange and the bananas. Or frozen banana, spinach, milk of your choice, and or almond butter. There are a wide variety of options. 

Bonus: Beans are sold out right now but if you can find them we make a batch at least twice a month and slice up tomatoes, onions and make cornbread (I use applesauce for 1/2 the oil or butter). High Fiber. 

The Cheapest Veg and Fruit :

1. Apples
2. Oranges
3. Bananas
4. Carrots
5. Potatoes 
6. Onions
7. Broccoli 
8. Spinach
   

Grocery List for Meal Plan with Options

Inside Isles

1. Almond Butter (non inflammatory)
2. Chips (whole grain or good quality if you can afford)
3. Salsa
4. Refried Veg Beans
5. Veg Broth (I love Edward and Sons Cubes) Chicken broth if you are not veg. is an option in a pinch. 
6. Sweetener (Honey, Stevia, Maple Syrup)
7. Oatmeal (Buy the container, less waste and less than .25 cents a serving)
8. Pasta (Legume, Whole Grain GF, high fiber and non inflammatory)
9. Pasta Sauce (low sugar preferred, look at lower carbs on back and read ingredients or make your own)
10. Cornbread Mix GF or make from scratch

Outside Isles

1. Bananas
2. Nuts
3. Onion
4. Pepper (I used Red Bell)
5. Mushrooms
6. Broccoli 
7. Potatoes 
8. Oranges

Dairy or Cold

1. Eggs (Tofu for scramble Veg option) Quiche and Omelet will not be an option without eggs. 
2. Sour Cream (can use plant based)
3. Butter (plant based option)
4. Cheddar or mixed Mexican cheese (plant based option)
5. Parmesan (or Nutritional Yeast for Veg option)
6. Milk (or unsweet plant milk, we use Cashew or Almond) 

Optional 

1. Tomato  (to add to omelets, salads, quiche etc.)
2. Big bag of Greens (I used Spinach, for salads and smoothies)
3. Pie Crust (GF or regular or make your own)
4. Bag of Frozen Broccoli or Chopped Spinach for Quiche and Smoothies. 
5. Brown Rice (for Stir Fry)
6. Tamari or Soy Sauce GF low sodium(Or maybe you have some)
7. Cauli Rice for LC
8. Tofu if you want it in your stir fry (or you can use scrambled eggs for protein).
9. Bag of dried white beans or pinto (cook with Edward and Sons Veg Broth). 
10. Apples (you can heat them with a little water and cinnamon on the stove and a bit of butter then mash for apple sauce or eat them with almond butter. 

 *Please check the list with your recipes to make sure nothing is left out. Shop your pantry and freezer for things you already have or can substitute. 

With Love,

Courtney 

Simplicity, Health, Money, Time, and Life Satisfaction.

 I have an autoimmune disease that for twenty years I mostly try to ignore until I can't. You would think after twenty years I would learn but alas it seems no. I take for granted when I feel good that I can do things, all of the things and so then I plan them, I do them and then I am in bed and hurting and wondering why I am so bull headed. *I have a host of diagnosis from thyroid disease to arthritis to a bunch of other odd ball stuff but as one of my doctor puts it "It's all autoimmune". Basically my bodies immune system turns and attacks me and stress is my main trigger. Did I mention I am a "Stress Management Specialist?". We clinicians are the worst patients.

Several months we were slow at work due to working in the medical field and people wanting to wait till the first of the year to start on a new deductible (I work in cardiac and cancer rehabilitation services). I thought I was handling the down time well enjoying a less hurried schedule and in the midst of this I said yes to hosting & teaching a large workshop. My personality is when I do something I go 150% and try to make it perfect.  I will make myself sick working to much. So the workshop has ended and it was a great success (I do love the people) and I am now on a 12 day work streak, staying in bed until I have to get dressed to go to the clinic and coming back home and going to bed.
Taking advantage of the downtime I hauled my work, my rat terrier, and my laptop to my bed. I am spending these days doing what I can from the bed and thanking the universe for the internet.

Here is what I am doing in the process of trying to bring back simplicity into my life.

1. I said "No" to another workshop offer and said "I am honored however, I cannot take on anymore until fall at which time I will then consider where my schedule is.". Because this means less income I have to find ways to save and be creative.
2. I am going through all my bills to see what subscriptions and memberships I can cancel and where I can save money. I cancelled my Microsoft acct to use Google Docs (Free), I cancelled my email list and will use social media and targeted small emails but since I plan to take time off I don't plan on sending many anyway. Saved $21.00 a month.
3. Paid off a car worth about $7000 and I am cancelling full coverage and going to liability (I keep $7000 in an account to replace it). Savings $600 a year. Sold two cars in the past two months which saves a ton on insurance and taxes and I put the money in savings. We had four cars due to our business, we are down to two that are 11 and 12 years old. I expect this total savings is well over $100 a month.
4. I am on what I can call a conscious spending plan. Every expense is thought through before buying. I plan on buying a new pair of jeans. I have the cash saved up for them, they are expensive but I've been needing a good pair so I saved $100 for them. I am not doing other shopping right now. We did go out to eat but we picked the cheaper restaurant (a coffee house with vegan food) and I drink water and we didn't do any fancy add on things. We pack most of our meals and cook at home but again I am in bed and hurting so my energy is zapped.
5. I will begin to focus on exercise (staring light today) and good healthy food is always a focus, also now that the weather is nicer more hiking. I plan to go this weekend for a one mile outdoor walk.
6. This may sound odd but I am allowing myself mindless t.v. time. I work and I work hard. I exercise, eat right, pay my bills, volunteer and sometimes I just want to veg and not think. I do not feel guilty for watching a movie or a few hours of t.v. after all my daily to do list is checked off. In the summer we hardly turn the t.v. on because we live on a farm and there is so much to do. So now I allow myself this pleasure, no guilt.
7. Cutting out the unnecessary. I ask myself the question "What needs to be done today?", "What can wait?", "What do I feel like doing based on the energy I have to give today?".
8. I am also now in the stage of life  I call  "Preservation Mode". I started my career at age 30 and I will be 50 this year. I have built it, they came and now I want to serve those folks better. This means focusing on what is built not building more, literally or otherwise. We have three businesses (roofing, Air B & B, and my yoga business which includes 20 plus weekly hours as a medical yoga therapist, yoga speaking engagements and royalties from two books and contributing to other media). See why I have to say no to more?! Nuts right.

What do you do to bring simplicity back when you feel you have lost it?

Love,
Courtney

11 Ideas for Financial Freedom and a Bonus!

It's math. And basic math isn't hard. You add and subtract and total.
If you are struggling financially or trying to be financially independent there are some things you can do today to help yourself move forward. Each day you do one thing and it adds up.

1. Mattresses. Someone called me yesterday asking about a mattress. Not everyone is going to buy a used mattress I get that and I don't want to either. However three of our four mattresses are hand me downs. Three of them came from family members guest rooms when they moved. They had barely been used. I put an egg crate topper or cool gel topper and they work great. If you are looking for a mattress and you are desperate first try a topper for under $100. If you must buy a mattress and you feel it's a need not a want then shop around. There is a great variance of prices and don't buy into the hype. There is a local place here that specializes in mattresses and furniture and you can buy a set for $200 (twin) and up. Be careful of those mattress stores that only sell mattresses, they will hard sell you. I've seen many people do this and only be disappointed.

2. Cut down on the coffee, soda, and eating out. I shouldn't have to say it but seriously ya'll WTH! If you are stopping at a gas station five days a week or going to the drive through and spending five dollars a day (and most  probably spend more and go seven days a week) you are spending $150 or more on crap that is not good for you. That is $1800 a year!  Go today and get a nice travel mug and fill it at home. I often use a glass jar (like a marinara jar, yes seriously).
It's not that you can never do these things but let them be a treat once or twice a month.

3. Shop your closet or house. I broke my favorite spoon rest and wanted another one. I looked at flea markets and then one day I was getting dressed and looked down on my dresser at the little dish I had. It was a spoon rest I had been using as a catch all! Viola. I didn't need it in there and had something else. It's perfect in my kitchen.
Yesterday I purchased a dress to go to party and will take it back. The cute flannel dress thing turns out to look like Ma Wilder going to a hoe down on me. I ended up in my winter uniform, a flannel top or sweater, leggings and boots. Turns out I would have been way over dressed at the party in the dress. Lesson learned again.

4. If you get a speeding ticket.  It happens to everyone but you don't always have to pay it. You could take a class in person or online for about $50 if it's your first one in a while and waive the fee and keep it off your record. When I was young and had no one to help me I asked for community service. I filed papers and served candy at community centers. We do what we have to.

5. Sell your stuff. It's easier than ever. I sold text books last week to a text book store, jewelry to a jeweler, returned some stuff in my house turns out I didn't need and ended up making $176 in a day. It's easier than ever. First think about what is in your town. The resale clothing store, the auction, jewelers, text book stores. Then there is Ebay, Craigslist, Amazon, Marketplace, and so many more. If you are broke and your house if full of stuff sell it now.

6. Shop second hand. If it depreciates you don't want to invest a lot of money in it unless it really brings value to your life. I do buy new occasionally but I often buy used cars, and other items. For years my clothes came from Goodwill or resale boutiques. I don't do this as much any more but I am not opposed to it and still shop resale a few times a year. For household items I always check Habitat and Goodwill to save tons.

7. Reduce your cost of housing. If you are really strapped consider a roommate or moving to a cheaper place. Take care of your home as it appreciates. Fix it and keep it in good repair. As you move forward in life consider investing in properties where you can have a renter such as an apartment building or duplex. Or in our case we have a vacation rental on our farm. We put our savings into building so it's positive cash flow.

8. Increase your income. This may not happen overnight but we can all do this. Ask for a raise, or find a way to move up in your current job to a higher paying position Find a part time job. A side hustle. Sell your stuff and other peoples stuff. Do you have a skill or talent? Use it. Maybe you have a skill and you decided to get out of that field. If it's high paying could you do it for a year or two to get ahead and then save to do your passion project. Many people can do what they have to do to become financially free then have more time for passion projects once they are more secure. Your dream job will still be there.

9. Auto Expenses Car Payments, Insurance, Gas and Fee's. This is one area where I see a lot of waste. Can you plan your routes to reduce wasteful driving. If you live far out can you plan your shopping or errands on the same day as you have to go out for other things. I do this. We live 25 miles from everything and I plan my shopping around when I have work or other appointments.
I am seeing many people pay about double what they should be for insurance. One drive a car that you can afford and check the cost of insurance with at least three companies. I am with Allstate and happy I have heard Gieco is also reasonable. Only insure what you need. Don't do full coverage on a beater car with no loan. Buy cars for cash, then save up for the next car. Avoid interest bearing car loans if you can. If you feel you have to get the best car for the least money and pay it off quick.

10. Food Bill. The best way to cut food expenses in my opinion and the easiest is to meal plan. Plan your dinners for the week and put in any eating out so you don't over buy. If you have a dinner date for Tuesday put that on the meal plan. Then plan two or three breakfast that you rotate and plan dinners for each night with a plan to eat the leftovers for lunch the next day. Plan some easy meals for the days you have a lot to do so you don't eat out, such as sandwiches or breakfast for dinner.  I have even started keeping a frozen healthy-ish pizza for times when I am to tired to cook.

11. Gift Buying and Helping Others. 
Set a budget. I included helping others because I have six kids and we help sometimes it gets to be a lot. I am setting a helping budget this year and keeping a log of it. I also took out money for Christmas in cash so I don't go over. I've set budgets before but get busy & I go over. When tired I forgot to keep up with cost. Cash is easier. On birthdays I set a budget and we do a meal and cake at home or go in as a group and everyone pays. If all my kids are going then I will have them meet at a lower cost restaurant for lunch which is cheaper. Recently for an event I took my mom and four kids out, a total of six people for lunch and it as only $80 plus tip.

Think about optimizing everything in your life. Always ask "Can I do this for less?".

The basic rules for financial freedom that everyone can follow.
1. Keep your housing cost low.
2. Keep your auto cost low.
3. Watch your food budget
4. Set limits on discretionary spending (give yourself an allowance for this, you'll spend it anyway).
5. Have an emergency fund. Get started so normal emergencies like a car repair doesn't spiral your finances out of control.
6. Avoid debt. Especially on things that depreciate.
7. Save as much as you can. As you make more get to a modest middle class life style and save the rest.
8. Don't wait to save for retirement. Always take the match! Save now and don't touch it. *Also avoid high cost brokers, use places like Vanguard and Schwab for your investments.
9. Make more, live on less, save. At the point where you have enough money to live off the interest or you have money coming in from other resources like royalties or rental properties you are financially free.

Love,
C

Holiday Expenses and Ideas for Saving

This time of year I get excited with the thought of having all of my kids together and visiting with family and friends. Most of the things I think about do not involve gifts however, I do really enjoy watching people open gifts. Not necessarily what I give them but just the opening and seeing the surprise. This time of year also gives me some amount of dread of expectations and doubt.
My dad and step mom have agreed to no gift giving between adults (not adult children, the grandchildren but between me and my husband and them). This makes it easy. My mom only has me and the grand kids and I've asked her this year to keep it to $30. She is on a fixed budget and it would only give me guilt if she spent a lot of money on me. Now I have a slew of friends, relatives and coworkers and I always have this feeling I am going to forget someone and hurt someone's feelings. I'm not a shopper but I like to give gifts. I am frugal but not cheap so I like to get gifts at a good price but the crowds and consumption wear me out. So this year I am posting this to share with loved ones about buying us gifts and about gift giving.

I am a bit of a minimalist and don't have a lot of decorations up. I don't put pictures on the walls because we have really expensive ship lap that you can't fill. Also I don't want to dust! I would prefer no one gave me decorations of any kind so I don't feel obligated to put them out. This also included decorations of the body because I have sensory issues with clothes and jewelry. It's such a nice gesture and so sweet and sometimes it works for me. I have a few pieces that friends have given me that I love but more often than not the weight of jewelry is to much for my sensory issues. Things that are stuffed or furry often aggravate my asthma so that is a challenge for me though I love a good teddy bear squeeze. I can't have the dust mites that occur over time so they end up in the cedar chest. Even writing this makes me feel guilty and somewhat ashamed because I would never want to hurt anyone's feelings. 

I also think of these things when buying others gifts and so here are some ideas I have for saving money and not putting pressure on anyone to display something I have given them. 

1. Be frank with your significant other about what you want or get a partnered gift or a vacation or something. This is one area after the beginning of a relationship you should be able to talk about. My husband buys my face cream ($100) this one time a year and if I need perfume ($60) this is when I get it. 

2. Consumables: Make sure the recipient likes these things. My son often gets Starbucks cards and he literally never goes there. Things you can use up like coffee, tea, candles, food items, notebooks, journals, pens, pencils, scrubs or bath salts, fancy soaps, olive oil, chocolates, fun drinks, gums, makeup like mascaras or lip gloss, candies, hair products, nail products, and homemade food gifts. One year my mom made quiches for everyone and we delivered them. I loved it!  

3. Gift Certificates: Again make sure the recipient will utilize, Car Washes, Movies, Coffee Houses, Restaurants, Massages, Hot Springs (I live where this is a thing) and anything else you know your loved one or friend will enjoy. 

4. Useful items that you know someone will use. Comfy socks, hankies, items that people actually ask for. For instance my husband is a hunter so I know he will use up Hot Hands, warm socks, and anything camping or camouflage that he needs of course. 

5. Money. It's not personal but this year I am really considering it. One son will be traveling by air and the last thing I want to give him is stuff he can't get back on a plane. I'm planning on giving the kids a little money, one gift and their stockings full of consumables.
6. Experiences: Take a vacation, go to the movies, have a potluck, do an activity together. Maybe those who can pay chip in and pay and those who can't get it covered. I don't like to be out in the cold but going to look at Christmas lights while sipping something hot is always nice. Watching funny movies, having a potluck party and ugly Christmas Sweater party is fun. Assuming your celebrating Christmas.
7. Helping someone out that is less fortunate that you with a meal, warm socks, mittens, hats and things they need but can't afford. Do this as a group and it's always nice.
8. Ask if there is a book they want and buy that.

Lets talk about eating. Here are some ideas.
1. Pick a few things and make only those. Make a meal plan and stick to it. We always go over board so this year I am picking about 5 things for Christmas morning and that is what we are having.
2. Potluck. Those who can't cook bring drinks, ice, and rolls.
3. Split the responsibilities. My dad and step mom do Thanksgiving, I am in charge of Christmas Eve and we do Christmas breakfast.

What ideas do you have? Please share.

Happy Holidays!
Love,
Courtney

*Phote Credit https://www.mesahealthandwellness.com/PreventHolidayStress
* Picture Credit and Article at https://www.mesahealthandwellness.com/PreventHolidayStress

Having to Cut Back do to Loss of Income

So out of the gate I want to say in a three month time my income has dropped by over 33%. Ouch. To give you a bigger picture I need to go back a few years. A year and a half ago, three years on my current job I ask for a raise and got one. We got busy, started new projects and I was making much more than I thought I would and it was good and it was hard. Hard because I had no time to keep up with anything else and my personal life and self care was suffering. We started to eat out more, I was buying more supplements to help with my auto immune issues, and buying prepackaged foods and driving a lot more.
Three years ago around 2016 I said "yes" to getting married and move from my house in town to a 40 acre ranch with my now husband. I also decided to close part of my business, a yoga school I had owned at the time for 8 years. That school was highly successful and was most of my income but it along with all I had to do for it was keeping me working 28 days a month. Now you may be thinking oh so you married a rich guy and he helps with your finances.  Nope. My now husband was broke when we met. With my help and business sense and his great skills and knowledge we built his small company which was simply "side work" into a successful business that makes more than our day jobs together now. However, I do not take any money from that business, we use all the profits to fund the ranch, retirement, and pay the house down. I pay half of all the house hold bills and food, etc... So a down turn is scary even though we are prepared.
When I decided to close the school I chose to save a years worth of income and pay off my only debt my car. So I decided to do that and I did. I retired in May of this year, with a years worth of income, no debt and a decision to take a leap.  With my savings and some help from the hubby we invested a large portion of that savings into cash flowing a cabin for vacation rental.

Now due to some issues that have more to do with holidays, insurance and some things I cannot speak about due to privacy working in the medical field,  we are in a brief slow down. We expect to pick back up after the holidays but for now my income has dropped to about 40% of what I was making when I had the school. So regardless of savings and lower debt I have to cut back on spending. I've always been frugal and so I'm not a huge spender but when money is flowing in I'm more likely to take that course, buy that book, pick up something for myself or the house or the kids. Here are some ideas  from my life that may be new to you and I sharing with you helps me process in my mind.

1. Free Education: I was literally registered for a course and it was sitting in my in box ready to pay the $295 fee when I found out that my income would drop even more yesterday. I decided to go online to my local library and find as much free info on the subject as possible instead.
2. Food: We did have a date night out last night and we chose to drink water, no appetizers or desserts. This is a nice restaurant but my husband got a small meal because we were going to a movie and he wanted popcorn. The bill was only $20. without appetizers and wine it cut our bill in half.  On groceries we had spent quite a bit over the past three weeks. I've been only picking up a small amount to fill in and avoiding a large grocery haul. This week I'll meal plan around the pantry to cut expenses even more. Keeping our food bill to $125 a week and toiletries or $500 a month or less.
3. Transportation: I will not have to drive to work but three days a week next month, saving 120 miles off each week. This will save me four gallons of gas each day for a total of about $80 a month. Also being at home I tend to stay at home and cook and clean and organize. It gives me time to optimize my life.
4. Gifts: It's the Holidays! - I told all my grown children I was giving them money and stockings this year. I usually have a $100 budget and go way over. So this year I'm giving them all $100 and I'm making them each a photo album of pictures from their childhood. I'll fill the stockings with little things they like and this should save me about $400. I've ask my parents and friends not to exchange gifts.
5. Decor: So normally this is not a concern, I can do without but we are in the midst of outfitting our first Air B and B so I had to decorate. I have been trying to think what I have that will work and not over buy. I've also been shopping for deals. I don't shop. I don't like to shop but I've been going to several stores and comparing prices before I make a decision. This has saved me a lot of money. I saved about $60 on a rug, another $40 on an electric fireplace, on the furniture I bartered a table for a couch and recliner. This probably saved me $500. I'm not looking for a table and chairs and then using what I have until the cabin turns a profit.
6. Clothing: I need some clothing. I will likely make do and make some outfits of what I have. I may order some more leggings and shop at resales shops. If I do this I will give myself a budget and I've been selling my clothes to buy new things. I got two sweaters the other day with my credit plus $6. I will likely not spend more than $50 on clothes the rest of this year until my income increases.
7. Housing: So we have a fixed mortgage but I pay extra on it. That will stop for now and we will pay the bill. When work picks up Jim will pay extra on it.
8. Discretionary Spending: With this most of the time I optimize. If we want a bottle of wine for the holiday it might be a cheaper bottle. Or we will do without. I will shop for small inexpensive options or go without. We will focus on needs versus wants and though I still like to be generous I will think before we buy. For instance we host a big breakfast for Christmas for about 20 people.  I'll offer maybe 5 items rather than 7. I'll simplify it so to speak and I really don't think anyone will even notice.
9. TIME: I will make a list of things that take time but not money. Organizing my house, cleaning things out and taking them to the auction for sale. Selling stuff I don't need. Cleaning out the storage building so we can let go of that bill of $120. I'll be able to save more because I will have time to sell things, to reduce bills, to optimize. I will make use of Holiday movies for free, time around the fireplace, long walks on warmer days and attending free events. I'll go to free yoga classes that I have bartered for that I often don't have time for. When you are dollar poor and time rich with a little savvy thinking you can have a richer life, it simply takes a change in perspective.

If these are helpful to you please share and share your ideas as well.

How to Cut Expenses and Still Have a Full Life.

This past year and a half has been interesting to say the least. I've been interested in finance and how the mind works around it for many years. In my youth I would worry about what growing up would look like and how you pay bills (like the actual where does it come from and how do you have electricity worries), which is probably not normal for an eleven year old. I'm quite sure my upbringing by Depression era grandparents had a lot to do with it.
I've been debt free three times in my adult life, once without a mortgage and twice with a mortgage. Now we are debt free with a mortgage that we are trying to pay off and I intend to not ever have consumer debt again. We follow the Dave Ramsey baby steps but not to the letter and that is okay.
Last year I did a no buy on clothes, books, and accessories like shoes and jewelry (even those $10 earrings at Target). It was amazing and hard. I learned so much about myself and my buying habits. Though never a spend thrift I enjoy having a new outfit to wear, a new pair or sunglasses or a new fresh book to open and dive into an alternate reality for a time.
This year we had some goals that have been put on hold. We paid over $35,000 on our mortgage last year, which was about 1/3 of our income, we took a big trip to Yellow Stone, and we paid off our tractor and our car. We had a good year and have not always made as much. As a matter a fact seven years ago when I met my husband together we were both making about $35,000 a year combined.
This year started off with some challenges and it has caused us to have to put a hold on all extra spending. We both had unexpected health challenges at the same time, big bills, two surgeries, test, thousand and thousands of dollars of medical bills in two months time. The weather has not been conducive to keeping a roofing company busy but I know that will change. And since we got married it put us in a higher tax bracket and low and behold Uncle Sam asked for a huge chunk of our income, twice what we thought we would have to pay.

So what do you do when you have to cut back? How do you do it? I'm here to tell you the sweet spot is in the flexible spending and simply your perspective.  Here are my top ideas for cutting back and actually enjoying your life more. Some will be familiar but others may not.

How to Cut Expenses and Still Have a Full Life. 

1. Write down everything you pay for. EVERYTHING. Subscriptions, mortgage, rent, food, gas, insurance, clothes, gym membership, cable and wifi..and anything else. This tells you where you are on the map of life with spending. 
2. Think logically. What is really a need. We often put our emotions into this. Think if you were helping another person who was identify needs and wants. What would you say? Often people make a want a need by emotional justification. If you spent time on your own self care then would all of these things you think you need really just be a want. You can cut your flexible spending here greatly. Eating pancakes at home rather than going out for breakfast is about $2 a person versus $15 a person when you add tax and tip. That can add up to a savings of about $175 a month if you go out to eat breakfast three days a week. 
3. Identify your income. If your income is spotty or irregular add up the last three months and divide by three to get an average income.  
4. Cut the cable. Get Net Flix, Watch You Tube, Go to the Library. You don't need cable. We paid $200 recently to get rid of cable. Yes that expense caused me resentment to the cable company for their terrible service but it saved me $1000 dollars over the course of the year. 
5. Get rid of subscriptions. Check your statements to find any that you may have. Go to the free versions of everything. 
6. Don't Shop. You won't be tempted if you aren't shopping. 
7. Avoid advertising. Read books over magazines. Stay off social media more. Don't watch normal t.v. Don't make shopping a sport. 
8. Find alternate things to do. Go for a walk, hike, visit a park, organize your house, clean your house and car, organize your closet. These things will make you feel better about your life and situation. Getting exercise, going outside, having a clean home and car feels good and makes you feel more in control of your life. 
9. Watch something on You Tube everyday or read a blog about living a full life, financial freedom, health. something positive that contributes to your life without making you feel worse. 
10. Start to think of purchases in terms of how much you have to work to pay for something. If you want to go on vacation but need to cut back and a one week vacation to the beach would cost $2000 and you make $36000 a year you will have to work about a month to pay for it after paying taxes. If your boss would pay you in a vacation instead of money, but you had to work one full month, 40 hours a week for 4 weeks would you take the money or the vacation? That begins to change your idea of what a vacation can look like. Maybe a stay-cation this year. Maybe you simply need some time off. 
11. Have a mind of abundance. Instead of bemoaning having to cut back. Give thanks to the God of your understanding, the universe, whatever or whomever you give thanks to and say "Thank you for the roof over my head, thank you for my job, thank you for my family, my feet that carry me through life, my health.". Giving thanks will change your mindset. 

These are principals I use when I cut back and in my daily life. Our grandson ask this weekend how we had all that we have (three paid for cars, a boat, a tractor, a forty acre farm with a cabin, barn and animals) and the truth is we pick and choose what we value. We live on less than we make. We pay cash, we save, we work hard, we enjoy our life but we value pancakes at home and walks in nature and books over shopping or fancy vacations every year. Truthfully the big things like buying new cars can take a toll on your finances but it really is the little things day to day that we take for granted that really add up. I recently cut our food bill by $400 by doing a little research on it and redoing our food budget. You can do this too and feel even happier than before.