How many days can I go without spending money???

[momgoneawol]

Life insurance is one thing I would not go without. Shop around if you need to and if you need to reduce the amount of coverage a bit do so but don't go without completely. (It's one of those things I HATE paying each month but knowing if something awful should happen the kids would be taken care of.) Hubby and I each have 500,000 of life insurance and we pay $75 a month. As soon as both kids are older and out of the house we will drop the amount but for now we based it on what we would need to live on if one of us was not here to either work or run the house.

Keep at it day by day and remember to treat yourself occassionally (doesn't have to be anything big, maybe just a pack of gum but include treats in your budget)

Do some trading with neighbours or friends if you can, maybe you know some local people you can trade some of things in your stockpile for things you need. I know I have lots of one or two things in my stock that I would love to be able to trade for something different just to add variety.

Make sure your kids are involved in the process, it is a great learning experience for them and lessons they may need down the road.

Keep us all updated, love hearing all the creative ideas everyone has.

[babymama2009]

I watched an episode of Extreme Cheapskates a few weeks ago. One of the couples featured does an annual "fiscal fast" for one week, where the don't spend any money for 1 week, similar to the "make do" week already discussed.

It was pretty funny. On the last day of the "fiscal fast" week, the guy emptied his vacuum bag for 2 purposes; in order to reuse it to save $ and also to find any change that may have been sucked up. He also biked around, combing through pay phones, newspaper stands and even sewer grates for change. He also went to restaurants & laundromats to look for dropped change in booths and dryer liners.

With the money he found, he went to the butcher and bought 2 goat heads and made a romantic meal for his wife. Now that's dedication!!

[frugalmom2]

With my family history I am just cancer waiting to happen so I would think twice before changing insurance. I'd also make sure I qualify for the new policy and have passed the medical exam. Some haeve a clause that a medical condition can't pop up in the first three months so be aware of that. When we got insurance the amount we were quoted increased after the medical exam so I'd go though all of that before I ditched the old policy.

If money is tight now you don't want to know what it would be like to have a death in your family and no insurane coverage.

Daycare for my kids is $20,000 a year so I know how you feel about owing thousands.

I went to Gail Vaz Oxlades website and filled out the forms for our finances and now have weekly amounts that i take out of the bank for food, transportation, clothing and gifts, entertainment and other (pets, bank fees and $20 per adult spending). It made me alot calmer living paycheque to paycheque knowing that all the necessities were covered (in the bank) and we had enough for variables like groceries etc. I haven't been to a movie in three years but i know things will get better for us eventually and we are pretty creative with our limitd entertainment funds. When money is tight there can also be arguing, so using the jars meant I didn't have to be the one saying no we can't afford that. i just say "is there money for that in the jars".

BTW, sorry for picking a SC name so close to yours!

[monkeyluva69]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation - I hope it works out soon.

I have to say, I am truly impressed by all of the support one can get here. YOU guys sound like family...it's so nice.

[glamorousgirl]

In 2010 I was working PT and my husband who was really supporting us lost his job, not only did he lose his job, he lost his car allowance, gas money and cell phone, so all those expenses we had to incur. It was the end of November so right before Christmas and he had only been at the company a couple of years so he got a really small severance package. He was depressed and I was stressed out.

We cancelled the regular phone which was $40 a month and got him a koodo phone for $15.00 a month (I already had a cell phone on an amazing plan). I called Rogers to cancel all our extra channels, we had to keep some cable because although it's not a necessity it's not easy explaining to kids why they can no longer watch cartoons. Anyways, the people at Rogers asked why we were cancelling and I told them my husband lost his job and we needed to cut back. The lady I was speaking with put me on hold and then came back and offered to give us a promo, the extra channels were free for a year

I didn't coupon then so we had to really watch what we spent on groceries, and ate a lot of vegetable soup. I cancelled my gym membership and anything else we didn't need.

One thing we also cancelled a few years ago was Mortgage Insurance because we had that in addition to our Life Insurance, but our Life Insurance more than covers the Mortgage so why have both?

I didn't think we could do it, but it's a year and a bit later and we are doing really well. I have a stock pile of food/cleaning/beauty supplies, we have a savings account now and are really trying to keep our Credit Card paid off.

So I guess my novel of a note is just to say that I know it is probably really hard right now for you, and you are both really stressed, but you will get through it, and everyone here will be thinking of you along the way

[KamGirl]

Sending you lots of love and support..I've hit some hard economic times too! I know your worry and anxiety xo

[Canastar]

Great post here, I try to do one big shop once a month and use my coupon savings to the max when I do but I have been thinking about growing my stock pile a little bit more this year to a every two months shop other then fresh food veggies milk etc. How ever if I do see a good deal ( it is hard to pass up) so I started a list of essential items for the house and if it on the list I get it and stock up or I let it go and pass on the savings or coupons to a neighbor or friend. ( unless it is free or under a dollar I may grab a few) lol

[wolfwoman]

Speaking of Extreme Cheapskates,I'm all for saving money BUT that idea of recycling homemade toilet paper is downright GROSS!

[freefreefree]

I think I can only go 1-2 days without spending

[Sandra4]

You are absolutely right!! thanks frugalmom for sharing your situation. I have 4 children, and we just bought our 1st house 2 and a half months ago, our furnace already broke down (thank goodness it was a $100 tweak, and quick fix) and due to the weather freazing last week, our garage/basement flooded, that was a $500 fix...but it's scary how situations can change OVERNIGHT! you're right, we all need to be on our toes and never get comfortable, and always stay humble

Good luck and sorry to hear of your circumstances but you are already prepared to cope and move on because of your already frugal ways You will come out on top for sure. And all of us should think what if and do the same as you but before the hammer comes down!! Thanks for the reminder to keep our heads in the game and not get to cozy in our situations. take care.

[avrose]

I watched that show and kinda wondered why he seemed to be scraping the bottom of the barrel at the end of the "fiscal fast" only lasting a week. Most of us could do one for a month!! lol

[Sandra4]

Does anyone know when extreme cheapskates are on?

[kellyschool1]

I can go aa few days without spending or a week or two. Not by choice of course.When you dont have it you cant spend it. I am laid off and cant find a job. Depressing yes but I am still looking for full time work.

[RedEng]

Sounds like your already on the right track frugalmom, which lets me know you and your family will survive this setback.

I didn't read everyones comments so I may be repeating some.

1. Be as environmental as possible
- Do only full loads of laundry
- use old t-shirts for rags instead of paper towel
- bleach, water and vinegar is all you need for an all-purpose cleaner
- turn down the furnace at night and when no one is home
- reuse what ever you can

2. If you have a mortgage you may be able to reduce your payments temporarily

3. Although Christmas is far away you can start saving up amazon gift cards, paypal or gap/old navy/banana republic gift cards with Swagbucks. I didn't see it in your signature if you are a member, but I got several hundred dollars of toys, books and video games for the kids in 2011 from Swagbucks.

Good Luck to you and your family

[frugalmom]

With my family history I am just cancer waiting to happen so I would think twice before changing insurance. I'd also make sure I qualify for the new policy and have passed the medical exam. Some haeve a clause that a medical condition can't pop up in the first three months so be aware of that. When we got insurance the amount we were quoted increased after the medical exam so I'd go though all of that before I ditched the old policy.

If money is tight now you don't want to know what it would be like to have a death in your family and no insurane coverage.

Daycare for my kids is $20,000 a year so I know how you feel about owing thousands.

I went to Gail Vaz Oxlades website and filled out the forms for our finances and now have weekly amounts that i take out of the bank for food, transportation, clothing and gifts, entertainment and other (pets, bank fees and $20 per adult spending). It made me alot calmer living paycheque to paycheque knowing that all the necessities were covered (in the bank) and we had enough for variables like groceries etc. I haven't been to a movie in three years but i know things will get better for us eventually and we are pretty creative with our limitd entertainment funds. When money is tight there can also be arguing, so using the jars meant I didn't have to be the one saying no we can't afford that. i just say "is there money for that in the jars".

BTW, sorry for picking a SC name so close to yours!

Yes i love Gail. I am currently reading her new book...A woman of independant means. I don't mind at all that you chose a name close to mine.