America's Cheapest Family
Jan. 27th, 2009 12:45 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dancerjodiI finished the book of this title by http://www.homeeconomiser.com/ this afternoon.
Topics included: groceries, budgeting, cars, housing, utilities, debt, medical, clothing, entertainment & recreation, vacation, kids & money, savings & investments and attitudes.
Limited funds as a blessing, encouraging creativity and relationship-building.
Attacking an issue as a mouse, owl or an ant (based on your level of experience/proficiency)
Menu planning, reducing trips to the supermarket (based on circulars/coupons - what's cheapest), more bulk storage/cooking as things are low cost.
Work on finances as a couple (both are prepared to handle, a bonding experience, build communication); get together to review on a scheduled basis.
Save 1% of home value for emergency repairs (or put aside 10% of mortgage payment for this purpose)
'Color Draping' from Carole Jackson's "Color Me Beautiful" book, to figure out what colors work on you (and build wardrobe around that with classic foundation and accessories to be up to date). Red really does not look good on me, as I think today wearing one of 2 of my only red clothing items. 'Dress for Success', buy quality that will last a long time.
Take advantage of local free and low-cost resources (parks, museums, activities) as a tourist. Invest time in planning to save money, create quality time with loved ones and make memories.
Budget for vacations each year, be open to 'home vacations', go off season, camp/hostel/college dorms/AAA, use credit card points, do laundry while on vaca and bring less clothing, bring food or utilize continental breakfasts (plan food).
Involve kids with money as they spend their own and influence family spending (points system for morning, chores, school, cleanup tasks and pay money per point earned). Be an example, create a system, be consistent, encourage new habits (budget, % for diff categories that changes as kids age). Cheer independence and support for bumps in the road.
Create general plan for what to do with unexpected cash windfalls, dependent on current financial goals.
Focus on family/relationships (they will be there regardless of economy or economic situation) most of all. Give time to develop lasting habit. Build a lasting frugal lifestyle, independent from current situation (the little things add up).
Overall ideals:
Always live within means
Avoid debt with a smile
Never pay retail if at all possible
Plan and save in advance of all purchaces
Realize there is always someone who wants to get rid of the think you need - find that person and make a deal.
Thriftiness saves time, makes you more financially secure, is better for relationships, better for kids, better for economy, better for environment.
Topics included: groceries, budgeting, cars, housing, utilities, debt, medical, clothing, entertainment & recreation, vacation, kids & money, savings & investments and attitudes.
Limited funds as a blessing, encouraging creativity and relationship-building.
Attacking an issue as a mouse, owl or an ant (based on your level of experience/proficiency)
Menu planning, reducing trips to the supermarket (based on circulars/coupons - what's cheapest), more bulk storage/cooking as things are low cost.
Work on finances as a couple (both are prepared to handle, a bonding experience, build communication); get together to review on a scheduled basis.
Save 1% of home value for emergency repairs (or put aside 10% of mortgage payment for this purpose)
'Color Draping' from Carole Jackson's "Color Me Beautiful" book, to figure out what colors work on you (and build wardrobe around that with classic foundation and accessories to be up to date). Red really does not look good on me, as I think today wearing one of 2 of my only red clothing items. 'Dress for Success', buy quality that will last a long time.
Take advantage of local free and low-cost resources (parks, museums, activities) as a tourist. Invest time in planning to save money, create quality time with loved ones and make memories.
Budget for vacations each year, be open to 'home vacations', go off season, camp/hostel/college dorms/AAA, use credit card points, do laundry while on vaca and bring less clothing, bring food or utilize continental breakfasts (plan food).
Involve kids with money as they spend their own and influence family spending (points system for morning, chores, school, cleanup tasks and pay money per point earned). Be an example, create a system, be consistent, encourage new habits (budget, % for diff categories that changes as kids age). Cheer independence and support for bumps in the road.
Create general plan for what to do with unexpected cash windfalls, dependent on current financial goals.
Focus on family/relationships (they will be there regardless of economy or economic situation) most of all. Give time to develop lasting habit. Build a lasting frugal lifestyle, independent from current situation (the little things add up).
Overall ideals:
Always live within means
Avoid debt with a smile
Never pay retail if at all possible
Plan and save in advance of all purchaces
Realize there is always someone who wants to get rid of the think you need - find that person and make a deal.
Thriftiness saves time, makes you more financially secure, is better for relationships, better for kids, better for economy, better for environment.
