Life as We NOW Know It
My grandfather did odd jobs after he retired and since I was not yet of school age, he took me with him. I learned very young how to fix toilets, faucets, dry wall and fences. I learned how to use "spit and glue" to fix most anything.
As an adult I discovered Thrift Stores. I haven't bought ANYTHING brand new in decades. Even though my partner and I were making good incomes, we still shopped at thrift stores and garage sales. Once the kids came along, it was the only way to go!! Why pay retail for kids clothes that they out grow in a month and can't keep unstained?
The kids are 10 and 8 now and love shopping at the thrit store. They like the clothes better because they are "broken in" and soft.
As a family we camp alot because it's the cheapest way to vacation. Most of our camping equipment was found at ARC and garage sales in almost new condition.
Right before Christmas 2008, during the biggest financial disaster ever, I lost my job!! I had the higher income of the two of us. We kept the faith and tightened our belts a little. It really wasn't so bad. Then, in May of 2009, my partners job was lost. Two of us unemployed was hard to imagine. We tightened our belts even tighter and prayed the kids wouldn't grow too quickly. We took the advices and government incentives and both went back to school thinking our future's were bright. Low and behold the two of us like many that also did the same STILL can not find jobs in fields that we trained for.
I had learned to can jams and jellies years before so I got back into that with my neighbors apples and our plums. We hung a string of white christmas lights in each room instead of using expensive higher watt bulbs. I got serious about couponing and we got rid of the lawn service and mowed and weed wacked ourselves. We did alot of trial and error when it came to gardening and learn more each year. All of this has helped to save about 25% of what we used to pay out.
My other half is working now, but not even close to the income of old. I stay at home and hold down the home front. I have learned to can meat, wax cheese and store eggs for months at a time. (Thank you Preparedness Pro). We make our own home repairs, mow our own lawn and buy alittle extra each shopping trip. Our storage is enough for the four of us and two cats for about 9 months.
Now matter what the circomstances, you can prepare for the future. Go to the thrift stores for everything from clothing to bandages! Buy an extra bottle of aspirin, antibiotic cream, or TP on every shopping trip. Learn to can, dehydrate and garden. Teach the kids and it will be second nature for them. DON'T ever think that you don't have enough money!! Take it from a couple that were both unemployed for 2 1/2 yrs and now only one is working 6 months a year. You can do it!!
Have faith in God and in yourself. You can learn how to do anything and those feelings you get are God guiding your steps!!
D. P. CO
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Comments
Your mom is an inspiration as well. She taught you and your sister to be frugal and you carried that skill into adulthood. I pray for the best for you and yours.
Nice ! You have my votes
I need to start working on my prepping. You gave me a push.
I gonna take your advice and pick up a littile extra each time I go to the grocery store.
I know that I can do the couponing. I just need to spend a little time to save more money. It will also help with my storage.
Thank you for all of your ideas and your story. I hope you do well in this contest.
Like the story!
Makes me want to step up my own efforts!
keep it up,hard work is worth it!
Way to involve the kids!
I want some laundry soap!
I need some of that laundry soap!
Good job! thanks,good luck!
Awesome!
Want some of that jam!
How does one begin this process?
Bake me some bread,make me some jam,and when it spills on my clothes I can do laundry! good job!
I need to be a prepper!
Great Job.
Take care of your family.
Your a winner! Keep it up. You have some great skills
You have my vote
Good luck!! You have all of my votes
Job well done DP!!
Hope you place 1st.
Keeping the kids involved is great.
The kids will thank you for all of this learning some day!!
Glad to see all of the ways that you are saving money
Keep it up and you and your family will be survivors
you have my vote
great job
Thanks for taking the time to write an article
You are off to a good start.
you deserve to win!!
You have touched many lives with your story!! Bravo!!
Great Story!!
I grew up poor too!! It does have a way of staying with you
Even though my kids are grown, they could learn a few things from you.
Best of Luch with the contest!!
you can survive anything!! You have the right mind set!!
You go with your bad self DP!!
You've got the stuff!! I liked what you had to say
I really hope you win, you have some really thoughtful comments
Your family is lucky that you care so much
All the best to you and good luck
I enjoyed reading your article. Thank you
I hope that you and your family can continue to learn and grow in your self reliance. Best wishes
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