More Frugality (Learning to Live with Less)

After my post yesterday I started brainstorming (between chores, laundry, squabbles between children and swimming the afternoon away with my kids!) more ways we save money and came up with a few things I had actually forgotten!

Here they are:

* We are going to cancel our cell phone service and get pay as you go phones.

* My husband hunts every deer season and we process our own meat. This saves a ton! We usually have enough ground deer meat to last through the winter season! (deer tacos, deer chili, deer soup!)

* We have a pig out at my parents we will have butchered for pork this fall! (It's also 'homegrown' pork which is better for you, too!)

* I buy whole milk and water it down to make it last longer. I've done this for years and just wing it but if you would like an exact recipe it's probably something like: 1gallon of milk w/ 4 cups water.

* If you are able, garden! We would be if we had more space.

* Instead of buying those expensive cleaning products make your own! Vinegar and baking soda can work wonders! They are also a lot less harmful to you.

* Downgrade your internet service. (I need to do this.)

* I have a 'needs' list I keep tucked away for times it seems we have some 'extra' funds and I feel like shopping. It keeps me from buying frivolously and impulse buying. Things like the kid's shoes, winter coats, jackets, rain-gear, husband's work pants and homeschool books usually are the biggest things on this list. (This may seem silly to some but this has really helped me curve my spending!)

* Since we deal in cash we have a lot of loose change! All that change gets put into a gallon Ball Jar and taken to the bank once it's full. The money is then taken and used for something on the 'needs' list.

* Eat 1 or 2 meatless meals a week. Pinto beans and bacon set to simmer in a crockpot all day with homemade cornbread? Lip smackin' good! Salad with boiled eggs. Refried bean burritos. Homemade Spanish rice tacos. Vegetable stir fry on rice. Baked potato bar. There are a ton of meatless meals out there.....that satisfy EVEN my homegrown southern husband. ; )

* Use everything up in your kitchen. STOP throwing out food! Have leftover spaghetti noodles? Save them for the kid's lunch the next day. Leftover taco meat? Put it in tomorrows vegetable soup. Leftovers may not be a family favorite but you'll feel good eating it all up and not wasting!

There you have it. All the ways I could think up that we try to save money and live with less. I hope this gives you some inspiration to give it a try....if you are so inclined! Thanks for reading!

Have a great Friday!