Cutting Corners

Check up on cutting corners....since the last post on working to get out of debt...
1) I have called our cell (have 11 months left on the contract) but I did talk to an operator and saved $50 a month off our plan.
2) I have also only purchased $162 this past month on our groceries, the way I did this was by stocking up on sale items, what's on sale (if its something we use) I purchased a months worth of it! Except for the meat, our grocery store does a $5 for $25 and since I use a lot of vegetable's and  very little meat we can make this last for a month. I also tried to use coupons but since I make most things from scratch what I buy I can't seem to find coupons for...I am lucky though because with our last years garden I still have a lot of canned/frozen food and that saves bunches.
3) I also have not purchased any mayo or ketchup, with the mayo I use our eggs and the ketchup I am using some of my canned tomatoes from last years garden.
4) It has also saved me since I make my laundry soap and I had just purchased the ingredients in December so this means I am set for at least 7 months there.
So far what I have trimmed of our monthly bills :
Dish $49.00
House phone $42.00
Both of the above I can't eliminate, I am moms care giver and some things can not change in her life. :)
Cell phone (until contract is up) I got $50.00 off
That makes a total of $141.00 that I can apply to our house payment.
I also called the bank and with making weekly payments instead of monthly I will be cutting my loan time from 8 years to 6 1\2. :)
That takes care of this past month now I hope I can get more ideas for this month! On an up note hubby is doing so good! It will be 3 months, February 16, since his heart attack and the only problem I have is asking him to please slow down :)

 

This was last weekend, first 2 day weekend he has had off since Christmas and this is what we did both days, so glad he is able to and wants to catch up on things when he is home!

Cutting corners to pay off mortgage

I have been racking my brains for ways to save money since Jim's heart attack. It still surprises me when I say that word! I just never in a million years would have thought this could happen at 48. As far as saving here and there I started a "working to be debt free" and made a few changes and this has helped pay off a few bits here and there, but now I'm talking "we had a scare" and this is our mortgage. If Jim would have been off for a time we would have been in serious trouble very quickly, so this is my goal...shorten our home mortgage! The pay off is in 8 years but I would like to knock this in half (or as close to this as we can manage) I realize the next few years will be a lot harder....but just thinking about our home being clear makes me breath easier. I have started a home journal, this along with my blog (I hope) will keep me accountable with no backsliding! I will list the ways I have been saving in the past and what I will be learning in the future as I go along. I did end the year correctly (my opinion) the presents were made by me and this saved a few bucks :) looking through our clothing I don't see us needing any clothes, if we do I'll go to the thrift shop.....I'm limiting my grocery shopping to twice a month, getting rid of one car, this will save monthly on insurance that I can then apply to loan. The house phone has to stay (neighbors are 3\4 mile away) and I never know when an emergency may come up with mom.....cell phones can go but I have to wait until our contract is up! I dropped our dish down to basic, this dropped our cost from $103 a month to $54, I would just as soon get rid of the TV but this is about the only thing my mom does so I would never do that. Does anyone have any ideas on saving that I can apply to our lives? I thought about making items and selling on eBay or etsy.....the extra money I make has to be limited to what I can do at home because I am mom's caregiver and I can't \wont leave her alone.

The mister and I had a stand off yesterday he was in the road and just did not feel like moving......what do you do when a 1800 pound bull is not willing to "play nice".....I decided to wait and it only took him about 10 minutes to get bored :) this is also an area we can put a chunk on our mortgage! Since we have finally gotten the 14 head we wanted the calves that will be born next month.......(I will not get attached!!!) Can be sold in the fall.

#7 - Make your own, use less (or at least try)

Some of this could have went with #3 household organisation or #4 re-use, re-purpose, but I felt like it needs its own spot with me. Something as simple as dish cloths can be made at home, yes I have priced the store bought ones vs/me making them and they may cost close to the same. I get two cotton dishcloths out of one ball of cotton yarn. Most of mine though (cotton yarn balls) are from yard sale finds usually at .25 apiece, cant understand.....why buy yarn (or anything for that matter) and not use it? The ones that are more or less free are the made overs from other items, towels, old t-shirts, sheets etc...
I have noticed a big difference in our grocery bill since I have been going by #1, at first it was a little time consuming, although I had been doing a lot already but now what I added on also seems normal.
I also make my own duster, soak 18 to 20 inch cheese cloth squares in a mixture of 2 cups hot water and 1/4 cup lemon oil. squeeze out mixture and let dry. When totally dry I keep in a zip lock bag until ready to use, I have also used this with old towels I just cut them up and use in place of the cheese cloth and they are free....more or less. I love the smell of lemon when I dust its my one of my favorites, just under the smell of Vanilla! Then when I have used it, throw it into the washing machine and start all over again. Lemon to me is a clean smell and when I use it around the house the house seems cleaner, I know mind thing....
I started making my own soap last year and since I pick up the fat from a butcher down the road (sorry about 5 miles away)  but the fat is free and lye is not expensive so it ends up like penny's a bar. I did re batch some bars and added oatmeal, Shea butter etc, the family used them a lot more than just the plain goat milk soap, so anyway I will keep making soap. I also save as much on the electric bill as I can, but one of the things I would love to do is live more off grid. I have learned a lot on this topic from over at Hard Work Homestead, they are totally off grid, you can learn a lot from her site! I do make my own cheeses one of my favorites at this time is from my goats milk. I do have Connie the cow so we have fresh cow's milk and butter and we also have a supply of butter in the freezer. Calista (goat) is the only one being milked at this time (others have not had their kids yet), I make soft cheeses with her milk and conjeta. oh! I just realized this could go on and on, I guess my attitude needs to be when I see something I need, make sure it is a need not a want! Then stick with the attitude of make sure it is not something I can make (remake, patch etc) at home first, do not just "run to the store"! Hope by the end of this year to only have my mortgage payment (this is set up hopefully on 10 year plan) and also have some extra cash set back. A lot of work and keeping fingers crossed for the year! I also keep a ledger so I can remind myself how much I am saving so (hopefully) no back sliding!  :)

#6 - Re-Use, Re-Purpose

#6 On my list no buying new if what you have can be repaired, or can be purchased gently used!
A easy way to save  here will be "bye bye" department store, "hello" thrift store! This will be one of the easier things to change in our lives (or do more often), I have used the thrift store before. Many times the clothes there still have the price tags on them, so you know the items cannot have been used!
Yard sales are another good option, this I have also used many times in the past. The problem I have though is picking up something because I think (at the time) I may use it in the future. This cannot happen anymore or I will undo the good I have done with #3 (hence this is where a lot of the items I said had dust on them probably came from) haha. So if I do not have a use for it at that time DO NOT BUY!
If clothing items are in bad shape, do not throw away, cut up and turn into wash cloths, or cut into strips for rag rugs. Rugs make great Christmas gifts and more or less free, most of my family are getting one of these from me! Or if really bad, cut up and give to hubby for grease rags. I am amazed at how much money I have been saving, should have done this list a long time ago! :)

#5 Stock up the Pantry

This one has not been to hard, I have always loved a stocked pantry! I have though given it a good cleaning and organisation, I also added a dry board, so when I remove something I write it on the board to be replaced at the next shopping trip (usually monthly). I have also gotten into the habit of picking up an extra few items more than usual so I will have a very well stocked pantry by the time Christmas rolls around. I have also started clipping coupons, I save on the average $14.00 a trip, (with the help of double coupon and Tuesday discounts) this goes into my envelope for an extra bill pay at the end of each month. I have learned though making from scratch and coupons do not mix well, most coupons are for the quick to fix meals or ready made meals :(  but I have found some for coffee, flour, sugar, toiletries, etc..I also have the canned and frozen food from our gardens this year but sadly, not as much as in the past :( the weather did not make for productive gardens, but it could have been worse! We were blessed with what we did get out of  our gardens and it all adds up (a lot of area's had it worse)! I am already planning for next years gardens and hopefully we will get that green house done by spring. :)

#4 Saving on utilities

One of the main things I have started doing in this area is reminding everyone in the house to turn off the lights when leaving the room, sigh over and over again. I have also installed CFL bulbs through the house. We do not leave any appliances plugged in when not in use, even the phone charger uses electricity if left plugged in. The computer has been another problem, its forgotten and left on when not in use. These small items have been a no brainier for me, but for my teenagers it has been worse than pulling teeth! In the beginning I felt like they were three again, I was constantly walking behind them and unplugging this or turning off that, but after a week they are getting better, slowly! I am also adding plastic to all the windows on the outside (you know old house, no double pane) and checking the attic for insulation. I also made a type of draft dodger (as seen on TV) for the doors. I have also been going over the house plugging any small leaks (that I can feel). I would love to put in some solar panels, but that will have to wait, this is all I can think of doing, I am sure these will make some difference!  :)

#3 - Household Organisation

#3 This is another big one for me: Household Organisation
 I have been going over the house for the last two weeks, room by room deciding what to keep and what to donate to the thrift store. I would very much like to have the house run more efficiently than I have done in the past! Everything has a place and everything in its place...now how to get there. I have been looking at everything in the house as "when has this last been touched"? or "when has this item been worn last"? I know we don't need this, oops it has dust on it! etc....Oh speaking of dust I read somewhere that if there is dust on your light bulbs they will not be as bright (not sure of this, but it has been added to my dusting routine!). I had no idea how many things can be hidden, under the couch, in the corner, (out of sight out of mind)  I guess I have become good at this with out realizing it, not a complement haha! I know its become a lot more time consuming than I thought it would be. I keep reminding myself when I am finished what a good feeling I will have! Then next year when spring cleaning rolls around it will be a snap! (fingers crossed). So instead of the house I will rearrange the barn and maybe clean out one of the sheds (because the house will still be so clean)! :) Ok well back to reality I can hope....

#2 - Make my own Household Cleaners, Shampoo and Hand Soap

#2 on my list : try to make most of our soap, laundry, shampoo, hand soap, cleaners, deodorant etc...
There will not be as many changes here, because of an allergic reaction I have had in the past.  I am not sure what caused my reactions so I have been making my own laundry soap for a while and am happy with it, I also make my own household cleaners so no changes there. There are a few recipes that I use and like,  I have them posted under Laundry and Cleaning Recipes. I have a down fall though were it comes to hand soap, I have made lye soap twice in the past two years and really liked it. I have also re batched it for use in the shower, face and shampoo, my problem is thinking ahead and not running out because like so many other things it is so easy to backslide and grab at the store!
Last year I also found a deodorant recipe on the Internet from angry chicken that I still use and love, love, love it, so no changes there. Although my mom uses a mixture of baking soda and corn starch and she like this better than what I use, so I guess to each his own! :)

Trying my hand at etsy and ebay

I am starting something new, well new to me,I love to make things anything, from quilting and making soap to dolls and woodworking, crocheting and now knitting. So I have decided to make a few things and post them on etsy and maybe eBay. My eldest daughter started me an etsy and eBay account a couple of months ago, thanks hun.:) Since I am trying to save money to add to my tally at the end of each month, it only stands to reason if I could make a few things to sell, it would only add to my tally! There is also an up side if I don't sell any then I will have a lot of my Christmas already made. Speaking of my tally, its harder than I thought it was going to be! I never realised how often I stopped by and grabbed a sandwich or drink while taking mom to cardiac rehab or speech therapy (these are three times a week). I am just saying though, it doesn't mean I am giving up by any means, I guess its just opening my eyes a lot to frivolous spending that was going on. On the up side I may have a little more at the end of the month than I realized! :) I also dug out my coffee thermos, it is now going to be another best friend, next to my lunch box! I don't really mind all this change I want it for our future, I want hubby to retire and us not have to worry so  much about funds when this happens. As long as I keep looking at what could be our near future, I will be able to do this and I hope much more.

#1 - Cook out of the freezers, pantry, pack lunches

#1 on my list is food because this is our biggest expense (except for our farm payment). So this is where we should notice the most improvement from cutting back.
No more eating out just because its easier and quick or because I don't have anything defrosted, out of milk, or whatever else excuse I have used in the past! I will make a list of meals for the week, with the ingredients needed stored in the pantry ahead of time, this will eliminate the quick trip to town (I always end up getting more than I went in for). This is a big one for me on the "less waste" preparing dinners that may carry on to left overs for lunch (or dinner) the next day and of course packing our lunches.
Hubby works out of town so thank goodness he has a company truck to drive, so no gas worries there! I work for a company that gives help to elderly or disabled, so I can be usually be home to eat meals, but on days when that is not possible than pack my lunch. No more eating out (grabbing something from drive thru) because I don't think I have the time! the night before I will prepare for this, I will!! I think I can, I think I can .. whoo whoo!!  I pack hubby's lunch and fix his breakfast in the mornings, I have been doing this for about 4 months (at 4:00am yawn.). I have noticed a big difference there and of course I fix dinner in the evenings.
 I got in the habit (ugly bad bad habit, slap hand) of bringing home take out at least once, or sometimes twice a week for dinner and that will be no more, stop, put on the brakes! Once a week the money I would have spent on this I will transfer to my envelope and pay extra on a bill at the end of each month. I realize this month only has today left in it, but I still started today, I DO NOT want to wait until tomorrow. New motto: Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today! :)  I think #1 will be enough to start with and I will add to this cut back every chance I get! I am afraid if I went cold turkey with the list I have made and started it all at once I would be upset after a little bit and go back to bad habits (like when I tried the, ugly word DIET well....needless to say went on a 1000 calorie and cough, cough, that did not last long!), I will keep reminding myself crawl before I walk...
I have a list of 10 things I want to cut back on for a more simple and hopefully near the end of my list a good start to our slowly working our way out of debt and living a more relaxing and calm life! I am starting on # 1 and realistically I am hoping the next will just flow with the next. Fingers crossed :)

Cutting back

What is my goal, what do I want to gain from cutting back? The is a hard question, I could go on and on... but if I had to sum it up with two words it would be Contentment and Independence. This said  now what do contentment and Independence mean to me and how on earth do I get there? These are questions I have been pondering for quit a while now, hubby and I are nearing the 50 mark (where did the time go?) I am finished with the fast rat race deadline kind of stress that was my life (I work part time and am caregiver to my mom). This life unfortunately is still a part of my dear sweet hubby's. I guess this is where Independence comes in at. We both hope to reach a point in our lives (hopefully!) where the money end is not really a problem and hubby can either stay where he is, work out of our home, someplace else or make ends meet with our farm. At least he would have a choice, but  getting there is the problem! I have tried to drop our finances down to as bare minimum as I can get it, but we are still looking at a 10 year plan.
Contentment to me would be hubby and I together daily, taking care of the animals, gardening, canning our own food, making cheese, having fresh (hormone free, additive free) milk. Working toward (as much as we could), being able to supply a lot of what we need to live on the farm and being off the grid as much as is possible in this day and time. Evenings spent with hubby watching the races and me knitting, crocheting or sewing with no worries of a bank note over our heads. Of course with the odds and ends repairs being done (as needed) and of course our children and grand babies coming to visit. Now how to get there, it would be very nice if it could happen before 10 more years!
We owe on the farm and that is a big monthly expense, but we still own the shop in the town we live in so if we could sell that it should cut off our plan by 6 years ya! Down side selling it with the economy the way is now! :(   Up side at least we have it rented! :)  Down side if I put it up for sale I may lose my renter! :( decisions decisions....So cannot put shop up for sale at this time,  keep it rented, hopefully!
Real estate and personal taxes is not going away unless you own nothing so that stays.
We have a couple of high interest loans that I am going to start paying extra on, if I do this they should be paid off in 5 months.  :)  My oldest daughter is taking over the payments on our car that is financed it only has one more year left and this will give her a good dependable car (we are keeping the van it has no payments!) Also we changed our bank payment to weekly withdrawls instead of monthly. We will slowly get there I just have to remember the same as my knitting, learn to crawl before we can run and enjoy life along the way :P
I wish we would have started this years ago, but better late than never!! Now to start a check list on how this will happen on our budget.
If it takes 10 years so be it, but if sooner whoohoo!!!!