Extreme Frugalism

**itsahumanzoo** · 08-18-2008, 01:50 PM

So as you all know, the move went well. I am happy about that. However, I have had to resort to extreme measures to keep money in the bank and make sure bills are getting paid. And honestly, some bills aren't. At least, not on time anyway.

I cashed in the change jar to get DS's hair cut. This of course could have waited, if DS hadn't have given himself a haircut earlier in the week. It was just a big chunk out of the middle of his forehead.

I have not really gone grocery shopping, and it's starting to get down to the bare bones. We go over to DH's parents for dinner once in a while, and the night before last they made steak, so it was like heaven for DH and I to have a meal of steak! I even brought home the steak I didn't eat, and the leftover baked potatoes. I did use my Target gift card that a friend gave me for my birthday and bought some frozen veggies, frozen chicken patties, and ramen. Yeah not the greatest meal plan, but I figured it would get us through.

I am currently looking around for a food pantry to visit. My DH is not happy about me doing this, as he has too much pride, but I told him we have to do what we have to do. I'm hoping that I'll only have to go once, and that we'll be back on our feet sooner than later.

I did meet with some people yesterday who were looking for a babysitter for their daughter, and I think I got the job. They were very nice, and DH got along well with the husband. If I do get it, I will start this Wednesday, and they will be paying me $250 a week. That will be a HUGE help.

I know that we'll survive and everything will be fine. I'm just trying to not make my DH feel like we're so poor, because I think it makes him feel incompetent as a provider. Anyway, thanks for reading, I just wanted to let it out.

**Ms. Clear** · 08-18-2008, 02:03 PM

Good for you for being so proactive!

**mommy4ever** · 08-18-2008, 02:08 PM

Angela! That is an excellent rate for childcare!! Good for you! Make sure you write up a contract for this, protects you and them. I'd put the word out, if you could get a second child at that rate, you'd have a decent second income for your family. Childcare can really really be a bonus income if you plan it right.

If you want some ideas for contract, I'd be happy to share mine with you, so you can make your own spin. Just pm me an email address.

**guest002** · 08-18-2008, 02:09 PM

How much does it cost to cut your ds's hair? I'm only asking because I got a clipper set at Walmart for $20 and I've been cutting my dh and ds's hair now. I had no haircutting exp. and I did just fine. The instructions were easy to follow. I believe it is a Wahl clipper set. After 2 hair cuts it paid for itself.

Good for you for tightening the purse strings.

**Cricketlegs** · 08-18-2008, 02:15 PM

Well good luck! I would be lying if I said I didn't have to do my fair share of survibal mode now and then.

I do understand about trying to not make your dh feel inadequate. Money is money. It is just so much and then there is no more.

I also understand your stress and trying to keep the family fed, clothed, and safe.

This too shall pass.

**Cricketlegs** · 08-18-2008, 02:18 PM

I have been cutting dhs hair for 9 years but I use scissors and layer his whole head. I have goteen to where I can do the job in about 30 minutes.

I use the shaver for his neck.

You can learn to do this--it is easy.

**Russ** · 08-18-2008, 02:20 PM

Good luck Angela. I hope things get better soon for you and the family.

**tammy8701** · 08-18-2008, 02:26 PM

l will keep my fingers crossed that you get the babysitting job

**yankeegal** · 08-18-2008, 02:27 PM

I'm sorry things are so tight for you now-you do what you have to for your family. I hope things get better soon.

**pecunierrant** · 08-18-2008, 02:39 PM

Good luck, you're being very proactive which helps. Some bills can wait, food, shelter and transporation to work, etc are first then the rest get the leftovers.

I cut our kids hair also, I think my clipper is about 17 years old so it's paid for itself many many times over. Nothing like a clean buzz cut to cover up a kid produced rat bite hair cut lol

Dunno if this could work for you but if your DH's parents need an attic or garage cleared out maybe you could get all of the stuff they don't want/need as "payment" for the job and sell on craigslist, etc.

**Starlight9803** · 08-18-2008, 02:45 PM

Good luck! The babysitting job would be wonderful - that is a great rate of pay (at least for our area, I could never charge that here and have any children to keep

) I know things are tight, but you are being wonderfully proactive, and that will hold things together until things settle out more.

**savvymom** · 08-18-2008, 02:55 PM

Good luck to you, it sounds like you are moving in the right direction!

**leezza** · 08-18-2008, 03:33 PM

Angela,

You are working so hard to make it all work out......good for you and good for you to try to help your DH not feel bad.

Your doing a great job and things will get better soon.

leezza

**nvmommyx6** · 08-18-2008, 04:21 PM

Your right, you do what you have to sometimes it can be humbling, humbling, however is a good thing for people to have to go through sometimes it is a learning experience!
I go to the food pantry once in awhile and hubby gets embarrassed about it but hey....he eats and it saves us money when we need that!
Their aint mant folks, not struggling right now, get over the embarrasment and get on with it!!
And your also right, y'all will get through it, just have to keep those chins up! And thats what we are all here at FV for!
God Bless
Mommy

**Kaos Kitty** · 08-18-2008, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by itsahumanzoo

I cashed in the change jar to get DS's hair cut. This of course could have waited, if DS hadn't have given himself a haircut earlier in the week. It was just a big chunk out of the middle of his forehead.

This made me laugh so hard, the poor little guy! Hang in there