Big pay cut coming soon.

**Shell** · 12-15-2004, 04:42 PM

Well, the big pay cut will be coming in another two weeks. I have been working on being prepared. The bills are all caught up. I bought most of my Christmas gifts months ago. Used wrapping paper we bought on sale last year.

Instead of going shopping for some new work clothes I have been going through my closet and mending what I already have.

I am so glad I having been stocking up on things for the last couple of years. I am happy we have tp,

paper towel, soap etc that will last us awhile. Heck, we've even stocked up on wine!

I had even bought some birthday presents for next year!

It is going to be a lot tougher but being prepared sure will help.
I am also very glad I had put so much money away into my emergency fund while I could!

**matt&roxy** · 12-15-2004, 05:09 PM

I'm glad you are prepared for it as well.....Hope everything works out well for you................

**slowtypinwoman** · 12-15-2004, 05:14 PM

Good for you Chelle! It will be a big help to have all those things put back for the coming rough times.

**SewCrafty** · 12-15-2004, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by matt&roxy
I'm glad you are prepared for it as well.....Hope everything works out well for you................

**Michelle** · 12-15-2004, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by matt&roxy
I'm glad you are prepared for it as well.....Hope everything works out well for you................

**simplemom** · 12-15-2004, 06:01 PM

Oh no, Shell...

Sorry to hear that....Thank goodness you are a saver and are prepared for an emergency....Good luck, Shell.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-15-2004, 06:12 PM

Wishing you all the best Shell. I know if anyone can make it you can. That EF is going to come in handy if the need arises.

**rebecca** · 12-15-2004, 06:24 PM

If you don't mind me asking why are you going to get a big pay cut? Glad you are preparing for the big pay cut. Best of luck!

**guest2** · 12-15-2004, 08:20 PM

Shell

I'm sorry you are looking at a big pay cut.

I am glad though that you are prepared by stocking up and with your emergency fund.

**Shell** · 12-16-2004, 10:15 AM

Oh, thanks everyone. The reason that there is a big pay cut is that I will no longer be the manager and there are new owners. So, it is to be expected but I will really have to go into frugallity mode.

**Darlene** · 12-16-2004, 10:27 AM

Looks like your ready to ride the wave.

Hang ten! Hope the ride is a smooth one Shell.

**Mom23boys** · 12-16-2004, 06:53 PM

Originally posted by Darlene
Looks like your ready to ride the wave. Hang ten! Hope the ride is a smooth one Shell.

**ScrapMama** · 12-16-2004, 09:37 PM

Good for you that you are getting ready for this! This thread and homesteadmamas have really had me thinking and starting to be prepared for the future. Even dh has been getting like minded, so I've been busy stocking up, cooking from scratch, and buying up loss leaders, also not shopping friviously.

**PrairieRose** · 12-17-2004, 08:23 AM

Shell I'm glad that you had some time to prepare mentally and monetarily. Great going on the EF b/c I know even if you don't have to dip into it, just knowing it's there can pull you through some stressful times. Keep us posted on how you're doing.

**Shell** · 12-17-2004, 09:26 AM

Thank you everyone. As the business is sold I am no longer manger so that is why the pay cut.

But, as I am always stressing to everyone in the emergency fund challenge is be prepared. I don't mean be paranoid but just be ready. The one thing in this world you can count on is change.

What are some ways to be prepared you say?

Have all your bills caught up, pay off your credit cards is very important. If you have trouble controlling yourself lock them up or try cutting them up. Learn to live beneath your means!

Stock up!

When you are short on money it is a big relief to know your cupboard is full of food. I also like to make sure I have lots of tp, papertowels (although I try to use cloths now), shampoo, conditioner (all bought on sale of course) and it is a great feeling to have pasta, tomatoes and tomato sauce and your shelves filled to the brim with veggies and canned fruit.

One lesson I learned years ago is to pay yourself first. I know, I am always harping about this in the EFC.

But, the little money you skim off your paycheque a lot of you wouldn't even notice. If you took a little each month a socked it away in a separate account you would be surprised what you would have at the end of the year!

Now remember, that money is for emergencies only!

Now, I am also going to try to cut back on entertainment as well. Instead of going out to a fancy restaurant I am going to try to have friends over to play games. Have more meals prepared so we aren't as tempted to eat out.

Make do!!!! I have a closet full of clothes. I have to mend what I already have and think of new ideas of mixing and matching what I already have.

Well, that's enough preaching for now. I'll update you as I go along.