Trying a new Start for this family

[Gibs]

Well here I am making a new start to my life. I just got so tired of being depressed, stressed and worried over ever day living. Stressed over the bills that we cannot pay ontime, stressed and depressed over the amount of groceries and the cost of groceries, the cost of gas, and electricity.

I have always used coupons. But just recently found out that they can be used on clearance or sale items. I never knew this. So I have gotten some pretty good deals from Wal~Mart clearance because of coupons.

I wish we were fortunate here to be able to get the doubled coupon days and all that, but we do not have that where I am. I usually go 45 minutes to another town just to get groceries at all and there are only 3 grocery stores there along with walmart, BUT our walmart dosent have a meat or deli or anything like that, just a grocery shelf, and a isle with freezers on each side, and then one with open fridges with butter and weiners and juice and all that in them. Our Walmart has been pretty expensive and unreasonable for a lot of their groceries lately. Its getting so hat the adverage cost for us to get groceries has gone up so much that we are doing without things that we normally would have bought.

I feel that we are always scraping month to month to get groceries, to pay bills, I went months and months with underwear and bra with holes in them, I just finally broke down and bought new ones a week or so ago. we do without things so that our kids don't have to do without anything. But sometimes i still feel that we are not doing enough for them. They are clothed and do have food, so they are fine. I know that.

I finally just recently started to not worry about things we have. To be thankful for what we have instead of wishing that I could get new clothes for my kids etc. Friends of ours got two girls, and they pass their clothes down to my Daughter Robyn, (6 1/2). Another Friend of mine passes her little boys clothes down to my Baby boy, Dalton (1), so the only child that I have to buy much of anything for is my Son, Riley (will be 5 in november). I buy things at yard sales if they are in good condition, especially if I know the person. Birthdays and christmas time if
they get money given to them I will let them pick new clothes out of it, and something in a toy if they so choose to.

So some of the changes that I have started to make are:

1. Well more coupons was my frist step, especially since I didn't know that I could use coupons on Clearance items YAY this was a great find for me.

2. Buying bulk when things are on clearance or really good sales, I will buy more of that item to stock up so to speak.

3. I wash on all cold water and have been doing this for a long time.

4. When the weather is good I hang most all our clothes on the line except a few things.

5. Clothes wise I only buy what I absolutely NEED not want. Same goes for My husband, and the kids too now.

6. When we use the car to do things, we do all the things that we need to do while we are out in the same trip.

7. I only start the dishwasher when it is absolutely FULL. We just bought our house in November and the dishwasher is already here and built in. I hate dishes so i am not sure I would want to live without one now LOL.

8. We do our own painting, and usually buy our paint when someone gets a color not mixed the right color we can get a can for 5 dollars at walmart.

So this is a start for me, I am new to this, and any suggesions will be greatly appreciated.

I also lately have been feeling very overwhelmed with the clutter in my home and my life in general. Its tireing when things are not where they are suppose to be and it stresses me out.

So I have started getting rid of things that we do not need, either by dontateing them to goodwill, giving them to someone who needs it, or selling it.

I recently sold the babys car seat, extra highchair and exercauser that he was outgrown, and made 55 dollars. So that was good. Its out of my way and it was extra money.

I am a stay at home mom. There are no daycares here, so in order for me to go back to work I would have to pay someone to watch my three children. I wouldnt make anymore then 9 dollars an hour, Pay out probably at the very least 150 dollars a week thats if it was a friend doing it as a favor, and probably get around 4x (600) that cut off my family allowance, so it would not be worth it right now to go to work, until at least two of my children are in school full time. I really enjoy being a stay at home mom so I may even wait until the baby goes to school if we can do it.

I am really enjoying this site, there is a lot of good information on it, and a lot of great people. I am looking forward to learning more, and appreciate any information or ideas, or pointers that anyone can give me.

Thanks in advance
Kelly

[suzysaver]

Welcome Kelly

[Susanscraps]

Welcome Kelly! Sounds like you have some great ideas for making changes in your financial life. Good for you!
Just keep visiting this website, I know it keeps me motivated! Lots of good information!
just a few ideas from me, never let your dishwasher go thru the drying cycle (just shut off and open the door to airdry), go crazy shutting off lights, pulling plugs on electrical things that are not even turned on (you will notice a difference in your bill!), and if you don't belong to MyPoints, JOIN! Just by clicking on emails, I will get a $50 gift card at least once a year! And use half of the laundry detergent...your clothes will still be clean!

[Parksfamily5]

Welcome Kelly. Sounds like you are getting things under control. I keep telling myself babysteps....babysteps.

[Gibs]

Thanks. I do use half the laundry detergent, never thought to write that one in there. LOL.

[Michelle68]

Sounds like you have gotten a good start toward being in control of your money. There are a lot of people who can help you here at FV, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck!


--Michelle

[DJ1972]

Sounds like you have a great stop. Be sure to visit this site often to help you stay motivated!

[jamie79]

Welcome Kelly. I just want to say that a change in attitude is a good thing. Looking at what you have as opposed to what you dont. Especially in these hard times.
Have a yard sale and get rid of some of the clutter and make a little money.
Trust me when your kids are grown they are not going to care that they wore hand me downs.

[frugalbabe]

Welcome!! We are all on the same path, some just starting, some way ahead and masters so there is always someone around to give a hug or a kick in the tush! (whatever is needed!)

[cmdarlin]

Welcome to FV! Its a great source of motivation for us all. Sounds like you have a good start! Wish you lots of luck!!

Debbie

[cmdarlin]

Welcome to FV! Its a great source of motivation for us all. Sounds like you have a good start! Wish you lots of luck!!

Debbie

[Texasgirl]

Welcome Kelly!

Sounds like your on the right track for saving money.

[Momof3girls]

It sounds like your new attitude is going to take you far!

[momof2joys]

Keep up the great attitude!! You are on the right track. I know I went through the same thing about 6 months ago and still trying hard to keep going. Just ask questions!!! No question is dumb or stupid, not to mention that someone here will know the answer or have a good idea for you!!!

Welcome!!

[Gibs]

Thank you guys so much. Someone mentioned a yard sale. I had one at the beginning of the summer and got a little over 100 dollars, pretty good for getting rid of junk I dont want and decluttering I also like to bargin hun at yard sales.