retired and wanting to do frugal

**mystic65** · 03-08-2008, 01:00 PM

Hi everyone! My name is Donna. I,m a senior and a retired nurse. I,ve found that I,m having a hard time living on Social Security and my pension. I,m not physically able to work anymore, so thats not an option. I watch what I buy and work to really pay my bills on time, but there never seems to be enough left over. It,s great to pay your bills, but how long can you go with nothing left in your pocket before the month is even half over? Does anyone have any ideas? I know there are ways I could save on food, but not sure how to go about it. It,s just me, but I find myself wasting alot of food. Some days I want to cook a big meal, but always have alot of leftovers, even though I invite some of my senior friends to eat with me. I do freeze alot, but those get built up in my small freezer and sometines I end up throwing those out. I don,t have alot of room, as I live in a small one bedroom apartment and storage is limited. I sure hope someone can help me.

**Tater** · 03-08-2008, 01:39 PM

Welcome to the village, Donna!! You can find a lot of great ideas here! Try searching the archives for specific areas such as laundry, groceries, cheap recipes, etc. You will also find a lot of support here from these great ladies.

**C@rol** · 03-08-2008, 01:50 PM

Donna!
I'm sure you will enjoy it here at FV.

**Marie78** · 03-08-2008, 01:53 PM

Hi and

this is a great place for ideas. I think you are on the right track with preparing meals and freezing the leftovers. Do you think you could make a weekly menu? That way you would be able to eat those meals you have already frozen before buying more food. Just a suggestion. I have weeks where I just use what we have frozen in the freezer and cupboards to make meals. I used to do this a lot when I was single...and the food seemed to stretch which was a great money saver.

Look around the site and ask any questions you have, we are all happy to help and share with you what we find works in our own lives

.

**Darlene** · 03-08-2008, 02:36 PM

Welcome to the Village!

**SandNOceanGirl** · 03-08-2008, 03:06 PM

Welcome to the Village!

**Ceashels** · 03-08-2008, 03:40 PM

Welcome to the Village!

Are you able to split groceries with some of your friends? You might get cheaper prices buying bulk then dividing the cost 2 ways. That way you don't have to store the items you won't use right away.

**PrairieRose** · 03-08-2008, 04:13 PM

Hello and

to the village! Just read, read, read here and you'll find lots of good ideas on stretching your $'s in all areas

. Have fun!

**jvera** · 03-08-2008, 08:23 PM

Hi! Welcome to the frugal village.

**mombottoo** · 03-08-2008, 09:05 PM

Welcome Donna!!! You will find lots of great ideas here...

**dianne9106** · 03-08-2008, 09:36 PM

As far as groceries go - try couponing, buying non-perishables in bulk and on sale. Freezing is the right idea, but split them up into meal size freezing containers. Shop with a list and stick to it, check the sales fliers, loss leaders, etc.... There is even the Angel Food Ministries, check to see if it is in your area - I have never tried it though.
I read your bit in the Financial Hardship thread - could you work at home on the internet or phone? That might help and you can work your own hours from your own recliner.
There are so many other ways to cut cost - cut cable, use cell a phone instead of house phone, use pay as you go, check out movies from the library, sell crafts on eBay or Etsy.
There is a wealth of information here! Welcome and best wishes!
Dianne

**luv-my-lexi** · 03-09-2008, 10:01 AM

Hello Donna and

from Oklahoma.

**Mom23boys** · 03-09-2008, 01:08 PM

Donna, hello and welcome.

**mommy4ever** · 03-09-2008, 03:50 PM

Hi Donna! Welcome!! I'm going to read your other post and maybe post there too.

You've come to the right place for helpful, understanding people!

**mommy4ever** · 03-09-2008, 04:10 PM

Donna, (hugs) I read your post in the hardships.

There should be programs you qualify. there is no shame in needing help. Yes, perhaps you didn't save, didn't plan, but you're doing what you can.

My mom is just a couple years younger than you. If something were to happen to my dad, and she was unable to work, I don't know what she'd do. I know they scrimp now, there are many times that there is no money. So if dad weren't there to provide she'd be really tight. Many many of the babyboomers find themselves in the same boat.

The next generation(mine) perhaps even worse shape.

Unfortunately this trend started in the 50's, or became a strong trend then, with the popularization of credit. It's been a down hill slope since. As you can see by my signature, we're not doing so hot either. BUT, we're learning.

May I ask if there are any hobbies that you do that could bring in a little money? Places like Etsy can be a great place to sell on. I do embroidery and do 2 craft sales at Christmas and it brings me an extra 2000-3000. Depending on the year. It doesn't seem like much, but it really helps us. I'm trying to expand to non Christmas sales too.

Perhaps there are small services you can offer to help pay for things. Do you still have a car? You could provide rides for a fee, or carpool and they pay gas so you are driving for free.

For food, there are small chest freezers out there, look on your local freecycle for one. Some one may be upgrading to a bigger one, they aren't big, if you through a table cloth over it, and put a pretty vase on it, it can be put anywhere.

Groceries, being a single, you're best bet is to do a co-op, either something like angel ministries, or form your own with friends. Most will be in the same boat.

Don't let this get you down, there are many many people in the same boat as you. Don't hang your head is shame, it won't help. Hold your head high and work with what you got. Sometimes things can surprise you.