I'm caught up on post-vacation email-palooza and have had an incredibly fun week diving into some Fishhook projects. I have a lot to capture from vacation -- no Internet while we were there. Meant we couldn't blog, but also meant we could just veg. Didn't realize how much I needed that.
Anyway, I had this quick thought today and wanted to get it in writing ...
When I started working for the American Diabetes Association 14 years ago, I became very aware that the way someone with diabetes eats is the way all of us should eat all the time ... low carbs, high proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Last night Matt and I were walking Jeter and talking about the economy. It got me to thinking that in these times when funds are tight and expenses are high, all of us are being forced to live the way we ought to live in any time, including those of abundance.
I read this quote today from Winston Churchill:
"We have no money therefore we must think."
Tight times provoke creative minds. Matt and I are thinking of all kinds of ways to cut costs and increase income by selling things on Ebay, etc. Even though we've been through Crown Ministry classes and are well on our way to freedom from debt, this new economy is forcing us to think even more creatively and strategically.
I'm sure you guys have been provoked to do the same. What are some fresh approaches you guys are coming up with?
Combining your two ideas (eating and spending) we found we were eating out way too often as a family. So for the month of july, we only ate out once per week as a family (this didn't include my lunches or an occasional bagle for the kids) but family dinners were at home. I'm sure we saved a bunch. As a total cheepskate, I promised my kids a big dinner out for good grades earlier this year - I'm giving them that big party dinner while we're on vacation (when we would have eaten out anyway!) Food and finances. Too much food. Too little finances. Hmmmm.....
Posted by: Evan McBroom | July 24, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Let me piggyback on Evan's comment. During the month of June we ate dinner out 27 of the 30 days. Although there are just the two of us we spent over $600 for those 27 dinners. We've already made a significant reduction for July and will continue that trend.
Posted by: Stan | July 25, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Oh -- we love to eat out! We've cut back some, but not enough probably. One way we've been saving is we've been driving our Honda around town more and using our mini-van less (especially on the weekends and for a recent road trip). We've saved quite a bit in gas $$. And our young daughters call our Honda our "sports car." They think low to the ground and lots of windows with wind blowing means "sports car." Gotta love it!
Posted by: Leah Norton | July 30, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Last month I focused on cutting out my favorite morning ritual...STARBUCKS!!! It was tough but I made it through and then realized I didn't miss it that much. I saved $72!!! Now I know why Starbucks is closing so many locations. Hugo and I also looked at our life style and decided something were luxuries and we could do without: someone to cut our grass, wireless internet for laptops, NFL Direct TV package etc. And we bought a Hybrid last december....WE LOVE IT. Less than $40 to fill it up:o)
Posted by: Alicia Mey | August 04, 2008 at 10:44 PM