Saving Money

Michael and I live on support from family, friends and churches. We love this because it keeps those supporters interested in our lives and ministry more than if they gave to a big organization and didn't know exactly what ministry was going on day to day. Because I know the people that are giving the money, I can be very self-conscience when I spend a dollar. This is bad perspective though, because God is providing their salaries just as much as He's providing ours. Anyways, I do want to be a good steward of the money regardless of my good or bad perspective about it.

Since we live on what some people think is little (I have friends that don't know how we are surviving), I've been able to learn a lot about how to do with less and be wise with each penny over the past 5+ years. I don't do it perfectly at all, but I'm learning everyday how to be content with less money, things and conveniences. (I do realize that we make more than most people in the world, though...just so you know :)

Anyways, I got to thinking about all this and wanted to share some of my tips so that you can save money and can have the joy of giving more of your money away to those in need or ministries that have encouraged you.


Turn unused lights off and use those energy efficient light bulbs

Wash only full loads of dishes or laundry

Buy jumbo pack of diapers with a coupon or just buy them in bulk

Use cloth diapers (I couldn't do this one since we have only a stackable w/d right next to our kitchen...gross!)

Have a day of the week to plan all the meals for that week, then shop according to what's on sale and stick to your list.

Ditch the home phone and just use your cell phone

Don't pay for a data plan on your phone, just get the cheap phone and basic plan. (You can text Google at 466453 almost any question and it will text the info back to you...mostly basic info. Do you really need to be that attached to the outside world in between hot spots and your time at your computer??)

Print off pictures during Snapfish deals

Use Groupon and Scoutmob for special date deals (you can go out to eat for 50% off)

Use Amazon on Black Friday for amazing deals for Christmas

Cheap Date ideas (52 Date Nights)

Drink fun drinks at home instead of at a restaurant where the prices are higher

Make Salsa (thanks, Tiff), pizza (thanks, Melissa), hummus (or whatever you eat a lot of) at home.

Barter with friends! :)

Homeschool for preschool (ATL preschools cost at least $2000/ year)

Planning the week helps your family avoid the food frenzy of not knowing what to throw together, so you just go somewhere "cheap". You can use Google Calendar and share your schedule with your spouse and vice versa.

Productive Parenting instead of paying for entertainment, like Kangazoom (which I'm probably banned from anyways! haha!)

Maximize Birthdays and Christmas gifts by planning ahead and making a wish list so you don't end up with things that were a waste of money

Have a Health Savings Account

Don't buy prepackaged snacks or drinks that you could easily divide up into baggies or pour into cups. (It's better on the environment too)

Only buy chicken when it's on sale for $1.99/lb. and stock up a few weeks worth to freeze.

Check out this awesome cheese story (I knew this couple in college and she is good about making her own food and cleaning supplies! Lane)

Go to Southernsavers.com to plan your meals and grocery list for the week.

Shop thrift stores first, then Craigslist (nellymae) before buying from a store full price.

Go to consignment sales for kids clothes before buying anything from stores.

Buy less clothes and just wash them more often.

Share babysitting with another family or take turns keeping each other's kids

Share meals at a restaurant (it saves calories, too) or just don't go out to eat!

Go with less cable or no cable at all.

Use Netflix instead of buying movies or having an expensive cable bill.

Borrow equipment instead of owning everything you could possibly ever need and share what you have with others.

Don't buy disposable hand soap, just keep the containers and refill them with the big jugs of soap.

Go paperless with your bill paying to save on stamps.

Use Evite instead of mailing your own invites and/or paying for the actual invitation. (is this ok, Emily Post?)

Only use a pea-sized amount of tooth paste. (Heard this in high school, that's all you actually need)

Don't be so high-maintenance with your hair, or use coupons. (Aveda Institute or Bob Steele HOT appts.)

Don't go into Target, ever. (Is this just me, or do any of you have a weakness here?)

Cook enough for leftovers so you can have an easy meal later or eat it for lunch

Use the library instead of buying books.

Plan free playdates and pack a lunch instead of going out to eat.

Don't be a perfectionist...be ok with things being a little less than perfect or not totally convenient instead of rushing to buy something to fix it immediately.

Organize your house and declutter so you can find the things you already own instead of buying the same things over and over. (FlyLady helps me here!)

Paint your own nails. (Tutorial)

Cut your own grass.

Don't have a pet.

Reuse your bath towel. (hey, that's the cleanest you ever are when you use that thing!)

Make postcard greetings for Christmas. (Cheaper per greeting and less for postage)

Do a meal share with neighbors

Live in a smaller home. (They are more efficient with energy and they cost less overall)

Be local. (Stay around your neighborhood more and develop those friendships...you'll save gas money)

Buy Starbucks coffee on sale at the store. (You can take the empty bag to a Starbucks for a free tall
coffee...and they have wifi now!)

Make a gift budget and stick to it.

Keep those Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons because they never expire

Make birthday gifts like you find on One Pretty Thing or etsy instead of buying them.

Don't over-eat. Figure out how many calories you should be eating per day.