Living on Less Than $28,000 A Year: How our family of six survives (and even thrives) on an income that is less than half the national median income, and what the government calls “below the poverty line” (less than $29,990 annually) for our family size. [Read other posts in this series here.]
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Since I began this series, I have received lots of questions from readers, so I thought I would address some of those today (in case you were wondering too!)
Q: What part of the country do you live in? I live in (fill in the blank) and we can’t live off of that amount.
A: We are in the southern part of the U.S..
We have lower than average water bills, but fairly high rent. The average for a three bedroom house in our area is $1300-$1500. For Californians, this probably seems very low.
Our food prices tend to be higher here as well. From what I have seen, the midwest seems to have the lowest overall food prices. I recently spoke with someone who moved to our area from Boston and she said that she thinks the individual differences in the prices even out and the cost of living here is about the same as Boston taking into consideration housing, insurance, taxes, transportation and food.
My point in writing the series is not to say that everyone can or should live on $28,000 a year. I only want to encourage people that they can probably live on less than they think, and that they should be living their lives intentionally according to their principles, not what other people think or tell them they should do. Maybe you can find some ideas that will work for you in some way, even though our lifestyle isn’t the same as yours.
Q: Do you receive government assistance?
A: No.
Although for a short time when the children were younger we did receive W.I.C. (food assistance for women with children five and under) and medicaid for the children’s medical expenses.
Q: Some of your meals don’t seem that nutritious. It’s easy to save money by eating cheap food, but how can you save money and eat healthfully?
A: You can read more here about my thoughts on balancing nutrition and saving money.
Basically I try to take a balanced approach. Every day it seems that there is some new warning about something we are doing that is bad for us. Even for the widely accepted views such as not eating fat or red meat, there is scientific research to support the opposite view. Depending on your sources you may think that eating any meat at all is going to cause cancer.
Our family has chosen to eat real food as much as possible (meat, vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, etc), but to not get “hung up” on only eating certain foods. I let my kids have potato chips, cereal and ice cream. While it might be more healthful to never eat ice cream, it’s just not realistic for our family. We enjoy eating it, so we have it occasionally (especially when our favorite brand goes on sale! 🙂 ).
I share my menu plans to show that menu planning can save money and to encourage other moms to plan their meals not just to save money, but to make life easier. Please make your own choices. If it is very important to you to eat only organic produce, make adjustments elsewhere in your budget so that you can afford it, but don’t let the idea that only organic food is best keep you from financial freedom. I believe that the stress of being in debt is far more dangerous than some pesticides that may be in your food–just my opinion.
If you have a question, please leave a comment or email me using the “Contact” tab above..
(I am unable to answer every question, due to the amount of traffic the site receives, but I will try to answer as many as possible.)
next post: Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Click here to see all the posts in this series.
I find the rent price to be very different from where I live. There’s no such thing as even a studio for $1000. I live just outside of Washington D.C. so renting a three bedroom is closer to $2000 here. That would be almost all of your budget, so $28k doesn’t work for people in this area, unless they are on government assistance. Glad to see that the tips do help save money, even though a family of six would beyond struggle here just to make the rent/mortgage.
That is an excellent point Jess. You are correct that the cost of living varies from region to region and greatly affects a family’s ability to live on less. I think in general that the salary ranges are also higher in areas like Washington D.C. and New York which helps to compensate for the higher cost of living. As I mention, the series is intended to help families think about their expenses and spending choices and to help them find areas in which to save. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
I love what your doing and think its amazing but i have a hard time understanding peoples previous choices. I am very young (21) so i know that has to do with it ( also not a mother) but I have been saving for a house since i was 15 ( when i got my first job) I dont understand why people choose* to have children while still renting, having finacial issues, or dont have medical insurance. My boyfriend purchased 2 homes before he was 25 (both rented out) and i find it absolutyl insane that someone is paying his mortage (1000$ / charges 1350$ * no utilities included – per house). Very smart for him but i find it crazy that people dont look further down the road. I would never want to be in a postition were i either pay a bill or a get my kid a hair cut. When i look at people who are in the 30’s and 40’s and still renting i just think about the amount of money they are literally throwing away when they could be putting it towards their mortage (not to mention one day not having that bill, giving the house to their children, and also being able to pull out equity, fix the place up, sell and make money of it). Yes i absolutly understand that sh*t happens and when life hands you lemons you better start making some lemonade. But if people spent more time thinking about there future then buying the newest iphone or having a flat screen T.V .. they probably wouldnt be dealing with the exhaustion, depression, and saddness money problems cause. Not to mention – money is one of the top reasons why couples split up.
Hopefully young people come across your story and learn that it is more important to save 20$ a month than it is to buy that shirt you “need”.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks for sharing your perspective. It would be wise if everyone made good choices like starting to save money early. I applaud you for being so proactive.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the information or resources (or wisdom) to do so. My husband and I are definitely late bloomers, but we are trying to make the best of the situation we have. We have personally found that God provides for our children because He gave them to us. I know that many would disagree with that statement, but that has been our experience.
I choose to allow people to be who they are, where they are, and try to encourage them along rather than criticizing them for bad choices in the past. Thanks for your encouragement. 🙂
For many people renting is a calculated decision just as much as buying. We rent and have actually found it to save money over owning a home because our utilities are lower and we don’t have maintenance costs. We actually sold our house in lieu of renting because our home, two years after buying it, turned into a money pit and we were drowning in repairs. I suppose some of your viewpoints make sense if it was 6 years ago when people were able to maintain equity in their homes but that’s not the case anymore. We won’t buy a home again until we are ready to buy a forever home and I’m very comfortable in that decision. Owning a home just isn’t the reflection of financial success that it used to be. And renting certainly isn’t a reflection that people are blowing their money on clothes and iPhones.
Hi Kimberlee, I love your website and all your tips to live in a low income. I am going to start the journey to get out of debt with my husband, and I am going to try Mvelops online from Crown Ministries.
My husband was curious when I told him you and your husband chose not to get help from the government and live by faith in God. I think that is a wonderful thing. But my husband was still wondering how do you deal with medical expenses (which I think it is crazy unbelievably expensive in this country!! :-P). Do you pay for health insurance on your own or have it from your husband’s job? How do you manage that?
Feel free not to answer this one. I do not want to be intruding in your private life. Just wondering if, and how we could do the same. 🙂
I am starting to read your series and I am excited following them to start my own journey to be in total control of our finances.
Thanks for being so helpful and kindly sharing these valuable insights for a good life!
God bless you!
Hi Evy! I am so glad you are encouraged by the website. As for insurance, unfortunately at this time we do not have coverage other than vision and dental, but hope to get it during the next open enrollment at my husband’s job. We do a lot of proactive things like exercising, drinking mostly water, eating lots of veggies and taking supplements. We also have a small amount of medical savings. When our children were younger we did have medicaid (or medicare–I forget which is which) for a while and I think that is a good option for people who need it.
I don’t suggest going without some kind of coverage or medical savings account. It’s just where we are right now because of a move and job change. Hope that helps. 🙂
Yes, thanks Kimberlee! 🙂
quick way to remember the difference between Medicaid and Medicare:
MedicAID: aid for those in need of help
MediCARE: caring for those older folks who CARED for us 🙂
Thanks Kimberly!
How would you add health insurance to your budget? For my husbands employees sponsored plan it is $150 and for me it would be full price at 300 a month? Our annual income is the same as yours. Also are you car sharing? We have two paid off older cars? But with husband work hours it would be next to impossible to share.
When I initially wrote this post this post we did not have insurance which was a huge risk on our part. It was a big stretch for us but we have since started paying for the insurance through my husband’s job. To offset those costs we had to increase our income by a couple hundred dollars a month and be even more careful with what we spent. I strongly suggest taking the insurance and finding ways to cut expenses or make some side income through babysitting, cleaning houses, delivering pizza or working overtime when it’s available at your job. You can read my post here for more ideas: https://thepeacefulmom.com/2014/04/23/7-real-ways-to-make-money-from-home/. Hope that helps!
When I initially wrote this post this post we did not have insurance which was a huge risk on our part. It was a big stretch for us but we have since started paying for the insurance through my husband’s job. To offset those costs we had to increase our income by a couple hundred dollars a month and be even more careful with what we spent. I strongly suggest taking the insurance and finding ways to cut expenses or make some side income through babysitting, cleaning houses, delivering pizza or working overtime when it’s available at your job. You can read my post here for more ideas: https://thepeacefulmom.com/2014/04/23/7-real-ways-to-make-money-from-home/. Hope that helps!
You are an inspiration and a leading example of what women should be willing to do to MAKE ENDS MEET. It’s frustrating to see people abuse government assistance and, what’s worse, stay on it. Clearly, if you can do a great job raising your family, then everyone should be able to support themselves, no matter how much they live on. No excuses!!
I applaud you. I find my eyes darting from one post to the next in this series and many, if not all of your suggestions, are very insightful and practical! THANK YOU for taking the time to write all of them and, not only that, but responding to all of your comments! That takes dedication, commitment, and CONFIDENCE in your opinions. I wish there were more people who had those qualities…
Best of luck to you and your family! I would love to send you a Christmas card from ours, if you could send me your mailing address! 🙂
Blessings,
Christine
Hi Christine! Thank you so much for your kind encouragement. It does take a little courage to step out, but hopefully I have helped a few people. 🙂
I just found your site today thanks to a referral from someone on a forum I frequent.
I’m loving what I’m reading and I’ve never seen so many comments by others on other blogs so I know your doing a great job!! In fact housework is suffering due to my reading 🙂
We’re just 2 now (have grown kids and 4 grandkids) and I do what I can to supplement my husband’s income but due to health reasons I really don’t want to work a full time job again although it might mean health insurance for me.
I struggle to lose weight (need to lose 100lbs) partly because of foods I enjoy but also due to economic reasons. I too love fresh “clean” food and I have done good on getting out alot of the junk but it’s not always economically feasible. Right now we’re eating out of the freezer and pantry. My parents have a small garden and do share produce with us mostly zucchini, cucumbers, peaches, apricots, apples. I have more frozen fruit in my freezer than anything. I don’t always make the “best” for us but my husband says “It’s food isn’t it?” He gets it!
I do fundraising for my grown daughter who has a life threatening illness called Arnold Chiari. She has no health insurance and 3 kids at home. I’m always looking at ways to save $ and make more $.
We haven’t always made the best life choices and do have some debt.
While frugality is an ongoing life choice it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the “finer” things. It’s about what is important to you and to your family. We do have cable and yes I watch my share but it really is more for my husband (have to keep him happy too!). Me – give me the internet every day! Your readers can take your advice but they don’t have to do everything just as you do but can make it their own based on their families needs/wants. I love going out to eat and although we can’t go very often now I want to really enjoy it – not just something because I’m too tired to cook (that’s what freezer meals are for). So many people here where we live say they can’t afford this, can’t afford that but the restaurants are packed every day and night. It’s a matter of priority. Sometimes we have to sacrifice for the greater good and we have to know what’s important to us and to our family.
Just some ramblings……
Look forward to reading more from you!!
Welcome Cheryl. You are exactly right, readers don’t need to do everything exactly as we do. I just share so people can get some ideas. 🙂
As far as the food, you have to do the best you can with the resources you have and it sounds like that’s what you are doing. Baby steps, right?
I want to thank you for having this information available. I am a single mom w/ one child and I receive no child support from the father. This is a great resource to help me survive on my small wage and keep a roof over my son and my head as well as food on our plates. I do receive some benefits: 100/mo ebt for food but it didn’t seem like it was enough. I started the meal planning and i’m investing in a small crock pot to help make dinners and setting them in the freezer. If it weren’t for your site i’d probably still be lost. I’m lucky my son is only 2 yrs old and he’s not very demanding about food. I made grilled cheese, chicken bites (grilled chunks of breast) and apple slices twice this week and he didn’t seem to care about the repeat. lol.
Once again, thanks!
Hi Sasha!
I’m sorry that you don’t have child support to help. Single parenting is a very tough job. I am so happy that the site has helped you though. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
I love your attitude. I like that you are able to write in a way that diverts all of those “this is bad for you, this is good for you” arguments that are bound to come. Your blog is a blessing.
Thanks so much Melissa. I’m glad you enjoy the blog. 🙂
I am extremely impressed by those who are able to go real food 75% or more of the time. My husband and I are well above 50%, but for some reason we have difficulty cutting out soda and Gatorade. We’ve tried, but have decided for the time being that we’re fine with all the changes we have managed to make. We eat out twice a month, make from scratch meals seven days a week, and always take leftovers for lunch.
Thank heavens we made the changes now, before we had children. I can’t imagine how hard it would be with children.
its interesting to see how the differences in location can really change all of this. where you’re located, you say $1300 is pricy for a 3 bedroom. wow!! where i’m located, $1300 is standard for a ONE bedroom.
It is all relative, isn’t it Andrea? 🙂
I was wondering what you do for vacations that are not in the camping type mode where me as Mom doesn’t have to work all vacation cooking,cleaning,etc. We make 30,000.00 a year and find it soo hard to find an affordable semi luxurious vacation that all the family(We have 2 adults,3 kids that are 14,13 and 3 years old)can enjoy while me as Mom can take it easy. any suggestions, we live in the Midwest but we are moving to Georgia in the near future. Thank you for your meals on a budget each week.
We do local day trips and once or twice a year we visit family because they are 8 hours away. In the past we were able to get a beach condo for $200 for the week. We spent our grocery money on food we could cook in the room, went to dinner one night with a coupon and spent our time enjoying the beach and the pool. A friend of mine has found good deals on e-bay for Marriott Time Shares, but I haven’t tried it myself.
Curious, Kimberlee…Would you mind sharing how you guys handle health insurance? We are trying to attain a healthy lifestyle on an extremely limited budget, as well, and I have health insurance (due to asthma) but DH and kids do not. Any suggestions offered by you or your subscribers would be most welcome! BTW, love your posts and am learning sooo much!
We don’t have any right now, although I would like to. We save a little from each paycheck into our medical savings and do everything we can to stay healthy. That probably isn’t what you are looking for, but it’s where we are for now.
We recently took a vacation to Washington DC.
For the 5 of us to stay for 7 days we spent about 900.00
This may seem ridiculous – but here is how we did it.
We travel off season this year we went in February, it was actually 70 degrees in DC for most of the week – very pleasent! Our hotel was about 1/3 to 1/2 peak season price, and gas had not risen to nearly $4 per gallon – as it is now.
We stayed at a nice, but less than perfect hotel – our hotel has to allow all of us in 1 room, have a fridge and microwave, a free continental breakfast ,an indoor pool, wifi, and queen sized beds – this sounds like quite a checklist but when we searched hotels.com we found several with all this in the area. We always call the hotel directly to book – which can be cheaper than the online rates – and paid $80 per night. We filled up the car 3 times for our trip at $60ea, and the rest of the money went to food. We eat breakfast at the hotel =FREE, we pack lunches where ever we go = about $100 in food for the week, and we buy TV dinners and rotisere chicken and such most nights during our stay – we don’t eat out all the time. We do go to a nice resturant 1 or 2 times during our trip. We loved Washington DC because every attraction is FREE – no admission. Wifi is needed to find local deals and groupons while in DC- we got to see Mount Vernon – normally $15 each, for FREE because of a special offer we found online while in DC. It is also nice for watching streaming movies, we already pay for Netflix and Hulu – why not use them on the road too? The pool is fun for the kids – indoors – because we are off season – and adds extra entertainment for our $$. It CAN be done! We are planning our next trip – probably late fall, to the grand canyon =)
Thank you for another wonderful post! Your honesty and transparency are truly refreshing and have allowed me to buck up to my financial mistakes and start making changes for the positive. Moms, don’t beat yourself up if you are doing the best you can afford.
One of the things I have been re-negotiating is our food budget. I allow $600/month for the three of us. That’s just food. So I am starting to collect my receipts in order to make a spread sheet to see just where that money is going.
That sounds like a fortune, but in my defense, I have many food allergies/sensitivities and some health issues where nutrition is being used to correct the problems. We do eat alot of organic, so one of the things I am doing is seeing where I can cut back and where I can find cheaper, local sources. If you have any ideas, i’d love to hear them!
Have you heard about Vitacost Melissa? They have lots of whole foods (not fresh) and supplements and you can earn money by referring friends. When they make a purchase, you get credit. You can sign up here (which is my referral link) or go there directly. I also find deals on Amazon for food items. You also might check into a local CSA or coop for organic produce. Hope this helps!
Melissa – depending on your area of the country, try Bountiful Baskets. It is a fairly large produce co-op in several states out west. My parents and siblings have done it and get a crazy amount of produce for their money. I know there are others but that one is a place to start looking.
You can coupon for healthier foods – not sure where you live but here is a link to a blogger who does organic coupon round ups and such – we LOVE our Whole Foods store.
http://simplyfrugalliving.com/2012/05/10/whole-food-sales-w-coupon-match-ups-may-9-15-2012/
Another idea is to figure out when local grocery stores get their organic shipments – and go the day before. Last week I did this at Giant Eagle – organic produce will spoil faster than regular produce – I found about 10 lbs of strawberries on their last leg. I asked for a manager and haggled him down from 3.50 a pound to 1.00 a pound- and then bought all they had. His choice was sell to me or throw it out and he knew it =) I was able to save 8 pounds of strawberries and into the freezer they went- kids have been snacking on them all week =) I have a friend who watches expiration dates on very healthy foods – like whole oatmeal, and other organic items that may pass a fresh date, but wouldn’t be spoiled – and then haggles for it – she usually gets it for 10% of the sticker price since it can’t be sold or returned to the manufacturer =)
Super idea–thanks Amanda!
Thanks so much for all these articles! My fiance and I are living on only one income now and it is very difficult. Your tips (and those in the comments) are helping us get through. I’ve always been a coupon clip
Eep! Early hit on the submit button! Sorry for that.
I’ve always been a coupon clipper and I try very hard not to buy anything unless it’s on sale. However, growing up no one ever taught me or my fiance how to budget our money so getting swamped with bills for the first time was certainly a challenge, to say the least. Thanks for all your help!
You are very welcome Melody!
Really enjoying your series Kimberlee. I know it is hard to answer the questions sometimes, but think of it as an education opportunity. You are making a big difference 🙂
Thanks Dianna!
I have just started reading your blog in the past couple weeks and I’m really enjoying it. Our income is similar to yours, though I don’t know that the details of our lives are, as far as costs for various things. I would concur with you that it can be done, and done well. In fact, I think a lot of people have a lot more funds than we do and don’t necessarily eat better, dress better, have more fun. I raise a big garden and do a lot of canning, freezing and dehydrating, but I have always joked that we grow a big organic garden to offset the ice cream and taco bell, lol. Each of my family members have proper clothing for the occasions in our lives – school, work, home, play – and we look presentable, yet our clothing budget is very small. Goodwill here is crazy wonderful, so it’s a big blessing for us in that way.
My hubby and I built our own house – that’s a long, happy story that ended in the adoption of our little girl. Doing nearly all the work meant that our mortgage payment is lower than it would have been. However, we built in some more expensive things that save us long-term. We used 2×6 construction on the outside walls so that there is more insulation. We put a wood heating stove (that I also do a little cooking on in winter) in the living room. There are ceiling fans in all the rooms, a super high effeciency furnace and a basement. We don’t need air conditioning (the basement is cool in summer) and our monthly heating bills are extremely low because of the wood heat (we get our wood free for the gathering) efficient furnace and thick walls. All that to say that it’s not always about cheapest, but about what makes the most sense.
The other reason I am enjoying this series is that it encourages people to buck up and do what needs to be done! We could make things easier on ourselves if we had done a 30 year mortgage (we decided to go for a 15), and if we didn’t put money in savings every month. But with some work and some networking, on blogs like yours, I find the tips and inspiration to make do and thrive. Thanks for that! 🙂
Sorry so long.
I love that you took a long term view Laura. Not many people do that.
I’m surprised by some of the questions asked. I for one think you feed your family just fine. You are also doing it by eating gluten-free (I do also) which is a challenge itself! I don’t see your food plans as unhealthy. It’s not like you are eating a steady diet of junk or snack food. I don’t see that at all.
Secondly, I live in New England which is one of the most expensive areas of the country. Our food, gas and utility prices here in New England are higher than most areas. The state I live in consistently hits the top 10 states for being the most economically-challenged. It is frustrating when people say “I couldn’t live like that”. Guess what – there are lots of folks who do! I’ve also lived in CA, so I know what it’s like there too. When I lived in CA, we lived away from Los Angeles, as it was cheaper there (it was a better financial choice).
The point of this I think is that people should stop focusing on what one thinks can’t be done and start focusing on what you can do. If you live in a house you cannot really afford, have a lifestyle that is not-restrictive, and aren’t very frugal, then yes, you are going to have a hard time. Everyone has challenges these days! Even Dave Ramsey says if one is in debt to be willing to live in less expensive housing or to downgrade your home. Will that always be comfortable or enjoyable? No. You do what you have to do to make it! When I purchased my home, I purchased only what I could afford – which is why I live in a modular home. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices. I’m content and happy with what I have.
Many of these things (for many people) come down to choices and how one wants to live. If you choose to live in a home that is expensive, or live in an expensive area, that is still one’s choice. We make choices based on what we live on ($2k net/month), and it can be done. I mean, really, do people not think that there are seniors or disabled people living on fixed incomes in these areas, or poor people? Much of living on less has to do with attitude and gratitude.
Kimberlee, you are doing great! There are always going to be critics unfortunately, and people who think it can’t be done. You, I, and many others know that it can. It may not be easy, but it is possible.
Well said Lyn, and thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks so much for your blog. I’m fairly new to it, but very much enjoy it. I’m a SAHM of three and my husband travels every week for work (a recent job change to afford us a better income). I think it’s important to note that your financial and living advice are great tips, no matter what a person’s income level.
I’ve started making weekly transfers from our checking to savings account, giving us a cushion that has already come in handy. I’m looking at 2012 being a much less stressful year financially. Thank you and your blog for being a part of that!
I am horrified…not at you or any of those who comment…but at the fact that with a list and a fist full of coupons, I spent over $200 at the store today. I bought only 2 things not on the list and both were 2fers that we use every week.
There are just the 2 of us although every other week 2 to 4 of our kids come to stay for the week end. I rarely buy any extra when they come unless it is a holiday. I probably won’t go to the store except for milk or bread for several weeks, but still! What I bought today would have cost about half that just a year ago!
You are right Judy, food prices are really rising. It is frustrating, but I just continue to do what I can do since that is out of my control.
I love this series also. It can never hurt to read over and over the many good ways to save and spend thriftily (is that a word, lol?) Anyway, I love reading about your journey and you inspire me to do more for my own journey to financial freedom. Thanks!
I appreciate your blog as well. Everyone has to make choices based on their principles. I have found it challenging to meet our tight budget and buy the products that fit my principles, predominantly organic when it makes sense. But you can’t beat yourself up over that. I agree with you that being in debt is far more stressful than a few pesticides here and there. And if you can make at least 75% or more of your diet locally sourced, whole foods you are doing a good thing for your family.
My favorite money saver in the kitchen is making hummus. I can buy organic dried chickpeas in bulk and cook them myself for half the price of a canned organic brand which makes them about the same price as the nonorganic canned. And I have found making tahini with bulk organic sesame seeds at home is half the price of the nuttoyou brand. And it provides tons of minerals, protein and carbs for a healthy snack or lunch.
I agree with Anna (and of course Kimberlee!). I have nine kids, seven still at home, ages 18 yrs. to 4 months. Our monthly food bill is $700 (including toiletries, diapers, etc.).
I serve a main dish, veggie/fruit side, and a filler like potatoes or homemade wheat bread for dinner. I think as long as we don’t overindulge in fatty/salty/processed foods, all of us will be just fine. It’s too easy to go overboard with worry. None of my children have ever had health issues and all are at a healthy weight.
If you look at how people ate and lived just two generations ago, you’ll see the human body is quite resilient. Both of my parents starved as children in Germany during WWII–literally starved, for a couple of years–yet are still alive (and kicking!) in their eighties. Now, I’m not advocating a starvation diet (!) but I’m just suggesting that we can do quite well without the majority of junk in the grocery store and without fresh fruits and vegetables every single day. We do lots of canned and frozen (a lot from our garden) and if you’re absolutely terrified about not enough nutrition, take a multi-vitamin!
Trish, I’m sorry that happened to your parents. You are right though – the body is resilient and we can all just do the best that we can. It’s important to not get caught up with – it has to be organic, or it has to be certain types of foods. If one is tight, we do the best that we can. Not everyone can afford organic and sometimes you just have to be thankful to have food in your home.
I am so glad I found your blog. I like your wisdom, your organization, your ability to express yourself with words, and your knowledge of what it is that is important to you. I look forward to reading more or your story. Thanks.
Thanks so much Julie! 🙂
Has this always been the amount you have lived on? I ask, because we are going to be getting less in the next year or so and I am trying to make changes gradually. Thank you for tips and ideas of how I can live on less than I do now.
Our income has fluctuated over the years. When I worked full time as a teacher we had a much higher income, but since coming home full time in 2007 our take home income has been less than $28,000.
Regarding the meal plans, as a single working outside the home mom with 4 kiddos (including one with special needs) I apply the “good enough” rule to my life and the rule of balance as well. I strive for nutritional meals but sometimes I may serve meals that are “just good enough” nutritionally because I am tired, do not have time to cook, trade convenience food for home cooked food. The menu plans you present are for the most part nutritious as far as I can tell. I balance nutrition with not so nutritional food. Sometimes we eat breakfast foods in the evening or have a “snack” dinner. I work very, very hard to provide for my kids and they all four are healthy, and do not have any nutritional issues (over or under weight) and their pediatric checkups are always stellar. So, I try to aim and go by my children’s health, seek balance of foods, and apply the “good enough” rule regarding my meal plans. Just my philosophy which may differ from others.
Well said Anna. 🙂
Great blog!
Thanks Anna!
This isn’t really related, but I tried to comment on a relevant post while you were upgrading servers (or something like that, about 2 weeks ago), but for families who are really struggling, I would like to encourage them to let someone know so that someone else can bless them. I know that sometimes God puts a burden on another person’s heart and they just know to give something to their friend or family member, but I think there’s also a place for admitting that you’re struggling to someone else and allowing them to be generous to you. My husband and I are blessed with living below our means and if we have a close friend or family member who would say they really could use help (or whomever), we would gladly give them some of our food or some money to get what they needed (and we have and will continue to do so).
Thanks so much for commenting again Diane. That is a very good point. 🙂
You are absolutely right. As someone who has been on the recieving end, it doesn’t have to be money. I haven’t had a washer or dryer for the last few years so an offer to do a load of laundry for free at someones house is a huge help. I recently moved from Texas back to Missouri where I am from and having family help move me (including an uncle who let me use his covered trailer for free) has been more of a help then cash. I say all this just to encourage people not to be to prideful. Ask for help and let those who love and care for you know what you need.
I love this series- it is so helpful! But I have a question for you.. What would you do if your husband were not as enthusiastic about frugal living and budgeting as you are? We are living on a very limited income, and have made a lot of financial sacrifices because it is important to us that I be able to stay home and raise our daughter. I would love to save every penny and save and budget like you do, but my husband finds that extremely stressful and is prone to splurging on fast food, movies, etc. It is really frustrating when I work so hard to coupon, budget, and use less but then he blows whatever we save on random entertainment or food items. I am committed to honor and respect my husband but in this area I just don’t know what to do! Any suggestions? Thanks!
GREAT question Mary Kate! I have found it helpful to allow some money for each of us to just spend on whatever we want. I hope I haven’t given the impression that we never spend any money “frivolously”. We plan a certain amount of money in proportion to our income size for entertainment. For example, we might spend $15 taking everyone to a dollar movie and getting $.99 Wendy’s Frosties afterward.
In order to save money long term, you have to be realistic. It sounds like your husband just needs to have fun every once in a while and giving him some money to do that will help both of you. Think of it as an investment in his happiness. The returns will be well worth it!
Mary Kate, my husband is the same way. Our solution has been to give him a separate checking account. On the first of each month a small amount gets transferred from our joint account to his account. Its like an allowance for big kids. 🙂 He knows that’s what he has to spend each month, so he has to pick and choose when he wants to eat out vs taking his own lunch, etc. He spends his money however he wants. “Frivolous spending” from our joint account gets discussed first.
I agree with you about having an allowance of some sort. It is helpful to us too. This way each person can do with their spare money as they choose.
Personally I feel it’s dangerous to have a spouse have free reign on a budget if they are prone to overspend. It will cause a lot of stress in the marriage as well.
Whether it’s the husband or the wife with this issue, I think it’s important to be on board and make financial decisions together. There needs to be boundaries and having an allowance will be helpful to the spouse who wants it, and it will be more peaceful and helpful to the spouse trying to save money. 🙂
We do this too – it’s not a lot of money each month, but Hubby and I have a small ‘allowance’ that is money we are not accountable for – at all. So if I want a soda, I can get one now and then. If he sees something he really wants, he has some funds for it. It is a pressure valve for us that really helps.
I realize this is months after the comment is posted, but here is a thought…
I don’t know how it will work yet, we are just starting this, but my husband and I have always designated some sort of allowance in our budget. I recently set up an account through American Express for a prepaid debit card. My intention is to load each of our allowances to our own card when the paycheck comes. It is free to load it and then we don’t have to worry about how something gets purchased (we do a lot of online shopping), especially when it is something that he wants that doesn’t really fall into a category of the budget. I know other places offer prepaid debit cards, but American Express is the only one I have come across that is free. I may start a third one as a vacation fund to keep the money out of our checking account, there is no minimum load (no idea about a maximum! Hope for the best right?!)
My husband is soooo much like that, too! He gets literally depressed when he works so many hours, and feels like he doesn’t get to do anything with the money b/c it all went for bills. When we have the extra, he gets an “allowance,” but what has helped so much more is when he started dabbling in woodworking. He made a couple of signs for some friends, then suddenly people started asking for more! We made up a list of rates, and every penny he makes off his signs is his to do whatever he wants! Of course, he also knows that all his materials have to come out of that, too. 😉 He’s been much easier to live with since he started that.
I love that idea Robin. 🙂
Very good blog! Thank you for all the good info.
You are very welcome!
Thanks for writing this series. It is a huge inspiration and a reminder that we can cut back in places, we can save money on groceries by planning our menu each week, and “if others can do it, so can we”. I appreciate you and your great articles!
Thanks so much Fran!
Wow! Thank you for you frankness and honesty. It must be difficult to field some of these kinds of questions without feeling defensive. I am really enjoying your website. I am making crock pot chili as we speak and have my clothes hanging outside to dry!! 🙂
As a matter of fact Rebecca, I had to think about the food answer for a while–haha!. I do feel frustrated at times, but I try to be objective when I respond. 🙂 Picturing your crock pot and your clothes hanging to dry made me smile. Thanks. 🙂
Hi- I also live in the south and wanted to make a suggestion. Our local Dollar Tree is really good and carries name-brand food items. They also have a freezer case. I have bought bags of frozen fruit (for smoothies), french fries, frozen vegetables, and dessert items there (all for $1 each). I also buy shampoo, body wash, conditioner, toothpaste, hair brushes, etc there. They even have name-brand bread! I recently bought Muir Glen organic soup there and real Clearasil that retails for $8.99 at Target. Also, our Big Lots is a really good place to buy bread, toilet paper, cereal, canned goods, snacks, etc. Please don’t pass up these stores because you may be very surprised.
Thanks Mandy. I haven’t seen a Big Lots in our area, but I will definitely check out the Dollar Tree. 🙂
wow no government asstistancegod bless you and your family both.I wish there were more people out there like you this economy wouldntbe half as bad if people learned to sacrifice and just live within their means
Thanks Elyse!