Wednesday, July 16, 2008

More economic ponderings

Some people have asked how we plan to make it with such a big drop in income. There is still room to cut at the grocery store and believe me... that budget will be cut even more. I have already had to give up going to the farmer's market, haven't been there at all this year. It is nice to get the fresh veggies and such but they are more expensive than the grocery store's sales. I had to say goodbye to Starbuck's and now Panera will be a fond memory. When I need to "get away from it all", I'll have coffee at McDonald's.

The biggest change already is that I am home almost every day. The only time my husband or I get out now is if we have an appointment or we drop Christopher off at the bookstore (parking near campus is nigh unto impossible). I had already stopped going to garage sales or Goodwill very often but they will have to be very, very rare from now on. Thankfully, my basic needs are all met.

However, I can't complain as I do have a lovely little house to stay home! For the most part, it means cutting back to just paying the mortgage, the utilities, any other bills, and buying only basics at the grocery stores. I'm thankful I have stocked up as much as I have since that part of the food budget will have to be cut.

I will work two weeks at the bookstore in August. I was kind of hoping I wouldn't have to this time. However, with this news it means I must work. I will only accept two weeks instead of three, though.

Now... to work on a pantry post. Thanks for asking, and for caring. :)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brenda, I'm rooting for you and know God will get you through.

Something you mentioned I find is key if one is living on a smaller income. ~Focus on the basics of life~. Making sure those things are paid for will always provide a roof over your head as well as food for survival. There may not always be a lot of extras after the fact, but there is great security in knowing one has the basics needed in life.

So many do not have such things in this world so I find myself to be very blessed by that. I'm sure you feel blessed too.

Rita said...

I have stopped going to Farmer's Market and garage sales too. I like the way you said that all your needs are met. You share so many encouraging things. The scriptures you use are so helpful.
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, that's what happens when one posts late. I meant to say that because so many do not have the basics they need in life I feel very blessed that "I do". Sorry about that - that made me sound quite terrible.

Thanks for a lovely post as always, Brenda.

Kelly said...

Oh how alike our lives are! I have cut out Starbucks, Panera etc.....
And have been fine with just staying at home, and only going
out when neccessary. Thank goodness for a happy comfy home.

Kelly

Maggie Ann said...

Hi Brenda, I've just been catching up on your blog. I'm sorry to hear about your loss of income. That must have been a bit of a shock. God is faithful though, we know that is a 'given'...smile. I'm burning the midnight oil here and just remembered that I yet have to prepare my sister's weekly card with a Boxcar children book tucked in her envelope. And, here I thought I had everything done for the night. Oh well, another 15 minutes...I can handle it! Surely. The banking situations are scary..aren't they. Better shut this pc down for the night. Goodnight!

~~Deby said...

Brenda,
I will pray that God will keep you in peace through all of this.
He will also be your provider, of that I am sure. I don't know how HE does this and sometimes HE does give us back that Starbucks or something when it is least expected.
I think many of us Americans are having a big reality check at this time in our country's history. When I hear of 8,000 people a day getting their home foreclosed, I think of all the people that affects, the families, the neighborhoods, their credit ratings for their futures.
I pray that as believers we can all...Be Still and Know that HE is GOD....Praying for you and yours,
Deby

The Journey said...

Brenda- new places for Us to go for Coffee- Chik-fil - great ice tea. Free food in Aug. Was free breakfast last month. LOL

seriously- I enjoyed looking at your pantry- I am doing some on mine- it still is disorganized.

ElizabethB said...

A lot of people are going to be drinking less Starbucks--this guy doesn't truly understand why anyone would want a Starbucks in the first place, but it is interesting and funny:

"Americans started drinking coffee in the first place because tea was so dang expensive, with the English controlling the market and slapping taxes on it, so that a bunch of crazy hooligans from Boston dressed up in war paint and dumped a whole boatload in anger."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass-17-jul17,0,3274600.column