If you are a homeschool family and live in America (or maybe even England or Australia for that matter), you might be finding a hard time making ends meet. It is def not easy living on one income these days for families. Here are some tips my friends and I have come up with to help you on your journey to be good stewards of the resources God has given you and to stay debt free.
1. If you are thinking of going back to work and you are a mother, I suggest reading, The Way Home by Mary Pride. She has a new edition out now. The book, Created to Be His Help meet by Debi Pearl also helped me tremendously although some can't handle her writing style which is very direct.
2. Food: Many have found good deals at the 99 cents store. Some friends found food co-ops that give away free food from Trader Joe's. WIC has also gotten a lot healthier. If worst scenario, there are always state food banks and church food banks.
3. Recipes to save money: Lentil soup has lasted a long time in my house. Once cup of lentils for three cups of water. Some celery and onions. Cook a half hr. So easy to make and tastes great!
4. Do not be tempted to use your credit card. If money runs out, do without! Our family loves the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace workshops. www.daveramsey.com/home He sells curriculum for homeschoolers now too!
5. Hair dye: Buy it on sale at the drug store and stock up or wear a hat! (an actual biblical and historical practice for women)
6. Breakfast ideas: Fruit is cheap, good for you and filling. Eggs and bulk oatmeal are still pretty inexpensive. Bulk cook pancakes and freeze for later.
7. More food thoughts: Rethink the three meals a day idea..are we over eating? Soups are filling. Again, apples are great! Think you need meat? Read the book, Healthy at 100. While I don't subscribe to all his religious thoughts, the four cultures that live over 100 in the world, hardly ever eat meat, only on holidays with the exception of one culture that eats a ton of fish.
(But the key to their health was walking, being active and eating 10 servings of raw veggies a day!)
8. Mall: Don't go if you can't go without buying something. Same goes for clicking on those groupon advertisements. Don't read it if you can't help but indulge. Just because something is a deal doesn't mean you need it!
9. Free things for kids: Museums have free days, parks, picnics, walking, games outside, board games inside, libraries (which also have dvds), parks and recs usually have free or reduced price classes, including music lessons. Music can keep children entertained for hours. (remember the Sound of Music?) Note --Be weary of late fees at the library! If the kids, say they are bored--tell them to help clean! They'll find something to do quickly. Always works in my house!
10. How to books: Get a book on how to grow a garden or how to give your children haircuts!
Above all--pray! God promised to provide our NEEDS.
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" Matthew 6:26
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