To quote Amy Dacyzn, "Thrift as a viable lifestyle." I will live this way no matter what our income. Though it would be nice to afford a fishing license.
My Frugal Life: Rebuilding Our HouseWhen we got married, Jim and I had only one thing in large numbers: children. We decided to purchase some land in the country where the six of them could have room to grow. We had $5,000 saved, and used it to put a down payment on an 11-acre piece of marginally useful land.
Retirement Planning TipsPlanning for retirement can be sticky. We have not been in a position to save due to high medical costs. But there are a few things you can do.
Pay Off Your HouseI have been re-reading Possum Living by Dolly Freed. Her number one thrift tip is to have your house paid for.
Bargain Frozen BananasWhat a treat! I found very ripe bananas for $1/5 pounds. Very few were soft, so I took a chance. I also bought some chocolate shell, because I remember frozen chocolate covered bananas from my days of working at Knott's Berry Farm.
Saving By the "Windfall" MethodFor years, we have had a leaky roof. Every summer my husband puts another coat of sealer on it (it's a mobile home) and every winter we put buckets under the leaks. I have determined that we will have a good roof before the snow flies.
Travel Tips for Mini-Cassia, IdahoWe love our hometown, and I think you will, too. Right now, the cherry and apple trees are in bloom. When the petals drift slowly down in the warm air, it feels as if we are at a wedding. Most people think Idaho is backward, but I want to tell you otherwise.
Our Little Trailer On the PrairieIn the early days of our marriage, Jim and I had six teenagers and a weekly food budget of $35.00. I am grateful that Jim is such a fine gardener, and that he thoughtfully included the children in that hobby.
Dick Larson's Walking SticksI visited with Dick Larson recently. He makes walking sticks, hot dog sticks, and weeders to sell, and he does quite well with them. He gets a branch with either a really straight length or an interesting curve at the top end, depending on the kind of walking stick he is making.
Living Off The LandWhen my husband and I married, we each brought children to the union. Within a year, we had added the two little boys from across the street. In an 800 square foot house with two bedrooms, this did not work.
Finding a Blessing from a DisasterSix weeks ago, I slipped on some melting snow and broke my leg but good! After emergency surgery with lots of pins and plates, I also had a two-day hospital stay.
Canning to Save MoneyIt costs a bit the first year to get set, but you could just get a boiling water bath the first year and use next year's savings to buy a pressure canner.
