I've finally found a job after 3.5 years. First, I give the glory and honor to God for holding my family in His hands during all of this time. Not once did I doubt Him during this time. Yes, I had a lot of questions for Him and He answered every single one of them.
He made sure we had all that we needed - food, shelter and clothing!!!! I am grateful that I have learned to be content in plenty and in "want." Most of all - I am so happy that I am not a label hog like so many people. I don't have to wear some designers label plastered across my back or my behind. I can wear a pair of jeans from WalMart just as well as I can from Tommy Hilfiger and you would never know the difference.
I am straying away. I have a job now that has nothing to do with accounting. Trust me, I enjoyed the money I made over the 22 years, but I am not making half of what I did when I left accounting. I have to be creative in my budgeting and that's where the accounting comes into play. I make every dollar count. If there is a sale at the grocery store - I make it count with coupons.
You really need to watch those extreme coupon shows. I am learning slowly how to make it work for me. Example: the local grocer had canned ravioli on sale 10 for $10. I used 10 coupons for 50cents each. The coupons were doubled and I got all the ravioli for free. They also have a meal deal where you pay for one thing and the rest of the meal is free. I used coupons on the free stuff and got money back.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, and it is. But, when you have a household of 6 to feed, it's worth the time and effort to feed them as nutritionally as possible, for the least amount of money. Even though I can't stand canned ravioli.
I run around my house turning off lights to save on the light bill. I turn down the heat and put on layers to save on the gas bill. Thank God NC has been averaging 50-60 degrees. I make meals that stretch so that we can have it for 2 days. I use my rewards card at Kmart so that I get money credits towards my next purchase and my rewards card at the grocer to save on gas.
I started Christmas and Kwanzaa shopping in September, and yes I used the lay a way option at any store that would let me. I made my payments on time so I wouldn't pay a late fee or restocking fee.
In this economy you have to be creative. If you know something that works - hook me up to it. I barely make enough to make ends meet.
