What Happened To Making A Dollar Stretch

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.