Living Richly In Retirement

Living Richly in Retirement-Barb's Test Kitchen!

2012-01-23T15:49:00.002-06:00

As someone who endeavours to live richly in my retirement, I find experiment is good. Experimentation comes in many forms. From trying a new activity for a time or to seeing what your lowest comfort level is in terms of quality and expenses, experimentation is valuable-and often fun.

During the past weekend, I've experimented in a few areas from cooking, to quilting, to alternate exercise choices, to seeing what works in my home. Some experiments worked well, some less so, and In some cases I am still waiting on the results. In any case, none of the experiments were difficult or time consuming, and none involved any major excess expense. In one case my goal was to prove a point, in another just to have fun.

My first experience, the one in cooking, was in response to an article that appeared on MSN Money. The gentleman involved implied that with rising food costs, it was just as cheap to eat out (at a restaurant mind you, not fast food) than to cook at home. In a word..........huh?? Now, as a single gal I fully admit that on occasion it may make sense for me to choose a restaurant meal, or at least deli take out. No one understands the "un-funess" or boring-ness of cooking for ones self all the time more than I do. In one of the examples used in the article, he cites a dinner from Cheesecake Factory that includes lemon oregano chicken, mashed potatoes, and carrots for $15.00. I don't know about you but fifteen dollars a nite would be an unmentionable amount over my food budget. Since I had chicken to cook (in my case, ten thighs bought for six dollars) I decided to conduct an experiment. I made a large pan load of my lemon oregano chicken. In the end we opted for homemade biscuits and I have to admit that I am unsure of the exact cost of making four. I do know that a bag of mini carrots is 99 cents where I am this week. In the end I estimate that this meal cost around ten dollars for the three basic menu items. If one figures in the lettuce, salad dressing and spices on hand-a bit more, obviously. Not only is that less than the amount shown for the restaurant meal, my dish will give at least four servings, two including all the sides. Obviously, every ones prices may vary, but still.....In this challenge/experiment I am the big winner.

In finishing the quilt above, I went to my closet and realized that the batting I had purchased was fusible 60x60 batting. While this was not what I had planned to use, I'm always willing to try a new thing. This is especially true since as far as I concerned basting as the only part of quilting I dislike. Its impossible for me to get down on the ground, I do it on a table and I often do it poorly and have to restart. In the end, the fusible batting gave an imperfect result, but I will probably have more success the second time around. I have a bad tendency to iron instead of press (sewers and quilters will know whereof I speak). Also, I should have anchored with books or clips on the edges, at least until I got the center done and moved outward. This meant that I had a few creases in the back which I had to pull off and iron again and some uneven bumps on said quilt. Since I'm doing minimal line quilting for this one, it will not be a problem.(Note, the quilt has not been pressed, or quilted on the sides so those creases can be ironed out.)

In the past, there has been an edge along my front walk, filled with mulch where I put flowers. The flowers require much watering to live, and I really would rather have the grass grow up to the path. To that end I am doing nothing at the moment, to see if the grass will move in on its own. It may not be pretty in the process, but if it works I will be happy (obviously, you see dormant Texas grass in the photo!).

Finally, I have been experimenting to see if walking in the neighborhood will work for me as an exercise. Granted, the local facility is only $100.00 per year (with additional costs for classes). Still, if walking would work, that would be ideal. Unfortunately, it won't. My knees simply cannot handle it, which means that I'm doing short walks. It also means I'm having discomfort after-and sometimes during. I'm not one who believes you should "work through the hurt" when it comes to joints. I'll be rejoining the natatorium and going back to water exercise. Oh, I'll walk around the neighborhood a couple times a week perhaps (very short walks) if only because its a chance to change my routine during the day at home. Other than that though, it's water walking for yours truly.

So there you are, my own little test kitchen and test studio results. Oh, and in another example of experimentation, I tried to see how long writing this blog could get me out of my annual budget plan and dealing with folks over the phone regarding my social security issue. Oops! That's not experimentation, that's avoidance! Time to accept it and move on.

And so it goes, as someone (was it Cronkite?) used to say every evening.

Planning For The Open Road

2012-01-20T23:26:00.000-06:00

One of my goals for January and February is to get a general idea of the route I want to take on my gulf excursion. Although I regularly go off road and explore whenever we drive from here to Denver, I haven't been on an actual "vacation" since I drove my son to see what we thought would be his San Diego Campus years ago.

That trip involved driving from Denver to Utah and then traveling south-first through Moab (land of the mountain bike ) and Arches National Park, and then through Monument Valley. we then drove to Phoenix and headed west to San Diego, where we spent a lovely few days! If I had to drive on Interstate 5 daily, I might become a hermit, however. On the return, we took the low route all the way, driving across the bottom of Arizona, and New Mexico. Stops were fewer on the return due to time constraints. We had a lovely time-my son was most impressed with Glenwood Canyon in Colorado, myself with the Arches-some of which have since fallen.

My next trip is planned to explore and enjoy the gulf coast. My goal is to drive south, go along the coast (not the interstate). As I explore my options, my two concerns are how far to go, and where to start. I know that I want to drive along the coast, to Huoma. I would then hit Mobile, all the while driving along the coast road. After that I would travel to down to Panama City and Pensacola. I'd allow myself at least one night in each location. Each drive is no more than five hours and planning on where I stay, the route could be much less.

My dilemma is where I go from there. My parents lived in Beaufort, SC. If I didn't have family all west of the Mississippi, my ideal place to retire would be in the Savannah area. Ideally, if I had the time, I would cross to Jacksonville and take US 17 north to Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston. The advantage to this is that I would be able to take an alternative route back (but probably not have time to visit Atlanta). The downside is that I would not be able to take such a long trip over spring break (how weird does it fell to say that). Not a game changer, just means that the trip would wait until late May and I would take a brief hop somewhere mid March during the school break. The positives here are that the weather would be warmer, but not yet unbearable-and I would avoid innumerable college students.

In addition to how far I would go, I'm also looking at where I would begin. Getting from Dallas to the coast can involve many options. I could drive south, through Houston (while visiting my brother and sister in law), into Galveston, and then across the coast-more beaches, but a longer drive. On the other hand, I could drive across to Shreveport (where I've also never been), and then go south, through Lafayette to the coast. Not as much beach, but also a beautiful drive I expect-although I would miss my family visit. Decisions, decisions........routes to plan, reservations to make.

You may or may not have noticed that New Orleans fits nowhere into this plan. I know, I know. The thing is, I've wanted to visit gulf coast beaches and eat seafood for awhile now, and I know full well that I cannot make New Orleans a single night's stay. It deserves at least a long weekend-and will get one. You also may notice that I haven't planned my return routes as intensively. This is not to say that I will drive home at the end of the trip non stop-that would defeat the purpose. But since I will be more tired then, my travel will involve more spur of the moment off road side trips and smaller towns, with little planning. If nothing else the return trip will give me a taste of where I want to go.

I really cannot wait for all that sun, seafood and ocean!

Too Many Quilts, Too Little Time

2012-01-19T23:53:00.000-06:00

Currently, I reside in a 2200 square foot single level home. At the moment, I'm doing everything I can to stay in said house, although its going to surely require some adjustments if I wish to keep the house and to travel (and I do). Occasionally I wonder how one woman, two dogs and a college student manage to stretch out into so much space. Most of the time though, I love this house. It has a covered patio, a yard large enough to both hold a garden and a container patio.....the list goes on. So while I'm downsizing possessions I'm looking to keep the house without being house poor.

What has this to do with too many quilts, you may ask? Simply this: I'm blessed to have a large room dedicated to sewing. Now, I know that one can sew on the kitchen table, or in a designated corner space. From my perspective though, people who do that are incredibly organized. They're the folks who begin a projects, work on it until they are done, and move onto the next one. If you are one of those people, be it a quilter, a woodworker or even a chef, I admire you. Actually I am in awe of you. However, put in it simplest terms, that is not me. That will never be me. I'm one of those people who NEEDS to have multiple projects going. Sometimes I get bored, sometimes I get tired, sometimes a specific project required to much minute detail and I need to move onto something else. Sometimes, I just sit in that chair and look out the window and daydream, trying to get inspiration.

This became apparent to me as I was attempting to bring some organization to my space today. As I look around the room, hanging on the iron board is an antique partially finished quilt top that was donated as is. everything is hand pieced, and belonged to the grandmother of a friend who is my age. I've trimmed and pressed as best I could and will now add borders and machine quilting to the top. The donor is not interested in having any of the projects back, but I will make a label and perhaps her grandchildren may want one.

On a mini quilt hanger is a partially finished album block quilt for a priest who left my church during the summer. To say I'm behind on this one is an understatement, and yes, the blocks do not perfectly mesh. Who knew signatures in ink could have anything to do with shrinkage at all?

And then there's the obviously unpressed center to a mini quilt or table topper that is waiting for its borders and finishing.....

The test "block" I made to see if I liked the look of this layer cake and the measurements of the block before I go further..................

the Plano High School quilt that is in progress for a new freshman..............

or the valentine fabric ready to be made into coasters.

I think I have enough to keep me busy for a while, don't you? In the interest of accuracy, these are just the quilts I am working on now. Not included are all the UFOS (or unfinished objects to the uninitiated), the three bags of t-shirts that need to be cut for a sorority quilt, or the twenty bags of Crown Royal bags for the requested quilt (my mental computer is still at work on this one).

None of these quilts will languish for too long or be ignored. On any given day, depending on my energies and interests, I may work on from one two three of these. I expect the purple squares and the modern table topper to be done next week at the latest. It's not that I don't work, it's just that I need a variety of work to hold my interest. Sometimes I walk away and do something else in the house, don't get me wrong. But many times, I want to keep sewing, I just want to work on something "different"

I'll just be grateful that I have such a room, use it as much as I can, and keep on quilting those quilts!

Tuesday Tidbits-And January/February Goals

2012-01-17T13:59:00.001-06:00

Tidbits of the Day: As we go through January, I'm reminded of why I put up with triple digit Texas heat in the summer. Today it is only fifty, but for the last four days it was seventy,and will hit the seventies through the weekend! School was supposed to start today, but since my dog popped some of his stitches, I spent the morning at the vet's. The best laid plans, and all that. I already have first assignments for all of my classes. I'm looking forward to drawing class especially, but boy, the supply list is huge! Last nite the younger generation dragged me out to the movie Contraband. Enjoyable (especially when I'm not buying) but I still want to see Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

With everything that's going on, I haven't had a chance to sit down and make a plan for the next month. Although I prefer this phase of my life to flow naturally, I have to set a few goals or nothing will get done. Also, I have some long term projects that need to be divided into workable chunks. To that end, here is my tentative plan for the next month and a half.

Make a year's workable budget and start building savings. My financial aid package will allow me to put a couple thousand in that area, to get me started
Set quilting and card making goals (both for me and for selling) for the next few months and commit to fifteen hours in my studio.
Make a an accurate sketch of the back yard (measuring everything)of how it looks now, and how I want it to be when done. Make a list of what I need so we can start tilling.
Read at least one book that is not mindless drivel (reading itself is no problem, it's just that my reading naturally strays to John Sanford, Robert Crais and the like)
Exercise, even if it is chair yoga, five days a week
Concentrate on eating healthy (IE five fruits and veggies and leaner meats) and ignore the calorie amount for awhile.
Revamp the blog-I'll be writing about quilting and other things as well, and putting tabs up at the top. My life is not JUST about frugality, nor just about retirement-it's the whole picture.
Spend one day a week working on the buying, sorting, reselling process (book sales, thrift and garage sales, listing, mailing out and the things needed to do to make this work)
Deal with my previously mentioned social security attachment issue aggressively starting at the end of the week-I need to do everything I can without bringing a lawyer into the picture with my finances.
Make a room by room list for the house of wants, needs and ideas
Make a tentative route for my gulf road trip so I can begin looking at costs.
Finally, get back on the mediation and volunteer wagon-find a way to set aside time for both.

I think I've set some reasonable goals for the next six weeks that will allow me plenty of time to chill on my patio (yes, in January), and enjoy my art classes as well. I know I'm not the only one with goals out there-all I have to do is visit the folks on my blog list-hopefully these will keep me a tad organized on track-we can only wait and see!

The Frugal Pantry, One Recipe At A Time.

2012-01-16T00:29:00.000-06:00

One of my goals for the next few months is to step up my grocery savings, while keeping the quality of what I (and my grown children, who come and go) consume. Hopefully I can meet this challenge. I like to eat good food, but don't necessarily like to pay the going prices for good food. Call me grocery budget challenged.

To do this I'm planning on pulling out every trick in my proverbial bag, and putting them to good use. I'll return to extreme couponer mode, shop loss leaders, cut waste and use other tricks. One of the major ways I hope to save on food is by making some of my so called pantry items myself. Obviously at this level I cannot make spices, and I certainly will not be trying yogurt or homemade ravioli. There are many other things that I can make, make in bulk and make cheaper than store bought. I hope to try (notice I said try, folks), to make one so called pantry or freezer item a week.

These week I intend to make a large amount of tomato sauce (used for spaghetti, lasagna, even to cover oven pork chops). I plan to use my large slow cooker (as opposed to the small one that cooks two servings) This recipe will not include meat, and will be stored either in glass jars or plastic freezer containers that hold two servings. If I had less space, I would use freezer bags since they lie flat.

Some folks might think this is overkill when cooking for one or two. I disagree. Doing this enables me to control costs. Even if I have to buy a number ten can of crushed tomatoes, the cost per serving in the end is much less than traditional sauce. It allows me to control ingredients. My sauce will contain tomatoes (crushed, diced, and paste), sauteed vegetables (onions, garlic, peppers perhaps) and fresh and dried spices (parsley, garlic, oregano). No preservatives, no coloring, pure food. Good food, cheap, in bulk. I've eliminated trips to the store, I have an easily used, prepared item for those busy days. All and all it's a win.

Over the next few months, I'll continue "making it myself" and sharing the end results, be they good or bad. Among the things I hope to make from scratch in the future (mostly in bulk, but not always) are Ranch Dressing, Pickles and picked vegetables, home made soups (made in large amounts and frozen in servings of two), homemade crackers, and other items. Some of you may make these things from scratch each time you use them. I'm a fickle cook-when I'm not in the mood I don't want to bother,. When I'm ready to enjoy cooking, I want to make enough to compensate for the low energy times.

I'll let you know how the sauce works. Meanwhile, onward and forward in the Living Richly In Retirement challenge.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

2012-01-15T00:39:00.003-06:00

Or in this case, at least a few. We adopted our new dog as many of you know. One of the reasons this cutie was non adoptable was because he had a tumor removed from his head. Folks were afraid of a short life, medical costs or both. After we adopted him, we found two small cysts or fat cells. Under the circumstances removal was a must. Seeing as how the pup had torn off his stitches previously, the doc opted to put him into this poor cone-of course while he cannot reach the stitches on his face, his back legs can still reach his ribcage and we are on watch. So for how he is wearing the "cone of shame" as his foster mama put it.

I also wanted just say to all-be patient as I play with the blog a bit. I am learning as I go, and trying to find backgrounds and fonts that are easy for all to read. Feel free to share an opinion at any time.

Oh, and while I knew the Bronco's run had to end sometime, can I just say............ouch!!! Then again, I have one kid who follows the colts, one who follows the Redskins and the rest of the Texans follow those 'boys. My team is the only one who made it to a play off game, lol!

Back to School-Part Deux

2012-01-13T18:01:00.000-06:00

Next Tuesday will be the first class of the spring semester. Yes, folks, I am wandering down the path of lifetime learning again. Some may remember my frustrations with my first semester of school. I felt that there was not enough time in my life for the many things I enjoy, nor was there enough time to commit to my little income stream. At that time, my intention was to take a course or two from then out.

Sometimes we need a step back in order to rethink strategy. In this particular case, that's what happened to me. I really wanted to continue in school. At the same time though, I wanted more time than I have had this last semester. Finally, I was not sure in which direction said education was taking me. I really did want to have it all. What to do, what to do............

I think I've come up with both a future plan and a workable retirement schedule in the process. In terms of timing and schedule, I've planned two at home (on my own time) type of classes and two traditional classroom forays. I like being in a school environment and neither art nor German classes take well to a web format, I expect. My two on campus classes are on the same day, with a reasonable time in between. This gives me five fully free days (at least free to choose my own path), and only one half day, twice a week with an actual physical commitment. this is much more workable for me.

On the goals front, after a month or so of thinking and planning (and lots of brainstorming with friends and family), I've come to a conclusion. I need to blend reality with my desires and interests. To that end, my new goal is first an associates and then a bachelor's degree in art. I know, in theory the employment outlook in this area is probably not stellar. In my case, though, I currently make (a little) money working in fabric and paper (quilting, sewing and card making). My goal is to expand those areas both for personal enrichment and in a business sense. Courses such as drawing, painting and printing will allow me to expand into the areas of fabric design and the like-not only that but I will be studying something I love. At this point in life, that's equally important. I'll keep a minor in German. Again, I love the language. While no one may hire me to go to Germany and be a translator at this late stage, it allows me to offer tutoring and translation locally.

I did have to think long and hard about this, but I believe it will work out. I have a few weeks to evaluate, and if I need to lower my "load" I can do so. I've enjoyed the break from school, but really need and enjoy the brain food. I just need said stimulation in lower amounts with more time to myself. I think I've managed that. In addition to school, I'm looking forward to a spring that includes many things. Landscaping the yard and spring planting, arts and craft fairs (and their preparation), lots of reading, and travel. These are but a few of the things I plan to enjoy this spring-all while learning about German syntax, line and perspective, ad how to cut a linoleum print.

Life as an adventure, after all.

Living Richly In Retirement-Small Savings Add Up

2012-01-12T12:57:00.002-06:00

There are obvioulsy lots of ways to be frugal and save money. If you're like me, you are probably looking at more than one alternative. Sometimes we have to make a large cut here or there, such as cable. Occasionally we will need to do some large, labor intensive frugal tasks to meet our goals. I have been in both situations, as well as the situation of simply not spending on something I really wanted.

As I've moved through my week, I've realized that there is another important kind of "frugality". This encompasses the simple tasks and behaviors that are part of my day. While no one thing is a huge money saver, added together the end result is frugality. These little money savers can add up to big savings, and because they are pretty ingrained as habit, I don't look at them in terms of "deprivations" they way I might one large slash to the budget. It really is true that it's the little things that count. As is often true with money saving habits, they tend to be good for the environment as well. Here's how those small and large frugal habits have affected my week so far:

When I jumped in the car to hit the library, I also made sure that I was taking care of all my other errands-weekly groceries, hitting the post office, picking up prescriptions. For me at least, this is as much a time saving issue as anything else. I also take my own beverage-often two beverages (water and my hot chocolate). While I don't pack a sandwich, I do throw some snack in the car if it will be a full day's effort. I'm not someone who needs to leave the house daily, and have other social opportunities. I do understand how some people need to schedule errands to force themselves to leave the house.
Since I've changed my major, I am taking two art classes. My drawing and printmaking classes both come with VERY long lists. Before I hit the stores, I did a house search. While I've never taken an art class before, I do have some basics such as a gum eraser, rubber cement and one inch roll blue tape (from painting my trim). I also "put the word out" to friends and family and put a wanted ad on Craigslist. In the end, I'll surely have to buy art supplies. But by looking at other alternatives before hitting the store, I saved a little cash.
It's become such a habit to wash on cool or cold, that I have to remind myself on those rare occasions when the washing machine needs to be on hot (such as when I need to wash the church tablecloths-hot water and bleach are the only solutions). I admit that my line drying is hit or miss-hit in the summer and miss at this time of year.
We ate from the pantry and freezer and fridge the week or so before Christmas because I knew I would be gone. This meant getting groceries.It wasn't until I left the store that I realized how ingrained my "loss leader" habit is. I got produce and milk and butter. It simply did not occur to me to buy meats that were not on sale (in this case chicken thighs, pork loin roast and beef stew). It's just how I move through the store. Today my small pot is full of beef stew made with veggies, tomato sauce, seasonings and red wine. Dinner will include herbed popovers and the stew. Who needs to eat out when you have this!
Last evening I cooked a whole cut up chicken (I get these rarely any more), and had two breasts left over. As I was cleaning up, it was simply second nature to me to shred the two breasts and bag the meat. Tomorrow nights dinner will be a quick homemade soup with veggies meat, broth and seasoning and egg noodle broken into little bits.
As part of my daily routine online (which includes coupon sites, blogs, emails, and so on), I spend a few minutes checking group buying sites and freebie sites. The end result is that I have $19 tickets to the Dallas symphony, a $15 voucher to Chili's for which I paid five dollars, a $25 gift card to the Olive Garden and some free Kindle books. These will surely not be used this week, but put away for those special occasions when I just need someone to wait on me.
Once or maybe twice a week I visit Amazon. I look at all the best sellers and those books to be released as well as those "recommendations" for me. I do the same with movies. I put anything I might be interested in into my wish list. Then I work from the wish list and go to my library website and reserve books and movies. Not only does this save me money, but allows me to be at the top of the list for new books. For example, I already have reserved a variety of books to come out between now and April to include books by John Sanford, James Patterson and the like. Note: the downside of this is because books are often released in groups, my reading can be feast or famine. I've had no reserved books some weeks and ten on another.
When I need things, it generally doesn't occur to me to buy them new, at least until I've checked out used opportunities. I think I've mentioned before that one of my small gift requests (which I received) for Christmas in 2010 was a teapot kettle. Prior to that I was using water from my hot water tap on the sink or zapping water. My daughter decided her kitchen should be green with purpleThat said, if I ever find a single cup Keurig alternative at a thrift store or equally cheap, its mine, mine, mine!
Even before I look to the used market, I try and use what I have on hand. This week I need to send a card, and give a couple small "token" or host gifts. I was able to make a card in less than half an hour (not a particularly crafty endeavour in this case, I simply printed an outline on card stock, colored it in with colored pencils and so on). For the host gifts I pulled a small bath and body item from my stash and a homemade jar of cranberry walnut conserve.
Trying to develop a new habit, I've begun not running the dishwasher daily. When you cook for one or two people and wash the pans by hand, it's probably not necessary, although I did so for the longest time. We'll have to see if this works in the summer. My dishwasher doesn't require complete rinsing, just removing the food. When bug season comes, this is a habit I'll need to reevaluate-comparing the cost of thoroughly rinsing, to hand washing, to dishwasher use.
I combine various gifts, deals and discounts to get the best deal for myself, and I do this out of habit. My family and social circle may be unique, I'm not sure. At holiday time we generally purchase small to medium cost items that we know folks will appreciate and might not bother to buy themselves. To that end I received a couple gift cards, one to a fabric store and one to Cinemark movie theaters. Buy combining the movie card with two other deals (dirt cheap prices before dark and a coupon for a free drink with any size popcorn), I'll be able to stretch my generous gift card into more than a few movie excursions. Tinker Tailor, Soldier, Spy, here I come
Thanks to a tip from Linda, I've been investigating the Evergreen Club. It seems to be a nice, frugal travel alternative and would probably work better for me than house swapping (as I have adult children who come and go at will from my house and watch the dog when I am not home). My only concern is me being a single person rather than a couple-not a huge safety issue but one I need to look at. I'm planning a gulf coast driving tour in the late spring, and this may work for a couple of overnights.

These are not all the frugal habits ingrained in my psyche, and I'm always looking for more small frugal tips to incorporate-these are just the money saving things I've done this week as part of my normal, everyday routine.

My week has been and continues to be full. I've had a lovely evening with some friends, and gone to a book group. Today or tomorrow, I'll be going to the movies. Saturday night will be a football party (how about those Broncos!!!!!!!!!!!), and there may be a concert at church. At home, I've eaten well. My days include sewing, walking the dog, thrifting for items to sell, designing a landscaping plan for the yard. My evenings include reading, relaxing, knitting and the television-and preparing to begin school next week. I've done everything I wanted to, and nothing that I did not want to. Life has been good-and cheap.

Lest I sound to Pollyanna-ish this week, I have been known to drop off the frugal wagon on occasion-with a bang. Although it's a subject for another post, our new beagle Trevor has health issues and has already had a tumor removed (we knew this when we adopted him-both the risks of cost and the risks of a short life). When in Denver, I was persuaded to go see Mission Impossible 4 at the IMAX for a cost of $34 for two people before refreshments (well worth the price, and I am not a Tom Cruise fan). But we all have exceptions such as these-and it's the regular frugality that allows for these, and other splurges.

Frugal Retirement-Eating Well in The Current Economy

2012-01-08T00:32:00.001-06:00

Cooking and shopping for food in retirement can be a challenge on many levels. Most obviously, food prices are rising, while our retirement incomes remain fairly steady. Adjusting portions is also a problem. Many of us are recently used to cooking on a larger scale. Eating well and healthily is also an important and challenging part of retirement. What to do, What to do? Well, the best way to save money at the grocery store is generally NOT to shop, or cook for one or two:

Develop some kind of storage system and shop in bulk. I have free standing freezer. That may or may not work for you. Larger, so called family sized packages are always cheaper than buying a chicken breast or two. Since most of us have plenty of time, buy the large portion and divide into individual portions at home (or cook and freeze, see below)
Learn to freeze properly (many people do not know how to freeze food so that it lasts well). In my experience the best recipes are usually for four people and often for six. This gives those of us with households of one or two a couple options. We can eat the same thing a few days in a row (this does work for some people, just not for me), or we can freeze for another meal. Let me say here and now in the gentlest of terms-if you don't like the way frozen food tastes, you are either freezing improperly or else reheating improperly. Meals CAN be frozen and come out with an even better consistency. Foods will also always taste better reheated on or in the stove instead of nuked. Off my soapbox, now...
Widen your palate. Almost ALL foods are healthy, when eaten sensibly. One doesn't have to only buy chicken breasts and fish to eat well. Lean pork chops once a week will neither hurt you nor your digestive system. All foods are good and good for you, depending on how they are cooked. Yesterdays poor mans food is today's gourmet entry. Case in point, I remember when flank steak was cheap as dirt and used only for fajitas.
Cook from scratch as much as possible. I cook from scratch, almost every thing. Doing this allows me to control ingredients, try out new dishes, and eliminate most processed foods. Every time a food is processed, the cost increases. the exceptions may be canned fruits and veggies. Obviously this works for me because I have a full pantry and do not have to run out for specific ingredients.
Consider learning to shop for so called loss leader items and buying enough to last until the next sale (generally six weeks to three months). Have a low price for everything-your buy at price if you will. This will reduce your costs significantly. If you only have a refrigerator freezer, use Ziploc bags instead of containers.
Appliances have their uses. I'm not saying you should run out to the local thrift and buy a bread machine or slow cooker today. But a couple of those kinds of items might be a smart investment in lowering grocery costs. I still make bread by hand, by the way. Something to be said for the therapy of kneading. On the other hand chicken with wine in the slow cooker is to die for..........and leaves me more free time.

I am not an expert by any means-I just know what works for me. I DO eat well, including beef, lamb, chicken and seafood. We have wine, soda, and coffee at hand at all times. I spend a couple hundred dollars for two people, and yes, prices are rising for me as well. What works for me may not work for you.

Oh, and while I am an extreme couponer, you can do what I do without the coupons-if you're willing to give it a try. How do you save on food costs now?

Simple Pleasures

2012-01-06T22:59:00.001-06:00

Coming home. Be it vacation or visiting family, it's always a pleasure. Still, there really is no place like home-and no bed like mine

Sitting out on the patio on a warm Texas January day. It was close to seventy degrees today, one of those days that reminds me why I live in the "south". The warm weather also made me realize that we need to seriously consider our landscaping alternatives. After all, the first of March is planting time in Texas.

Relaxing in front of the TV with my son's homemade chili (a healthy, low cost meal made with all natural ingredients), homemade cornbread and salad. Who needs to eat out, when you have this!

Walking the neighborhood with the pup (who by the way, traveled very well-a pillow and water in the back seat and some walking and he was a very happy camper). Free exercise for both of us.

Taking down the decorations. Some find it depressing, but I enjoy the wrapping and putting away, as well as looking forward to new seasons (I'm aways ready to celebrate a holiday, any holiday-be it President's Day or Easter)

Explaining to my son (who think he's an expert on classic rock and roll) that yes, Time On My Side really was a hit long before it appeared in the movie Fallen. Not only that, it was a jazz and soul track before the Rolling Stones discovered it. It's occasionally rewarding to remind said child that every thing he learned about music he learned from he and he has yet to learn it all.

Explaining to the same son that yes, Casablanca really does belong on the list of top 20 World War II films. Son is working on the American Films Institutes' top 100 of all time and has studiously avoided Casablanca, to his mother's shame and chagrin.

Finding a new mystery/thriller author just when I was facing a dearth of reading. I was all caught up on every author I read, with no new books coming out until April or so (it must be a cycle, these April and November releases). I was looking for a new thriller author whose missives were both current and included no supernatural references (no John Connolly for me, for example).

Choosing to stay at home and watch Empire of the Sun with my offspring and sister , rather than hit the local movie theater. I did see Mission Impossible in the Imax theater (worth the price, no matter what you think of Tom), and have committed to Tinker Tailor, Soldier, Spy in the near future. There's something to be said though, for watching a movie from the comfort of your couch, with your own snacks, and the ability to press pause if you need to run to the bathroom.

Watching Trevor curled up on his pillow/bed and realizing that yes, I probably always will need a dog around-and that Trevor probably really should have a brother.

Playing with paper and my colored pencils. I have no art ability-to the point that part of my new semester classes will include a drawing course. I do enjoy the sketching process though, even if no one can understand what I have sketched except me.

What about you-what simple pleasures have you enjoyed lately?

The Anti-Budget-Tracking Expenses First

2012-01-05T20:23:00.000-06:00

Now that the new year is officially here, I've begun some budget planning in earnest for the coming year. In the middle of this process, I realized that I really don't know what everything costs. Without knowing that, it's difficult for me to budget-at least in any realistic since.

I've been very bad when it comes to tracking expenses this past year or so. In theory, I have Quicken, and I use it. The reality is not quite so absolute. I've taken large ATM deposits and spent them without keeping specific track of where they went. I've had cash payments for quilting work done, as well as personal checks that i simply cashed and spent. There was a period of time that Quicken seemingly lost after my upgrade from Quicken 2007 to Quicken 2010 (If you haven't upgraded-don't!). All in all, my spending records for the past year or so do not tell the whole story. Time to turn over a new leaf.

There are some good reasons for me to do some expense tracking:

In the past I've seriously mis-estimated the amounts that I spent in the past in certain categories (especially transportation). While I can make a goal of spending less than in the past, I need to be realistic about what expenses will be
I can see if I am "spending on what I do" rather than on what I think I may or should do. Last year I spent quite a bit of money on gardening supplies, but did little to no gardening. That's a wake up call to me that I need to start gardening, stop shopping, or in this case, do both. This is just one example.
I can see if I revert to emotional spending habits, and I can make sure that my spending is in agreement with my values.
Because I will download the results quite often, as well as printing out written reports, I'll have an immediate reminder of my spending. That may or may not have a direct result on my spending, who knows.
Finally, it will, hopefully, move me to keep track of any and all income. Because I have a variety of small income streams, in the past I have not always documented these amounts. Money from small craft fairs, rebates, income from online selling-these were never logged in as income. As a result not only do I know my true past expenses, I am unsure of my true past income.

For the moment, I have a rough spending plan for the future year. That combined with some expense tracking should eventually give me a true road map for the next year or so.

Coming next-working on those so called "fixed expenses".

Welcoming the New Year

2011-12-31T17:23:00.000-06:00

I hope you are all having a wonderful New Year's holiday. I'm in Denver, visiting my sister and brother for a few days. We've belatedly celebrated one holiday, and are now ready to welcome the new year in.

As often happens for me, my vacation is also a sort of busman's holiday. This is not a bad thing, When one of your primary income streams is buying and reselling (books, ornaments, toys, you name it), the chance to visit new thrift stores is an open opportunity. When you're second income stream in quilting, every new fabric store is an adventure.

Much as I enjoy spending this time with mys siblings, I am reminded that Denver will probably never be my home. Between the winter and the higher cost of living, the place simply will not work for me. I can see myself spending more extended time here in the summer, however. While I probably will never be a "snowbird" or "sunbird", I can see spending the end of the summer and early fall her for an extended period of a few months. I'll be looking at that possibility, and the financial considerations in the future. I'll be sharing what I find and works as we move forward.

After a few years of visiting regularly at this time, we have routine down for our evening celebrations. Rather than hitting one of the many celebration venues available, we have our own sibling family celebration at home.s day. This evening we will visit my brothers house where he and my son will cook a full scale German meal (schnitzel, red cabbage, spatzle, and all the things that go with that). Afterwards we will have Christmas cookies, wine and chocolate wine, and champagne. We'll play games, perhaps watch a movie rental, and welcome the new year. I'll be back at my sisters at a semi reasonable hour (no four am parties for me).

Tomorrow, we will trek back to brother's house. My other brother who is a salmon fishermen sent us a pile of fish from his recent catch, which we will have with bagels and eggs for brunch. Then we will watch the football game (can Tim Tebow win another one). In the evening, we'll return to my sister's house, where she and my son will make steaks Belgian style baked potatoes and salad. The evening will be spend visiting and sharing. We may again play a game or watch a film, or we may simply relax with our wineglasses and discuss the state of the world in general.

Whatever your celebration choice, I hope it is lovely. I'll return to my normal frugal retirement discussion on the morn. Happy New Year one and all!!!

Hitting The Open Road On A Dime-Or Two

2011-12-26T14:56:00.000-06:00

As part of my holiday celebrations, I'm getting ready to head to the cold, cold north. I'll drive to Denver and we'll have a delayed Christmas exchange, spend time together and enjoy the new year-before driving back. This is not a vacation road trip exactly. On the way up, the purpose is to get where I'm going, no side trips and few stops. When it comes to the return trip, depending on the weather I may take a different route each time. (Some of you may remember that I drove straight through, during last year's February blizzard, without stopping-life is an adventure).

Be it for enjoyment or to get to a destination, my goal is to get there as cheaply as possible without sacrificing comfort. This trip, for the first time ever, we are traveling with a pet. Our newly rescued dog was abandoned, them moved to a foster home and then abandoned to us. I'm not sure he's ready for boarding yet, although we my try a day or so of play care in Denver.

While it's never to late to learn new savings tricks, I've done this and many other road trips so often I believe I have it down fairly pat. I've used everything I know to cut down on gas, food, and sleeping quarters as I can.

When it comes to where I lay my head, I don't need a great deal for this kind of trip. I avoid Motel 6 and its competitors like the plague. Since I'm only spending one night though, I'm willing to go with the Best Westerns and Hampton Inns of the world. Actually, the nicest hotel on my route is a Best Western because it has a nice firm bed and they give you six pillows or more on each bed! I save money by getting gift cards in advance-right now if you buy a $100 Best Western Card, you get a $10 gift card to either Best Western or your choice of retail store. After I take that step, then I use either my AAA card or AARP discount, whichever ends up being greater. While my credit card no longer offers rewards, I am a hotel rewards customer, which nets me other bennies.

As far as fuel, I'm at the mercy of service stations as a rule. I do have one of those "gas buddy" apps on my phone that allows me to check prices. Rest centers like Pilot do have reward programs, but I don't travel enough to really use them, they're targeted to truckers. I never eat in rest stops, so that doesn't help that issue much.

My children gave me a gift a few Christmases ago. This gift has helped me save piles of money (and enjoy my road trips more, especially in the warmer weather). They gifted me with an insulated picnic basket similar to this one. it includes plastic wine glasses, and dishes, napkins and silver. It also included a small cheese knife and board, and a wine opener. This means that I rarely stop and pay for restaurant or fast food. I fill it to the brim with sandwich items and fruits and snacks. I also carry my own drinks (sometimes in another cooler). When I need gas, I stop and gas up. For everything else, I hit the local rest stop picnic area. I get out and walk, eat, relax and hit the road. Even if I need to refill my food stash, groceries are cheaper than fast food (even if I get small sizes). Since most hotels have some kind of tiny fridge, my food often lasts two days. This has been a huge blessing.

While it may not have much to do with frugality, keeping my self alert and amused is also an issue on this trip. While parts of this trip are beautiful, other parts have literally no value in terms of what is to see. West Texas tends to be barren, flat and arid. Once you've seen a few hundred ranches, and cows penned up in cattle cars on the railway, you've pretty much seen it all. To that end, I'll either be purchasing (with my Christmas gift card) or borrowing a book on CD. This trip includes large sections with no radio reception. It took me some time to find books on tape, but now that I have, I'm hooked! To you doubters, I'm darned good driver (driving on the autobahn for seven years will do that to you) and yes, I still pay attention. I'm still in control. I can do both.

To those of you who want to know why I drive to Denver, I'll try and keep it brief. First, I flew too many fourteen hour trips in sardine cans between Germany and middle America. Secondly, it's become cumbersome to fly, on many levels. Frankly, I lived in a country with unmatched airport security for years, and there was nothing like what we experience now (here is where if we were discussing politics I'd ask if our roads and trains and boats receive the same protection).Finally, I'm still traveling in the "holiday season" and even if I wanted to fly, costs are exorbitant.

In the morning I'm off-we'll do some errands, pack up the pooch and hit the road. We'll stop where the mood hits, take pictures along the way and get to Denver in comfortable fashion.

Oh, and before I leave, I've put together four packets, three to be expressed mailed with receipt. One to the agency involved, one to my congressman, one to the collection agency and one to keep with me. These letters dispute the issue, include documentation and so on and so forth. We can only hope this brings some improvement to my plight. Thanks everyone for your responses.

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to men-and Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:20:00.000-06:00

LIving Richly In Retirement-Frugality Saves the Day

2011-12-22T21:44:00.000-06:00

In my experience, there are three kinds of frugals. The first type is the person who consistently practices their frugal lifestyle from month to month, from year to year. While there may be the occasional splurged (planned for or not) they are successful because they are consistent. The second kind of frugality tends to be used by those who have a "feast or famine" lifestyle. The third type is the "newly" frugal. These folks become frugal out of necessity-what will happen if their circumstances change, we don't know.

Some would say that practicing a frugal lifestyle all the time is depressing. I would suggest that being consistently frugal can make your life free and more joyful. Rather than deprivation, it brings long term security and happiness. This has been brought home to me full force in the past week.

Without going into huge detail, recently my life hit a huge bump-a disaster if you will. This bump reminded me of two things. It did remind me that if I had not allowed depression and guild to get to me I would have a cash cushion now. That thought was secondary to the knowledge that I am very well positioned on another level- because I am frugal over the long term.

Briefly, my most recent social security check as been attached by one of those large agencies in the sky, for an as yet unknown reason. Fear not, I have contacted the agency, my congressperson, and a myriad of other people. Meanwhile, I am left with almost no cash until the first of the month. I face Christmas, a trip to Denver, and life as we know it-all on just a little cash. While one can do little other than reschedule or extend regular bills, one can do quite a bit about every thing else. I will manage to eat, drink, be merry, and gift on what is available. I will not need to go to a food pantry, get a loan, access investments (if I had any) or fall on the ground and scream "oh, woe is me!".

The above is true because I life a long term frugal lifestyle. Over time I've developed frugal skills, from sewing to bread making to gardening to extreme shopping. I've gotten where I am by using those skills on a regular day to day basis. While some of these skills and habits can be learned quickly, the end results take awhile. Even without this emergency, I feed two adults on much less than most people I know. Over the years, I've managed to stock a freezer, fridge and pantry with loss leader foods. This is not something one can do in the short term, at least not well. Because of my previous efforts, we are able not just to eat, but to eat well during this crisis. Except for produce and milk products, we'll manage to eat out of what is on hand for over two weeks. We've baked, made food gifts, and eaten healthy wholesome meals. I've even been able to have my nightly glass of wine.

On the holiday front, I've obviously had to change my $500 holiday to my less than one hundred dollar holiday (much less). This has also not been a crisis. I used my skills to make some gifts (everyone has giftable skills, everyone). I made jarred gourmet ice cream sauces, place mats and napkins. I made army and Dallas Cowboy coaster sets and scrapbook pages from on hand. Even I do not do a homemade Christmas only. Because I shop sale items year around, I have giftable items purchased at less than fifty percent. Many of these items were purchased with someone in mind. These gifts were put to use. I had a collection of gift cards that I have earned thru rewards or other ways throughout the year-these were gifted as well. The end result? Nice gifts that I know will be used and/or loved. Money spent? Not a penny.

Tonight I am watching mindless drivel TV, post dinner time. Top Chef, the X Factor, Top Gear and football. I'm relaxed with my hot chocolate, my computer, and later a library book. I am only able to go into this full relaxation mode because of all the other things I do frugally and otherwise, through the year. Deprivation? I don't think so.

One final thought. Some of you may suggest this is what that emergency fund is for. On one level I agree-savings are a priority for me. On the other hand, I probably would not have accessed it for the reasons listed above. For a bill that could not be rescheduled? Probably. For everything else, creativity and planning can preclude the need (or the temptation to use) said emergency fund.

Oh, and before you ask? I'm not mad, I'm furious.If I it wasn't too painful to sit on the ground, I'd be occupying my local government building. More furious after visiting said government building than before I got there. I've lived through military and department of defense red tape. These folks, don't know, don't care, and it's not their problem. That however, is a discussion for another day.

Looking to 2012-A Few Goals

2011-12-20T11:36:00.001-06:00

Like many others on the web, I've been trying to set some basic goals for the coming year. While I'm not a big one for "resolutions", I've kind of being going on autopilot for the last few months. In general I prefer a lifestyle that goes with the flow. I'm not one to have a large list of goals for life in writing, in any sense of the word. But I do want to have a bit of a basic plan to work with for the coming year, so I've been looking ahead a bit. Here's what I have so far-a very flexible list:

On the financial front, I want and need to fine tune my expenses even more. I'm still working on that realistic budget and cuts to be made. Eventually I will share with everyone and let it all hang out there. Generally though, I'll be looking to be more careful with food expenses-I need to eat well, but control costs. I'm looking to lower some regular expenses such as cable and Internet. I also need to increase my income streams a bit, and begin building some savings. I also need to go back to using a debit card and/or tracking all of my expenses with my Quicken software. This area needs to be fleshed out and I am not above sharing specifics with the world.

On the immediate family front, I need to work on my son being financially in dependent. In his case it's not a failure to launch issue. the terrible job market is a base cause. Late maturity and low self confidence, along with virtually no working experience (due to living locations and the type of higher education) just exacerbate the situation. He has one very tiny business that brings in a few dollars a week. If he cannot find a "real job" then together we need to find other ways of making money. He needs to be independent and I cannot support his expenses other than those of living in this house, really.

I need to work on becoming even more healthy, and try and go back to some further weight loss. this means finding cold weather exercise opportunities that are not painful, and making small diet changes-I'll never be a carrots and celery for snacks kind of girl, but if I can increase activity a bit and lower calories a bit, that should help, along with lowering the fat

I want to increase my travel experiences. My travel for the past year has been non existent except for a side trip or so on one of my visits up to Denver to visit my family. My goal is a day trip or weekend trip monthly in this area, and at least two longer road trips-one along the gulf coast. I'll be putting money aside for these adventures, as well as doing lots and lots of advanced planning.

In terms of personal development if you will, I want to continue my learning. I will probably drastically cut the hours I spend, but this is something I enjoy. Even if I don't use what I am learning to make money, I feel it is worthwhile if I am able to contribute these skills and interests through my non profit work. I've thought about my comfort level of doing this with financial aid, and I've decided that as long as I am contributing here on earth, it's a fair trade off, "job" or not. In the same vein, I want to increase my volunteer level. For the past six months my contribution has been being the coordinator for a few organizations. While that's valuable, I need to be a hands on person. To that end, I'll be volunteering a day a week in the new year-at least that's the goal. Lastly, I want to add meditation and prayer time to my day. Again, finding the time to do this three times a day is a goal, and I won't be shy about sharing my success or failure in this area.

When it comes to my house and surroundings, my goal is to "simplesize" (love that new word) just a bit. I'll never be a member of the simple movement, but would like to make life a tad more organized. More importantly, I plan to do some upgrades to my home and surroundings. Yes, someday I may downsize. Meanwhile, there are large and small changes I want to make to improve life quality and lower costs.. These range from extending the patio to make room for a container garden, to new landscaping to small in home improvements. Obviously, the success of this goal depends on the success of my financial goals.

Finally (at least for now), I want to me more self sufficient. I know,I know, this is one of those overused phrases that means ten things to ten different people and is difficult to define. In my world this I surely don't want to hide in my home or become antisocial. Avoiding society is not my thing. I do want to be able to rely on myself first as much as is reasonably possible-in all areas, including financial. I'll be fleshing out the specifics of this goal,and what I can do to get there, soon.

I'm sure there are things that I will be adding or subtracting from this ever changing list, but I now have a place to begin. As the saying goes, onward and forward!

Retirement Income-Why Didn't I Think Of That

2011-12-18T23:06:00.000-06:00

I"m still working on that 2012 budget. A budget is a living thing in the best of times, and with the changes that have gone on and are still going on around me (financially and otherwise), I'm taking a couple days to let everything sit. Then I will go back and look things over with a fresh view-hopefully. I've already looked at some places that can reasonably be cut, which I will share later. the other side of that double edged sword is that I will need to bring in liquid income.

I should probably say here that as with many things in life, my needing additional income is on some level a choice. I have chosen to stay in my current home, knowing that I will have a mortgage payment for quite some time. I could have downsized or I could trim expenses more. Eventually I will do both. For the moment however, I have chosen to remain in this 2300 square foot home. I love the yard, I love the covered patio. My children are both single and one is a not yet employed college graduate. Both still need a place to come home to, and I appreciate that. I figure I should share these things so that folks reading this don't automatically say to themselves "oh, no!!". I've chosen regular travel and a home with a mortgage as part of my lifestyle. Were I to downsize, travel less, or make other changes, life would certainly be different.

I've written about income streams, especially my quilting, before. This income stream is perfect for me in that it allows me to mainly be at home (craft fairs aside). Quilting and sewing were hobbies, yet I find that I don't particularly mind being "forced" to do them on a regular basis. Supplies are my only overhead, meaning I have no reason to add commuting costs or a studio to my end costs.

I was really having a problem getting customers and make any major sales. Although I am a member of the Etsy online selling group, that market tends to be flooded with some kinds of fabric art. I tend to use it as a reference, a place to go so that people can see what I make. I would really like to do craft fairs in the spring and summer, but because of school was unable to create in the large numbers needed for a fair or market. Word of mouth can be nice advertising for a home business, but I needed a bigger telephone chain (for lack of a better description).

Recently I created 25 sets of six quilted coasters each for my sister in law. The coasters were made for SIL to give to her coworkers and the folks working under her in the field. When I delivered them, she put a bug in my ear, one which I took to the next level. She casually mentioned that she, as well as my two nieces, had been speaking amongst themselves. They thought it would be a wonderful idea if I went to a sorority at SMU, which is located not very far away. The idea was that I would offer to make a sample T-shirt quilt out of sorority shirts, and embroider the Greek letters in the border. I would do that for free. I would then use the quilt (through pictures and by borrowing said quilt) as a marketing tool during rush week and when girls join. It seems mothers are willing to get their daughters anything related to this particular social group during that time.

This is a great idea for me on many levels. Most of the cost in creating said marketing tool is labor (the shirts are the major portion of the quilt). Completing the project gives me a small sample and a large quilt, as well as the recommendation of the happy recipient. Tto get the same amount of advertising free would be much more costly-and frankly, my advertising budget is...zero. When I needed fabric, I am using what I already own. This is not free, obviously, it is inventory. But that's not the same as immediate out of pocket costs. I love this idea, and probably would not have thought of it myself-at least not for quite awhile. Next week, I'll be on vacation, visiting family. Cutting up these shirts will be easy while watching TV, visiting family, or when we're playing Trivial Pursuit and it's not my turn.

Every so often I have what I call, "why didn't I think of that" moments. This time, I'm every so glad the person who DID think of that is someone close to me, and that they told me first.

Frugal Retirement - Doing it Myself, More and More

2011-12-17T14:02:00.001-06:00

One of the ways I try to save money and increase my income is by doing it myself. Spending my time and effort instead of money is just one way I can keep more cash in my proverbial pocket. Lately, though I've been expanding some of my do it yourself efforts-and not just because of the cash (although that's surely still a primary reason).

As I wrote here, in the time versus money continuum, time is my primary resource. At that time I was making some pretty simple and obvious choices. These included cleaning my own house instead of having a cleaning lady. I also mentioned learning to cook more foods instead of eating out, and a few other easy options. While these were saving me money, they were just the tip of the iceberg.

What I found as I slowly progressed in my life style was that more and more I have been embracing the idea of doing it myself. Some of this has been out of necessity-my wants have increased and my finances have not. Truth is though, that money is not not the only reason I embrace doing more things myself.

I don't know about you, but when I do something myself, most of the time I have a huge feeling of accomplishment. Obviously there are exceptions here. I mean, really, I will probably never feel warm and fuzzy about having finished the laundry or vacuumed. On the other hand, most of the time when I have dome something myself, there is a sense of both having completed something and been creative about it. This is true even when I see the yard empty and ten bags of leaves on the side of the road-something that even last year I paid for. The more the effort, often the larger feeling of accomplishment

When I "do it myself", I'm often learning new skills in the process. I firmly believe that we're never to old to learn. Someone, somewhere, once suggested learning a new thing every day and a new skill once a month. I'm not sure I fit that standard, but stepping outside the box sure is fun. Occasionally when I talk about homemade gifts or cooking, someone leaves me an email saying "I wish I could do that", or "I wish I knew how to sew". My answer to that is simple-learn. With the exception of a machine that made basic repairs, I did not own a sewing machine until 2003. I learned how to sew and quilt on a cheap basic machine, simply because I wanted to learn and to be useful. I had never used a cordless drill until I asked my kids for one for Christmas the year before last. In both cases, I learned by trial and error in low cost and or no visible areas until I felt comfortable and then moved on.

When I do something my self, most of the time I have more control over the end result. I'm not saying this is always true, but doing it myself allows me to stop in the middle and make small changes more easily. My backyard is a perfect example of this. Because I am doing this project myself, I am making decisions one step at a time. In other words, I have until I have finished tilling and fertilizing the new beds to decide the next step. Yes, I would probably have that control to some extent with a contractor, but it's just not the same. When it comes to more traditional do it yourself items, this control of the end product becomes more obvious. Items available to purchase are limited in the amount of variety. When something is created, the choices are unlimited. for example, If I go into Pottery Barn, my choices of decorative pillows may be five or six. By spending the same amount, or maybe less on fabric, I can make pillows that mach exactly the colors in my living room.B

I can say absolutely that there are some areas that I would not attempt doing it myself. In some cases this is because of lack of skill or strength, in others it's a time issue. In fact, if there is a downside to doing it myself, it's that time issue that causes the problem. If I hired someone to come in and do the lawn, they might be able do do so in a weekend. They'd till and fertilize, but up edgers, make a walking path, put in a solar fountain and plant low water plants. By doing it myself, as I have time and money to invest, I am lengthening the time required significantly. For most things, in my experience, that's a small price to pay.

So while I will probably never break up and retile the floor in my bathroom, I'll continue to do it myself whenever it makes sense, and I have the skills to do so. Be it scaping the back yard, cooking my own lobster, growing my own tomatoes or making my own throw pillows, it works for me.

Frugal Retirement-Making Time

2011-12-16T14:43:00.000-06:00

I firmly beleive that retirement should be about doing the things that are important to you-living life on your own terms. Actually, I believe that about life in general. People need to make choices about what works for them, rather than following some generalized "plan" of what they are supposed to be doing when. Managing that, in retirement or any other time, requires setting priorities. I'm not just talking financial priorities here, I'm also talking about the issue of time.

Recently I've decided to make some changes in how I use some of my retirement time. I've stated more than once that flexible time is a huge advantage of retirement. As such, I am not willing to give up the way I live to move to a day to day set schedule. I will never, ever, be the girl that has a daily routine that she follows. Put simply, that's not me. There are very few things that I do at the same time daily, other than have dinner. That said, I did want to free up some more time.

The reasons for my wanting to access more time are varied, although there is a similar theme. Lately I've willingly taken on a couple time consuming projects and hobbies. I'm exploring canning and preserving. The nature of this hobby/interest is that it requires blocks of time. I want to expand my quilting hobby and business into larger projects and to an "art" level. I've decided to study watercoloring. On the home front, I plan to intensively container garden in the spring. I would like to be able to do as much of our landscaping ans possible. Finally, living a frugal do it yourself life requires that I spend time vs money. Making gifts, cooking from scratch, and other do it yourself money saving projects often have a time component.

While I want to do all of these things, also want to maintain a slightly slower pace to my life. I still want to be able to spend a day on the patio reading, to walk daily (when I feel up to it) or sit and cuddle with the dog. I want to be able to say "yes" to a day trip or a last minute invitation.

Freeing up time is kind of like freeing up money. One has to make choices. One has to elminated the uneeded or unwanted. One also may have to make substitutions. Some of the steps I've made to free up time for all the "good stuff", were already in place.
I don't watch TV during week in the daytime, ever (unless the tornado alarms blare or martial law is declared). This includes the news, the stock reports (ha!), cooking shows or anything else. If it is something that has value, on rare occasions I may set the ole DVR.

I am not hannah housekeepr (or even the flylady), and I have trimmed routines as much as possible. In my life that generally means that most cleaning gets done as part of doing something else. In other words, I dont clean the kitchen. I put everything away and wipe when I am cooking. I do the other basics as needed and have never spent a day just cleaning in my life.

I finally decided to eliminate some of my computer time. This may be a double edge sword, but I found that once I sat down, I was down. I figured I will try waiting to access the computer in the afternoon, after I've done all the other stuff (I do check email in the morning). I think this will help me because it will have a natural end (walking the dog and dinner time). I still should be able to access discounts and deals and do research, even blog. If I run out of computer time, I'll get on during my low energy evening hours.

Finally, I am trying to have a permanent place for most of my projects whenever possible. This one is not just about time. It is much more convenient and tempting for me to work on something when it is easily accessible. I realize that I probably have an advantage here. Because I have not downsized, I have some space. I am able to keep out my machine and sew as I need. I'm still working on the painting part-I expect it will be easier in the warm weather because I can keep a table and easel on the covered patio. I got a small storage bench and have stored everything related to gardening on the patio, rather than back in the shed. I keep baskets around with paper and pencils and the current books as well. so far, I haven't found as easy a way to work this one in the kitchen, although I do keep commonly used items out instead of hidden in the pantry.

Oh, and last but not least, even in retirement I am working to keep weekends........well, weekends. Certainly when gardening season comes things will have to be watered. Some of my hobbies and interests will carry over for sure. But by keeping those days ME time, with no computer, and limited TV, it makes my time management much easier.

Today, I am making raspberry fudge sauce and Butterscotch topping to give as gifts...its taken me a few hours, but the end result has been worth while, rewarding..........oh, and frugal as well.

Frugal Retirement-2012 Budget (Round 2)

2011-12-14T10:52:00.000-06:00

Since I hate the budget process, I began working on my 2012 budget at the beginning of December. As I mentioned then, I hate budgeting. We do what we have to do though, so I have been continuing the process. As I finalize things, I've made some changes, and reached some conclusions.

First, I've done some fine tuning of expenses, looking to where I could reasonably and comfortably cut those expenses. Second, I've come to the realization that in order to continue the current lifestyle, additional income will be required.

I'm not upset by the second point. I'm feeling comfortable that my quilting business is beginning to make money, and that there are other at home options for making income that work for me. These include online options and buying and reselling online-both of which I enjoy because I like the thrill of the hunt. If my only choice were to get a "real job" (read: dress up and go to an office or store and work for someone else), I would be more that a bit unhappy. In my case I have the ability to earn income from my home (mainly) and on my own schedule. Yes, occasionally I may have to meet a deadline or spend a weekend at a craft fair (oh, the horror). Overall, my only concern is whether this income will be regular and if not how to fit that into my budget process.

Everyone does their budget differently. For me, first I listed those fairly fixed expenses. These included the mortgage (to include taxes and insurance). Utilities are also a regular expense, and for now I included the cell phone plan and the bundled cable bill, along with the gas bill, electric bill, city bill and home security. In terms of fine tuning in this area, I already refinanced the house. I'm being much stricter with myself on the heat and electricity. While I have not eliminated the cable bill (for reasons discussed here), I have lowered it as much as possible for now. I am always willing to revisit things later.

My second budget category are those expenses that are flexible, but often a necessary part of life, if you will. These include things like groceries and gas for the car, monthly dog meds,my monthly medications and my monthly hair cut. I can control these to a certain extent, especially the food, but they are part of my life, as is my church donation. Built into this expense is also a separate amount ($100 or so per month) that I call deal money.Other folks might call it "blow money" and I suppose it is. this money might be used to get an online deal or a pile of almost free loss leader items. It also might be used to buy thrift items to resell, or just to use as spending money at the local Christmas market.

The last list included every single irregular expense. Some of these are more mandatory than others, but since they are all irregular I put them one area, but two "piles" if you will. The first pile are those irregular expenses that are necessary and include car service, medical and dental co pays and basic house maintenance (heating and cooling annual checks). The second pile includes those less necessary things such as home improvement and decorating, gift giving, larger entertainment and dining wishes, and of course travel.

My final category is savings. I need to build an emergency cash fund. I will always be able to manage on my monthly income and adjust budget items as needed. Should a major emergency arrive, cash to pull from is simply not there right now. So funding this is a separate category. Funding for this area will come from rebates and cash deals, gifts, and of course extra earned income. Ideally, my goal is to take some of my free school money and put that into my emergency fund account in February. I am getting a full ride, but my living expenses are already part of my budget-hopefully this will help.

My monthly budget will cover all of the first two categories and flow into the irregular category. This category (and savings shown above) is where my need for additional income comes in. This earned money will go to things like landscaping and appliance replacement, and unexpected emergencies. It will also pay for travel and entertainment and whatever else is needed or wanted.

I hate math, and budgeting can be a literal pain. That said, I do feel much better when it's done. Coming soon, some of my specific expenses and where I made cuts.

Meanwhile, back to quilts and Christmas cookies.

Christmas Contemplations-Frugal and otherwise

2011-12-11T20:56:00.000-06:00

While my photograhy skills still need work, I figured I would follow Syd's lead. Although I want some more decorations, I've tried not to go to crazy this year. Our village has outgrown it's table and next year I will either have to divide it into two sections or come up with another solution. I've been looking for another piece to add to our town. Unfortunately Department 56 pieces are not cheap-all the above were received as gifts.

Well, my limited entertaining demands are finished. As I talked about here, these were mainly frugal and low stress events. In both cases the groups were relaxed and more all about the companionship. Last evening I had eight for lasagna, garlic bread, brussell sprouts, salad, and key lime pie. Oh, and wine, a fair amount of wine. As I've said before, my contribution was the home and the lasagna. I love being able to get out my Christmas wine glasses and dishes and celebrate. For this reason I usually volunteer for the Christmas dinner. However, I'm glad I only do the entertaining thing twice during the season, and rotate holiday celebrations. Now I can relax. For the rest of the time, Christmas goodies and dishes are for immediate family and drop ins (although I did volunteer my guest room for Christmas eve if it's needed).

Today I'm enjoying the season and chilling, as the younger generation would say. Eggnog (which I will have to walk off tomorrow), some mini Quiche appetizers that I forgot I had in my freezer, and the newspaper have kept me busy. Add the football games (Tim Tebow, you're gonna give me a heart attack) and some casual quilting and life is good. Sometimes the best things in life really are (almost) free

Now I can concentrate on frugal and creative Christmas pastimes such as gift giving and cookie baking. For me, both of those are stress free-mainly because my family is comfortable with small and homemade gifts and appreciate the little things. Even though I gift lots of people, I generally find giving to be pretty stress free. Also, although I shared my $500 holiday plan earlier, I am always trying to be more creativel and frugal. I keep my eyes and ears out for frugal, creative ideas. Adult men seem to be the most difficult to buy for, even with a list. In a moment of temporary inspiration today, I found some logos for Avalanche beer, which my brother in law loves. I copied them to a word program. Then I printed them out on fabric, and these will be coasters and beer cozies. I was really looking for something original to add to his package and this will fit the bill. I got this idea by looking at these tile coasters-a project plan to put to good use in my kitchen. Another frugal Internet visit

When it comes to the kitchen, I try and keep it as low stress as possible. Not sure how many kinds of cookies I will make, but I will do a little each day, using all the stuff I have on hand. Most will be for immediate family. Some will be taken to our large Christmas day get together. Others will be taken to a Christmas event at church, or to my women's party. My goal is also to make some jarred gifts such as Cranberry Walnut conserve, but I'm not sweating the small stuff-if I get there I get there.

All in all as we move into the final days towards Christmas I'm feeling pretty frugal and pretty stress free overall. I'd still like to get in a Nutcracker performance, be it ballet or orchestral-and I'm more than happy to see a local performance. Other than that, days will be spent on book trips, sewing, baking, and planning the post Christmas trip to Denver. Evenings, I'll be reading, drinking more eggnog than I should, and watching as many Christmas films as I can.

It's definitely Christmastime.

Sunday Musings

2011-12-11T02:44:00.001-06:00

Sometimes middle age rears it's ugly head and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. Today I made lasagna from scratch-and do mean completely from scratch in every sense of the world. The nature of this particular beast is that you stand in one place-on kitchen tile. After crushing and crumbling and stirring and layering for a few hours. my whole body already hurt. Then I felt a twinge while taking the super-dee-dooper three family pan out of the oven and knew I was in trouble. Tomorrow should be a fun day.

At any age, nothing risked is nothing gained. I had this idea that I would make a sorority quilt t shirt as a sample and take orders. Not having any unique sorority t-shirts on hand, I "put out the word". In one day I've had takers, and hope to end up making a quilt with the Greek letters embroidered on the corner. A start to making many, I can only hope.

My bedroom looks like it belongs on an episode or hoarders. We've been rearranging, changing rooms if you will. Then there were some items that had to be removed for Christmas decor, and they landed in my bedroom as well. Add to that a pile of laundry. Then there are the Christmas Gifts, boxes of Christmas wrapping and bags. In the end what you have is-a mess.

Since I don't know how to make anything less than enough lasagna to feed twenty or so, we'll be eating the stuff all week. I like it, but the question is do I like it that much. The answer is probably, if the alternative is cooking.

I've decided that within certain restrictions (to be shared later), I am going to TRY to follow the Compact for a year. The Compact is an agreement to buy only used, and obviously would have certain exceptions (underwear and fabric come to mind).

Last but not least. those orthopedic studies are just plain wrong. Somehow I managed to walk, workout and do things in the yard in the summer with minimal pain. Today I am limping around like my grandmother. In other words, you can show me all the studies you want, but as far as I am concerned cold weather and arthritis simply do not mix.

Oh, and did I mention school is finished for the year?

Frugal Retirement-The Internet Is (Mostly) My Friend

2011-12-09T23:58:00.000-06:00

Recently I've decided to add a couple activities to my life. School is over and will begin in January on a much smaller scale.One of the advantages of retirement is that you can change your mind (pretty much) when you like or as needed.

My primary passions are the same-quilting, travel, reading, and so on. That said, I decided it was time to try something(s) new. My first new adventure is knitting. I tried to knit awhile back and did poorly. Still, I'm a sucker for the yarn (I quilt because of the fabric, after all). I also needed something to do in front of the television on dark evenings. My second adventure is watercolor. Why, you may ask? I want to expand my other hobbies and can use the new knowledge. Painting my own fabrics is a goal, as is the ability to make watercolor greeting cards and small gifts. I'd like to try actually painting a picture of the gulf shores (purely for my benefit) on my extended road trip in the spring. Fear not, I'm learning these skills frugally.

What has this to do with technology you may ask? Simply put, everything. When I wanted to learn to knit, I went to the library and got a beginners book. While it was helpful, I felt I needed more. I spent time searching the Internet for tips and classes. I looked at pod casts and videos showing me how to knit-I could slow them down at will. When I wanted to learn about the supplies and equipment needed, I went to various vendor websites and found loads of information without spending a dime.

Years ago, when I wanted to learn how to knit, I had a couple choices. I could go and ask a relative to show me. I could sign up for a paid class at a yarn store, where they met every week for a specific amount of time. Without a skilled friend or relative, I was out of luck. The second alternative required both access to the store, and sometimes hefty fees to pay for classes. I'm not ignoring self education through trial and error here. In some case it's the only choice. For me, I am an extremely visual person and needed to see it-and not just in my head. All those Internet alternatives were a godsend.

Don't get me wrong. There's a lot of junk on the Internet. Some of that junk is mindless drivel, some is less benign. Lately I've been feeling that I am spending too much time online, and trying to cut back. I've decided not to drag my laptop in front of the television, and to try and limit my usage. It can be easy to get sucked in, look up and realize you've been in the chair for longer than you (I) should.

On the other hand, the ways to take advantage of the Internet are limitless. Many of those resources are a boon to the frugal. By cobbling together three shorter seated aerobic programs, I've gotten a forty minute Utube exercise program, just by putting those on my favorites. With a few exceptions, most of the recipes made lately have been found on the Internet. I can Skype to my family in Seattle and see my newborn nephew for as long as I like for free. I search for and print out free quilt and sewing patterns all the time. The Internet was a huge resource in making our landscaping rough draft. I bank and pay bills online, saving stamps and fees. One can type in an item and have a price comparison of ten different stores in less than a minute. Last but not least, the Internet is an amazing resource for frugal travel and travel planning.

Just as with anything else in this word, some aspects of the net don't work for me. I'm not just talking about some of the unkindness or less positive aspects. Many people watch movies and television shows on their computer. I'm simply unable to do that. Because I'm a visual person, there is a limit as to how much I can read online. I often have to print things out to read them properly. Since like the FEEL of a real book or magazine while the Kindle app is a nice thing to have, it gets used rarely.

It can be hard to remember how quickly the "net" cam to be, and how short a time period that has been. I won't begin to talk about how it has changed our lifes. Younger, non retired readers will have no idea what I'm talking about when Isay that I still remember the old BBS that my husband and I were on for the longest time. All technology has it's up and down, but the Internet has, especially lately, been a real frugal boon for me.

I'll keep it for now.

Frugal Retirement-My $500 Holiday Update #2

2011-12-08T17:28:00.002-06:00

While I in no way have completed my Christmas shopping or cooking, I know my plans and have good knowledge of what I will be making and buying. To that end, I thought it was time for another update. remember, I allocated $500 for Christmas. That was to include gifts for seventeen family members and my two adult and college aged children. It also included gift exchanges with two social groups, an Angel child, and cooking and baking and entertainment requirements. At the time I gave myself this challenge, I believed that I would be hosting a prime rib Christmas dinner as well. I am not hosting Christmas, which gives me a lot more leeway in money savings-I would obviously like to end up with money left over

Again I will say that gifting this many people is a concious decision, and that I appreciate that others may have had different choices. Our gifts are often not lare, and are just one part of a whole celebratory season.

In terms of my Christmas expenses, there are really two types of costs. The first, is out of pocket cost. That is, the money it cost me now, in cash, to purchase or make a gift. There is another cost, and while I don't want to call it real cost, I have also figured that into the equation. That is the cost of things I already have in my stockpile/pantry/sewing room that I am using. I guess I will call that the value cost. However, in figuring my Christmas expenses, I am using the first, out of pocket cost figure for my tally.

Adult and kid gifts (not mine) purchased or made (almost all on requested lists) My out of pocket with explanations follow

Couple one: Restaurant gift Certificate and short sleeved navy sweater 80.00
Couple two: Cowboy coasters and mug rug for him, set of six place mats and napkins in fall tones for her. Out of pocket cost zero.
Couple number three: New house, lifestyle with lots of entertaining. A large longaberger serving platter I won at a silent auction years ago and never used, still in box. For her, a snowman wall hanging to match her year around collection of snowmen. No out of pocket cost, made from my supplies of fabric and thread
Couple number four: $25 Barnes and noble GC for him (cost $15.00 from a group buying site), and coasters, hot pads and kitchen accessories in their colors-red, navy, orange yellow and purple. No out of pocket cost, supplies again from me.
Couple number five, in Denver: Still working, won't go up till the day after Christmas. They are going to commission me to make a quilt for their bed......maybe offer to make something with it for free. Or bring $25.00 worth of stuff from the German deli fresh.
Couple Number Six, In Seattle: with a toddler and a newborn, most of what I give them will be to the kids, see below.
Single Sister in Denver: No idea as of yet. she is extremely easy and would be happy with a free trip to the local thrift store or gourmet food store and an extra twenty to spend. Working on it.
College Age Niece: I got a twenty dollar gift card from Vera Bradley in my birth month (see why you should get on an email list from your favorite stores?). I got an onsale wristelt. No cost.
College Age Niece: a like new gourmet cookbook for my chef student. Cost 3.00
High School Age Nephew: He is at that age, who on earth knows.
Toddler Niece: have a $10.00 Toys r US gift card, just haven't gotten there yet
Newborn Nephew: Set of baby blankets that match. No cost, fabric from my stash.

My kids $100 each:

Thirty something daughter: book on holistic eating she requested, kitchen utensils and accessories to match her new apartment including a small drying rack, and a set of yoga clothes from target (see below). More but I don't know what yet. A $25 gift certificate to amazon at no cost to me because I earned it with swag bucks
Twenty Two Year Old Unemployed Son: Clothes, clothes and more clothes. He's lost weight but unfortunately he is six six-that still means a trip to the big and tall store for shirts so they cover his waist and belt. Other stuff when I am done.

Quilting friends: fabric collections unused from my stash and wrapped with a ribbon.

Women's Group: Homemade cookies and some kind of canned item-I am thinking cranberry walnut conserve but am not sure yet..........if so I will only have to buy the berries and nuts. Jars, decorative items, and other food ingredients on hand

Baking: I have no idea how to figure this. My pantry is full of loss leader bags of sugar, brown sugar, flours, chocolates and the like. Out of pocket cost will be minmal.

Entertaining: Unsure. Dinner group will be lasagna. Have whole grain noodles, ground pork and ground beef, tomato sauce. Will need buy the cheeses and garlic bread. Cost minimal.

Angel "Child": My angel person is a senior who has put a her need as a blender and her wish as an alarm clock. I have allocated $25.00 to outreach and we will see how far it gets me. See below.

At this point my out of pocket costs are $298 if I have done the math correctly. That includes the $200 allocated for my children even though it is not all spent. The budget for couple number one (my in laws) is abnormally high and may come down. I would really like to get them a restaurant gift certificate. Mom in law wanted a specific sweater and doesnt ask for much. They did so many things for me when I arrived in Texas. I still may be able to get a free restaurant certificate but if not, so be it.

I anticipate future costs to be a maximum $25.00 for the angel child, $50 for Denver gifts, and a small unspecified amount in terms of groceries for entertaining and gifting. Obviously there will be some additional costs and stocking stuffer items but so far I would say I am meeting my goal with ease.

My estimates on costs above are a little uncertain because I have a $10 off 50 certificate for Target. My plan is to get the blender and daughter's yoga clothing there and then add to the pot in terms of kitchen items. I also have a $10 off $10 certificate for Penney's, a $25 off $25 at Casual Male Big and Tall, and $20.00 off $20.00 at Victoria's Secret. I still have extreme couponing skills and coupons, grouping buying offers to take advantages and other deals I will be looking out for. I may even find a deal on that gift certificate, lowering costs by $50.00All in all it should be a VERY Merry Christmas.

Note: at some point I'll figure those real material costs and let you know what I come up with. Since I buy fabric year around on sale, real costs should still be very, very fair.

Tuesday Tidbits...Or The Best Laid Plans

2011-12-07T00:24:00.001-06:00

Today was the cookie exchange at our church. The premise is that everyone brings at least two dozen cookies and the recipe. We have wassail (spiked and unspiked), snacks and other goodies. The bell ringers put on a concert. Everyone takes a plate of as many cookies as they brought taking a couple of each, and yours truly (eventually/someday) makes a cookbook out of the recipes.

The wassail was heating and set out, everyone had listened to beautiful music for a half an hour after oohs and ahhs as the cookies arrived. People were just beginning to get some warm beverage and head to their tables for some good cheer and......................wait for it.....................the power in the whole block went out. For forty five minutes. Candles were lit and flashlights were used and in the end, somehow everyone got cookies. The place was cleaned up. Sort of. Ah well, what's that saying about man planning and God laughing?

On the other hand, a for money project reached it's next level. Can I just tell you how difficult it was to make a Patriots quilt? With no offense to anyone reading, that red has got to go! I also am almost finished with a retirement gift for a former priest and coasters and hot pads for Christmas gifts. One set in a them of green with lavender accents, the other in fall tones.

As if I'm not busy enough, I decided I needed an in front of the TV pastime. Hello yarn and knitting needles. Take a seat, I'll make room for you somewhere.

And last, but not least, my dog issue. You know that plan of no new pet for awhile? Ha! Ha! I say. The woman who was fostering the beagle we were interested in emailed me (before Magic became ill, we were looking at adding to our family already. We put that on hold when he became ill). She told me that she had to go out of town on business and that (in her words), this might be a good time to see if Trevor was a good fit for us. And we would save her the cost of boarding. My twenty two year old and I looked at each other, shrugged, and said why not. So I now have a beagle underfoot. Perfectly behaved, sleeping with my son, and using the dog door with no problem. Except. He went for a walk to visit a neighbor with who has a female boxer and a young child. He ran in, played with Sophie (the dog) for a few minutes. And then..........he walked over to her bed and promptly marked his spot. As if that were not enough, he then went into the living room, took the little one's corn dog off the table and ate it. Sigh. Sigh again. Who was it who said they wanted another dog? Was that me?

Life Time Learning-There Must Be An Easier Way!

2011-12-05T01:28:00.000-06:00

This week is the last week of school. Last week I did papers and turned in projects. This week, I have three finals and a large take at home essay final. As I come to the end of the semester, I look forward to a month's break and then the beginning of the next semester.

I have to say that while I have enjoyed some of my classes, this doesn't feel like retirement. It feels way to much like work. I enjoy the normal pace of my days. All the normal everyday things I do are important to me, be they volunteering, sewing, the business end of sewing, or lazy times around the house. Going to school full time has ruined that pace, and I have had to eliminate some important activities from my schedule, including my Wednesday sewing group.

I also need to admit to myself that while in an ideal world I would get a job as a translator and move to Germany, the reality may be different. This is especially true at my age. While much of the money I receive is award money, some portion of my financial aid package involves loans. I already have some loans due to helping my son with his schooling. I have no desire to be paying student loans into my eighties.

I won't be giving up school. Instead, I will be taking a class or two each semester, and next semester I've decided I will take exactly what I want. Degree requirements will not enter the picture, and I'll probably be taking watercolor painting (so that I can design) my own fabrics and a literature class as well. I like going to school-when I want to go to school.

I wont say this semester was a mistake, because it was a learning experience. As I said, there are some classes that were very engaging, especially my physical anthropology class. At this point in my life though, I would rather concentrate on what I want to do instead of what I have to do. Admittedly, occasionally those "have tos" enter our lives. In my case I suppose my need to bring in money with my sewing is a "have to". But I control the timing and the amount of those endeavours. And any commitment I make is short term rather than the length of a two year degree.

Life is about learning and experimenting at any age. This semester has been both of those-but now I'm ready to more forward in a different area. After all, I can always change my mind.

Note: I've shocked even myself, by the way. Before Magic became ill we were looking at adopting a playmate for him-a companion if you will. I had thought I would wait to reconsider that until the new year. The foster mom called today and asked if we would like to take Trevor for a few days while she traveled and I think we will do that. It's not what I planned. But we had already talked about this dog, and Magic was very old and we knew it would happen-we had time to prepare ourselves. I miss having a dog near me at night (in the bed) and a dog greet me when I come in the house........if it's meant to be, it will be. If not, then we'll try again later.

Frugal Retirement - My Frugally Full Week

2011-12-03T21:20:00.000-06:00

This week I am hosting two group events at my house. One is a luncheon and one is a dinner. I'm also responsible for hosting a cookie exchange (elsewhere). I'm attending a concert tomorrow night. Finally, I'm going to a music festival later on this week. With two small exceptions, these events will require no outlay of cash. Who says you can't live richly on a fixed income?

I apologize in advance if this post turns into a "how to" or "how I" missive. I usually prefer to simply talk about things happening in my life so that people see the ups, downs, and possibilities of living on a fixed income or less money in retirement. In this case though, how this week is coming about is a perfect example of all the possibilities that exist out there for having a full life on little money.

I try most of the time to have a positive attitude towards my life (like everyone, sometimes I fail). I have realistic expectations. This is no way means that I have given up everything I ever liked or loved. It only means that I look for alternatives whenever possible, or limit those expensive choices. One benefit of my many travels is that I have learned that one doesn't have to be on Broadway or at a Paris restaurant to live well. Just as the best French restaurant I ever ate it was a small place in Bayeux, there are good things in every corner of the world. This means that the local symphony can be as enjoyable as the Boston Pops, and that the local repertory theater production of Barefoot in the Park was nothing to laugh at. Rather than turn away from amateur talent I embrace it. After all, actors have to perform somewhere until they hit Broadway. I'm not convinced that the small group of actors on the great white way are the only ones worth watching. One of the concerts mentioned above is at my church. The church will host a concert of advent music and carols that include a quartet. It's even advertised in the weekend section of the local newspaper. Is it the Boston Pops? No. Will I enjoy it as much? I believe I will.

I am truly lucky to be positioned where I am socially. The social groups in my circle (church groups, book group, quilting groups, volunteer groups and so on) are made up of mainly like minded people (with the exception of politics). I have chosen my friends for the most part. I am also lucky to have a family that generally thinks alike. Most importantly, I am no longer exposed to school or work related expenses and entertainment costs. While I enjoyed them at the time, I am glad they are gone. No more years choosing presents for secretaries, gifts for the office party or participating in the office pool. Whew! I sympathize with those of you who must participate in such things because of your employment or that of your spouse, or who have family who figure "more is better". I truly have no answer for that one. My sister in law will receive homemade place mats happily

The other big way that I am able to live so richly is the way I use my financial resources. While this is not the time to talk about extreme couponing (no it does not require lots of time), discount shopping (same true) or shopping loss leaders, all of those contribute to my financial bottom line. Because I use all of these techniques I am able to have a stocked freezer, pantry, and gift closet-with everything at the lowest possible price or free.

On Wednesday, I will host a luncheon. I will provide beef stroganoff, Christmas cookies and eggnog. Others will bring other things. We will have a gift exchange. I will in fact purchase sour cream and eggnog. Everything else will be made from what's on hand, purchased a deep discount prices and frozen (or stored) fresh. This includes the beef and rice and mushrooms as well as all the baking requirements. My token gifts will be the free bath and body hand lotions that come out as free coupons monthly throughout the year that I have stored.

Sunday, I will host a more formal meal. since my house is now fully decorated (guess I need to picture this), centerpieces will be German wooden ornaments of which I have many. I will provide the lasagna, cookies again (I bake by the ten dozen), and eggnog. Others will provide salad, vegetable, appetizer, wines (we're Episcopalian after all), bread and another dessert. I will make the homemade lasagna out of whole wheat noodles in the pantry, frozen pork and beef, canned tomato sauce and fresh spices. the entertainment will be the food, our conversation and Christmas music streamed on the laptop to speakers. Again, I'll buy dairy products .

The concert at the church is tomorrow night. The cost for three hours of classical Christmas music mixed with carols will be the price of gas. The cost of admission (free) includes a reception afterwards. What's not to look forward to?

Don't get me wrong. I like the more expensive alternatives on occasion, and try and fit them into my budget. Because I love gourmet food, I go to really, really good four star restaurants two times a year (its not a social thing, its a gourmet food thing). Twice a year I go to a real musical and a real expensive concert where I wear close to formal clothing. However, I've discovered a whole world of entertainment, culture and socialization in my back yard. Until I've explored it all and done it all, I won't lack for things to do.

Budgeting for the New Year-A Work in Progress

2011-12-02T22:03:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I hate the "B" word. Yes, I know it has to be done. Yes, I know budget planning is the smart, adult thing to do. Yes, I understand that life will be more enjoyable if I figure out my means and find a way to live on less. In this case though, I try and avoid both the process and a little bit of reality as long as possible. We all have our weaknesses.

So, this week I've been making lists. I've listed all of my regular bills, made lists of those irregular expenses, as well as those occasional expenses such as travel that are important to me. The end result is that I need to make some budget adjustments. I knew this would happen, the question remains as to where and how. A second result is that I will probably need a little additional income in order to do some of the "good stuff'. I knew this would be true as well.

Because I'm a glutton for punishment, first I plugged in the basic, regular monthly bills. Those include mortgage (insurance and taxes), my utilities, groceries, gas, prescriptions and the like. My monthly income will cover those costs.

Then I figured out those irregular expenses such as medical copays, car maintenance, and home improvement expenses. I guesstimated those for a year (since they are not what they were in the past) and divided by twelve. I did include travel into this pot. My monthly income will cover some of those expenses but not all. They need to be cut, or some additional income needs to come in.

This is obviously a work in process. So far, I know some things. I know I need to look at where I can make reasonable cuts in expenses. I know that I need to add a category that is savings, and treat it like a bill-I'm not doing living month to month as well as I would like. Also, I need to increase the money coming in each month. That doesn't mean getting a "real job". It does mean spending a bit more on my sewing business and less time in school.

Now, it's time for me to sit down and set some priorities for spending, saving and yes, a little earning. Someone online once suggested that you should spend on the things you do every day. With the exception of travel, that's the guide I'm using on setting my priorities. Life is always interesting.

Coming soon, a final update on my $500 Christmas and a look at where I can adjust the budget to make life richer in retirement.

Because I'm Retired I Can...................

2011-12-01T21:39:00.002-06:00

Read in bed until 2 AM and sleep until 9 or 10 if I feel like it. Were my darling hubby here, I would be doing the same-and he would have been the guy going down and nine and waking at seven. Ships in the night.
Put on leggings or sweats, fluffy socks, and stay that way all day. While I am always presentable, if you come over and didn't call first, it's my sweats you are going to see. Residual effects of being married to a dress for success guy who had to entertain on a minute's notice.
Start a book, decide I cannot put it down, and sit and finish the thing until it's done (except for eating-I never forget to eat!)
Start decluttering a shelf, see a box of old letters, and sit down and read them all, ignoring all else (except for food, I never forget to eat!).
Spend a day and a half doing absolutely nothing except for sewing from dawn to dusk. In this case, making twenty sets of six coasters for a sister in law who needed gifts for her employees.
Decide that I really want to see The Descendants, and drive up to the local movie theater to see the 11 am movie-where it is empty enough that no one cares if I crunch my candy or slurp my drink. All without children or teenagers.
Jump in the car (alone or with friends/family) on the spur of the moment and take a drive out of town to see the leaves turn-without facing weekend drivers.
Decide at 12 to a meet a friend for lunch at 12:30-and spend as long a time at lunch as we like. We may even take a walk afterwards.
Agree to go down to the shelter and volunteer for the day because they are short on volunteers.
Do my grocery shopping, Christmas shopping and errands. During the day. On a weekday. With unlimited parking available.
Take a nap-on the couch, in bed, or on the patio in the warm weather. For no reason. Just because I feel like it.

I don't do these things all day, or every day. Some of these I do rarely. But I still can-whenever I want. That's what counts.

Welcoming Christmas and Winter

2011-11-29T23:51:00.001-06:00

All right, so it’s not really winter yet. Here in Dallas though, Thanksgiving is the day when the weather changes. You can wear shorts during Halloween and through much of November. Right about Thanksgiving, we get our first frost. The weather is now in the thirties and forties at night and forties or fifties during the day. Once in a while the weather climbs to almost sixty, but that is rare. Not New York or Denver weather necessarily, but cool for Texas. It will get cooler as time goes on

In addition to the cool season, Christmas is on its way (It won’t be Christmas until December 25th, which is why I have no objection to “happy holidays” on any level). Between the weather and the advent of the holidays (no pun intended), this time of year I start moving into nesting mode. Obviously, I can and do still sit out on the covered patio on occasion. The sun is shining through my floor to ceiling windows, and we may still do some last minute landscaping prep. I walk outside as often as I am willing and able. On the other hand, it gets dark much earlier; Christmas and winter are in the air. The heat is on and my mind is slowly moving to winter mode.

For me, that means a variety of things. Obviously, I’m starting to pull out winter and holiday decorations and decor. I also pull out quite a few quilts for reading or watching TV. Much if this stuff is winter themed and can stay until February at least. I pull plants inside. I put it on my list to find out why I can’t light the darned fireplace (The gas is working). I suppose you could say I batten down the hatches and revamp.

In the kitchen, I put my mixer front and center. It’s time to bake (and not just for Christmas, I bake most of my bakery items from bread on). I’ve dragged down the slow cooker so that we can start having some long cooked soups and stews and a family member asked if it was time we had pot roast or homemade lasagna the other day-both cold weather foods in this house.

Nesting surely doesn’t mean I’m in the house to stay. There are Christmas craft fairs to come, along with some moderate Christmas shopping. Also, Lessons and Carols at church, along with a local production of either the Nutcracker of the Messiah. Add that to the fact that I am hosting a cookie exchange at church, and both my quilting and my dinner group Christmas events (it was just a temporary brain cramp, what can I say), and its obvious hibernation is not where I’m at.

On warmer days, I’ll be on the patio or measuring the yard and making landscape decisions. Heck, on those days when the weather spikes ala Texas, I’ll probably be back to that novel and mimosa (or hot chocolate) thing on the patio again.

On the other hand, there will be many days and evenings that will center on television, books, and quilting. In the morning I’ll jump out of bed and turn up the heat. Then, I’ll jump back into bed with my laptop and a beverage and already be “at work”. When I get up, I’ll throw on leggings and heavy socks. There will be board games when the kids come over, and crossword puzzles in bed. Homemade minestrone, lots of holiday cookies, and spiced cider and you have a lovely fall/winter recipe-Texas style.

I think I’m ready for a teeny tiny bit of winter for a while-a very brief while.

Frugal Retirement Living-The Upside of Christmas Consumerism

2011-11-29T00:12:00.001-06:00

I am one of those who refuses to listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving has finished. Shop on Black Friday? There is not a chance. Overall, I like to take part in the enjoyment of Christmas without too much consumerism involved. I make gifts, I shop online when possible, and I enjoy all the free festivals and fun stuff that the season has to offer.

That said, I think the holidays are a great time to save money as well, especially on things I use on a regular basis. In other words, if you look at the larger picture, Christmas can be a time of savings for the future. Even though money is tights with the holidays, I make every effort to take advantage of some of these deals, so I can save in the long term

When I go to the grocery store, I've seen many things on sale now that I would not see on sale at other times of the year-ad I'm talking some serious sales here. Baking products including sugar, canned milk, canned sweet potatoes, turkeys, hams and all kinds of other things are on sale where I live. Not only that, most of the grocery inserts have had good coupons to go with it. I'm looking at five pound bags of sugar being more than half off before a coupon. Most of these items keep for a long period of time.

I have seen piles and piles of really good deals at various deal and discount sites worth saving for later. Joe's Crab Shack will give you a $30 gift card if you buy $100 in gift cards. No matter how I end up using this deal, it will be a winner. I could gift the cards and keep the bonus card. I could sell the bonus card online and keep the others for myself. Right now Groupon has two great offers in my area that are good for at least a year. The first is $50 worth of food for $25 at this continental restaurant. I could put this away toward a birthday or special event sometime six months down the road. They also have $30 worth of books at my local bookstore for $15. This is a really good deal, and I will be getting as many as they allow. I don't buy many books, but I do buy some non fiction and certain magazines-these will be well worth it when I dole them out to myself.

I can buy stuff that I need. I've already missed black Friday and cyber Monday, but if the economy is any example, almost any basic need will be deep discounted between now and Christmas. My daughter just moved from a roommate situation to a single apartment and needs to fill it. She is slowly finding everything from a deep discounted TV stand to new kitchen items. I have a short list of what I want (the same list that goes to thrift stores) so that I can keep my eye out.

For sure I do not have a great deal of money to "invest" this way. I have Christmas and travel ahead. and limited "disposable" monies. I will still certainly take advantage of a few of these deals. I really NEED a couple pans to replace the good pans I left on the stove with the flame still on. I'm looking for green mugs with purple accents for said daughter. From the looks of linen prices, I may do better shopping now instead of waiting for traditional linen sales in January -who knows?

Ill guess I'll be jumping into the Christmas shopping fray here and there-and not just for others!

Fixed Income Retirement-Keeping the Cable?

2011-11-27T23:10:00.003-06:00

In another day or so, I'll be (mainly) finished with school. In the next few weeks I'll be hosting a church cookie exchange, doing various Christmas "fun" stuff, making Christmas gifts, going to craft fairs and planning a trip to Santa Fe and Denver. I'll be making some New Year's Goals (coming soon). . The other thing I'm doing is retooling my budget.

Now that I've been on my Social Security and pension for two months, I have a better idea of what changes I need to make. I hope to share those categories soon. I'm definitely looking at cutting in a couple areas, as well as increasing some income. These two changes will allow me to live at the current level as long as possible (to all the people who get nervous here about their monthly income, remember that unlike many of you, I have a full blown mortgage payment and will for awhile-many of you don't have that elephant in the room, or will not for long). I've been looking at ways to cut expenses, and be more self sufficient. I've also been researching prices and costs. It's an ongoing process and we should all do this every so often no matter our income, I suppose.

After some research, I decided that for now, I will keep the cable. This is not a decision I made lightly, and I have done research and am negotiating a better rate with a different company. But for now at least the cable stays. Since I did research both streaming (through something like a Roku box), and limiting myself to ten channels, I thought I would share my thought processes as to how I got here. My reasons may not be your reasons, but here they are in no particular order:

As a single person, sometimes it's a simple companionship issue, especially in the evenings in the winter. I don't like driving in the dark, which means with one exception most of my socializing is daytime and I am at home at night. Sometimes I want the noise and the company.
I adore sports. Neither streaming nor the network only option would be a real solution. At a minimum I also need TNT and ESPN in order to watch American football, football (soccer to you Americans), and college football and basketball. This is a large concern. If I were younger I could spend my Sunday or Saturday in a sports bar-that's not working for me right now.
There is, frankly, some damn good programming on television. Yes, there's junk. There are also programs that are stunning. Most of those (with the exception of Grimm, Person of Interest, and Prime Suspect) are not on network TV, again. They are not necessarily on pay TV either-but rather on those upper tier cable channels that go beyond thirteen or so. FX (Damages. Justified), AMC (the Killing, Breaking Bad) and other channels are where the superior programming is. Newsweek even wrote an article about this the a month or so, and of the tendency of screen actors like Glenn Close to move to TV programming. This is where I make a disclaimer: I like good, hard hitting dramas that keep your attention. It's okay for me if they are violent or R rated. I don't have young children and I prefer accuracy in programming. Violence, like anything else, works for me when and if it's well done and fits the plot.
I don't do a lot of "entertainment spending". I see a few movies a year, generally those that are the type that need to be seen in a theater. I go to two real musicals or concerts a year and the rest is what I guess you would call repertory and community events-which I enjoy. TV is an entertainment alternative-I've watched whole concerts, plays, and classic movies recently.
I'm not a slave to the TV. Whoever that guy or gal was who invented TIVO, they need to get a prize of some kind. I partake of TV when I am in the mood and have the time. I also rarely watch television when I am not doing something else.
I don't watch TV during the day. Ever. I suppose the last time I watched TV during the day was because my daughter who was visiting turned it on when Michael Jackson died. Before that, I'm sure it was the Olympics or World Cup if I was watching television on a weekday. Also, my body clock and my schedule (if you want to call it that) are such that most nights, I eat dinner at around seven and after that I am winding down. A little mindless drivel can be good for the soul at this point.

Sometimes TV just gets a bad rap, and sometimes cutting television is the smart thing to do. For those who dismiss TV out of hand, let me say that I cook, I clean, I garden, I read an average of at least two books a week, I walk, I go to school, and I do lots and lots of constructive things both with my mind and my body. TV is a small part of my routine-but one that I will keep as long as I can.

Have you cut cable? Kept it? Thought about it?

Pets as Family? You Bet!

2011-11-25T23:55:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned previously, this morning we said good bye to our Lab/Beagle mix. Last year, we said good-bye to our Beagle. Both rescued, these dogs entered our lives in 1996 and 1997 respectively. It's been a very long time since I slept without a dog in or next to my bed (when I was at home), and I think it still has not hit me. Thank you for all your thoughts.

Being the people we are, in this house, dogs are family. Are they on a par with my children? No (but they certainly think they are). Still, we made an emotional attachment and a commitment. We took our dogs with us to Germany and back (the only two times in their lives they were ever in a crate), and nursed them through old age. There were some difficulties, but I would not have given up having my puppies for anything.

Magic, deteriorated rapidly because he had degenerative arthritis in his legs and spine, which were exacerbating by running, jumping and playing ( in his mind he was still four). Since we didn't realize how ill he was, I had lately been investigating dog rescue and adoption. I figured he could use a friend and we were used to having two dogs. The dog in question at the time, Trevor, is shown here.
I know I need time to grieve and adjust. I also know that none of my dogs can be replaced, any new dog would be an addition to my family. I know well that there is no such thing as a free pet, and that living on a fixed income, dog care is a definite budget category. Still, after the holidays, I will be looking for a new family member. Whether Trevor will still be available, I don't know. I do know I need a pet (read dog) in my life.

So, I'll take a holiday break. I'll adjust to missing my baby, and deal with the hole he leaves in our lives. I'll also look forward to bringing a new family member home.

Someday.

Bittersweet Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T14:59:00.000-06:00

I hope that you are all enjoying your thanksgving celebration, wherever you are, be it large or small.

For the past few years, we've been part of a pretty large celebration at the holidays. We've celebrated with my inlaws. Generally Thanksgivings have been ten (or eleven if my brother in law is not in Iraq). Christmases have been larger, between thirteen and fifeen people. This year, we are three, enjoying a relaxing Thanksgiving at home. As kids grow, traditions change and all of the relatives are traveling or committed for Thanksgiving.

This is not "new" to us. For most of our marriage, we lived across the country (or across the ocean) from family. We traveled every third or fourth holiday, and the rest of the time had Thanksgiving or Christmas for four. While we missed seeing family ever year, we managed our own traditions. These include midnight mass and then opening stockings, and steak and lobster for Christmas. This year, once I knew we would be "alone", I decided to cheat a bit. Instead of cooking, I've taken advantage of all the convienience that my local stores have to offer. This goes against my frugal grain, but it makes for a truly relaxing holiday. To that end we have boneless ham, praline sweet potatoes, green beans almondine, mashed potatoes and two pies. All prepared and ready to reheat. Meanwhile, the family gets a chance to relax and spend time together. We also have read the Black Friday ads, and are part of that Thanksgiving tradition, football (pro and college). Later we'll give thanks and partake of lots of yummy food, which we'll need to walk off tomorrow. All and all, life is good.

On the other hand, as often happens, this holiday has a bittersweet quality. Fall always has it's issues for me. I enjoy the change in the weather (although I hate the cold) and love to look towards Christmas. Still, my father died on Halloween. My husband died on Veteran's day. This means that fall for me is a mixed bag.

Circumstances have combined to make this Thanksgiving weekend one of those "mixed bag" occasions. My sweet labradore beagle mix is sixteen years old. Just in the past month or so he has gone downhill rapidly. What may have been a minor injury has now combined with degenerative arthritis (and possibly a tumor) to make life difficult and painful for our pet. He no longer runs and barks, begs for food, or does any of his other loved activities. Even with heavy pain meds, he limps excessively. He can no longer stand on his own (we need to life up his hindquarters for him). He has not slept for a week because of the pain. The end result is this: today we spoil him and give him some of everything on our Thanksgiving plates. Tomorrow we to go the vet, and unless she gives me a reason otherwise, we will say good by to my baby.

It is always hard to say goodbye. Magic has been a member of our family since we rescued him fifteen years ago. He's been with us through thick and thin. He slept with my husband and I (as did our other dog) for most of his life. This is one of those times when doing the right thing for the dog is not the right thing for me. Still, we will never forget him and I and my children will have wonderful memories of what a wonderful pet and member of our family he was.

So as we give thanks for everything in our lives, we especailly give thanks for my wonderful doggie this Thanksgiving day.

My Retirement Income Streams: Sucesses and Failures

2011-11-21T21:28:00.000-06:00

Life is full of ups and downs. When I decided to accept the fact that I was probably permanently retired (like it or not), I knew that I would have to create some income somewhere. I wanted to both rebuild savings where there was (is, really) none. I also wanted to increase my monthly income a bit to include travel and other expenses. My goal was to do that by creating various income streams. I figured that a few small streams were better than putting all my eggs in one proverbial business basket. That has only been partially true. You win some and you lose some.

My first idea was to turn my quilting hobby into a business. I wrote here, about my experiences in this area. There have certainly been challenges. Growth has been slower than I would like, primarily because I need more outlets. In other words, I need to stop relying on Etsy and get my own web page and look at spring craft fairs. On the other hand, there have been obvious successes. Someone hired me to make twenty five sets of quilted potholders to give to all her employees. Another person saw my quilts and ordered a custom item. I believe that by learning to market this business to the proper audience it will succeed. I've found that I still enjoy quilting "for me", when I have the time. Quilting fits into my lifestyle in that it's a primarily at home job that I can do on my previously mentioned "no schedule" schedule.

My second idea, buying and "reselling" has not taken off the ground, in the truest sense. Again, it has been a learning experience. I've needed to learn where to sell (I'm trying to use EBay as a last resort), what sells, and for how much. I also need to be much braver about taking buying risks. I recently bought five boxes of vintage sewing patterns for ten dollars. I have to take risks like this-the worse that can happen is I resell at a yard sale. I still keep this business in my back pocket, for similar reasons to the quilting business above. I like treasure hunting at thrifts and yard sales. It's a business mainly done at home, on my own time and on my own terms.

My last idea was to start a errand/concierge business. The business that took the most start up effort, in terms of time and money, is the one that has been least successful. I'm sure this falls under the law of reverse return, or something. Why?? Partially because I let it die. Running an errand service required leaving the house (dressed in a certain manner) on a regular basis. It often involved shopping which I do not love (unless it's at thrift stores and flea markets). My phone had to be on all the time, and in order to be successful, I had to go to Chamber of Commerce events and do "marketing". That, put simply, is not me. Add to that fact the current economy issues, and there you are. These days people wrap their own gifts instead of paying others. They can't afford to have someone pick up their prescriptions and dry cleaning for them. Money and time down the drain, but I'm much happier with the business off my back.

The end result is that money has not been tricking in quite as fast or as often as I would have liked. On the other hand, the future looks good. The two growing businesses are those that are flexible and work around my lifestyle. Neither specifically require a large investment, business insurance or other expenses (quilting requires fabric, but I have piles and that is built into item cost, before profit). I can do both wherever I go, when I feel like it. And neither of them will ever (thankfully) be a real job.

Work till I'm seventy? Not me? Life is just too much fun. So I'll continue to trim and downsize where it doesn't hurt. I'll also add funds through what one blogger called the "side hustle" and in the end, life is good. As always.

Living Richly in Retirement-Moving as the Mood Strikes

2011-11-18T18:14:00.003-06:00

In a previous post, I talked about the fact that in retirement (or else where), you can have most anything you want. You just cannot have it all at the same time. Today it occurred to me that in retirement, you can also DO everything you want-within reason. More importantly, you can do what you want when you want. This, to me, is one of the most important advantages of retirement.

Today, I got out of bed, kicked up the heat and returned to bed with my morning beverage and laptop. Since it's Friday, I did a quick run down the street to what must surely be one of the last yard sales of the season. After this, I went into my sewing room. Since then, I've done nothing but cut fabric. Oh sure, I made a couple bathroom breaks and grabbed some lunch. At four thirty I did a half an hour of chair aerobics. Basically though, my entire day was spent doing this one thing-by choice. No dishes have been washed. I honestly forgot to get anything out for dinner. I have done, literally, nothing else. I honestly don't know when I will return to my sewing room. Oh, I know it has to be eventually. After all, I'm sewing things to sell as well as Christmas gifts. I'll get there though, when the mood strikes.

Tomorrow, I have no idea what I will do. I know that I will get up when I feel like it. I also know that I have a church obligation (a Thanksgiving in gathering) that will require me being at church for all services this weekend (four total). I know that sometime between now and Monday, I need to reread a summary of the movie Life is Beautiful (which I have seen and refuse to watch again, even for a grade). I also know that I need to come up with a crock pot dinner for Sunday as we do as little as possible on Sundays. Other than that, I have no plans. This doesn't mean that I will do nothing. It only means that I haven't planned or decided what I will do.

Some people feel the need for structure in retirement. How much depends on the person. some retirees set alarms, and have a regular daily schedule. That's not me. Other than meals and scheduled appointments, I don't have a daily schedule-I play it by ear. Again, this doesn't mean I do nothing, or that I sit on the couch watching classic movies (although I might do that, and right now it sounds like fun). It just means that I allow my mood, the weather, energy levels and the full moon to guide me day to day. This is where I add that yes, I'm a widow and live alone. However, my husband was also a free spirit and I don't know that I would be MUCH more scheduled if he were here. I'll also admit that I don't need to go out of the house for additional income-I found a way to do that mainly from home. Since many retirees need to add income somehow, obviously that creates a scheduling need. If that situation changes-I'll work with it.

I have many things in life that I do. I quilt many hours a week (for fun and money), I cook and can when the mood strikes. I read voraciously. I enjoy travel and the planning of that travel. I write on occasion. I'm learning to take good pictures. I buy things and resell them on line. I watch TV on occasion (give me Homeland and Top Chef, please). I volunteer (some of which is scheduled and some of which is done at home). I work on my house and yard-at my own pace. Obviously there are many more thing I've missed here. The point of all this is that I get things done, without a schedule or much planning.

Admittedly I am able to do this because my income stream is managed from home, and because I have an avid interest in everything I am involved in, even my small businesses. There are certainly disadvantages to turning hobbies into businesses. The advantage lies in the ability to make the business part of your routine, to weave it in and out of your life, at home or on the road.

It's true that there are some situations where loose structure is required (thinking primarily of travel, church commitments, or when it's my turn to host the Christmas party). I try and control those situations as much as possible. It's also true that I can live this kind of life because of certain things I do, such as stock up shopping (I can, if I choose, avoid stores for a long time-with the exception of a produce and milk run).

I know that this way of living is not for everyone. Wanting or needing structure or repetition is understandable, and different people function differently. For me though, to paraphrase Scarlett-"I'll decide what to do tomorrow-tomorrow".

What about you?

Frugal Retirement-Pollyanna-Who Me??

2011-11-17T17:37:00.001-06:00

Note: While this post has been in my head for awhile, I was inspired today after reading a post by Bob over at Satisfying Retirement about positivity-in retirement and elsewhere.

Along time ago (in a blog post that apparently vanished) I wrote here about positive and negative frugality. In that post, I said that we could deal with the hands we are dealt in one of two ways. The first way is look at our current situation as a challenge. In other words, we can work to find fun and creative financial solutions when we have less money than we expected. The second way is to blame congress, the government, the guy on the corner and life in general. Rarely can we do both and come out ahead.

In my life, I've tried to look at my financial situation (as well as other situations) as a challenge. I've treated it like a game, looking for creative alternatives to keep my life as rich and varied as I wanted with about half the income (and one less spouse) than I expected. Sometimes I fail, most of the time I succeed. Many times I succeed by making choices and substitutions. Rather than look at those choices and substitutions as second best, I look at them as original ideas and alternatives.

When I wrote that article, I got lots of feedback-most of it positive. There were critics, obviously. Generally the criticism was that I didn't live in the real world, or that I didn't "understand" what was going on. To the first my answer was simple-I went from a living spouse with a close to six figure income to no spouse and living on social security/pension. Admittedly much of my current financial situation can be paid at my own feet. That doesn't make the reality any less, well "real". As for the second, I'm a well read woman who is not unaware of what is happening in the US and in the world. On the contrary, after having been an ex-pat for so many years I probably have a better grasp on much of the rest of the world.

I simply believe that positive energy is better (and often stronger) than negative energy. I also believe that positivity begets positivity, for lack of a better phrase. Last but not least, I believe that in most areas of life, actions are more important than words. I say this as someone who tries to write once and a while and appreciates good words.

When it comes to frugality and managing our money, I try to look at being frugal as a chance to be creative. I could look at my life as of one of deprivation. I choose to look at the things I CAN afford, and CAN do with my life. Can I go on a cruise right now? No. Can I take a lovely road trip across the gulf cost from Texas to Florida? I can. Can I eat out every weekend? Unfortunately not. Instead I enjoy a true gourmet meal a few times a year and explore gourmet cooking. I really cannot afford new Christmas centerpieces, but I can make my own from stuff on hand.

Positivity for me is about what I CAN do, what I CAN make and actions I CAN take. This is not only true in my own life. There are American and world wide issues I feel strongly about. If I care about poverty, I can volunteer to feed and help others.

In the article mentioned above over at Satisfying Retirement, Bob mentions some solutions he has taken to reduce negativity in his life. While I have not and never will give up cable (unlike Bob I find many uplifting and well made shows), I do generally surround myself with positive people. I also do not argue politics with friends (I'm a liberal living in an ultra red state). I watch the news but avoid all the magazine shows and Fox news. I remind myself that in terms of the world, I'm still more wealthy than the 98 percent, and that I am lucky to live in the so called "western world". When there is something I want, I look at what I have. And when in doubt, I remember that I can have everything I want. I simply cannot have it all at the same time.

I'm not really Pollyanna, I promise. I know that the world is less than perfect. I realize that we all have challenges, in retirement and in life. However, I would much rather look at the glass of life as half full, rather than half empty.

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Living Richly In Retirement-the Book?

2011-11-15T12:54:00.000-06:00

When I first realized that I had spent all my money and would have to rethink and re plan my frugal retirement, I began researching retirement and fixed income finances. I found few truly helpful resources. Most of the traditional retirement literature actually focused on pre-retirement financial planning and investment. While those books certainly have their place, most of them were written ahead of the current market. More importantly, they did not address the situation for those of us already in retirement who were struggling to live on pensions, social security and much less money than we had hoped.

I also read or re-read almost all of the "thrifty" books, from the Tightwad Gazette onward. While many of these books had good tips, they were speaking primarily to young families with children. Again, much of the advice was not useful to empty nesters living on a couple thousand a month. Some of the suggestions simply were unworkable for a retirement lifestyle, in terms of time, money or physical strength. Even the best of us do-it-yourself folks are not likely to buy a nineteenth century farm house and redo it from scratch, or "dumpster dive" (I say this as the original thrift scavenger).

Somewhere "out there", loads of retirees, empty nesters and baby boomers are living on small incomes. Some could use tips and ideas, and some need to hear that there are others out there in the same boat, doing okay. I also think that there is a group of people preparing to retire having less than they think they need. These people need to know that if you don't have a million saved, you can still be okay. Most of us won't need to eat cat food or move to Costa Rica (although that doesn't sound like a bad idea).

These observations lead me to two things: First, I'll continue this blog, widening the sphere a bit. The truth is, that everything I do, from travel to quilting to home improvements is affected by my income. I can write about my life and also be sharing how to live richly in retirement. Second, a book is in the works. Where it will be published I do not know. I don't know that anyone will buy if it reaches publication. All I can do is start writing, and see where it leads me. Some of what I write will be original, some will be from this blog, and some content will be shared information from others in the same boat. The book, like life in general, will be a work in progress for awhile!

Meanwhile I'll continue to blog about the ups, downs and challenges of my fixed income retirement.

Frugal Retirement-Are Handmade Gifts More Expensive?

2011-11-14T23:35:00.000-06:00

I've come quite a long way since I last talked about my five hundred dollar holiday. Many family members have shared gift list requests, and I can now finalize my gift giving. As I've mentioned in previous posts, my gift sourcing runs the gamut-from earned gift cards to discounted deals, to the occasional used item, to homemade and hand made gifts.

Obviously many of these alternatives are worthy of an article on it's own (especially the used item debate). Recently however, I've had a couple situations arise. First, one person messaged me that making a gift was more expensive than buying a cheap on sale item. Secondly, someone implied that homemade gifts were always of a lesser quality. To the second I say, bah humbug. To the first I say simply, that it depends.

First let me say again that homemade gifts should be given with the same thought to the recipient as all other gifts. It should be wanted, loved, or needed. Ideally, at least two of the three. Taking a few skeins of yard and making three scarfs all the same color rarely works. While I like candy cane reindeer as well as the next gal, that is not a handmade gift.

If you go out and buy everything you need, at regular price for a handmade gift, it MAY be more expensive than the equivalent. This is especially true if you buy high quality supplies (the most recent mohair yarn) at full price. This in and of itself is not a bad thing.

However, I speak of hand made gifts from the perspective of frugality as well as uniqueness. Quality hand made gifts can be made for a reasonable price (even a very cheap) price. (Note that I don't include labor in the cost of homemade gifts). The trick in making homemade gifts is using current skills and gifts. If you do this, you probably have many of the "necessities" on hand, and they were likely gotten on sale. I don't knit. If I decided to go out and knit Christmas gifts, I would need lots of yarn, needles and probably instruction. I do however, quilt, sew, cook and occasionally write. This means that I have canning jars and lids gotten new on sale. Much of my fabric was bought at Joannes or Hancock's fifty percent off sales with a coupon added. I have scissors, batting and so on. Now, I'm not saying those things don't have a cost, and I do try and figure out what they are for my own benefit. What they don't incur is an immediate, out of pocket cost. Also, just like food or anything else, items bought on the spur of the moment cost more than planned on sale purchases. When it comes to food gifts, I have some special ingredients I need. Most of my basic food stuffs however, were bought at loss leader prices, and stored for maximum freshness. I can make a hot fudge sauce with Chambord liqueur, in a decorated jar with a one of a kind label for an out of pocket cost of pennies.

Everyone has different skills they bring to the table. My brother in law is making my son a wooden frame for his late father's casket flag, and last year he gave me finished wooden cubes to use to make paperweights. I imagine his immediate cost was zero, knowing his workshop.

I don't give everyone homemade gifts. This year my sister in law asked for coasters to match her decor. Another sister in law asked for place mats. A friend of my daughters was very specific, and asked for a boat flag made out of crown royal bags (don't ask). Both my coasters and my place mats will be better made, and probably much cheaper than similar items at Kohl's. My materials cost for six coasters is about three dollars.

Homemade and handmade gifts are not for everyone, and should probably not always be given to everyone on your list. But some hand made gifts cut down on gifting costs, and create a unique and usable gift for the recipient. Planning ahead, as always, works wonders.

Note: In case family members read my blog I hate to get too specific on my Christmas goal. At this point I have spent about $230 and have the following items: a Vera Bradley wristlet, a gourmet cookbook and chef shirt, a ten dollar toys r us gift certificate, hand made by me receiving blanket sets, a book on world war II tanks, hand made coasters, handmade place mats and napkins, Longaberger Christmas serving dishes (requested), many amazon gift certificates, much bath and body stuff, restaurant gift certificate, american eagle gift certificate, clothing for my six foot six inch son (bought new at the tall kid shop), a video game, polish pottery pitcher, much spiced cranberry and walnut conserve, sundae sets (homemade) barbecue sets (homemade), a book called the encyclopedia of healing and a fifty dollar contribution to a jack la lane juicer.

Frugal Retirement-the Pantry as Savings Account

2011-11-14T00:35:00.001-06:00

One of the reasons I purchased this house was that it had a full walk in pantry. Approximately eight feet square, it has room for large items on the floor and graduated shelving to the top. Some might say that for an empty nester with a part time college student living at home, it's simply too much-or at least more than needed. There are times when the room has been full and times when it's been almost empty.

These days I am on a mission to cut expenses. Adjusting costs to my social security and pension income is a process. One of the ways I'm doing this is by turning my pantry into my own little "store" if you will. I want to be able to "shop at home" for the lowest price. I want to cut my food budget, but still eat well. Before I can even start the process, its going to take some serious cleaning of my pantry.

I'm also going to need to ramp up my couponing and deal finding skills. Ideally, my goal is to cut the food budget in half. I don't know if that's possible. To meet this goal I've been re-reading books on food storage, learning about some basic canning skills, and looking at serious loss leader shopping.

Loss leader shopping requires that you buy items at their lowest price and keep enough until it comes out at that price again. As such, certain deals come around during certain seasons. For example, in the next couple of weeks baking supplies will probably be at their lowest price until the week before Easter. Combine those sales with all the coupons available now and you come away with deals that probably wont be seen for awhile.

I'm in a baking mood. One of my local stores has sugar one sale for $1.99 for five pounds. I have a fifty cent coupon which my local store will double, making it worth a dollar. I'll end up spending 99 cents for five pounds of sugar. A rare deal, at least in my area. How much will I buy? Well, I have a son who thinks one should have a little coffee with their sugar! While I try to cut consumption of sugar, holiday baking plus a couple moths storage will require more than a few five pound bags

Sugar is just one example of things I'll be adding to my pantry. Other things include baking supplies, broths and soups, cereals, spices ad the things which which one makes great meals. As I work to meet my pantry goal, I'll set a certain amount of my grocery cash for stock ups only. This money will be used to buy great deals on sale each week and store in my pantry or freezer. It may take me awhile, but eventually I'll have a pantry and freezer full of all the basics except fresh produce and milk.

Even i I only save thirty percent by purchasing sale items-that's a hefty savings to the budget. Furthermore, that's without taking into account the other advantages of pantry and pantry shopping (less regular shopping trips, the ability to stay home in case of illness or emergency and still eat well, and other advantages)

That's a savings I'll surely take. Keep an eye out as I share my progress in this area. Coming tomorrow-before pics of my personal grocery store-the pantry!

And then again............

2011-11-13T18:08:00.000-06:00

While I dont want to waffle with this blog, it's been suggested to me that my best alternative may be to remove information that I would rather not have my children and others (especially regarding my actions during extreme grief and how I went through all of my lfie insurance money in a few years), and then connect the two. This may, in fact, be a better alternative........

Time For a Change

2011-11-12T23:17:00.000-06:00

I began this blog as an experiment. I wanted a way to share my own struggles and talk about how one lives on a fixed income, the problem and the challenges. So many frugal books and blogs are targeted towards people with young children-there's certainly nothing wrong with that. That's a challenging time for families. But retirees, empty nesters and singles living on extremely tight incomes often have some different and unique challenges. I still think that's true. Ono ther other hand, most so called "retirement" blogs talk about preparation. I thought, and still think, that there needs to be more talk about how the heck we manage now that we're here.

Then, I started a quilting blog. This blog has been completely separate and was started as a way to share my quilting and talk about my business. This blog has been going a couple months, and I need to devote more time to that area.

Here's the problem. I'm not one dimensional, or even two dimensional and neither is my life. I'm a quilter. I'm a frugal gal who lives on social security and whatever she can add to that. I'm a road warrior when it comes to travel, I love to cook-the list goes on. Some people have many blogs, devoted to different areas. That's simply not me.

After some thought, I've decided to combine all of these interests into one blog-no more multitasking. This doesn't mean I'll leave frugality or early retirement behind. On the contrary, by blogging about all of my life (or at least most of it) I think I'll be a better example of how to live richly and frugally. Frugality permeates all parts of my life, from my quilting business to how I travel, to my home improvements. There's no avoiding that. I think this new direction will make this blog better, more interesting and even more relevant to retirees , frugal and creative folks.

In the next few days some of this blog will disappear. Many articles will stay as reference and for future interest. You'll see a link to a new blog that tells you lots more about who I am and how I manage and make it-creatively, financially and otherwise. Please give the new blog a chance. Once I'm set up Ill be commenting and visiting many of you with my new name. I hope you'll come and see me, and or sure, I'll visit you all. All the time.

Friday Frugalities-A Week In Review

2011-11-11T23:50:00.000-06:00

As always, my week has been (mainly) full of frugal indulgences. Some large, some small, always enjoyable. Hopefully it shows that you don't have to spend money to have fun, or live richly. How have I enjoyed life this weekend with little or no money?

Bubble baths taken using candle and bath oils purchased for pennies on the dollar-and the free library book I read while soaking.
I made a quick garage sale and thrift store outing that netted my son sixty dollars worth of books to sell (for fourteen bucks) a couple like new "Colorado" sweaters for me (for three dollars each), two small table top oil paintings (for a dollar each) and some vintage kitchen items.
I had a lovely dinner of absolutely perfect had beef stroganoff made by my son, using loss leader sirloin and fresh ingredients. This dish is so good that I have drafted said son to cook this dish for one of my dinner exchanges in December. That and homemade Christmas cookies will be the highlights.
I went to a monthly dinner in my church parish hall for which my entrance price was three dollars and a small appetizer from home. My church does this once a month and gets from forty to a hundred people, with different groups being assigned different dishes.
I had a great, relaxing (and this time, hilarious) evening spent with a group of women that I meet with twice a month. Finishing with coffee and dessert, this is a rugal, fun way to socialize without an expensive restaurant or other venue.
I continue to love quiet mornings on the patio with my cold caffeine, the dog (and birds and squirrels). I occasionally put on a robe or sweater these day, but the weather is still lovely and I appreciate the "quiet time"
I really appreciated our annual family Christmas list exchange, which began today (a mass mail that continues to go to everyone as everyone adds to it). Requests include simple things such as wooden spoons, Barnes and Noble gift cards, subscriptions to money saving magazines and bath and body intensive care skin cream (one of my contributions).
I'm enjoying the book on disc that I listen to as I am sewing in my studio. I've just discovered audio books and love them. I'd consider a television in my room, only I might sew through my finger again. As always my books, movies, and audio books come free from the library.
Lastly, I'm appreciative of the fact that my income streams also bring enjoyment and richness to my life. The fact that I can spend an afternoon sewing in my studio and end up making money for it, or perusing books and call it a business expense, is beyond believable. Now I just need to increase the money come in from those streams.
I've enjoyably planned a frugal overnight to the hill country, and my post Christmas trip to Denver. Finding a different route to visit family and friends and exploring new vistas is often as enjoyable as the trip itself.

Obviously, not every part of my life is frugal, or at least enjoyably frugal (although for the most part, it certainly is). I have my moments when I step out of the box, or off the cliff-my past financial choices have shown that. This evening, the neighborhood pizza man will knock on the door. When this happens, I remind myself that this moment is why I partake of all those other frugal lifestyle habits-and then I'll enjoy my pizza.

Living Richly In Retirement-One Holiday at a Time-Please!!!!

2011-11-09T21:21:00.001-06:00

There are many things I miss about Germany and the lifestyle I had while living there. Quiet Sundays (stores are closed in Germany and loud noises such as lawn mowing are not allowed) is high on my list. Being able to go on the subway alone at two am surely falls in there somewhere. At this time of year, my homesickness centers primarily around German Christmas Markets.

Beginning the first Sunday in Advent, every town large or small has it's own Christmas market. This is true of the largest cities such as Frankfurt, and smaller villages. Although there are a few similarities, each market has it's own unique character. No market is the same, and the goal for residents (German or ex-pat) is to see a minimum eight Christmas markets in a season. Spiced wine, sugared nuts, nutcrackers and good cheer abound.

Here's the thing, though. Before that weekend, no Christmas lights, decorations or advertising can be found. Toy catalogs in the mail-never heard of. Christmas music playing in the mall? You must be kidding. Advent and Christmas are observed in the fullest sense. It's an all out celebration of chocolate, food, drink and decorations. Not only that, but the Germans celebrate two days of Christmas (day one for families, and day two for visiting, similar to boxing day). But they don't celebrate before it begins, and when it's over, it's over! As a comparison, this year when I went to buy Halloween candy, there were Christmas displays showing and Christmas music playing. Talk about overload!!

Life, for me at least, is best when you live in the moment. I like to appreciate what is going on around me at this unique time, place and season. When it's Halloween, I want to enjoy fall decorations and costumes and kids ringing my doorbell. Now that November is here, I'm enjoying the cooler weather (from a Texas perspective). I'm also looking forward to a cozy Thanksgiving dinner. We'll give thanks, enjoy a lovely family weekend, and watch lots and lots of football. Black Friday won't even enter our minds. Sometime soon after Thanksgiving, we'll start jumping headlong into Christmas. The house will be decorated by the first of December, holiday parties begin, and I'll pull out the wrapping paper.

I adore Christmas, don't get me wrong. However, I also love Easter, 4th of July picnics, Halloween and Thanksgiving dinners. As a frugal person, I allow SOME consideration of Christmas to enter my consciousness year around. By this I mean that it enters my budget, I do some advance sewing and knitting in gift preparation here and there. I also may buy a perfect gift, if I see it during my normal routine. Other than that, I wait for Christmas to enjoy and appreciate Christmas.

Maybe it's just me. From my perspective however, the cacophony of Christmas drowns out fall and it's respective holidays. Not only that, by the time many folks get to Christmas (which, by the way, begins December 25), they've experienced such overload that the ability to enjoy the day itself is often lost. Our senses can simply only take so much overload.

Rather than making me want to shop and spend more, the advertisements push me in the other direction. The earlier and nosier Christmas gets, the more I want to nest with friends and forget all the hype and return to the "meaning of Christmas". I'd also prefer to take the holidays one day at a time. As a nice Episcopalian girl all I can say is, "Let's first celebrate the American holiday, and then move on the the (often hijacked) religious holiday".

Whether any of the advertisers or anyone else hears me, at least I've gotten that off my chest. Thanks.

Living Richly In Retirement-I Think I'm Overscheduled!!

2011-11-07T20:33:00.000-06:00

I've said more than once that one of the things I love about retirement relaxation-the ability to control my pace. I like to move slowly in the mornings, and move with my body clock. I also have had many interests, and many goals. Fixed income or not, while I love to nest, it's not how I want to spend the rest of my days. I want to have it all. Unfortunately my desire to try and do new things has met my desire to have a slower and slightly more relaxed life, head on.

I've overextended myself. Now, I'm sure some folks reading this are saying to themselves "She's complaining because she has a busy, full retirement". They may be right. In theory, I have the time to do all the things on my plate. The problem rises because in addition to all those things, I still want to have the time to do the laid back stuff I so appreciate as part of retirement.

How did I get here? First, I realized I needed additional income, and chose to begin an active income stream (my quilting business).Then I decided I needed a couple more hobbies. I took up knitting (for those TV nights). Then I bought a canner ad canning books so that I could learn that skill. I've been making hand made cards. I volunteer and liaise with an inner city day care center and summer camp. At my church, I am responsible right now for four, count em four, organizations (inreach, Christmas cookie exchange, church cookbook..it just keeps on going). Oh, and I decided to return to college full time (thinking that a degree in German will perhaps get me a paying job back in Europe). I need to do some home improvements, and we are landscaping our yard. I'm sure I left stuff out. Whew!!! I'm tired just reading it. I haven't even mentioned things like my occasional road trips or day excursions.

My challenge is that these are all things I care about. All the things that are mentioned above are things I enjoy thoroughly, or else feel a huge commitment to. I get great reward from doing everything listed (even the income stream). If it were otherwise, cutting back to my previous schedule would certainly be easier. This makes freeing up my time more difficult. What's a gal to do? It would certainly be easier if I was one of those people (and I know there are many of you out there) who have a single passion or two. That's not me, and I'm not sure I would ever change that.

Something has to give, and I'm slowly moving in that direction. While I don't want to give up school, starting in January I will take two courses (six semester hours) two half-days a week only. Right now I am in school from noon to seven two days a week, and noon to four two days a week. And then, there's the homework. This allows me to keep my school fix and free up time at the same time. Quilting is both important to me and necessary for my financial survival, so I am making a commitment to a certain amount of hours. Of course, quilting is done at home, which allows me the relaxing breaks I need. My church involvement is important to me as well. However, I have good people on all these committees, and I need to learn to share the proverbial wealth.

Pretty immediately (no later than mid December) these small changes should get me back o an even keel. They'll free up time, and equally importantly, limit my time out of the house (hello lounging shirt and leggings). I find it much easier to slow down and control my own time when I'm at home. I'll have a commitment of three half days out of the house (not including church and weekend activities).

I still want to learn to can and knit. I've been drawing landscape ideas for the back yard. I'm fixing up a room to be a guest room/rental/home exchange (thanks Linda). I'm writing, sewing. Eventually I'll get to all of that fun and volunteer stuff on my list. Thankfully, I've learned that I can't do it all at the same time, that there are no "deadlines" and that I'm in control.

I'm so glad I figured this out sooner rather than later!

Frugal Retirement-Frugal Substitutions That Work For Me

2011-11-05T15:30:00.002-05:00

Adjusting to my current income has been an adjustment. It's a continuous learning process, to say the least. I definitely learn as I go. In order to get where I am, I've given things up, made substitutions, and altered some systems, for lack of a better phrase. Some of my substitutions and alternatives work better than others, some have not worked at all. I'll start with the things that have worked (mainly) to begin with:

Saying farewell to eating out (mostly). This has been MUCH easier than I thought it would be. Why??? Well first, eating out was not a social thing for me. It was an I don't want to clean up after myself thing. It was also an I can't cook (fill in here) as well as the restaurant. Saving money by cooking smart and healthy and cooking, as well as freezing meals has been no real sacrifice. As for those things I cannot cook, I simply allow myself two or three times a year at really, really good restaurants. I ask for gift cards to these places, save them for special occasions and savor them to the fullest. Right now one of my guilty pleasures is TVs "Top Chef". I intend to listen closely to the names of every restaurant and chef mentioned.
Culture (for lack of a better word). I expect that this is less painful for me because I live in an immediate suburb of a large city with many free opportunities. My weekend section regularly lists free alternatives for theater, concerts and even museums. Sure, many of these performances are amateur, but the big boys got started in amateur theater (and many pros return to amateur theater to refresh). I allow myself one summer musical and one winter concert in a traditional big setting a year. If Eric Clapton or Neil Young or Jeff Beck ever perform in Dallas , I'll simply sell the kids the dogs and the house to go see them. Other than that, I'm good.
Adjusting my travel alternatives: I would be being less than honest here if I did not mention that living seven years in Europe has certainly given me the upper hand in terms of travel. I also freely admit that I love road trips and will be as happy to take a trip along the gulf coast as a cruise to the Bahamas. My trips are less often and well planned. I'm more than happy to explore, say downtown Boston by foot and see a couple less costly indoor alternatives. Travel is about experiencing the location, after all. That said, I have a daughter who lives in the Caymans, and am saving my pennies for a trip to Europe in two years-so you'll see this category in the "may not work for me" pile as well.
Clothing: This was painful at first. I am a clothes hound. What happened? Well first, I lost weight. And second, I lost weight. How is that twice an advantage? I bought clothes to costume-I don't feel the need to do that any more. And while I had to replace some of my clothing, it's much easier to do that at sixty pounds less. I regularly find good clothing at consignment and thrift stores, and at end of season sales I no longer have to worry that my size is the first size sold out. Having a casual lifestyle certainly doesn't hurt in any way either.
Personal Care: As I mentioned in my "looking good on a budget" post, I am overall a low maintenance gal. I have no problem either going to gray or coloring my own hair. I used to get monthly pedicures. Now I do it quarterly and fake it in between (I cannot give up the quarterly option as my knee does not allow me to bend well). I'm still experimenting with those low cost skin care alternatives,but I've had some good results. Combining sales with extreme couponing has gotten me where I want to be.

These choices were all made with thought and have worked well for me. Naturally, life is not all champagne and roses. Cutting back on my book buying habit, limiting the amount of quilting fabric I can buy, having to be more selective on house improvements, and cutting spending on my children are all areas where I am still a work in progress. In these areas my belt tightening has been a bit more painful. Look for me to share the "downs" next.

Frugal Retirement-Stocking Up Is A Frugal Choice

2011-11-01T17:43:00.000-05:00

I am, by nature a stocker-upper. If that word isn’t in the new Webster’s it should be. I’m not just talking about food here, either. I have a pantry system for most of the items in my house. This habit is learned behavior after feeding me, a spouse with an empty leg and multiple children and dogs on one salary.

My husband and I were just two for a while, then three with a college student, and then I was one again with a college student (or one and a half, as I describe it). At this time, I backed off stocking up. I backed off the bulk cooking as well, concentrating on recipes or one or two (but that’s a separate blog post in its own right). That did not last two long, truth be told. I’m right back at the stocking up stage. It’s probably only fair that I define myself when it comes to stocking up. For me, this means I get something at the lowest possible price-the lowest it will ever get, normally. It also means that I try and get enough of that item for six months for two people. I do this for non-perishable food, and food that can be frozen. I also shop this way for socks, art supplies and those things that by nature need replenishing.

My two primary reasons for stocking have to do with savings-saving money, and saving time. A close third is security, for lack of a better term. Because I only buy items when they are at their lowest price, I don’t pay “retail” for most things. Not only that, but prices are probably not ever going down. What organic boneless chicken breasts sell for now at loss leader prices are probably not what they will sell for in a year from now. It’s important to note, that I don’t buy a lot of processed food, and do not buy things I cannot use (if I overbuy on rare occasions, the food pantry is happy to have it). My pantry consists primarily of every basic needed to cook with, from broth to baking materials. Included are canned vegetables, fruits and some meats. Because I shop this way, at two hundred dollars a month two people can eat lamb, drink wine, and cook with saffron.

Another reason I shop to “stock” my home and pantry is simply this-I’m lazy and I hate to shop. I would rather do most anything than go to the grocery store (or any store that’s not a fabric or book store, for that matter). Because I only shop at the lowest price and shop for six months, some weeks I don’t have to shop at all (produce and milk being the exception) I’m not one of those who needs to get out of the house per se, and when I do I go other places (library, park). On the other hand, there are those occasions when I have days that I go from dawn to sunset. As my sister in-law put it so well, I have difficulty on occasion remembering that No. is a complete sentence. (This week in the church bulletin, I alone have announcements for four separate organizations, all of which I am the contact person and the chair). My pantry is stocked so that, if I had to, I could eat really really well for quite a few days using what’s on hand. I’d eat frozen vegetables instead of fresh perhaps, but all in all life would be good.

I also like to keep stocked up for security’s sake. While I don’t leave in a blizzard area, emergencies are relative. Last year, the three people in this house at the time had the cold/flu-one would be getting better but still be contagious and the next one would become ill. I’m talking crawling on the floor, don’t touch me, I just contaminated the whole street by going out the front door ill. From the time one of became ill until the last one was cured, we had enough soup, canned fruit, soda, juice, medicine, tissues and other supplies to keep us going. In terms of financial emergencies, although I’m already way past being laid off, other situations arise. There are still situations where I may opt to live out of the pantry and freezer for a while in order to fund an emergency situation or pay for an unintended expense. To paraphrase, stuff happens.

Stocking up isn’t for everyone. Some people don’t have the room, or the need. But it sure works for me.

Frugal Retirement-Homemade Gift Ideas for the "Non-Crafty"

2011-10-31T11:29:00.000-05:00

For some folks, homemade or non traditional gifts have a bad connotation. I know that some families can pooh pooh homemade gifts (or gifts of time for example). Sometimes the problem is that we try to do home-made gifts in the same manner that we do last minute store bought gifts. There are three traits that contribute to good homemade gifts-skill of some sort, advance planning and a little creativity. While the first one is non essential, the second two are a requirement. Note that creativity does not equal craftiness-we are all of us creative. To that end, here are some non traditional gift ideas for the (mainly) non crafty that almost anyone would be happy to receive.

Homemade food specialties. I'm not just talking cookies here (though I never turned down a Christmas cookie in my life), Canned goods, your secret recipe barbecue sauce, flavored vinegars, homemade pesto. The trick with these is time and packaging. In other words, making a Christmas cover for the jar and putting it in a gift basket, or making a set of three flavors as a set is what makes all the difference.
In a similar vein, family recipes. Get a cheap Christmas scrapbook or use a binder. With the graphic alternatives available today, making beautiful pages is easy. Why make your daughter-in law beg for your killer lasagna recipe. Share it with her now. Or give an album and one or two recipes with promises for more.
See if you can find a reasonably priced used or classic book from someones childhood.
Give away your stuff. Not all of it mind you, but a family Christmas ornament or heirloom a year (assuming it's one said child or family member would really use) so that it can be used now is a wonderful gift.
Write down your memories for kids or grand kids. I'm not talking about a best selling biography here. I'm talking about starting some kind of journal and writing down things about you or your kids that family members may not remember. Your kids will like it and your grand kids (if you have any) will LOVE it.
If you are separated by miles, make a video
If you are separated by miles, consider (if you have the appropriate equipment or can borrow it) recording a favorite story for a child or grandchild. They get their favorite book on CD with the added gift of your voice.
If you take really good pictures, scrounge a frame, spiff it up, enlarge the picture and give it as a gift. Do you know how much professional family portraits cost?
While this is not free, consider giving a day outing or family experience. Or do it just for the kids. A Christmas movie with all the goodies, sleigh ride, Christmas tree hunt
If it's reasonable priced, look for a collectible item. I collect china tea cups. These can cost up to twenty five dollars, but they can also be found for three to ten dollars (the ones I just saw from occupied Japan). Obviously, you need to know that the individual still collects or really wants this item.
Burn specific Cd's. I don't like to listen to only one artist. My brother is a computer geek who knows how to download every single free music track there is (as well as video) he has given me many classic rock CD mixes of songs-often with life performances. He's also given my son DVDs such as Jeff Beck at an Austin, Texas location-amateur video but priceless.
While this is not free by any means-if you live far from a family member, consider giving the gift of you-in their presence.
If you have a green thumb, give plants and or clippings. My father in law just looks at Orchids and they grow (in the ground, even in the winter, in north Texas).....I'm happy, to say the least, to take his offshoots.
Back to the food gifts again-consider an "of the month" gift. Decorated cookie of the month, homemade soup of the month, you name it.
Give the gift of your time and services: Make the coupon book look REALLY good, and make specific definite plans on the coupon book or as soon after the gift is given. Don't promise to spend the afternoon with your daughter one on one "someday", have a time or an event in mind. Gifts of service and skill can include: A romantic meal and/or a promise to babysit, spending the day on the floor with your granddaughter having a tea party and playing with Lego's, offering to climb up on the ladder and paint the trim on your parents house.

The trick to making these gifts a success is similar to any gifting. The gift needs to be something that will be used, loved/appreciated and/or needed. And remember, half of giving any gift is presentation, presentation, presentation. A love poem on a piece of paper is nice-in a frame you found at a yard sale and painted is a memory for all time and easily displayed. Ice cream sauces in jars are lovely. Add some ribbon around the jars, a garage sale container and maybe some sprinkles and you have a gourmet food quality gift.

These are ideas to get you started........next, crafty gifts for the non-crafty.

Frugal Retirement Living: Musings for The Week (Frugal and Otherwise)

2011-10-29T23:24:00.001-05:00

I'm reminded again how good the library is-from a general and frugal perspective. Any library, anywhere is good. My library, and the other library I belong to, have reached out to a new level. My local library has incorporated a "teen Lounge" and has leased space to a coffee and snack shop in the outer lobby. Meeting at the library has new meaning. This week, I carried home many books on canning, Texas gardening, landscaping and small business. Even if I end up xeroxing a lot of pages (which I will), it won't come close to the cost of even a used book. I also left with both fiction reading and a book on CD for when I sew. Someday I may be done singing the advantages of libraries as a frugal gal, but I'm not there yet.

This week was my church youth group's garage sale. They receive piles of contributions, almost all of it good stuff, some of it great stuff. On Thursday, I spent the day pricing the good stuff using my good sense and eBay app on my smart phones (hundred dollar cameras, china tea cups from occupied Japan, sterling silver and so on). It took a full day. At the end of the day, workers got a preview-and a chance to buy. I purchased this sewing box for $25.00 (I did not price it), as well as a really good real leather office chair for my son for an amount I am ashamed to disclose it was so cheap. Today I returned to assist with the clean up and the hauling away (the parish hall had to be ready for tomorrow). I left with a solid wooden shelf, five office boxes of vintage sewing patterns, a four foot tabletop Christmas tree and a few other sundry items. All for somewhere around ten dollars. I regularly help the church in more than one capacity (inreach chair, cookie exchange chair..........) and made this commitment without thinking. The fact that they had good stuff, when I could use it, at a really cheap price was simply serendipity.

One of my retirement "aha" moments comes each morning as I slowly move out of bed at nine (sometimes eight thirty in the summer). I'm a night owl. Tis eleven at night as I speak and If I go to bed before midnight, it will only be because I got up at six am to assist with the aforementioned yard sale. Pre-retirement, between work, kids and life, keeping this schedule would have been impossible. As would the winter day when I jump out of bed, kick up the heat, and jump back in bed with my morning beverage and laptop for an other half hour or so.

As the elder stateswoman in most of my classes, I'm doing even better than I had thought-even as a lazy studier. Especially in my physical anthropology class. While I won't say that I'm a hundred per cent in the groove, I am getting there. That said, spring semester I'm going to take whatever sounds interesting even if it adds a couple courses to the total. If they meet requirements great, but I'm not aiming for that. And I'll adjust my schedule for more free time-I'm retired, after all! I also need to decide if I'm going to school for fun (nothing wrong with that), to increase my volunteer management abilities (certificate in non profit management), or to get a "real, translator" job (German degree)

It's been a painful couple of days, sportswise. Although my football heart is still in DC, I've decided my baseball heart can handle both the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles (yes, I'm from DC and an Orioles fan-perhaps that explains why the Nationals do so poorly-the Orioles were already there). Unfortunately, the Rangers let me down on Thursday and just sealed the coffin on Saturday. Time to get a bigger bullpen.

It's gotten cold earlier than normal here in Dallas. Normally the kids wear shorts and tanks to trick or treat in. While it's between sixty seven and eighty most days, the nights have gotten down as low as forty. This means at least a little bit of heat some nights. Thankfully it's nothing close to air conditioning in terms of price or the amount of time it's needed. Days are still warm enough to open windows, and the sun warms the house as soon as it comes up.

My grocery shopping this month has been extremely low, and that's a good thing. Although my upright freezer does not need to be defrosted, I decided it was time to use up what was there and do a little organizing before putting away for fall. While it is true that said freezer will have to be refilled, it will be done at my leisure, as always at loss leader prices-and yes, as a semi single gal I really do use my upright freezer. The frozen made in advance Christmas cookies will take up one shelf alone.

My last thought is that I'm reminded how small routines and habits can make us or break us, frugally or otherwise. Packing a lunch on the day I have three to four classes takes me all of ten minutes. Since I have an hour and forty five minutes between some of my classes, this is a time to sit in my car and relax with a lunch that cost much less than anything available. Not only that, but my tuna on whole wheat with v8 and fruit (and occasionally chips) and my single coke of the day is much healthier. This is true even with the coke. One day last week, I had a meeting before school and forgot to pack something in the morning. I ended up driving to "burger row" where I had a Whataburger. Not only did the cost make me sit up, after not having had fast food burger in awhile, the salt was a real shock to my system!

Frugal Retirement Living: My $500 Holiday Plan

2011-10-28T01:20:00.000-05:00

Previously, I mentioned that I was working towards a $500 Christmas holiday. I’ve mentioned that our family (on both sides) has chosen not to get rid of gifts. Rather, we share ideas, needs and wants, and go from there. Gifts range in price from a few dollars on up. I buy for thirteen adults, my son and my daughter and four nieces and nephews ranging from toddlerhood (you read that right) to college age.

Here we are at the beginning of November. I refuse to celebrate Christmas before we’ve seen Thanksgiving. As my son would say, I prefer to celebrate the national holiday and make if not equally as important, at least important in its own right. However, I feel that by planning ahead (sometimes year around), I also free up myself to enjoy both the religious and other aspects of Christmas at my leisure. My original estimate had included hosting a family meal for one side of the family, so I believe that I will come in much, much lower (standing rib roast lives in a place all of its own in terms of price).

How I’m doing this is really not so amazing. I’ve combined deals, free items (not talking samples here), and loss leader shopping. I’ve also used my skills to make some original gifts and decorations. While I’ve not yet done my final total, and still have gifts to organize, I thought I would share some of my gifts and where they came from to make this goal come to fruition.

Some items I’ve gotten by deal shopping or being a “favored customer” Two years ago I signed up as an email customer with Vera Bradley purses. Each year in my birth month, they send me a gift card for twenty dollars off anything they sell. This wristlet was on sale for 19.99 and became a completely free gift to one niece (the one who has twenty purses and dresses up). If I have extra gift cards that I’ve earned, I’ll add a small five dollar gift card to the mix. By doing the same thing with Victoria’s secret I’ve earned a free panty for every month and free bra (stocking stuffers for my daughter). My son is six foot six inches tall. As a result we are registered online and in store as customers to get advance awards of deals. A few times a year we get one that is good for twenty five dollars off anything in the store, and I go to the outlet store and get sale items for free. I’ve also taken advantage of other deals, including those ever appearing ten dollars of ten dollars at JC Penney coupons. I’ve used these for scarves, shawls, individual pieces of jewelry and kitchen towels.

Some of my free low cost gifts have come through earnings and rewards. I’ve earned gift cards from CVS, Penny’s and Amazon (as well as gas cards) through debit card rewards. By using Swag bucks, I’ve earned many many dollars in Amazon cards. These will be used towards gift certificates for members with kindles such as my in-laws (who sure do appreciate the adjustable print sizing).

Another big way I meet my gift giving goal is using my skills and or items already on hand to make gifts (whether those gifts are things or promises of time). While it’s true that I am a quilter (with a large stash of fabric), I do have a few other non-crafty skills that come into play as well. While I don’t enjoy cooking per se, I enjoy baking, and creating various sauces, condiments and such. I enjoy experimenting with flavor combinations. To that end, I’ve four separate barbecue sauces that I will can and give as sets. I’ll also be making such items as pickled cranberries and flavored ice cream toppings. These homemade foods will go into thrift shopped baskets with decorative napkins and a couple other items (thrift shopped ice cream bowls for example), and be made into gifts. Since I buy both canning supplies and pantry items from tomatoes on up at loss leader prices, the cost for these baskets will be a couple dollars.

Since I enjoy writing on occasion, I’ve done my own version of “scrapbooking”. I’ve begun writing down some memories of early times in my kid’s lives or even before. I type this up in nice script on nice paper and mount it. I may add a photo or memento afterwards. These are presented individually rather than in a scrapbook so that they can be framed. I buy the paper with rewards points from my office paper purchases, and may have the additional cost of scanning a photo.

I would be remiss if I didn’t add the crafty quilty items as well. Quilted coasters, sewn spa bags, kindle and ipad covers and baby quilts are all items that will be added to the gift pile. Since I work with fabric on hand, my out of pocket costs will me almost nothing. I do however, keep track labor costs for my own information. Still, these items will cost more than a traditional (often prefab and throwaway gift)

Thrown into this mix will be homemade cookies and candies and other items as yet unnamed. Sometime in the next few weeks, I‘ll figure exact expenses, check my gift list and see where I am in my quest. Meanwhile, I’ve been fortunate to make a big dent, with very little mone

Living Richly In Retirment: Budgeting a Month at a Time

2011-10-26T18:07:00.001-05:00

Note: why is it that some blogs will not allow me to sign in with my Google ID? I know I'm signed in, but I'm unable to comment on Tamara's blog over at Early Retirement Journey (she has a great post on grocery shopping by the way). It's a conspiracy!

I consider myself to be extremely frugal and really good at getting the best deals. I've shared that here and elsewhere, and on occasion have been crowned the queen of frugal. However, as always there are two sides to every coin.

The other side of mine is this: I am not a great financial manager/budgeter. In other words, I do the best with what I am given, but my nature is such that what I am given will all be spent in the end. I am a grasshopper at heart (and was married to a grasshopper with a little ant gene mixed in there somewhere). I am also, by nature, not an organized person. If it isn't written down it may not get done, if you get my drift.

I say all the above not to complain in any way. I enjoy living richly on the money I have, and have a full life. However, my primary concern in terms of money management lately has not been the amount, but the way the money comes in. Most of it has been irregular (in terms of time and date, if you will)

For the first half of our marriage, we were paid monthly. My husband was in the military and we actually chose once a month pay deliberately. It only took me a couple months and I was "in the groove". For the second half of our time together we were paid every two weeks. Then, I went to my monthly pension (and drew out money whenever I "needed to"), and some irregular income streams. NOW, I get a pension on the first, and social security on the second Wednesday. I really do not like having to do money management issues weekly. I prefer to take a day, sit down, pay the bills, give myself an allotment and save the rest. Although this sounds like a small issue, it has been extremely frustrating, as well as distracting.

I'm working now to circumvent this issue. I approached as many monthly bills as I could, and asked if they could change my due date to the 15th of the month. I'm still working on this, but both my mortgage and my electric bill seem to have been taken care of so far. Second, even though I get paid anywhere from seven to fourteen days apart, I plan to treating my finances like I have one payday. I'm letting that paycheck that will arrive on Monday sit in the bank (barring unknown circumstances) until the 9th, at which point I will sit down and pay everything from phone to utilities to car insurance. Hopefully now that I am finally in a pemanent financial "place" (social security, pension and quilting incomeatwo of which have regular dates), I will be able to get on an even keel.

Some folks (retirees and otherwise), don't like having to deal with being paid monthly. They end up having too much month and not enough cash, or being a afraid to spend it all at the beginning of the pay period. Some folks also are unable to adjust bills and so end up having to pay things as they come through by dribs and drabs. While I have no answer to the second problem, I have a little experience and sucess with the first. Part of my sucess is by giving every single dollar a "name" (a technique which is probably worth it's own missive. Another contributor to sucess in this area is that I pantry shop, or shop to replenish. Rather than have amonthly food budget (for example), I shop to replenish my pantry and freezer with loss leaders (the exceptions are produce and milk). Finally, in the early days, I simply took what was left and divided it into four envelopes and hid the others. I won't talk about those times when I forgot where I hid an envelope.

As is my mantra these days, we all have to do what works for us. Some of you may not have "monthly income". Some may have an annual amount and divide it into weekly or monthly increments. Some may still get paid weeky (throught non government sources). However often (or infrequently) your money comes in, consolidated is the key to easy money management. At least in my experience. Do you love or hate the way you get "paid"?

Living Richly In Retirement: Getting the Good Stuff-Used!

2011-10-25T18:28:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers on the frugal side is Katie over at the Non-Consumer Advocate. Katie is great at showing how you can live on less and not be “deprived”. Katie is also a member of the Compact. This means that she has agreed to buy nothing new, with a few specific exceptions. The pictures that she shows of her home and then things she’s found, purchased use or gotten free are amazing.

I also try to buy as many things used as I can, for both economic and ecological reasons. Admittedly, my “can’t buy used list” is a tad larger than Katy’s (although not by much-see below). Although I am by no means the queen of buying used, I do have some skill and expertise in this general area. In other words I get lots of seriously good stuff for pennies and dollars. Unfortunately, lots of misconceptions about buying used, as well as buying strategies abound. While I’m not necessarily looking for converts, I do believe that most of us can increase income as well as help the planet when we shop used.

When I shop used, I don’t shop in a single place. I go to yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores. I also search websites such as Craigslist and EBay (see my comments about the safety of this technique below. Most of the “techniques" I use in second hand shopping are the same ones that a typically frugal shopper uses all on a regular basis. These techniques have (recently) allowed me to buy my son like new Tommy Hilfiger and other brand name polos for a couple bucks. They’ve allowed me to buy like new and classic items from Longaberger baskets and Coach purses to furniture and household items. My church youth are having a huge garage sale this weekend and I will get a good, working tiller for five dollars to assist with my landscaping project.

I don’t wait to buy something until I need it. If I do that, it’s always more expensive. This is generally true of food, socks, or anything else. I have a good sense of what I want and need. Birthdays and Christmas come every year. I’ve known for some time that I was going to replace my crepe pan, and since I am continually losing weight, I keep my eyes out for cheap but good quality smaller sizes.

I’m willing to wait for almost anything. Even if my pan no longer cooks crepes, I would wait to find a used one, even if it took a few weeks. The reward is huge and I know I will find the item eventually. I also don’t buy something just because it’s a buck (for the most part). However, there are occasions when I can take a risk on a buck or two that I would not take on ten or twenty.

Most importantly when it comes to sale and freebie shopping, I make it simply a part of my routine. Rarely do I make it a “special effort”. As part of my errand days, I stop at a thrift shop (occasionally two), depending on my route. I used to be slower at perusing; now I have a pretty good eye and pass over much (I also, by nature, scan quickly). Admittedly, garage sale shopping can be time consuming. The question is whether the time is worth the reward in terms of working hours, payback time or anything else. It ALWAYS was when I had kids at home, now the answer is “sometimes”. Shopping through craigslist is obviously the least time consuming choice.

I don’t buy something that’s cheap just because it’s cheap (for the most part). There are occasions when I will risk a purchase knowing that it may be a loss, but that’s much easier to do with a two dollar item than a twenty dollar item. Because I have yucky knees for example, I don’t try on bottoms in the stores. Sure, occasionally I kiss a few frogs. However, I’ve also acquired designer jeans for less than five dollars.

How do I deal with second hand discrimination? Well, first of all I really don’t worry about it. But seriously, if you do, who has to know where you got something? When my kids were high school fashion plates and they got asked where they got their outfits, the stock answer was “I don’t know, mom got it for me”. If someone compliments me, I simply say “thank you”. If they ask where I got it and I’m not comfortable admitting it was used, I may say something such as “Thanks, I got it in Austin”, and leave it at that. Very few people I know as for the genealogical background on things I bought. Most of my family and friends know and admire my scrounging ability. At the moment, I have about twenty designer style Christmas plates of different sizes. These were all bought for pennies, and will be given with home goodies at the holidays. The recipients will know where I got the plates, and be thrilled.

Everyone has to use their own level of frugality. If you have needs or want that are not being met through your budget, or if you are just a bargain hound, used shopping is the way to go. There are things I buy new on occasion and do not feel guilty doing so. But If I’ve only got five bucks, I would MUCH rather get the l
Land’s End top at the thrift store for five bucks than the Target or Wal-Mart thingy for the same price. But hey, that’s just me.

For the record, a not necessarily inclusive list of items I will not buy used includes; underwear and socks, pillows and mattresses, stuffed furniture, shoes (I know people who have had success, but I need a specific brand), quilting fabric and supplies, some craft supplies, and obviously food and health/beauty items. Should I make any improvements to the house, I would probably look at my used options and then move to new.

Frugal Retirement- Looking Good When You Have No Money (or Time)

2011-10-24T00:08:00.004-05:00

Note: Hopefully the change in title of this blog will not confuse anyone-although I am a frugal gal in texas, this blog is mainly about retirement frugality or retirement preparation. I enjoy it when folks come and read about frugality from any walk of life. That said, I think the new title defines the blog better.

I'm truly loving (for the most part) being back at school. I have to say though, I don't recall it taking as much time, or as much effort in 1974 as does now. Whether it's me or the schooling that's changed, who knows. Probably both. Add the school equation to twenty hours a week of sewing for fun and profit, my need to travel and have some fun, and you end up with not enough time. Really, was it me who was bragging about spending a half a day mid week on the patio with a book and a mimosa? Oh, that was last summer-my how life has changed!

So here I am in the midst of this business, also known as life. It's because of my desire to have time to be a laid back retiree while pursuing school and a job that I am trying to streamline some routines. I prefer my half days out of school to include that patio relaxation, a day trip, or whatever hits my funny bone. To that end I have been trying to find ways to streamline my "beauty" and health routines. When you add my extremely frugal budget to my time constraints, the challenge can be a big one. I'm always searching for quicker, cheaper ways. I'd love to hear what others do as well.

When it comes to my hair, I'm already on the right path. I've worn my hair short for years. Originally I started going short because I could not STAND to have hair on my glasses-so I explained to the German hairdresser that I wanted a girly version of the "white wall". No hair touching the ears at all. This look is both cheap and stylish IF you find the right person who understands you. I have been fortunate to find just such a person at the local Great Cuts, of all places. Yes, my hair needs to be cut every four weeks, but the cost is twenty dollars with tip. I get an A both in the frugal and time management areas. My hair requires a quick blow dry, running my fingers, and I am finished.

On the other hand, there's the color issue. For years, I was gray, since like forty something. My husband liked it. I am one of those people who is not washed out by gray, and it was easy. On some level I decided to color my hair when I was returning to school-a security blanket issue I guess. While I also like the color, it also has to be done every our weeks. In theory ten dollars is not a great deal overall. But I wish I didn't have the expense. And I despise coloring my own hair.

When it comes to my skin, I've been fortunate to see a direct correlation between the exercise and diet I used to lose sixty pounds and my skin. Obviously said diet has been frugal over all (except in the area of needing new clothing). However, I have really, really, really dry skin. The kind of dry skin that makes you want to put face cream on more than once a day. Even the good, rich stuff. I used to use expensive products like Clinique. Those are really out of my budget now. I'm still experimenting and I would love to hear what others use-as long as it's not Vaseline or cold cream. Been there and done that. At the moment I'm experimenting with Olay Total Effects. Not cheap, but not as much as department stores jars either. In this area, life is an experiment.

I don't wear makeup. I know, I know. I'm either not valuing myself, or others will think I'm untrustworthy (see this research), or I've just let myself go. This is not an I'm retired and I'm a widow thing. It's what I did as a soccer mom/wife-and hubby loved it. It's an I don't have the time or patience thing. It's also the fact that I put cream on my face more than once a day on occasion-what would that do to my foundation. I wear a medium priced blush on some occasions(because my face never gets pink even when I'm outside in the fall). I use a good lip gloss, light perfume, and occasionally throw on some eye highlighter. Other than that, no makeup products cross my threshold.

Trying to exercise on a budget (especially with bad knees) has been an issue. Another area where I'm still searching for solutions. I am not a morning person-this can not be said often enough. I have bad knees. During the summer, my homeowners association had a pool and I did water aerobics every morning. Now, I'm trying to get myself to walk twenty minutes, which is a serious slow down. A gym is out of the question. So this area that I'm still working through is under improvement.

The nail issue. I'm a quilter, painter, home repairer, typist-it would be a waste of good money for me to do anything other than trim the nails on my hands close, buff and moisturize. On the other hand I love a good pedicure. In my perfect world, they would happen every three weeks. My wallet says think again!!!!! So, In the summer I go about six weeks, and in the winter (sock weather) I try to go every month or so. Unfortunately this is surely not a need, and I need to learn how to take care of my own feet. Now.

Other than that, I simply streamline my routines and clothing ( a separate subject in itself), and drink water, lots of water. Not as much as I should, but more than I did before I began my diet.

What about you? I would love to hear from both women (and their spouses/significant others) regarding how you look good (on or off a budget).

Frugal Fall - Preparing Your Home for Cooler Weather

2011-10-18T10:32:00.001-05:00

Fall is slowly descending here in Texas. Obviously, October in Texas is not what it might be in New York, Colorado or elsewhere. The days range between sixty five and eighty something, with the nights falling into the fifties. For me, it means that the heating/air conditioning can be turned off, and windows opened. However, we do get some winter in Texas. It's later and much less brutal than other parts of the country, but it does appear.

To that end, I've begun making small, frugal preparations to get us ready for cooler weather.I was never susie home maker, even in the best of times. I love being at home, but I don't love cleaning and maintaining that home per se. Unfortunately, maintenance and repairs have to be done in order to keep my home efficient and looking the way I like it. To that end, I begin with a checklist each season. I have a small checklist of routine maintenance that must be done. A few of these items have a minimal cost, but pay me back in efficiency. You may have a similar list, or one that is less complicated.

When it comes to the outside, much of the common wisdom doesn't apply. We don't turn off our sprinklers or drain our spigots here. Our patio furniture stays out on the patio year around (it's not the folding kind) and I don't even bother to cover it. I don't have to cover my air conditioner. Screens stay on year around and then are inspected and cleaned in the spring. I will inspect all the windows and doors. I'll also have my son climb up and look at the gutters (we had them cleaned early spring). I'd like to clean the windows, but it's not a must. I'd also like to get my chimney checked. Painting can be either here or there, depending on the mood. We only get snow or ice a couple times a year if at all. When we get an ice storm, it's a doozy, so I need to be sure that we have at least a little salt or chemicals (after all, Dallas doesn't even own a snowplow).

In terms of fall yard preparation, we put a really good load of mulch down everywhere. We're re landscaping some of the back yard. Since our first freeze will not come until Thanksgiving, we continue to till the backyard and fertilize at a slow pace, along with traditional lawn maintenance such as hedge trimming. In the spring we'll plant low water plants. Meanwhile, pots and the front walk will be planted with pansies and cool weather blooms.

Inside, we need to give the heating system our annual check. Its a small expense to be sure everything is working fine. I need to buy six month's worth of air filters. I'd be curious how often folks in warmer climes have their chimney checked-ours has not been done in the four years we've been here. I'm unsure how long before we moved that someone checked it. We also need a lesson, or at least help with our fireplace. It will not light (it's not a gas issue, it's a getting it to light issue). Last year it lit for Christmas and then not since. We need to put new batteries in all detectors (we have smoke and carbon detectors hardwired into our security system but we also have others)

As for the inside of the house, I traditionally "spring clean" in the fall. This was started many moons ago, when small children and their friends trashed the house over the summer (wet feet and bathing suits on furniture, sand from the outdoors and the like). I still keep that schedule. In terms of frugality and efficiency, I clean and organize my kitchen from top to bottom, and inventory my pantry. This gets me both prepared and in the mood for fall baking, Christmas cookies, and Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining. It's when I clean the cooking fan and the like.

Because windows can be left open at this time of year, fall is the perfect time to do those little maintenance items. You know, the ones that make what you have last longer and freshen the home at the same time? For me this includes cleaning the carpets in all rooms. We'll also rotate the mattresses and wash curtains and bedding. We;ll also do a room by room check of little repairs to be made. And we'll make a couple minor, low cost improvements such as changing my bathroom toilet area from dark rose to peach and hang some new curtain rods.

I'm sure I've left things off my list, which is why I'll check a couple websites to check their recommendations as I set in for the season change.

What about you. How do you prep for fall and winter, if at all?

Shopping Locally-Is It Worth It?

2011-10-15T14:42:00.000-05:00

I live in an area with lots of shopping. In my area at least, malls are giving way to outdoor shopping. Not the traditional strip mall, but rather shopping areas like this and this. Stores are interspersed with restaurants. Small shops abut department stores, and the shopping area closest to me even has a dog park. There is also a walking downtown as well as traditional mom and pop stores.

I am fortunate among all these shopping alternatives are quite a few individually owned small businesses. I have a locally owned, non chain bookstore. The kind that, like the big boys, has large coffee area, book groups and large spaces for reading. I have a non-chain fabric stores, scrapbook stores, clothing stores and other retail establishments.there are also locally owned printers, computer repair, and the like. I appreciate this in the extreme. I'm an extremely small business owner. While I rely on the web for some income, much of my income comes in locally. I rely on small businesses for my errand business and appreciate the struggle.

On the other hand, I have to watch my money. The question arises as to what to do when you want to support local businesses, but they are more expensive. Mind you, not all my local businesses are more expensive. My family owned hardware is extremely competitive. The local computer repair place wiped my computer of a virus for about a quarter of the Geek Squad's basic price. However, the bookstore is more expensive than discount online stores. The same is true of my local fabric store-they try to give the best price possible they cannot compete with Joanne fabrics or online choices. So what's a frugal gal to do? Especially since I have to pass the cost of goods onto my customers in terms of fabric and thread.

Sometimes it's a tough choice, but for now I've decided that whenever possible I'll make the local choice. Sometimes this may mean that I will be able to buy less, but I've decided that's okay. Mostly, the quality of the items in my local shops are superior to Walmart and Target. The items are sometimes (but not always) locally made. I like where I live and I like the kind of shopping and atmosphere-I figure whenever I can support that on my fixed income I should do so.

Sometimes I'm sure, Ill stray from the path-especially when I'm searching for supplies to make items to resell. But for now, I'll keep my small amount of money in my neighborhood as much as possible.

What about you-do you have locally owned stores? Do they provide quality? Do you shop there? Or do you prefer to stick with the big boys and their (sometime) big discounts. What works for you?

Living Richly In Retirement-Who Has Time for a Job?

2011-10-13T07:55:00.000-05:00

Recently, I've begun to wonder how I ever had time for a job.

Obviously in some sense, early retirement has allowed me a slower schedule. I have full control of my time and how I spend it. I move (most of the time) as the mood strikes. I’ve been known to stay up until two am, sleep until nine or so, and spend the day on the patio with some iced tea and the newest best seller. These are all great things about retirement.

The other side of retirement is being able to explore all of those experiences and passions that I simply did not have time for in the working and parenting world. Occasionally I say as much, usually when I see a comment about boredom in retirement-or from a younger person wondering what on earth they will do with their time when they retire. My answer is “whatever you like”!

Admittedly, I am a gal who had multiple interests and passions before enforced retirement. I also had a laundry list (mainly in my head at the time) of things I wanted to try “at least once”, even if they never became true hobbies. The end result is that many days I have more things I want to do than I have time to do-and I love it, most of the time. These days, after making the choice to return to college, life has become busier (and a tad more scheduled, unfortunately). Even before school, however, what to do was never a concern.

I imagine the primary reason I am busy post retirement is I had a variety of hobbies and interests long before I got here. Those interests kept me busy, and as I became more involved in those hobbies, other interests popped up. Some of those kept my interest over the long haul and some I tried once or twice and then moved on. I figured if I didn’t at least try (insert your hobby of choice here) then I would never know if I liked it or not. What’s happened is I’ve ended up with a couple “big” hobbies and a bunch of lesser interests and passions that get fit in, along with volunteering and the occasional income stream.

Now we come to the point where someone is reading this and says, “but……………” Let me say that everyone is unique. Some people like to be busier, some like a slower pace. The fact that I like that slower pace is the reason I hope not to get another “real job”. As to being on a fixed or lowered income and having hobbies, if I can do it anyone can. I’m now on social security with some assistance from a pension and the occasional quilt consignment. I quilt. I travel (lots of one and two day trips and a few long road trips), I go to the movies, and I garden (but not well). Having a limited income does not in and of itself require one to retire to the house with the television and little else. While frugality, limited mobility or location may affect your interests and choices in small ways, the options out there are unlimited.

As for the income question, yes, I probably need a little extra income- at least for a while. But I believe that income can be found at home, doing things I enjoy, on my own schedule.

Was I thrilled when society thrust both widowhood and enforced retirement on me? Absolutely not. But by taking the journey I’ve come to appreciate the freedom to do all those things I never had time or energy for in the working world. As a result I’ve decided I’ll take this version of retirement-frugal fixed income and all.

Frugal Fall-Sort of

2011-10-11T00:36:00.000-05:00

Every season has it's own frugal advantages (and disadvantages). Way back in March, I shared why I thought Spring was an especially frugal season, in terms of frugal enjoyment and entertainment and lowered utility costs, just to name a few.

Now fall has slowly entered the scene here in Texas. As with many things in life, the seasons are relative depending on location. Here in Dallas, fall means that while it's still eighties during the day, our nights have cooled to as low as sixty. We still enjoy outside activities and many college students still are wearing shorts to classes. I can again sit out and enjoy my patio from early in the morning to late and night, and our frost will probably not be before the end of November. Nevertheless, images of pumpkins abound, as do fall festivals and other signs of fall.

I'm not the only one thinking about fall, frugally or otherwise. Lot's of blogs about the advent of fall, including this one by Bill Birnbaum. When it comes to myself, as always, I try and look for the frugal benefit of each season, and fall is no exception. Of course, there are always a few non frugal benefits to any season.

The biggest frugal change is that my utility bills usage drops like a stone. After two months of triple digit days, my air conditioning has met it's match. Even with utility averaging, monthly costs were rising. The next couple of months will feature much lowered cooling bills, with the screen doors open as much as possible (note: in Texas the summer is always more expensive than the winter. After all, we live in the middle of oil and natural gas). We will use the air conditioning on occasion (we don't get enough of a breeze from leaving windows open alone), but not to any previous extent.

I get to cook more "frugally friendly meals". Because of the heat and air conditioning (and just because we like to grill), much of our summer fare is things like grilled chicken breasts and chops.We rely extensively on my extreme cocooning skills to keep groceries low. Once I can get out the slow cooker and occasionally use the oven, I am able to cook cheaper cuts of meats and cheaper meals such as soups and stews. Upcoming menus include chicken with wine, deviled short ribs, sausage stew and homemade soup. Mixed in with those options are still many salads and items cooked on the grill, but now I grill when I want, not because it's too hot inside.

In the same vein, it's fall vegetable time. While I don't love squash, apples and pumpkins and other veggies are widely available now, and many so called summer vegetables still are plentiful. Pumpkins and apples and carrots and other vegetables make wonderful low cost meals-and it's also time for preserving those things as well, both for me and for gifts.

It's fall festival time. There have been some various Oktoberfest celebrations (entertainment for the price of a beer), as well as many fall craft and school fairs (cheap entertainment and low cost gifts). Further afield are more festivals, and if I wish to travel day trip opportunities abound at this time of year. Simply by driving south into hill country for a day, I can see the leaves turn every color under the sun (literally) for the price of a partial tank of gas and my packed lunch. Everywhere you look there's a pumpkin patch with scarecrow, often offering a hay ride for pennies.

I can, again, exercise outdoors. During the summer it was impossible to walk daily in the weather, requiring me to pay for the local facility or else walk in the mall. I am frugal because I don't go to malls. Enough said.

Seasonally updating and decorating is easy at this time of year. It's easy to find or buy things in fall colors. A trip to the pumpkin patch and a trip to the backyard along with some seasonal candy make easy updates to my house. It's totally refreshed for a new season.

Fall will, hopefully, be the most successful season in terms of making money, both in the book and quilting business. I already have an order for twenty five sets of coasters for a client to give to the people on her staff. I hope to cash in on the Christmas gift market - by having lots of low cost items available in my shop by November first.

Last but not least, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention a few completely unfrugal reasons I like the fall. First and foremost, it's football and baseball playoff season. What this love has to do with frugality I am unsure-other than the fact that if I am hunkered down in front of the TV with my popcorn and soda, I'm not out shopping. The other wonderful thing about fall is that the children are in school again. Sorry parents, it's nothing personal-I just look forward to shopping on the weekdays or enjoying the library without the pitter patter of young feet. I enjoyed the sound of those feet during the summer, but now I'm ready for a little peace and quiet.

What about you-is fall a frugal season or not? What's the most frugal season for you?

Preparing for Retirement-Investing In Future Needs

2011-10-08T11:02:00.000-05:00

Preparing to entire the retirement zone requires us to look at all aspects of retirement preparation. When discussing financial preparations before or after retirement, most advice centers around investments and/or downsizing options. While both of these financial considerations are important, I would suggest that there is another use for money in retirement preparation.

In order to have a rich and yet frugal retirement, you need to have most of what you need. You also need to have lowered expenses, as much as is feasible. Getting to these two place may involve some investments in things prior to retirement or at the beginning of your retirement zone. Even if you've already retired, I would suggest it may be advantageous for you to take a slightly larger amount in the earlier years if it means lowered expenses later. Not only will some of these so called investments lower costs for you in later years, the costs themselves will be lower now. Costs of goods rarely go down and when they do, the amount is often not significant.

Where might you invest this money? The obvious place to invest money is in our home, assuming we plan to remain there for some time. I'm not speaking of huge improvements such as additions. I am, however, talking about changes that will do one of two things-either lower our monthly and annual costs, or make our home more accessible to us later in life. Improving windows, adding ceiling or whole house fans or updating old appliances to energy saving alternatives are all examples of this. Installing grab bars, a higher toilet seat, or adjusting plumbing so that washer and dryer can be on the main floor are all small to moderate investments to make your home take you through retirement. Will you necessarily need these changes at fifty or sixty? Probably not. But you'll thank yourself for them at seventy. Not only that, but at seventy you pay for both inflation and labor, while now you may be able to invest some sweat equity.

Another home related investment may be small changes to your home to make it more comfortable to be in full time. After all, you most likely will be spending many more hours at home-you want it to be a place that you'll be happy to spend time in. We need to look at our homes differently when we and our significant others spend most of the time there instead of just evenings and weekends. For some of us, this may fall under hobbies and post retirement activities. If gardening is a passion or hobby, obviously you'll spend lots of retirement time working to make your yard and patio what you would like it to be. For folks like me, who need lots of help to get my ideal patio to a pretty, low effort place, outside help and money will be a requirement.

The basic day to day needs of life is a third place we may want to invest some cash early on in retirement (or pre retirement). Many lifestyle bloggers and commentators observe that the reason they can manage so well in retirement is that they have most of what they will ever need. I once joked on this blog that I might never need to buy another pair of shoes again. A comment from another blogger humorously implied that I was being a tad unrealistic. Eventually, yes, I will need to replace shoes. But it will be done at my pace. Not only that but my replacement needs will probably be less later in retirement. We know we will need more so called "at home" or casual clothing and less dress for success items. Pre-retirement may be the time to invest in more jeans and casual pants, sandals and the like. Most of us have had our own households for many years. Even so, there may be some holes in what we need to keep us going.

Note: This is where I add that although I am certainly in favor of decluttering and making life more simple, I encourage folks on fixed incomes, lower, or retirement incomes to consider seriously before downsizing. While we don't want things we cannot use, we need to make sure we don't eliminate a need-something that saves us money or effort. While someone may say "I can always buy another one if I need it", that repurchased item will probably cost up to double of the original. That's never a good thing when you're trying to be financially conservative. Consider future needs as well as current needs and space when deciding what to keep and what to throw.

If we KNOW we'll continue to pursue an interest post retirement, it MAY be worth investing in recreational equipment to use later. I'm extremely grateful that I had the foresight to purchase my really good three thousand dollar sewing machine pre- retirement. I'm not likely to give up quilting and plan to use that skill to bring in money-so its an expense that made sense. However, I as mentioned elsewhere, I would not invest in a hobby that I was just beginning to explore as a retirement interest.

Transportation is the last major way that I would suggest some pre-retirement (or early retirement spending) may make sense. One of the "smart" ways I went through my life insurance quickly was doing things like buying a grand new, top rated Toyota Rav4 and paying cash for it. I have reliable transportation for road tripping, no car payments, and reduced insurance costs all because of this choice.

I've just mentioned a few ways that it may make sense to spend money to save money and effort in retirement. Obviously, everyone's spending abilities and comfort level varies. In many ways, my life is the perfect example of the many people who receive life insurance or other money and promptly spend rather than save. The other side of that coin is that while I have many regrets in my spending choices, I consider some of that spending to be "investment spending" that will reward me in the long run. Some of those expenses include a forty percent down payment on my home, paying cash for a car, investing in education for myself and my son. Other worthwhile expenses were the purchase of a Texas worthy casual clothing wardrobe, a freezer for taking advantage of bulk cooking, the aforementioned home improvements, and other household needs improve quality of life and lower my monthly costs. Even though these expenses mean I am looking to further savings now, those particular expenses were investments in the future.

Lastly, I would suggest again that not only will spending today's dollars save money over costs in ten years, but our ability to contribute our own labor and skills lessen inevitably as we age. Today I am able to re tile my own bathroom, and put my own grab bars up using a drill. In fifteen years my arthritis may allow neither, and my costs in fifteen years would include not only more costly materials but the additional cost of labor.

What about you? Have you invested in things or your home in preparation for your retirement lifestyle? Have you considered doing so?

Living Richly In Retirement: A Few Quick Ways To Improve Your Health-And Perhaps Your Bottom Line

2011-10-04T19:26:00.000-05:00

The importance of good health in retirement (or any other time, for that matter) cannot be emphasized too much. Staying fit and healthy lowers medical costs, gives us more energy in retirement and keeps us young. Ideally, being healthy should be a life habit. However, many folks enter the retirement zone after working in an office. Others may have spent too much time enjoying that "do nothing" phase and need a good push.

No matter the reason, it's wise to remember that it's never to late to be healthy. This is true if you're still in the working world, looking forward to retirement, or fully retired. Now is the time to increase your health level so that you can fully enjoy this time of your life. It's also always wise to try and increase our bottom line, even if only by pennies. While I'm not an expert (nor do I play one on TV), in the past year I've lost sixty pounds, lowered my numbers dramatically and increased my energy. Some of these suggestions I have used, some not. But all are easy ways to make yourself just a little a little healthier in the long run.

Stop Smoking-or at least cut down. Yes, I know it's difficult, and since I never smoked, I have no first hand experience with how difficult. However, the amount of money spent on cigarettes is scary, and the costs of smoking (physical and financial are obvious). I was married to a guy who smoked for thirty years and did everything including acupuncture to try and quit.

Start moving, even if it's just a bit. If possible, do that moving outside, unless the weather is extreme. We all need movement and fresh air. Unfortunately sitting on the patio with my pina colada doesn't really qualify as fresh air. Aerobic exercise increases health, improves blood pressure, helps with depression and frees up your mind. Depending on your personality, you may choose to do this alone or with partners. I personally prefer to walk alone-its amazing the ideas I have during this time.

Cut out some fat-dietary fat that is. For most people, cutting fat is easier than cutting sugar. Cutting sugar often involves some kind of withdrawal. Moving to low fat salad dressing, sour cream and cottage cheese is a slight change that will reap rewards over and over.

Slowly add fruits and veggies to your diet. Hardly anyone eats enough of these on a regular basis. My experience is that the best way to eliminate the bad stuff is to add the good stuff first. I can attest to the fact it can be a shock to your system to radically drop calories and give up everything you live. But simple steps like this can help.

If you have not seen a DR lately, make an appointment and get your pressure, cholesterol and sugar checked. These are all problems that can easily be corrected, and can adversely affect your health. High blood pressure especially has almost no symptoms in the early states. If you doctor allows, look to exercise and diet to correct first. I've had to fight with my Dr to lower and get rid of my blood pressure medicine under the "once you stop you can never start" theory of medication.

Watch the wine. I love wine, I adore wine, in a perfect world I'd have a good few glasses of wine every night. A glass a day, especially of red wine, can even improve health. Too much wine makes you lethargic and we won't even talk about the calories.

Get enough sleep-even if you have to take a nap. Many of us have shorter "sleeping spans" now than when we were younger. We still need our rest, however. Flexible schedules allow for afternoon naps, sleeping later than when we were working and other alternatives.

Try and Reduce Stress. Yes, we can still have stress, even in retirement. Find ways-such as exercise-to deal with stress and anger.

Cut down on the television. I would never suggest giving up television. Especially at this time of the year, when both baseball and football are my friends, television is a part of my life. But make TV a conscious choice-and attempt to cut down an hour a day with possible. If nothing else you will free up an hour for exercise.

Consider exploring a hobby that doesn't require just sitting around. The ways and alternatives for making time for healthy exercise could make a blog post of its own-and possibly will. However, it's worth noting that a person who enjoys only sedentary pastimes (sewing, reading, genealogy) probably need to make a special effort to find interests that both require a certain amount of movement and involve interaction with other people.

Living Richly On A Fixed Income-Looking After The Little Things

2011-10-02T22:51:00.000-05:00

As I'm fairly sure anyone who has ever read this blog knows, I am not one to bemoan living on a fixed income (most of the time). I haven't retreated to the house, given up friends and entertaining, or forgotten about traveling. I try and live my early retirement life by doing things I enjoy and that are challenging, spontaneous even.

One of the ways I manage to do that is by remembering to mind the little things. If you're like me, you have more than one or two of those small expenses. These are expenses that we make simply out of habit. Mainly I'm talking about day to day expenses here. These tend to be the kind of expenses that one blogger calls "But it's only....." costs. Often this kind of spending is mindless-we hardly notice it at the time. That, or else we decide that it's only a small luxury, sometime to make us feel good-at least temporarily. However, savings is savings, no matter the amount. While some may say that it makes no sense to watch the lattes (or colas), many lattes make a movie ticket. On some level, savings is always offset by something else-be it the $60.00 cable bill or the $6.00 lunch. In my case, I would prefer that money to go towards the "something else".

Different folks have different money drains. Mine tend to be food and books. I'm not talking dining here, rather fast food out and food waste at home. Or my habit of grabbing magazines or books when there are perfectly good books at the library. Lately, I've been trying to make a more concerted effort to tighten the proverbial faucet. I have some improvements I want to make to my house (some small, but they do add up). Christmas is looming, along with attendant travel, celebrations and concerts.

When it comes to "food out" , two days a week I attend school from late morning to early evening. Often on a third day I am out and about for a large part of the day-it may be shopping and doing errands, sightseeing, spending the day at the zoo, or some other event. Left to my own devices the water, snacks and lunches on these days could add up to more than just pennies. I've taught myself to take a page out of my frugal travel book (the picnic lunch page). Since I've always had a well stocked pantry, I have a small lunch bag and I pack a lunch, some extra drinks a snack and napkin and silverware (I always keep hand wipes and some crackers in my care). Simply doing this has saved me between ten and fifteen dollars on days I attend college alone.

As for "food in". This is a work in progress. I'm an expert at shopping and eating healthily and well on a budget-the extreme coupon shopper at work. However, I'm still not at the level I would like to be when it comes to food waste. Even though I cook in bulk and freeze, and use many "for two" recipes, waste is still a problem. And, with the cost of food these days, that adds up. Some of this is because I'm still adjusting amounts. Sometimes this happens because my son or I think we have a plan instead of freezing. Sometimes things still get lost in the fridge. So I've been much more careful-if I don't think something will be used right away I freeze it, and I encourage both son and myself to eat leftovers for lunches and snacks. Another small savings that will add up.

Lastly, in order to keep my budget under control, I've put my kindle aside except for travel and a few other occasions. Yes, I know, many will sing praises of the kindle. In some places you can download books from the library, there are free books, and so on. However, a great majority of my reading is current mystery or non fiction (John Sanford, Michael Connelly, current craft books). Often these things can be upwards of ten dollars even on a Kindle. Not bad perhaps, but at my library they are free. I can reserve them well in advance of publication and read them almost as soon as they come out. I do reserve my kindle for somethings-if I can get a textbook at a reasonable price I do so even if I cannot resell it, for example (just because of the weight factor). But other than for study and travel, I've removed the buy it now option and put my kindle aside for day to day reading.

What about you-do you have small leaks that can be plugged here and there go get you better financial results? If not, you may be able to make substitutions-something I'll talk about soon.

Fixed Income Retirement-Affording Hobbies and Passions

2011-09-30T12:13:00.000-05:00

One of the many concerns about entering the retirement zone has to do with lifestyle issues such as hobbies and travel.Those who have active hobbies wonder if they will still be able to enjoy their passions. Folks who have been dreaming about indulging in new interests may wonder-will that still be possible? The short answer to both is yes.

Obviously there are a few hobbies out there that require a certain amount of disposable income (flying, boating, mountain climbing in the Himalayas come to mind). For the rest of us, there are certainly ways to continue our passions without breaking the bank or becoming homeless. Some planning may be involved. I am a quilter (quilt fabric alone averages 9 dollars per yard), I love to do gourmet cooking. My son a semi unemployed post-college student is passionate about golf, among other things. We still manage to pursue these interests, and you can probably do the same, with a little forethought. I haven't included travel in this missive because I believe frugal travel in retirement is worth it's own article (if not two or three).

If you re just investigating a hobby/passion, wait to purchase all the tools of the hobby until you are committed. Use cheaper equipment, rent, or borrow until you are SURE this is where your interest lies. I am one of those Renaissance types who knows a little about a lot of things (a Jeopardy contestant waiting to happen). But I've only seriously invested cash in those few things that I believe will keep me interested years down the road.

If you have a more costly hobby now, remember that the freedom of retirement may allow you more cost flexibility. The cost of eighteen holes the links on a weekday afternoon is certainly less, for example, than Saturday morning

Buy the best tools that you can reasonably afford, and then work with what you have. In most hobbies, or interests the tools of the trade (sewing machines, golf clubs, knives, climbing equipment, racing bikes) are where the true cost lies. This doesn't mean these items have to be new, or even the most expensive. They have to do the job and make you feel comfortable using them. To use the golf club example again-my six foot six inch son grew about four inches in the space of two years. He required new, special height golf clubs Someone got a lovely pair of golf clubs sold through Craigslist, that probably lasted them forever (as he expects to happen to the new ones). Sewing machines that do quilting can run from a couple hundred up to five thousand dollars, but the lower priced ones work well and many things can be found used.

Keep the ancillary costs down. This means once you've gotten that basic equipment, purchase additional supplies due to a serious need or want-and look at alternative methods. I have, in midlife, decided to learn gardening. I could bring in truck loads of plants. Instead of chosen to grow from seed and clippings as much as possible, and fertilize with natural materials. Obviously if I want to make scarves, I need yarn. I don't need a laundry basket full of yarn, however. Again, consider alternative sources for these materials and supplies. I often get enough yarn from a thrift shop to make a scarf or hat. The second hand market is full of sporting good supplies, used books, and collectibles if you are a collector. And remember that stores make big bucks getting us to buy stuff for which we have absolutely no need- home improvement, golf and hobby stores are no exception.

Join a group of like minded people. In addition to sharing your passion, part of your conversations will be about where to get materials (when the restaurant store has a sale, for example) and where to partake of your interest cheaply (the best cheap golf courses, when William Sonoma has a free cooking class). The garden club in my town is holding a swap this week-for plants, clipping, pots and gardening supplies.

If you are looking for a new hobby, consider adding at least one low cost hobby to your repertoire. Believe me, they exist. Acting in community theater, hiking/Vollksmarching, running, writing, collecting non-antiques, naturalism, community activism, drawing, and team sports participation are just a few of the hobbies that are free save for a few start up costs.

Also, consider adding a hobby that may improve your financial situation and/or your quality of life Learning woodworking may not only be a passion, it may help you to improve your surroundings, or you may even make gifts. I've decided to learn to can food. While this involved the one time purchase of a canner as well as jars and lids, I feel that it will save me money in the long run, as well as improve the quality of my family's food while controlling ingredients (and if next years garden improves, it may save me even more money). Marathon running and biking improve your health.

Consider making gifts to offset some of the cost of your hobby. I'm not merely speaking about those crafty hobbies, mind you. Gifted writers or genealogists can pen short family memories or humorous poems for cards or gifts. Woodworkers can make gifts without being "artistic". Most of my house is filled with photos rather than paintings and I would happily put a really good travel photo on my wall. Ideally my canning and cooking skills will allow me to give homemade sauces (barbecue and dessert), pickles and mojito jelly as gifts this year.

Pace yourself if you are adding new hobbies after retirement. Other wise you may end up with a houseful of stuff you don't use, no room to move, and feel overwhelmed. Most of us have one or two major interests or passions and a few interests in which we "dabble". In addition to being sure you have an interest before investing financially, be sure you have the passion and energy to maintain the hobby over the long haul. It's fine to experiment with many things-but keep your major emphasis on a few.

My last two thoughts on affordable and retirement hobbies are two. First, if you have a gift or skill consider using it to help others. Most any hobby leads itself to volunteering, be it using woodworking to assist Habitat for Humanity, teaching golf to children, or making blankets for newborns or abandoned pets. Using your hobby to volunteer will bring it to a new level, I assure you. My second thought is that many hobbies translate into streams of income. If you feel you need extra money or a part time job, consider using your hobby as a base. It will offset costs, and perhaps bring in income. However, remember that once a hobby becomes "work" you sometimes have a different relationship. In my case I still love to quilt, for myself and others. However, there is a different element that comes in when quilting to sell (things like keeping track of the hours I spend, deciding on fair value and so on). At this point it is still a joy to me. If that changed, I would have change the work aspect of that hobby.

Single Retirement-Making Connections

2011-09-27T00:32:00.001-05:00

Approximately 43 percent of Americans are single. That's a conservative estimate, and I imagine the number is higher when it comes to baby boomers and retirees.

Being single has it's challenges. It often seems that even with almost half the population single, society is geared to married folks-coupples. I'm not just talking about finances, although the benefits of marriage can be pretty obvious, especially in retirement. Married, never-married or widowed, being alone in retirement has additional challenges. We have one income to use when planning for retirement and social security. If we're widowed, we have the extra burden of learning to live alone. while it can have it's joys, there are also some major adjustments. One of the biggest challenges that can face single retirees is making connections. Some folks retire in place with ready made connections. Some retire to live near family-but still need friends and a social life. Others move to a completely new place and need to make all new connections. Obviously some of these issues face couples, but the problem is more intense when we live on our own.

Primarily, I fall into the latter group. Although in theory I moved to live near family (giving my children a chance to connect with grandparents), in terms of my personal needs I was on my own. Although I have children living with me now, there have been times when I was entirely on my own-and frankly, I need a social life outside my kids at this point in my life.

Although I am not one to normally "put myself out there", I decided that I would have to make the first step to meet new people-both so I would not be lonely, and so I would have some kind of support system other than family. It's taken awhile, but I have slowly reached that point (unfortunately, my college student who has returned home again and knows no one in Texas is still struggling with this issue). How did I get here? Through a few different paths.

First, I researched churches and found one that worked for me. This is not the first church I visited, nor is it the closet church to my house. It's the church I feel comfortable in, a place where the community is not all about Sunday morning. I started by saying hello and very shyly going alone to a couple church suppers and ended up finding both a book group and a widow's support group. While some may object to church shopping, I believe that churches are communities and as such, you need to mesh. I also realize that some folks may suggest that I mention church often. To that I will only say that if one has some faith, eventually one will find a church that fits.

Secondly, I searched out other's who enjoyed the hobbies that I do. I found out when the local quilt guild met, and the next Monday I entered as a guest (and died of embarrassment when the guests were asked to stand). After attending once a month for a few months, I found a small group of women who met weekly, and joined them. This time is spent visiting and snacking and getting some hobby work done. I also found a book group that meets at the local bookstore.

Almost four years later, I belong to a weekly quilt group, a bi monthly women's group, a monthly rotating dinner group, two book groups and a few other organizations. There were also some other things I did that introduced me to new and like minded people (both married and single). One of them was my water aerobics class. When making new connections, it's best to look outside your own box and choose opportunities that include couples and people of various ages.
It can be difficult to meet new people, and the first time you step out, it may be more than difficult. In the long run, we all need connections, no matter how you make them. If you still work, you could join other people who are walking or exercising. Folks with small businesses may find joining the Chamber of Commerce not only helps their business but leads to new friends and acquaintances as well. Someone who enjoys a sport may join one through a recreation league. How we meet new people depends on our needs, time and personality.

Before I returned to college, I had a schedule that took me out for "people contact" twice a week (not including Sunday and basic things like doing my errands). This is fine for me because I enjoy being at home most of the time. someone who gets lonely easier or needs more human contact will have to find other solutions (more on cheap ways to get out of the house later on). No matter how you make and meet new friends, they will enrich your life.

Living Richly in Retirement-When Should I Access Social Security?

2011-09-24T12:43:00.001-05:00

The big question facing many retirees is when to take social security. Since the "full retirement" age has changed to 70, the question has become more difficult for many people. It used to be that the advise from SS itself was to take benefits early(the take it while you can still enjoy it theory). Now they tend to advise people to wait, arguing that have more money per month later is important, especially as we live longer.

It's a difficult question, and it seems to me that the answers cross the spectrum. For some people waiting til 70 makes sense. These folks most likely have large savings (the kind we're all "supposed" to have) or else the ability work more years at a regular job. For the rest of us, the answers will lie somewhere in between. Some folks will take Social Security early for fear of what may happen to the system later, others will take it out of need. Others will opt in for any one of many reasons.

In my case, I have taken social security exceptionally early. At fifty nine (about to turn sixty), I'm now eligible for my husband's social security benefit. In theory, I could defer this, just as I could defer my own benefit for up to ten years. I chose to take this social security benefit as soon as I could for a variety of reasons. The first and most obvious reason was that due to some pretty horrible financial decisions (or lack of intelligent decision), I was operating with no savings and a thousand dollar pension. Social security moves me from having nothing to having a moderate income-which I am still learning to manage in retirement.

Even without this circumstance however, I can see good reasons to take social security early, both for myself and for others. Why?

It may be that taking social security makes more sense than increasing your annual "take" from savings and investments. If your "number" per year is too tight, social security may make the difference. Yes, you could also take more from savings. But if you believe as many do that in the end result you make money in the stock market, it may make more sense to leave that interest producing money where it is. At the moment I have no savings. but I hope to rebuild at some level, and I would like that money to be earning money for as long as possible.
Even if you are not on the edge, taking social security may enable certain extras. While most of us manage to cut expenses in retirement, there are those occasions where we could make use of that extra cash for the little things.
For most of us, expenses (other than medical costs) will lessen as we age. We'll certainly be more interested in traveling at sixty five than at, say, eighty five. This in no way implies that life is not full at eighty five, just different. As such, I prefer to have the extra income available currently.
For some, taking that money enables us to actually make life more stable later on. While some retirees have homes paid off, upgraded, repaired and outfitted for later years, some of us are not there yet. If I am to retire in place, it makes more sense for me to use whatever income I have now to make my house manageable, insulate to decrease costs, add things like safety bars and security systems if i feel they are needed. Not only that, but it may be cheaper to do it now while am able to do a certain amount of labor myself.
We can always change our minds. I have returned to college with the goal of working at least part time as a translator. I also have a slowly blooming quilt business. Should those two options produce enough income for me, I can simply contact social security and defer payments until a later date.

Financial decisions are unique to each family or person. This is true at any time of life. While I realize the official "doctrine' on social security is the opposite of what I have chosen, it works for me. What about you-have you made a decision on social security? How will you manage (or are you managing) that portion of your retirement finances.

Fixed Income Retirement- Building a Cushion (or, how to get some savings)

2011-09-21T16:49:00.000-05:00

Right now, frugal retirement finances are the topic of many a retirement blog. The discussion rages on about how little or how much one "needs" for retirement. I would suggest that the primary problem for those of us who live on fixed incomes is not necessarily the monthly amount in terms of monthly living expenses(although that can be a grave concern for some). Rather, the issue is all those pesky emergencies and irregular expenses that are not necessarily part of the budget. For some folks, the solution for certain expenses will simply be to divide the annual amount into a monthly expenditure and make it part of the budget. For those of us living closer to the bone, we need other back up alternatives.

Either way, one needs savings in retirement. One can debate what that amount should be in a perfect world. Most of us are not perfect. So how do those of us already retired (or soon to enter the retirement zone), prepare ourselves for those expenses? Many of these expenses are of the type that simply get ignored until some windfall comes, and I aim to avoid falling into that rut. I don't want to be the gal who ignores car maintenance or repairs until the car falls apart or I have an accident. Since I'm retiring in place, I don't want to ignore home repairs or easy upgrades. Better to take care of those things regularly and often.

Obviously the primary goal is always to cut expenses first. Start with the little things and move up (more on those later)

My monthly income barely covers my living expenses at the moment. However, by fine tuning (primarily by fully emancipating my under employed college student), I am able to get to a place where all my needs and many of my wants will be covered monthly. Still uncovered however, are a small plethora of expenses not figured into that budget. Irregular and unforeseen costs that could kill the budget (emergency car repairs, excessive home repair costs like my recent air conditioner fiasco, extra medical costs, and other such items). I need a savings/emergency account. I'm not at all sure it needs to be fifty thousand dollars, but it does need to be "enough".

In looking at how to accrue that money, I've considered many options as viable. Some of these are traditional "saving methods", other are outside the box.

I could put money aside from monthly expenses. While my goal between now and 1 January is to give myself some cushion (I'll say bye bye to cable after the Superbowl), I prefer to look at that as cash on hand, kept in the house for the moment. However, it may make more sense to designate this specifically as savings (low as current savings interests are).
I can put money received as gifts into that fund. I still get occasional cash gifts for birthdays and Christmas and instead of spending them will put them away. While these gifts are not huge, as the saying goes, every little bit adds up.
I can work part time and consider my job my "savings fund job". If it were a job, I would then stop when that savings was at the level I thought it should be. In my case, I started an income stream for this specific purpose, and put those fees towards savings.
I could fit the annual cost of a home warranty into my budget. While many financial gurus think this is a no no, for retirees it may be a smart move. This is especially true if you have an older house and or cannot do the labor yourself. However, at $400 annually and an average fee of $60 for a service call, it would not pay for itself if all I needed was a new dishwasher in the next year.
I could, at some point, look at a reverse mortgage. I'm a new homeowner, still building equity, so at this point it's something I would not consider at fifty something moving into sixty. However, considering the changes made in reverse mortgages, it's not something I would rule out in say, fifteen years or so-if I were to retire in place.
I could look at all insurances and fees, and put whatever savings I found toward savings. In my case, except for elimination of cable (too bad you cannot watch football on hulu), I've done that search. However, it's something I attempt to do every year as you never know what can be cut.
I could, if had things of value that would not be missed, sell something. My husband and I would probably have sold a second car if we had two for example.
I could downsize (assuming my house could be sold), move into a smaller home and pocket the cash. Again, this is something that is not workable for me now (having chosen to stay in this home), but it is something that works for many. It's one of those things I leave on the back burner to consider at some point.

I'm sure there are many methods I've ignored. Obviously, my savings will probably never reach fifty thousand-at least not anytime soon. My small financial cushion will not be a guarantee. Then again, as history has shown us, half a million in retirement savings is not necessarily a guarantee. I've been positioned and/or positioned myself in such a way that I believe that I can managed for now with even less than the aforementioned fifty thousand (having good health insurance with a $4000 catastrophic limit, having both social security and a small pension, knowing how to live and travel frugally........)

The important thing is to manage on what you have, never give up, and find creative ways to take care of both wants and needs.

Fixed Income LIving-What If You Still Need More Money.

2011-09-17T23:38:00.002-05:00

The world need can be literal or figurative. It's definition by nature depends on the person using it. No matter your definition, what if all your needs are not met. You've figured the budget, done the math, and you still need more money. Now what? The way I see it, there are three choices-the after retirement job, the after retirement small/home business, and playing the market (although some might say the latter was a job). While I won't comment on the day trading aspect, both of the other two options have advantages and disadvantages

Many folks find getting a part time job a solution. Part time work outside the house has its advantages. It gets you outside of the house, if you have that need. it can be a chance for socialization as well. Assuming you have a regular weekly schedule, the amount you will receive will probably not vary much from week to week. Income will arrive in a couple weeks, as opposed to a small business which has a start up delay both in terms of money and time. A part time job will probably not cost you much, other than commuting costs. On the other hand, when you have a part time job, you gotta be there. Some flexibility is lost. You may be reporting to people younger than you, and you will be low man on most of the proverbial totem poles. Last but not least, I would simply observe that as retirees, most of the jobs we take are those that traditionally are taken by entry young people. If we need those jobs, what are we expecting them to do.

The biggest advantage of self employment (usually but not always done at home in retirement) is the freedom of control-of our time as well as other aspects of life. Obviously if you are in anything related to customer service, you will have appointments to be kept. On the other hand, most of your schedule is up to you. So if you wish to spend the day on the patio with a book, life as you know it may not end. A small business may be more fulfilling as it is most likely to be a hobby or an interest that you have developed further. A small business can keep you close to home (a double edged sword, I know). The biggest downsides to self employment are irregular income and the need to develop a customer base before you see a profit. Most small/home businesses require investments of time, money or both in the start up process. While there are some service business that bring in money immediately, few of us are ready to mow lawns for instant cash, if you get my drift.

Obviously, before looking for second income, you should reevaluate your expenses and financial position. Downsize as much as is humanly possible according to your comfort level and financial needs. Ideally, the second income should be used for wants, extras that make us feel less deprived, rather than for needs. Know how much you would like to make, as well as how you will make do if the job doesn't work out or the business doesn't succeed. Remember that life is to be enjoyed. Most of us have no desire to work full time (self employed or otherwise) after retirement. By adjusting your life so that you NEED less, you will come ahead either way.

When I chose to stay in my home, keep the cable, travel and quilt, I accepted the fact that extra money would be required beyond social security and pension. However, that was a conscious choice., as was the one to commit to working for myself (at least for now). In my case, I need the ability to work around my school schedule. I like and need to be at home, much of the time. At another time (post degree) I may choose the employment option, or I may freelance as a translator, who knows. Everyone makes different choices.

My last thought is this........when it comes to employment or self employment those of you who are couples should throw out those gender roles already. I say this as a woman who spent most of her life as an at home mom and wife, working here and there to bring in a bit as it was needed. If the primary breadwinner wants or needs to not work, perhaps the other partner should take a turn.

Fixed Income Living-Do It Myself Landscaping

2011-09-15T19:39:00.000-05:00

For me, the two greatest advantages of retirement are time and flexibility. As I said in this post, most of the time these two trump money-up to a certain point. The combination of flexibility and time afford a great deal of freedom. They allow me to shop when others are working. I can jump in the car and travel as the mood strikes (and take advantage of off season prices). I get to schedule my days as I see fit. This means that at any day I can sew, read, work, cook, relax, or any combination thereof. I can meet someone for brunch or lunch just because I feel like it. I can (and generally do) read until after midnight and arise between eight and nine.

There are always two sides to every coin, and the flip side of having more time than money is obvious. I have to expend energy doing more on my own-on the "do it yourself front"-if you will. Most of the time the additional effort is minimal. Cleaning my own house, coloring my own hair, cooking gourmet meals, making Christmas gifts. Some of these endeavours are creative, others are mildly tedious but need to be done in order to continue my life style. Most fit seamlessly into my routine and become a habit.

Sometimes however, doing it yourself requires expending more physical effort and time, as well as leaning new skills. This is especially true of homeowners. So it is with me today. Since I have decided to remain in my home, it is time to do some improvements-both for the house and for me. I have a very simple back yard. Along the fence are some trees and bushes, and a large empty jungle where a willow once lived. The grass lives, but has yellowed in our 106 degree heat.

I spend a great deal of time on the covered patio. Not only that, but my family room windows are uncovered with a clear view of the yard. After lots of research, I have decided to landscape the back yard myself.

I expect that the steps I have taken to get to this point are similar to the steps one takes when beginning any new project. First, after much thought, I had a general idea of the kind of end result I wanted. Then between the library and the Internet I researched all of the alternatives available and how they would come about. I wanted a plan that would meet my expectation-my mental image if you will. However, it also needed to be something that I could implement myself-in terms of skill, strength and finances.

I am now ready (with the help of a little live in slave labor) to proceed on this adventure. As motivation for myself, I've posted "before pictures". Hopefully they will also serve as a record as we slowly make progress through the fall. My first steps will be to clear out the brush and all the rocks and bricks aside, and then till and extend my my garden beds three feet (think I'll concede the tiller to the young).

I hope that the end result will be three to four feet of garden beds planted with low water plants and mulch, a walking path, a gazebo, new fruit trees and maybe, perhaps, a small fountain. My goal is to do this with no paid labor, have it done before the winter freeze (in November), and spend as little on supplies as plants as possible. Life is a work in progress. Always.

Live On Less and Love It-LIfe In The Fixed Income Zone

2011-09-15T01:21:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Bob over at a Satisfying Retirement for being part of an article in Money Magazine showing that you can live well on less. Also thanks to Money Magazine for showing readers that you don't have to have a million saved to have a rewarding retirement life. In that theme, I thought I'd share some of the ups (and the few downs) of having a rewarding retirement on much, much less than Bob ( or many others).

First let me share my failings, at least briefly. I have no savings. Without going into specifics, I'll just say that between unemployment, grief at the loss of a husband, and supporting college students-what should have been the beginning of a nest egg (life insurance) is gone. And because my husband and I spent many years living overseas, what should have been college and retirement fund money was spent on travel-regularly and often. While I regret the first circumstance, I regret the second not at all. As a result, I live on my husband's social security, a small government pension, and extra money that I bring in as a quilter. Put another way, my base salary (before part time income) is about $2500 a month.

Be assured, I am not starving. On the contrary, I have a full life. Like every life, it has some ups and downs. I've made some major ajustments and I have many more to make. But I'm not in the position of never leaving my house, eating cat food, or moving in with my kids (in fact, one still lives with me). My goal is to spend next summer in Europe, I take regular road trips.I've just returned to school. As I shared earlier, recently I've been to the theater, and I go to movies regularly. I have many hobbies including quilting (which is by nature not cheap). My natural tendency is to relax and smell the roses. So the question is, how do I manage, and what are my plans to continue to manage as I enter my sixties (sooner rather than late)r?

The positives of my life in the Frugally Fixed Income Zone:

I've decided what is important to me and what isn't. That means keeping a house with a mortage (and a garden, and space for a dog) but getting rid of the televison. It means traveling, but less often and comparing pri ces. It means cooking at home and saviing dining out for special occasions.
I have TIME. More importantly, I have time that I control. Some folks value time the most, some folks value money. In my case, if I can only get a pedicure twice a summer and have to do it myself the rest of the time, it's worth it to have the flexibilityand the freedom
Since time equals money, I'm able to cut expenses. No one cares if I take the entire fall to extend my flower beds and put down paving stones. The extra time I have in retirement allows me to make my own gifts, cook leisurely meals, travel at my own pace instead of the requisite one week or weekend of vacation, shop sales, and take advantages of mid week discounts and freebies on entertainment.
I have no work expenses. Almost any job requires commuting, a certain wardrobe. Many careers require entertaining, business literature, lunches out. I've reverted to casual chic (which in my case means leggings or shorts, and nice tunics). 'Im well groomed, but I do it myself. I don't consider this a chore, for the most part.
I have most of what I will ever need. This is something that somehow all those pundits seem to ingnore when they figure retirement costs. Even after living overseas and having more things than I can count destroyed in the moves, I have a housefull of furniture, pots and pans, christmas items, books, a wardrobe, and all the so called necessities of life. In face, I probably have too many. Will I need to replace items? You bet. Will there be things I want just to have them? Sure. But thats not the same as a real, regular need.
It's amazing how the little savings add up, and frankly (at least for me) how painless many of those little savings were. While I may never be a gourmet cook, I've learned to cook mainly delicous meals, as well as how to cook frugally and healthily for two on a budget. Call it a creative challenge if you will.
I have a skill that allows me to make extra money while remaining in my own home. Admittedly, without out those extra few dollars, life would be much tougher.
I dont care what the Joneses think. In the same vein, I have friends with varying levels of income, most of whom dont care about appearances in terms of lavishness. Most of my social circle (for lack of a better phrase) would just as well have a dinner and bring a dish rather than to to a cocktail party.
I have good medical coverage. It seems only fair to mention this. I have yet to enter the medicare zone, but I have insurance through the federal government at a reasonable rate with a reasonable deductible and maximum

On the other side of the fixed income spectrum:

Although my monthly income pays my expenses, it doesnt account for emergencies (like the new evaporator coil for my air conditioning system). This means that for awhile I need to be more intensive in earning and saving so that I can build up "savings" or an "emergency fund" in order to cover those unplanned expenses. the end result is that in addition to earned monies, gift moneies and any extra financial aid will be put into that pile.
I have a mortage. In my case it's a choice, not a necessity. I could probably sell my house. But I'm a recent widow, still with college students (who have lost their dad and need a place to truly come home to in the truest sense).
I'm going to need to bring in some additional income, at least for a little while. I believe that amount will be around five hundred dollars, to have enough money to invest in savings for those expenses named above. Yes, I do it through a hobby that I love and in my own home, but neverthe less, it is "work". Again, once this savings has reached a certain level, my goal is to cut back and simply work when I please.

I hope that by sharing my ups, downs and experiences through this blog, retirees and would be retirees realize that its possible to have a rich life even on a limited retirement income. Life is meant to be lived, after all.

Fixed Income Living: Fulfilled-Frugally

2011-09-13T16:50:00.000-05:00

This week has been slightly busier than usual for me.

As always, I have had school activities and volunteer commitments. However, tonight I am going to a birthday party! There will be visiting and sharing, as well as cake and all of the accompaniments. Saturday evening I'll be going to a dinner theater-Barefoot in the Park. On Thursday evening, I'll be attending a local quilt show and quilt auction. Friends and I will view the quilts and enjoy refreshments. Sunday will be a wine tasting and art show. Sometime this weekend, I've committed myself to seeing the movie Drive, and enjoying both the movies and the munchies that go with the film.

On the face of it, none of these experiences sound exceptional, but they will all be enjoyable. What's important to note is that all of these events will be free, or less than ten dollars. All fun experiences, the kinds of things I like to do, and all within my fixed income budget. I am not Pollyanna by any means. However, it seems to me that so often I see people who have had to tighten financial belts bemoan the lack of "fun" or the need to "stay home". While staying home has value (and I tend to be a homebody), one doesn't need a great deal of money in order to have a "good time". I say that as someone who enjoys the theater, entertaining, the arts, and just plain fun as much as anyone else. Stay home out of choice, but not out of necessity.

On occasion, I admit it takes a bit of extra and effort time to find these frugal opportunities. It also helps if one has connections who also enjoy frugal endeavours. If you don't, my suggestion is that you search out new friends. If the only way you know how to have fun is to spend money then yes, you will be miserable. Find a way to make new connections who have the same values and the same interests (a subject for a later post, I'm sure).

As to the specifics: The birthday party is a regular group of women that I enjoy visiting with and talking to. The quilt show is an advertised free event. Obviously the goal is to sell small quilts throughout the silent auction. I have bid in the past, and may again, but feel no obligation other than visiting and looking. Barefoot in the Park is a local community theater, and my son built the sets and I will sell tickets one night, In exchange I will get a gourmet dinner and a theater performance. The gallery showing was found in the newspaper, and the movie is the only free event requiring my "deal making skills". I've earned AMC gift cards through my debit card rewards and decided this was the time to take advantage.

What you have available will depend on where you live, your interests and desires. Some entertainment ideas will come through connections, some through word of mouth, some by skimming through your local or city paper. Feel free to stay at home if that's the place you choose to be. But if not, get out and get a life, already!!

Early Retirement: Is It For Everyone?

2011-09-09T20:03:00.000-05:00

Today, Dave over at Retirement, Only The Beginning has a column at US News titled Why Early Retirement Is Not For Everyone. For whatever reason, this is a theme I seem to have heard around the blogospher and elsewhere in the last week or so. It's the ole "I could never stop working and just sit home doing nothing", refrain.

I'll admit that Dave does make a few good points, especially on the financial front. I also recognize that his article was directed to true "early retirees", those look to leave the working world at 40. Early retirement should be a thoughtful choice, after examining all the options. This is especially true for people who have children at home or children who may need to return home (ask me how I know that!).

However, it's his perspective on what happens to us when we don't work that I find fault with. First, because there are so many folks who are "retired" early due to the current economy (and shouldn't have to feel their minds are less sharp) and second, because I have been a non-worker most of my life (even without children) and have never had a bored moment. Of my twenty five years of marriage, many of them were spent not working at all, and a good portion of that time was NOT when my children were young. Hopefully Dave won't mind my putting my own personal spin on this one.

Loss of mental sharpness. Well, first of all, many, many jobs in the US do not require a great deal of mental interaction. Some jobs are done by rote, some are customer service based, some involve working alone much of the day on repetitive tasks. While we may not hate these jobs, they may not challenge us mentally. Even in today's economy, the biggest mental challenges are not always found in the workplace. Second, I have a large problem with the perception that the only way to be mentally stimulated is through a paid job. Many retirees find themselves even more mentally challenged after leaving the working world. Most people I know read more, many have returned to school, and almost all are learning new skills on a regular basis.
Loss of Financial Security. I'm sure quite a few readers agree with this one, and I agree as well, to a point. It is certainly correct that when one retires from their full time job, regular income stops. That doesn't necessarily mean income stops. There are other ways besides the working world to guarantee a livable income, including reasonable downsizing. Where I see continued work as a no brainer is in the area of medical insurance. Many people who don't have an employer plan end up paying up to 30 percent of income on health care(like Bob over at Satisfying Retirement), and that's a disaster waiting to happen. (This is where, as a former multi year resident of Germany, I bite my tongue on the status of American medical care for the sake of brevity).
The Need for Keeping Busy. My take on this is the same as the first objection. I don't know many people who NEED 8 hours of paid work to fill their time. Most retirees (as well as most stay at home folks) end up having more interests and things to do than time. Heck, my single thirty two year old has a favorite mantra .... "Who has time for a job?" I'm not sure I'm that different from other retirees.
Lack of Social Interaction. This may be true for that group of folks who find their social lives revolving around their jobs. Most of the people I know who have problems retiring at any age are those who only socialized with work friends or the other soccer parents. On the other hand, retirees generally find it a joy filling those hours. Personally, I prefer a certain amount of alone-ness or spouse time as part of my day. The need to interact with others all day long enters into it not a bit. When I want or need interaction, I socialize with neighbors, friends or those folks I meet while involving myself in all those activities that take the place of work. It's much more enjoyable visiting with friends on my patio or meeting for an early dinner than going to happy hour or work parties.

Early retirement (or even regular retirement) can be an adjustment for some people, I admit. That said, almost every one I know who has taken the plunge is happier, more engaged and more in control than in their working life. This is true of professionals, non- professionals, and even those fixed income retirees like myself. So give it a try, Dave, you might like it.

Living Richly In Retirement-Choosing to Stay in Place

2011-09-06T15:18:00.001-05:00

Over the last few months, I'vebeen exploring options in an attempt to reach a decision. This decision has to do with where and how I live in the future. Should I move to Denver (where my sister and brother live)? Should I downsize from this house? Should I do both? Many retirees face decisions such as these. In my case, here at the beginning of retirement, I've finally come to a conclusion. Along with making this decision is the knowledge that years down the road I still may want to rethink these options.

Ultimately, I've decided to remain in place. As with all decisions, although I'm happy with mine, there are ups and downs. In this case, the advantages of staying where I am are many. I deliberately bought a house that was fairly new (1999), all on one level, and with no basement. This means that if I stay here a long time, I will still be able to move and function with ease. I'm thrilled with the climate overall (although I will look at summers elsewhere). Although we're not the type to see each other every week or so, all of hubby's relatives are here. This has been a big plus for the kids. I love my house and I'm happy in my church. I have easy access to roads and travel, when I want to leave. And costs, especially housing, are affordable and manageable. One of my kids is a college student and the other lives in the Cayman islands. Both are at the stage where they still fee the need to have a place to "go home to", and that affects my downsizing decision, as well as the need for "dog space". And of course I've just committed to two to three years minimum of college and would like to avoid losing even more credits through a transfer. All great reasons to stay.

There are also downsides that have to be faced. When I'm in Denver, I'm envious of the fact that sister and brother regularly get together on weekends for dinner, football games and the like. I love it when I'm there, and that alone may cause me to move to Denver in the far future. This is especially true now that I'm single. While I love the weather overall, I'll probably want to escape for sometime to Denver or elsewhere in the summers (and it would be nice to live a little further away from tornado alley). By not downsizing, I've committed myself to limiting my budget further and bringing in at least some form of income. Lastly, I'm a left wing hippy whose committing to living in one of the most conservative areas of the country............

As always, decisions lead to more decisions. Yesterday my son and I sat down and made master lists-one of improvements to the house that need to be prioritized, a decluttering list, and a yard list. Many of the former are maintenance issues (not necessarily delayed maintenance, although all will of course have to be prioritized financially), some are improvements that will cut down costs and make life easier in the long one. As to my yard, we'll I've done nothing to it except mow it and grow some pots on the porch for four years, because I wasn't going to stay. Now I guess my readers will get to see first had how a fifty something gal and her college student son expand flower beds, build raised beds for gardening, plant trees, install a pond and generally turn the yard into my dream back yard.

It's amazing how things change, even in retirement.

Living Richly In Retirement-Should I Volunteer?

2011-09-04T00:03:00.000-05:00

There's no doubt that volunteering is one way for retirees to keep busy and maintain contacts. It's also a great way to give back. About one in nine people over 55 volunteer, although I think that estimate is low. Why volunteer???? Well,for one thing, it can be a creative outlet. Volunteering can be a way to make social connections. It's rewarding in and and of itself. It can be a job substitute for those have trouble leaving the 'working world". Being a volunteer can also widen your experiences-it can even give you skills that may serve you will in a post- retirement job.

For some folks, making the step to volunteering can be difficult, even frightening. Perhaps they've had a bad experience. They may imagine volunteering as depressing (visiting hospital patients for example). Some may be afraid that volunteering will take too much time. Others simply don't know where to start.

Fear not. Volunteering runs an entire spectrum, and there's generally an opportunity for almost everyone. Put another way, there's a non profit version of just about every "real" job you can think of. Individual volunteers, at every level, are what make any non-profit keep functioning. Not sure where to volunteer? When in doubt, start with what you know or love. The odds are that whatever holds your interest will also need volunteers. Think outside the box. Love the theater? Most communities have local theater reliant on volunteers to do everything from paint sets to usher at the performance. Care about kids? Become a Casa volunteer that attends court sessions with a child. Volunteering runs the gamut. It's not all stuffing envelopes (although that has it's own rewards). Some more suggestions about volunteering:

Follow whats in your heart. Do what makes you feel good, for an agency you care about.
Recognize the need to say no. Volunteers are often in high demand, but you can only do so much. Choose one organization (or two) and just tell the other organisations that much as you'd like you simply don't have the time now.
Know thyself. Every year my church has a two week mission to Honduras. Much as I would love to go, with my knee, its a no brainer. Not only would I be in pain, but I would be a hindrance to others. Instead I choose to connect with local organizations in a way I can help.
Start really slowly. Commit to no more than a couple hours a week until you are sure that this is the place for you. Even then, make sure you are not overdoing it.
Consider what kind of structure would make you feel the most comfortable some people prefer an organization such as Meals on Wheels. In my case, I prefer local based organizations. I get to interact at all levels more easily at say, my local food bank.
Do your research. If you were donating financially, you would probably check the charity rating and the percentage of dollars forwarded. Do the same for an organization you may want to volunteer with. Most non profits have websites and paper literature that they are happy to share.

Giving back is, as they say, "good medicine" . Research shows that benefits from volunteering include increased happiness, self esteem, and increased social interaction. I encourage you to step out of the box and pitch in. Reinvent yourself through volunteering, bit it in the arts, health, public policy, homelessness, criminal justice or any other area. You'll be glad you did.

Giving back is, as they say, "good medicine" . Research shows that benefits from volunteering include increased happiness, self esteem, and increased social interaction. I encourage you to sept out of the box and pitch in. Reinvent yourself through volunteering, bit it in the arts, health, public policy, homelessness, criminal justice or any other area. You'll be glad you did.