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.
Showing posts with label frugality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frugality. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Fixed Income LIving-What If You Still Need More Money.
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.
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.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Extreme Frugal Retirement-In The US?
One of the advantages of having almost nothing means that you have nothing to lose. With little savings and investments, I consider the stock market fluctuations more of a "pulse of America" thing than a "What's happening to my money". Not that the first isn't as important as the second, it just allows me to be lightly removed from the day to day heart palpitations of some.
That said, retirement on $30,000 isn't a lot. It certainly would be more if there wasn't a $1200 mortgage in the mix, and the attendant house expenses. Even if you add in streams of income which range from $500 a month slightly upward, life can be a bit tight.
Looking around the web, there are all kinds of solutions on how to live on this kind of retirement. Advise ranges from selling the house (a reasonable alternative in the long term for me, but not necessarily in the short term) and renting, to living in an RV or on a boat, to traveling overseas-or a combination of all of the above. The general consensus seems to be that on my base income, I should run away, or live in a tent. Wisdom seems to say that without $500,000 in investments, in this country at least, I am doomed. At one time, I probably would have thought so myself.
One of my daily reads is the blog Get Rich Slowly. Although I think the blog concentrates more on income and less on frugality and simplicity, it has a wide range of articles. Today's subject is the Kaderlis, who retired at 38 and live on about $30,000 annually. While neither I nor my husband (who loved his job) would have necessarily been interested in early retirement, the fact that they live on an amount similar to mine caught my eye. I'm always interested in seeing how others live, especially when they live with joy.
Here's the thing though. I love travel as much as the next adventurer. Seven years in Europe and being a road trip warrior should show that. But for me (and for many I expect) being a nomad is not a reasonable course of life all the time, through all of retirement. Does a trip to Thailand sound great?? You bet. Does spending my life on a boat in the far east sound like a solution? Not for me. The same with an expat lifestyle at this point in my life. When my husband was living, we had intended to retire in Germany. I've pretty much decided that's too far for me alone, with kids in the Cayman Islands and Texas. I like being able to visit family easily when the mood strikes, having a home and home base, have regular activities and a routine-others may call it a "rut". I call it comforting, especially for a single retiree (more on those of us singles later on). It may be that because of those expat, traveling years, I'm more into routine and home now, who knows.
I believe that with planning and foresight, one can live on limited income in the US. Many people do this, some with more grace and ease than others. It may (and has) require short term sacrifices and the willingness to make required changes. I probably could not live this lifestyle in Washington DC these days. Were I there, I would probably have had to sell my house and walk away. But it can be done. When people comment on my lifestyle and say "well, but you only spend (fill in the blank)", my answer is simply this: for lack of a better phrase, I positioned myself in a place that I knew I could manage financially.
Do I have everything I want? Yes. Do I have everything I want all the time? Absolutely not. Do I live the same pre-retirement lifestyle as before my husband died? Nope. But none of that means that life now is not good, manageable, even enjoyable. Most of the time I manage to live extremely richly on my limited income. I manage to eat out (just not every day), to travel, to have a pet, to enjoy various recreations and hobbies, to have a life for lack of a better phrase. While I regret the personal decisions and life events that got me to this place, the place itself is manageable and full of enjoyment.
So I'll keep my extreme retirement right where I am, and let that other couple hop on the boat and sail off into the sunset.
That said, retirement on $30,000 isn't a lot. It certainly would be more if there wasn't a $1200 mortgage in the mix, and the attendant house expenses. Even if you add in streams of income which range from $500 a month slightly upward, life can be a bit tight.
Looking around the web, there are all kinds of solutions on how to live on this kind of retirement. Advise ranges from selling the house (a reasonable alternative in the long term for me, but not necessarily in the short term) and renting, to living in an RV or on a boat, to traveling overseas-or a combination of all of the above. The general consensus seems to be that on my base income, I should run away, or live in a tent. Wisdom seems to say that without $500,000 in investments, in this country at least, I am doomed. At one time, I probably would have thought so myself.
One of my daily reads is the blog Get Rich Slowly. Although I think the blog concentrates more on income and less on frugality and simplicity, it has a wide range of articles. Today's subject is the Kaderlis, who retired at 38 and live on about $30,000 annually. While neither I nor my husband (who loved his job) would have necessarily been interested in early retirement, the fact that they live on an amount similar to mine caught my eye. I'm always interested in seeing how others live, especially when they live with joy.
Here's the thing though. I love travel as much as the next adventurer. Seven years in Europe and being a road trip warrior should show that. But for me (and for many I expect) being a nomad is not a reasonable course of life all the time, through all of retirement. Does a trip to Thailand sound great?? You bet. Does spending my life on a boat in the far east sound like a solution? Not for me. The same with an expat lifestyle at this point in my life. When my husband was living, we had intended to retire in Germany. I've pretty much decided that's too far for me alone, with kids in the Cayman Islands and Texas. I like being able to visit family easily when the mood strikes, having a home and home base, have regular activities and a routine-others may call it a "rut". I call it comforting, especially for a single retiree (more on those of us singles later on). It may be that because of those expat, traveling years, I'm more into routine and home now, who knows.
I believe that with planning and foresight, one can live on limited income in the US. Many people do this, some with more grace and ease than others. It may (and has) require short term sacrifices and the willingness to make required changes. I probably could not live this lifestyle in Washington DC these days. Were I there, I would probably have had to sell my house and walk away. But it can be done. When people comment on my lifestyle and say "well, but you only spend (fill in the blank)", my answer is simply this: for lack of a better phrase, I positioned myself in a place that I knew I could manage financially.
Do I have everything I want? Yes. Do I have everything I want all the time? Absolutely not. Do I live the same pre-retirement lifestyle as before my husband died? Nope. But none of that means that life now is not good, manageable, even enjoyable. Most of the time I manage to live extremely richly on my limited income. I manage to eat out (just not every day), to travel, to have a pet, to enjoy various recreations and hobbies, to have a life for lack of a better phrase. While I regret the personal decisions and life events that got me to this place, the place itself is manageable and full of enjoyment.
So I'll keep my extreme retirement right where I am, and let that other couple hop on the boat and sail off into the sunset.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Frugal Shopaholic
I am by nature a "spender" at heart. I like to shop - I shop for clothing. I shop for seasonal updates for my house, for things for the yard and garden. I shop for craft items of all kinds especially good quilting fabric. I shop for nice gifts for my family-individualized gifts that I know they would appreciate. I shop for books, although I'm learning to appreciate the library. I shop for souvenirs and mementos when I travel.
I'm not a hoarder-I use the things I buy and I rotate things in and out. I have no debt, and live within my income. Awhile back, that income was much different than it is now. But you know what? I've decided that living on a pension doesn't mean no more Christmas gifts, or not having my house be comfortable. So what happens when a spender meets a pension? She relearns how to get what she wants.
I'm very patient. I have a list, sometimes in my head and sometimes on paper, of the things I need and want. This ranges ranges from Christmas ideas (For my $400 holiday, on which I'll expound later), to clothing to fit my fifty pounds less body (knowing that my goal is fifty pounds more). It includes items to update my home (both needs and wants). In my case it even includes places I want to go and things I want to do that would not otherwise be affordable-prime time movies, museums, the occasional dinner out. This article however, is mainly about the purchase of things.
I take advantage of every possible offer and opportunity. This means that I actually LOOK at the offers that come from companies I shop at (like the $25 CG for my birthday from Vera Bradley that got me the wristlet in the photo below for free, or the coupons mentioned below). I take a few minutes to check out various freebies, group buying sites and like on the web, and I keep track of my rewards through my debit card and hotel preferred customer accounts. This doesn't mean I have no life and spend all day on the computer or shopping. Remember I have three business, a college student at home, a house to maintain, quilts to make, books to read, a dog to walk and play with, gourmet meals to cook and a life to live. Saving money does take some time, but it doesn't always take a lot.
I shop when the item is available, not necessarily when I need it. This means that I shop ahead and store things. Just as some folks (including me) buy food at loss leader prices, I buy other things, big and small, large and expensive. Silly example? We've broken four coffee carafes in past year. While we have one now, if I see one for a quarter, you're darn right I'm buying one (or maybe two or three, knowing myself).
This week as been a perfect example of taking advantage of deals and steals. I had available to me the following coupons: $10 off $10 at JC Penny, $25 off $25 at Casual Male (my son is six foot six), a coupon for a free pack of undies at Adidas, a $20 coupon to Old Navy (for which I paid $10) and a $40 coupon to the Body Shop (for which I paid $20). I also had two $5 Kohl's cash coupons. For a total out of pocket expenditure of $45.00 (plus tax) I purchased a summer shawl, a good quality designer style"Americana" polo shirt, a pile of jewelry, a three pack of boxers, a pair of good tall men's swim trunks, a quality wallet, the linen tablecloth shown below, the picture frame shown below, and two large bath and body sets. Some of these items will be used now, and some put away for Christmas. The extra five bucks was for the tablecloth-originally 29.00 at Kohl's, marked down to 11.99 before my five dollars Koh'ls cash.
Note: some folks, as evidenced by the comments to Donna's article over at Get Rich Slowly, seem to think that buying gifts in advance is somehow less personal, or less Christmassy. My comment to the first is that I think it depends on your family. In my greater family, we know each other's interests, hobbies, and general needs, so for the most part, its appropriate for me to buy ahead. My six foot six inch son will ALWAYS need extra long Polo's to play golf in, for example. As to the second, I love Christmas and gift buying. By shopping this way, not only do I save money, but I free up Christmas for the relaxing fun stuff-including window shopping with spiced wine afterwards.
I don't consider used a "bad word", and I know well that much stuff in the used market is new and like new. I understand that for some people this is a reach. But I have found like new, brand name items in thrift stores since I was buying my now 22 year old Tommy Hilfiger ten years ago. The designer label I wore to church last week on my thinner (not thin, thinner) body came from a consignment shop and cost less than ten dollars. On my last trip to the thrift store I spend four dollars, got five books, a Longaberger chip and dip bowl and spreader and the candles shown here (a quarter, five bucks each originally at home goods, and like new with the the tags still on.
Shopping is a small part of my life. As I mentioned above, I have three small income streams I am trying to start, I volunteer and have a full life. More importantly, my needs have lessened. My kids are grown or growing and almost out of the house. I've had a lifetime to build my household and the items in it, although having lived overseas has certainly cut down on the amount of "stuff in my possession. But I still enjoy getting new things and spiffing up my house on occasion, and being able to gift usable, needed items to family members. More importantly, the tips I use can be used by anyone. By being patient, shopping ahead and being aware of all the deals out there, most folks can lots of stuff, for a little bit of outlay if they play their cards right.
I'm not a hoarder-I use the things I buy and I rotate things in and out. I have no debt, and live within my income. Awhile back, that income was much different than it is now. But you know what? I've decided that living on a pension doesn't mean no more Christmas gifts, or not having my house be comfortable. So what happens when a spender meets a pension? She relearns how to get what she wants.
I take advantage of every possible offer and opportunity. This means that I actually LOOK at the offers that come from companies I shop at (like the $25 CG for my birthday from Vera Bradley that got me the wristlet in the photo below for free, or the coupons mentioned below). I take a few minutes to check out various freebies, group buying sites and like on the web, and I keep track of my rewards through my debit card and hotel preferred customer accounts. This doesn't mean I have no life and spend all day on the computer or shopping. Remember I have three business, a college student at home, a house to maintain, quilts to make, books to read, a dog to walk and play with, gourmet meals to cook and a life to live. Saving money does take some time, but it doesn't always take a lot.
I shop when the item is available, not necessarily when I need it. This means that I shop ahead and store things. Just as some folks (including me) buy food at loss leader prices, I buy other things, big and small, large and expensive. Silly example? We've broken four coffee carafes in past year. While we have one now, if I see one for a quarter, you're darn right I'm buying one (or maybe two or three, knowing myself).
This week as been a perfect example of taking advantage of deals and steals. I had available to me the following coupons: $10 off $10 at JC Penny, $25 off $25 at Casual Male (my son is six foot six), a coupon for a free pack of undies at Adidas, a $20 coupon to Old Navy (for which I paid $10) and a $40 coupon to the Body Shop (for which I paid $20). I also had two $5 Kohl's cash coupons. For a total out of pocket expenditure of $45.00 (plus tax) I purchased a summer shawl, a good quality designer style"Americana" polo shirt, a pile of jewelry, a three pack of boxers, a pair of good tall men's swim trunks, a quality wallet, the linen tablecloth shown below, the picture frame shown below, and two large bath and body sets. Some of these items will be used now, and some put away for Christmas. The extra five bucks was for the tablecloth-originally 29.00 at Kohl's, marked down to 11.99 before my five dollars Koh'ls cash.
Note: some folks, as evidenced by the comments to Donna's article over at Get Rich Slowly, seem to think that buying gifts in advance is somehow less personal, or less Christmassy. My comment to the first is that I think it depends on your family. In my greater family, we know each other's interests, hobbies, and general needs, so for the most part, its appropriate for me to buy ahead. My six foot six inch son will ALWAYS need extra long Polo's to play golf in, for example. As to the second, I love Christmas and gift buying. By shopping this way, not only do I save money, but I free up Christmas for the relaxing fun stuff-including window shopping with spiced wine afterwards.
I don't consider used a "bad word", and I know well that much stuff in the used market is new and like new. I understand that for some people this is a reach. But I have found like new, brand name items in thrift stores since I was buying my now 22 year old Tommy Hilfiger ten years ago. The designer label I wore to church last week on my thinner (not thin, thinner) body came from a consignment shop and cost less than ten dollars. On my last trip to the thrift store I spend four dollars, got five books, a Longaberger chip and dip bowl and spreader and the candles shown here (a quarter, five bucks each originally at home goods, and like new with the the tags still on.
Shopping is a small part of my life. As I mentioned above, I have three small income streams I am trying to start, I volunteer and have a full life. More importantly, my needs have lessened. My kids are grown or growing and almost out of the house. I've had a lifetime to build my household and the items in it, although having lived overseas has certainly cut down on the amount of "stuff in my possession. But I still enjoy getting new things and spiffing up my house on occasion, and being able to gift usable, needed items to family members. More importantly, the tips I use can be used by anyone. By being patient, shopping ahead and being aware of all the deals out there, most folks can lots of stuff, for a little bit of outlay if they play their cards right.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Fixed Income Living-Positioning Ourselves For Retirement
Recently I’ve begun to take steps to position myself for a successful life on my fixed income. Positioning is an important part of planning for our retirement lives. It’s especially important when income is restricted, be it in retirement or another time. Positioning allows us to plan our lives so that we get the greatest reward with (hopefully) the smallest expenditure.
After spending too much time on auto pilot, I’ve decided that I may never have another “real job” at this point in life –although I do anticipate income streams. I’ll be truly living alone (for the first time) soon as my college student leaves home. All this means that among other things I’ve been crunching numbers, evaluating circumstances and deciding what I want to do “when I grow up”. As I look to turn sixty, I will begin to receive my husband’s social security benefits. Until now, I have been living on drained, almost gone savings and a very small pension. While my income will still be limited, it will be regular and allow me to make plans and have a base budget from which to work.
For me at least, these positioning decisions involve many areas of my life. The main decisions to be made for me (and for most folks, I expect) are financial, with housing being a primary consideration. After all, housing costs are usually the biggest part of our budgets, and home is where retirees and the unemployed spend a large amount of their time. Within that housing umbrella fall housing costs, the makeup of the abode itself, and the location. All are part of the same whole, and everyone has different needs.
As I said before, housing costs are a large part of the budget, and keeping them in control and reasonable allows us more disposable income in other areas. Some of us do that by downsizing, some by having paid off our mortgages early, others use other methods. In my case, I have a mortgage
Equally important is the house itself. Do we want to have to worry about getting up and down the stairs later on? Is it too big to clean? Do we have raking and shoveling and mowing taking up all our time? Will family be visiting often? Maybe we have hobbies that require space. My current home is a single level, fairly new house in a low cost of living area. Right now those things are important to me. Others may choose to have no yard, or live in a place where all of that is handled by an association.
General location counts for a great deal, both in terms of climate and convenience. Do we need to be near an airport so that family can visit? How important is climate in our decision. What kind of environment to we prefer. Do we want all folks our age, or live with a variety of ages, cultures and ethnicity? Are we willing to drive for basic services, or do we want them right around the corner.
After some time, I’ve come to a two tiered answer to many of these questions. Eventually I will want to do some serious downsizing both for financial and physical reasons. In the immediate future, I have decided to position myself in my current house, mortgage and all. Why? Well, I have a large down payment tied up and cannot afford to sell for less than I paid-a fact of our economy which cannot be ignored. More importantly, I love my house, and it has many money saving advantages. Being ten years old, most of the improvements on my list are more cosmetic than structural, and can be made at my time frame, when I can afford it. This house has a single, open plan which makes circulation easy. It’s also situated in a part of the country whine screens and fans are sufficient for many months. The house is in a fairly low cost of living area, and allows me space to garden, have two space intensive businesses, and raise large dogs. The only paid assistance I need is occasional help with the yard. While it’s far from my family in Denver, the cost of living difference allows me to travel there for a few weeks about four times a year.
My choice is not perfect. It means I’ll have to make some bigger cuts in other areas (good bye, cable my friend). It may mean that I have to make larger expenditures temporarily to make this house work and run more cheaply in the long run (I’ve been considering a whole house fan but was unsure if I was staying). It means that I will be a day and a half trip from my only relatives other than my children, rather than living in the same town. On the other hand, I’ve chosen a place with a low cost of living, many conveniences, and where shoveling snow (or hiring someone else to shovel it) is not a requirement.
Even as I’ve made positioning decisions now, I’ve looked ahead to the next phase of my life. I’m unsure when that phase will arrive, but at least I’m aware of it and what’s kind of decision are required. What about you. Will you stay where you are? Would you prefer to move, to downsize, or perhaps just to improve your climate? Is downsizing where you want to go? Is the housing market such that you can make the choice you want? How are you making these decisions work for you?
After spending too much time on auto pilot, I’ve decided that I may never have another “real job” at this point in life –although I do anticipate income streams. I’ll be truly living alone (for the first time) soon as my college student leaves home. All this means that among other things I’ve been crunching numbers, evaluating circumstances and deciding what I want to do “when I grow up”. As I look to turn sixty, I will begin to receive my husband’s social security benefits. Until now, I have been living on drained, almost gone savings and a very small pension. While my income will still be limited, it will be regular and allow me to make plans and have a base budget from which to work.
For me at least, these positioning decisions involve many areas of my life. The main decisions to be made for me (and for most folks, I expect) are financial, with housing being a primary consideration. After all, housing costs are usually the biggest part of our budgets, and home is where retirees and the unemployed spend a large amount of their time. Within that housing umbrella fall housing costs, the makeup of the abode itself, and the location. All are part of the same whole, and everyone has different needs.
As I said before, housing costs are a large part of the budget, and keeping them in control and reasonable allows us more disposable income in other areas. Some of us do that by downsizing, some by having paid off our mortgages early, others use other methods. In my case, I have a mortgage
Equally important is the house itself. Do we want to have to worry about getting up and down the stairs later on? Is it too big to clean? Do we have raking and shoveling and mowing taking up all our time? Will family be visiting often? Maybe we have hobbies that require space. My current home is a single level, fairly new house in a low cost of living area. Right now those things are important to me. Others may choose to have no yard, or live in a place where all of that is handled by an association.
General location counts for a great deal, both in terms of climate and convenience. Do we need to be near an airport so that family can visit? How important is climate in our decision. What kind of environment to we prefer. Do we want all folks our age, or live with a variety of ages, cultures and ethnicity? Are we willing to drive for basic services, or do we want them right around the corner.
After some time, I’ve come to a two tiered answer to many of these questions. Eventually I will want to do some serious downsizing both for financial and physical reasons. In the immediate future, I have decided to position myself in my current house, mortgage and all. Why? Well, I have a large down payment tied up and cannot afford to sell for less than I paid-a fact of our economy which cannot be ignored. More importantly, I love my house, and it has many money saving advantages. Being ten years old, most of the improvements on my list are more cosmetic than structural, and can be made at my time frame, when I can afford it. This house has a single, open plan which makes circulation easy. It’s also situated in a part of the country whine screens and fans are sufficient for many months. The house is in a fairly low cost of living area, and allows me space to garden, have two space intensive businesses, and raise large dogs. The only paid assistance I need is occasional help with the yard. While it’s far from my family in Denver, the cost of living difference allows me to travel there for a few weeks about four times a year.
My choice is not perfect. It means I’ll have to make some bigger cuts in other areas (good bye, cable my friend). It may mean that I have to make larger expenditures temporarily to make this house work and run more cheaply in the long run (I’ve been considering a whole house fan but was unsure if I was staying). It means that I will be a day and a half trip from my only relatives other than my children, rather than living in the same town. On the other hand, I’ve chosen a place with a low cost of living, many conveniences, and where shoveling snow (or hiring someone else to shovel it) is not a requirement.
Even as I’ve made positioning decisions now, I’ve looked ahead to the next phase of my life. I’m unsure when that phase will arrive, but at least I’m aware of it and what’s kind of decision are required. What about you. Will you stay where you are? Would you prefer to move, to downsize, or perhaps just to improve your climate? Is downsizing where you want to go? Is the housing market such that you can make the choice you want? How are you making these decisions work for you?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Living Frugally (and Simply) Throughout The Season
Previously, I’ve written about how I have found spring to be an extremely frugal season. That’s still true. However the truth is, that to be truly frugal (and to enjoy every season), one needs to live with, and enjoy each season and its own offerings. I’ve especially found this true as I work to be more frugal (I hate the word extreme), and to bring a little bit of simplicity and minimalism to my life.
There is an old saying about being able to have everything you want, just not at the same time. Living and partaking of the seasons is a great example. Generally when folks talk about taking advantage of the seasons to save money, they are talking about eating and cooking. Obviously that’s a large portion of our disposable budget and is generally good advice. But that’s just one aspect of using your location and the seasonal aspect to control the budget, and simplify life in general.
In my previous life, I spent seven years in Germany. Germans (and I suspect many Europeans) have a greater appreciation of the “now” than we do (for the most part) in my experience. Some of this I’m sure is economic, some has to do with environmental issues that we haven’t necessarily faced and some of it has to do with more people in a smaller space, and overall smaller homes. The end result is that when raspberry season arrives, every Gasthaus and restaurant will have menus based on the berries, as well as warm raspberries on ice cream for dessert. The menu may vary from restaurant to restaurant, but the ingredients will be similar. The same with Spargel (white asparagus). No matter what you order, asparagus will be the vegetable of choice with your meal. When it’s advent, there is no limit to the number of Christmas Markets one may visit, how many spiced wines one may drink or how many Christmas songs one may hear. However, Christmas is only for four weeks and after the day after Christmas, it’s on to another time, another season. To celebrate Christmas before the beginning of Advent would be blasphemy.
I live in Texas. While I cannot realistically open my windows and turn on my fans during the summer, there are other things that I can do. I deliberately dress like it is summer. This means casual clothing as well as extremely cool clothing. Everything else bars a sweater or two are put away. I keep the air as low as possible and try to spend a certain portion of my day outside. When I cook, I take advantage of outdoor cooking and salad opportunities as much as possible (both to keep the house cool and to save money). My shopping, be it at a store, grocery store or yard sale, consists of those things that will naturally be low cost or on sale. In the food department, this means I eat a lot of grilled and barbecued food and salads. My crockpot and rice cooker are left for other times. When I need culture or entertainment, I take advantage of what is free and available, first. Right now this means, art fairs, outdoor concerts, and Fourth of July celebrations. It also means exploring the bluebonnets and lavender, and taking a short drive to a free beach or lake.
In October, things will have changed. I’ll have kissed the raspberries, watermelons and blueberries good bye until next year. I’ll welcome pumpkins and my slow cooker with open arms. My entertainment choices will be fall dinners, pumpkin patches and visit the leaves. Summer clothes will (for the most part) be put away, and even in Texas it will be time to bring out sweaters and sweats. I’ll start reserving films at the library for those dark evenings and out will come popcorn and hot chocolate.
By allowing myself to appreciate and take advantage of what is available to me hear and how, I manage to both cut spending and simplify my life overall. Try it, you’ll like it!
There is an old saying about being able to have everything you want, just not at the same time. Living and partaking of the seasons is a great example. Generally when folks talk about taking advantage of the seasons to save money, they are talking about eating and cooking. Obviously that’s a large portion of our disposable budget and is generally good advice. But that’s just one aspect of using your location and the seasonal aspect to control the budget, and simplify life in general.
In my previous life, I spent seven years in Germany. Germans (and I suspect many Europeans) have a greater appreciation of the “now” than we do (for the most part) in my experience. Some of this I’m sure is economic, some has to do with environmental issues that we haven’t necessarily faced and some of it has to do with more people in a smaller space, and overall smaller homes. The end result is that when raspberry season arrives, every Gasthaus and restaurant will have menus based on the berries, as well as warm raspberries on ice cream for dessert. The menu may vary from restaurant to restaurant, but the ingredients will be similar. The same with Spargel (white asparagus). No matter what you order, asparagus will be the vegetable of choice with your meal. When it’s advent, there is no limit to the number of Christmas Markets one may visit, how many spiced wines one may drink or how many Christmas songs one may hear. However, Christmas is only for four weeks and after the day after Christmas, it’s on to another time, another season. To celebrate Christmas before the beginning of Advent would be blasphemy.
I live in Texas. While I cannot realistically open my windows and turn on my fans during the summer, there are other things that I can do. I deliberately dress like it is summer. This means casual clothing as well as extremely cool clothing. Everything else bars a sweater or two are put away. I keep the air as low as possible and try to spend a certain portion of my day outside. When I cook, I take advantage of outdoor cooking and salad opportunities as much as possible (both to keep the house cool and to save money). My shopping, be it at a store, grocery store or yard sale, consists of those things that will naturally be low cost or on sale. In the food department, this means I eat a lot of grilled and barbecued food and salads. My crockpot and rice cooker are left for other times. When I need culture or entertainment, I take advantage of what is free and available, first. Right now this means, art fairs, outdoor concerts, and Fourth of July celebrations. It also means exploring the bluebonnets and lavender, and taking a short drive to a free beach or lake.
In October, things will have changed. I’ll have kissed the raspberries, watermelons and blueberries good bye until next year. I’ll welcome pumpkins and my slow cooker with open arms. My entertainment choices will be fall dinners, pumpkin patches and visit the leaves. Summer clothes will (for the most part) be put away, and even in Texas it will be time to bring out sweaters and sweats. I’ll start reserving films at the library for those dark evenings and out will come popcorn and hot chocolate.
By allowing myself to appreciate and take advantage of what is available to me hear and how, I manage to both cut spending and simplify my life overall. Try it, you’ll like it!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Fixed Income Living-Is Cash Really King?
Traditionally, I am a gal who rarely uses cash. I have a tendency to lose it. I spend all the big bills and end up with change and ones everywhere. Unless it's something I know I may want to exchange, the receipt tends to get lost in never-never land, meaning when it comes time to settle up with Quicken, I'm out of sorts. Historically, I've avoided cash so much that I used to give both husband and children weekly allowances so that I wouldn't have to deal with the "Do you have a dollar or two" requests.
This doesnt mean that I use a credit card, my payment of choice has been the debit card from my bank (USAA). It allows me not to have to fumble around with change, and with easy, regular downloads to Quicken, it has been easy for me to see where money has gone (I'm one of those folks who generally shops at one store for one type of thing. I buy food at the grocery, and home repair items at home depot. Occasionally I have a shopping to trip to somewhere like Target that is a mish mash)
Currently, I'm more interested with how much is leaving rather than where it goes, frankly. Experts regularly advise that people who use plastic spend more than those who use cash. For this reason, I'm going to attempt to go with the flow and use cash for the summer for all non bill expenses. Obviously, there will be exceptions. I'll still pay at the pump rather than going inside, and there may be the occasional discount or Christmas deal or hotel reservation that has to be made online. But for the most part, I will take an alloted amount out for the month, pay the bills, and let that be that. Whether or not I will spend less, who knows. I like to think that I am pretty frugal no matter what the form of payment.
Life's an adventure, and I am always willing to experiment and explore on my way to cutting expenses and living well. June will be the first month of my new system. We'll see if those experts know whereof they speak, after all.
What about you? Do you spend cash, pay with a card, or mix it up?
This doesnt mean that I use a credit card, my payment of choice has been the debit card from my bank (USAA). It allows me not to have to fumble around with change, and with easy, regular downloads to Quicken, it has been easy for me to see where money has gone (I'm one of those folks who generally shops at one store for one type of thing. I buy food at the grocery, and home repair items at home depot. Occasionally I have a shopping to trip to somewhere like Target that is a mish mash)
Currently, I'm more interested with how much is leaving rather than where it goes, frankly. Experts regularly advise that people who use plastic spend more than those who use cash. For this reason, I'm going to attempt to go with the flow and use cash for the summer for all non bill expenses. Obviously, there will be exceptions. I'll still pay at the pump rather than going inside, and there may be the occasional discount or Christmas deal or hotel reservation that has to be made online. But for the most part, I will take an alloted amount out for the month, pay the bills, and let that be that. Whether or not I will spend less, who knows. I like to think that I am pretty frugal no matter what the form of payment.
Life's an adventure, and I am always willing to experiment and explore on my way to cutting expenses and living well. June will be the first month of my new system. We'll see if those experts know whereof they speak, after all.
What about you? Do you spend cash, pay with a card, or mix it up?
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A Reading List -( Or, How to Get Some Real Food With The Brain Candy)
To say that I read a great deal is an understatement. I read often, for long periods of time. Unfortunately for my body clock, those long periods of time tend to be until three in the morning. The poor Labrador just doesn't understand why it's painful to feed and walk him at seven am
Also unfortunately, much of what I read is what I used to tell my children was "mindless drivel". In approximately the last week to ten days I have read the newest John Sanford mystery, the newest James Patterson mystery, the newest Stuart Woods mystery, along with a romance by Debbie Macomber (there's some kind of trend there, I'm just not sure what it is). Now mind you, mindless drivel certain has its place. I enjoy a silly movie as well as a deep one. Give me Fast Five one week and The King's Speech the next. I often read to be entertained, or to be put to sleep.
However, every so often I like to be challenged by what I read. I also have some goals (businesses to run, skills to learn, travel places to explore). While online research can be helpful, there's nothing like sitting down and actually reading a book on the subject (and occasionally taking notes, assuming the book is mine!).
To that end, I've come up with a reading list, and my goal is to alternate to "fluff" pieces with one that is more inspirational or informational. My short list is below. I will have more to add, but this is the beginning of my list. Few have to do specifically with fixed income or retirement living, although many are relevant. A couple are just about learning for the fun of it. Off I go (hopefully). What are you reading these days? Might you have recommendations?
Also unfortunately, much of what I read is what I used to tell my children was "mindless drivel". In approximately the last week to ten days I have read the newest John Sanford mystery, the newest James Patterson mystery, the newest Stuart Woods mystery, along with a romance by Debbie Macomber (there's some kind of trend there, I'm just not sure what it is). Now mind you, mindless drivel certain has its place. I enjoy a silly movie as well as a deep one. Give me Fast Five one week and The King's Speech the next. I often read to be entertained, or to be put to sleep.
However, every so often I like to be challenged by what I read. I also have some goals (businesses to run, skills to learn, travel places to explore). While online research can be helpful, there's nothing like sitting down and actually reading a book on the subject (and occasionally taking notes, assuming the book is mine!).
To that end, I've come up with a reading list, and my goal is to alternate to "fluff" pieces with one that is more inspirational or informational. My short list is below. I will have more to add, but this is the beginning of my list. Few have to do specifically with fixed income or retirement living, although many are relevant. A couple are just about learning for the fun of it. Off I go (hopefully). What are you reading these days? Might you have recommendations?
- How to Make Money Using Etsy - an up to date informative book that i scanned in the library and decided I simply must have
- Cutting for Stone-recommended by many people
- Go Your Own Way: Women Traveling Solo - although I regularly road trip alone, there may be a time when I want to go further afield and "singles group travel" is simply not my thing at any age.
- The Poor Will Be Glad : A book on a Christian approach to getting rid of global poverty
- Left Neglected-a book club choice that I probbly would not have chosen, but that's why I'm in a book club, after all.
- Put Em Up : I am determined to learn at least the basics of picking and canning produce, barbecue sauce and the like. Obviously, if I don't do a better job of learning to grow veggies in pots or raised beds, I'll have to buy the produce, which leads me to.....
- The Bountiful Container - I found a myriad of books on container gardening and finally found this one. It may be a little late in the Texas gardening season for me to implement much but there is always next year.
- The Paris Wife - a novelization of Hemingway's life with his first wife, and also my book club selection.
- On My Own - I was looking for a book that addressed being alone at this age, but wanted to go beyond all the traditional "widowhood" books. We shall see if I chose well.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Living Richly In Retirement-Little Things Mean A Lot
Back in March, I wrote about using small changes to make a fairly big difference in freeing up income. More and more, I am finding that making small changes in an effective way to well.............make change. I speak not only of finance (although with the economy and the cost of fuel, we have to be ever vigilant), but I'm speaking of all aspects of life.
There are some who figure that the small stuff isnt worth their time. $30.00 saved here will eventually cost $30.00 somewhere else. And you know what? They are absolutely right. Except that if I hadn't saved the original thirty bucks, where would I be now. These are the same folks that suggest big changes are what is needed to accomplish anything. There's just one problem with that. Opportunities for the big changes are rare, and often we cannot choose the time. Not only that, big changes sometimes take more effort (and finances) than we have available. Small changes on the other hand, are more easily made. Small changes are often less painful, and easy to work into our current routine.
Financially, downsizing will probably be my best choice. Just one problem-there is no way my house will sell right now,and I have a hefty down payment invested. Other big changes are out of my control right now. What IS in my control (mainly) are all those other day to day expenses. In that previous post I changed my prescription benefit, my car insurance, adjusted my cable bundle and cell phone bill, elminated magazines and promised myself I would only go to the three dollar movies or get discounted tickets on Groupon. Two months later, I've experienced minimum pain, if any from these changes. My total savings was in the $200 to $250. That money is now disposable income pile and used as savings when possible.
It isnt only in the financal arena where making small changes reaps rewards. Last summer I lost 50 lbs (and have kept it off since then). I'm now starting on my second fifty. To do that, I started with some pretty minor changes. I moved to lowfat everything (except when serious cooking, then I need butter. This included creamy salad dressing, sour cream, cheese, mayo and milk. Taste adjustment was overall minimal, and immediately made a huge difference in calories and fat. The second thing I did was start eating large salads with my lunch and dinner. Again, this was no effort. Lastly, I cut my six pack (of coke habit) down to one or two. That was still managable, although a tiny bit more painful. Eventually, I started counting calories and doing other things. But those three simple beginning changes were the catalyst that knocked off ten pounds in less than two weeks and really got me on my way. Again, small changes.
When I decided that I might go into business for myself (more than once), I took baby steps again. I bought a few books to see how they sold and how good I was at judging value. I crafted a few items to see if my skill was beyond making quilts for family and other people would appreciate what I did. When my doctor told me I could start exercising again (should start exercising), I took slow walks with the dog. And when I decided that I need to go out of my house, again, little changes. What began as an exploration into a church to see if I liked it turned into a full blown committment to chair two committees (what was I thinking), be the volunteer coordinator for a low income summer camp, and make a quilt for a resigning priest.
Small changes give us control over our environemnt. They can (for the most part) be easily changed or altered. In many cases we can return to the way things were, if we need to. There are generally few costs, and many benefits, be they financial, emotional or otherwise. A much better way to make life decisions, be they large or small.
There are some who figure that the small stuff isnt worth their time. $30.00 saved here will eventually cost $30.00 somewhere else. And you know what? They are absolutely right. Except that if I hadn't saved the original thirty bucks, where would I be now. These are the same folks that suggest big changes are what is needed to accomplish anything. There's just one problem with that. Opportunities for the big changes are rare, and often we cannot choose the time. Not only that, big changes sometimes take more effort (and finances) than we have available. Small changes on the other hand, are more easily made. Small changes are often less painful, and easy to work into our current routine.
Financially, downsizing will probably be my best choice. Just one problem-there is no way my house will sell right now,and I have a hefty down payment invested. Other big changes are out of my control right now. What IS in my control (mainly) are all those other day to day expenses. In that previous post I changed my prescription benefit, my car insurance, adjusted my cable bundle and cell phone bill, elminated magazines and promised myself I would only go to the three dollar movies or get discounted tickets on Groupon. Two months later, I've experienced minimum pain, if any from these changes. My total savings was in the $200 to $250. That money is now disposable income pile and used as savings when possible.
It isnt only in the financal arena where making small changes reaps rewards. Last summer I lost 50 lbs (and have kept it off since then). I'm now starting on my second fifty. To do that, I started with some pretty minor changes. I moved to lowfat everything (except when serious cooking, then I need butter. This included creamy salad dressing, sour cream, cheese, mayo and milk. Taste adjustment was overall minimal, and immediately made a huge difference in calories and fat. The second thing I did was start eating large salads with my lunch and dinner. Again, this was no effort. Lastly, I cut my six pack (of coke habit) down to one or two. That was still managable, although a tiny bit more painful. Eventually, I started counting calories and doing other things. But those three simple beginning changes were the catalyst that knocked off ten pounds in less than two weeks and really got me on my way. Again, small changes.
When I decided that I might go into business for myself (more than once), I took baby steps again. I bought a few books to see how they sold and how good I was at judging value. I crafted a few items to see if my skill was beyond making quilts for family and other people would appreciate what I did. When my doctor told me I could start exercising again (should start exercising), I took slow walks with the dog. And when I decided that I need to go out of my house, again, little changes. What began as an exploration into a church to see if I liked it turned into a full blown committment to chair two committees (what was I thinking), be the volunteer coordinator for a low income summer camp, and make a quilt for a resigning priest.
Small changes give us control over our environemnt. They can (for the most part) be easily changed or altered. In many cases we can return to the way things were, if we need to. There are generally few costs, and many benefits, be they financial, emotional or otherwise. A much better way to make life decisions, be they large or small.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
My Home Is My Castle-Learning To Be Happy At Home
Lately many folks I know are staying closer to home. The reasons for this are all over the map. Some folks have just retired. Some folks are stuck closer to home because of the cost of fuel and the attendant costs. Some work at home. Some are unemployed at home.
For many folks actually being at home all the time can be frustrating. It can be a huge transition, depending on previous work and lifestyle, and some folks look at having to stay close to home as deprivation. People can become stymied, sluggish, frustrated and bored with the move to being home full time.
I am at home most of my day, most of my days. This doesn't mean that I am a hermit, or that I lack a social life, or that I "never go anywhere" as the saying goes. It does mean that for reasons financial and personal, my home is literally my castle for many hours. While I am not an expert of making folks happy at home, I do have some ideas on things to do to make that time interesting and fulfilled.
For many folks actually being at home all the time can be frustrating. It can be a huge transition, depending on previous work and lifestyle, and some folks look at having to stay close to home as deprivation. People can become stymied, sluggish, frustrated and bored with the move to being home full time.
I am at home most of my day, most of my days. This doesn't mean that I am a hermit, or that I lack a social life, or that I "never go anywhere" as the saying goes. It does mean that for reasons financial and personal, my home is literally my castle for many hours. While I am not an expert of making folks happy at home, I do have some ideas on things to do to make that time interesting and fulfilled.
- Make cooking an experience, not just time spent to get food on the table. If you are part of a couple, prepare meals together. Experiment, experiment experiment. I am not a great cook, but still enjoyed watching and helping hubby on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
- Read, Read, Read. Most folks I know have more books to read than they will ever finish. Be grateful for the chance to lie down on the couch and read a book cover to cover-just do it. I read books from the library for free, but there are also free books for Kindle and Nook.
- Get in touch and stay in touch. The Internet is a wonderful thing. Search for old college mates, keep in touch with former coworkers, even meet new friends on the net. Facebook is not just for Generation X.
- Learn. Consider a free online class, just for the enjoyment of it. There are all kinds of lifelong learning opportunities on the net for pennies or for free. I've recently taken an online, free course on Women Artists of the American West. Be it a hobby, interest or vocation you can probably can find an online class on the subject,
- Pursue a hobby or interest from home. Even if you have other hobbies and interests such as golf, add a couple more that can be done in and from the nest. Hobbies pursued at home do not have to be crafty-homemaking hobbies. Genealogy, writing, photography and painting are just a few of the hobbies that can be done from home or nearby. As an avid road tripper, much of that hobby is done from home-the research, planning and writing about said travels afterwards.
- Move, and move daily, weather permitting. Do this at home, in your yard, in your neighborhood.Find some way to exercise. It's cheap, you'll stay alert, and have a chance to meet neighbors and friends.
- Create "events" to make things interesting. Don't just turn on a movie. Decide it's "movie night" and make the popcorn, drinks and dim the lights. Invite family or friends to may be nearby. Revive your own version of the cocktail hour in the afternoon. Adjourn to the patio in warm weather, to the living room to watch the news in winter.
- Entertain. Start a tradition of weekly movie night, monthly dinner group or other potluck style even with friends and/or family. Be willing to host and have others contribute, or rotate homes. I've mention before that my dinner group rotates among the homes of the members. My girl's night out remains at the same home because of the ease of scheduling, and we all contribute.
- If you share your castle, try and make individual space. No matter how small the apartment or home, each person deserves a little place for just themselves.
- Make commitments to go out of the house on a regular basis. These don't have to be often, and they don't have to be expensive. There are millions of small frugal ways to leave the house. Make the promise, if only to yourself. If you think there are no free diversions in your area, think again. Look again. Other than Sunday morning church and coffee, I have one regular social activity per week. However, I generally am out of the house at least once or twice. I may go to a local book group at our independent bookstore. I've been known on a nice day (or a crappy one) to take a book to my local independent coffe shop and sit and read, nodding and occasionally chatting with folks who go in and out. I love to visit the farmers market-yes, alone.
- Search out volunteer opportunities that can be done from home or close to home. Many agencies need help with web pages, advertisement, phone calls and the like.
- Finally, make your home your castle. Step back, take a look, and decide what small changes you would like to make to make home your "happy place". Forget about kids, entertaining or what the repairman sees when he enters (assuming you're no hoarder). My living room has pillows and a quilt, a pile of to read books, space for hot chocolate and snacks and many many pillows. I can retreat with a book, wine or cocoa, and come out a few hours later. Think about what you do, what you want to do, and arrange home accordingly. Make it work for you.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Welcome to The New Technology (Or, Can A Smart Phone Be Frugal?)
My brother is a computer /technology geek. He designs software for a living and has five, yes, five computers on his desk. He’s the kind of guy that gets to try out I Pads just for fun, and took home ten different smart phones for a couple weeks each to try them just because he could. When I decided to start a business, I casually mentioned one day that I might have to get someone to do a basic web page for me. He had it done an hour later, in between football and making homemade oxtail soup.
I on the other hand have a love/hate relationship with technology. I spend too much time on the computer by far. I find myself muttering to myself as people chat on phones in restaurants. Although use my kindle on occasion, I consider it a money pit, and generally prefer the feel of an old fashioned book.
However, as I’ve come to realize (and blogged about here), technology can be a frugal tool. That blog was about using the computer to save money. I’ve since realized that was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Recently I purchased a high tech smart phone. While at first glance this may not seem a frugal purchase, a unique situation arose that made it so. An older phone was broken (and covered by insurance), I was eligible for an upgrade (on my same plan), and there was a rebate on the phone. So I got a handy new frugal toy for the same basic monthly cost I was paying before. Since then, I’ve been exploring my “phonosphere’, and it has been an experience.
I do a great deal of my working, playing and relaxing at home and I like it this way. However, when I do go on the road, it’s for a longer period (usually a whole day). I generally do all my errands once a week. I spend full days here and there going to yard and estate sales, craft shows, and buying books to resell. I also regularly take day trips and longer road trips. There have been times when I wanted to load my laptop into the front seat, but didn’t see it as realistic. My new phone has been a reasonable solution. These are just a few of the things I can do from the front of my car, or on my patio (although I am not above burying the phone for good old sunbathing and reading for an afternoon, trust me):
• I can scan books at book sales instantly so that I know if they are salable or not before I buy them.
• I can point and click and get a comparison price list.
• I can access Blogger, Facebook or Etsy to update or find out if something is sold
• I can look and see if a movie is available at redbox or blockbuster in order to pick it up
• I can instantly access my bank accounts and see if there has been anything untoward (or see if my son needs cash in his account)
• I can get turn by turn directions (I find mounted GPS systems too distracting and won’t own one)
• I can get instant, verbal weather updates wherever I go
• I can load coupons and deals onto my computer so that they can be scanned by a cashier or other person.
I’ll never be the gal sitting in the restaurant lounge chatting on the phone, and I’ll probably never be able to text with my thumbs the way I see some people do. I’ll never watch movies on the thing, and I’ll always prefer a real paper book to a kindle book (even on the phone), and a real pen and paper. I’m even keeping my little day planner rather than using the “easily accessible” online calendar. I’ll also probably keep this phone for years, as opposed to the previously mentioned brother, who upgrades at the drop of a hat.
But I’ve moved further into the “world of technology” and accepted it into my life. I just have to remember that it’s a tool and I’m in control instead of the other way around.
I on the other hand have a love/hate relationship with technology. I spend too much time on the computer by far. I find myself muttering to myself as people chat on phones in restaurants. Although use my kindle on occasion, I consider it a money pit, and generally prefer the feel of an old fashioned book.
However, as I’ve come to realize (and blogged about here), technology can be a frugal tool. That blog was about using the computer to save money. I’ve since realized that was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Recently I purchased a high tech smart phone. While at first glance this may not seem a frugal purchase, a unique situation arose that made it so. An older phone was broken (and covered by insurance), I was eligible for an upgrade (on my same plan), and there was a rebate on the phone. So I got a handy new frugal toy for the same basic monthly cost I was paying before. Since then, I’ve been exploring my “phonosphere’, and it has been an experience.
I do a great deal of my working, playing and relaxing at home and I like it this way. However, when I do go on the road, it’s for a longer period (usually a whole day). I generally do all my errands once a week. I spend full days here and there going to yard and estate sales, craft shows, and buying books to resell. I also regularly take day trips and longer road trips. There have been times when I wanted to load my laptop into the front seat, but didn’t see it as realistic. My new phone has been a reasonable solution. These are just a few of the things I can do from the front of my car, or on my patio (although I am not above burying the phone for good old sunbathing and reading for an afternoon, trust me):
• I can scan books at book sales instantly so that I know if they are salable or not before I buy them.
• I can point and click and get a comparison price list.
• I can access Blogger, Facebook or Etsy to update or find out if something is sold
• I can look and see if a movie is available at redbox or blockbuster in order to pick it up
• I can instantly access my bank accounts and see if there has been anything untoward (or see if my son needs cash in his account)
• I can get turn by turn directions (I find mounted GPS systems too distracting and won’t own one)
• I can get instant, verbal weather updates wherever I go
• I can load coupons and deals onto my computer so that they can be scanned by a cashier or other person.
I’ll never be the gal sitting in the restaurant lounge chatting on the phone, and I’ll probably never be able to text with my thumbs the way I see some people do. I’ll never watch movies on the thing, and I’ll always prefer a real paper book to a kindle book (even on the phone), and a real pen and paper. I’m even keeping my little day planner rather than using the “easily accessible” online calendar. I’ll also probably keep this phone for years, as opposed to the previously mentioned brother, who upgrades at the drop of a hat.
But I’ve moved further into the “world of technology” and accepted it into my life. I just have to remember that it’s a tool and I’m in control instead of the other way around.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The Positive Packrat-Or The Frugal Side Of Stuff
Recently I saw the above phrase from a book. Later it occurred to me that the phrase Positive Packrat probably describes my home and life.
This past week, I freshened up my abode for spring and early summer. I put the Easter decorations away and lightened up. I also made two gifts (one "crafty" and one not). I created a memory quilt, did some house repairs, and got ready to can homemade barbecue sauce.
I share some of my week not to show how energetic I am (on the contrary, laid back is my name when it comes to getting things done, as a later missive will show). The reason I mention some of my accomplishments is two-fold. First, I managed to do all the things I needed to do without leaving my home. I enjoy leaving my home on occasion, but when I choose to. Leaving to run around and do busy work or last minute shopping is not my idea of a relaxing or fun time.
Secondly, other than some fresh produce, no money was spent in these endeavors. I managed to make a scrapbook page, do minor home improvements, create simple decor items, make a quilt, can barbecue sauce and do all these things with items I had on hand.
I guess you could say being a Positive Packrat is about the other side of "stuff". Some folks would keep that word in huge capitals. I say, keeping stuff on hand can save you time, and more importantly, cold hard cash. For me, at least, some of the so called golden rules of decluttering kind of get lost along the way. The idea that you should love everything you own/and or find it beautiful is nice. But stuff (things, possessions if you will) enable me to live frugally, expending very little cash.
The same is true with the rules of use. Some years my canning jars get used once a year, others multiple times. The point (at least for me) is that the money I save by having a case of jars and canning supplies on a garage self is much more than the cost of the storage. I've made food for my family, homemade gourmet items, and multiple gifts (ice cram sauce sets, for example) for pennies many years.
Years ago, I decided that I could learn something from my kitchen pantry. If I was buying "staples" at discounted prices to make sure I always had what I needed on hand, why could I not do that with other areas at home. To that end, when my kids were small, I would buy socks for a year at once. I did this when there was a really good, unbeatable sale. I shopped for items that I knew I would need eventually. I kept a list. I bought things not because I necessarily needed them at the time, but because I knew I would need them and use them at some point. WhenI saw a basket for pennies at a yard sale, I scooped it up (even though I had no plan of what to do with it). Sewing fabric (assuming I liked it), the same way. Used flower pots, canning jars on sale, extra clothing since I have always spent time in two distinct climates-these are just a few of the thing that this packrat hangs on to.
Everyone has to decide what stays and goes depending on their own storage space and needs.. It's worth remembering though, that it will probably cost you more to replace something how that you disposed of six months ago. You'll also have to allow time to shop for ithe item as well as car expense. For me, I'll try and hang on to those possessions that allow me to live my life more frugally. A penny saved is at least two earned, after all.
This past week, I freshened up my abode for spring and early summer. I put the Easter decorations away and lightened up. I also made two gifts (one "crafty" and one not). I created a memory quilt, did some house repairs, and got ready to can homemade barbecue sauce.
I share some of my week not to show how energetic I am (on the contrary, laid back is my name when it comes to getting things done, as a later missive will show). The reason I mention some of my accomplishments is two-fold. First, I managed to do all the things I needed to do without leaving my home. I enjoy leaving my home on occasion, but when I choose to. Leaving to run around and do busy work or last minute shopping is not my idea of a relaxing or fun time.
Secondly, other than some fresh produce, no money was spent in these endeavors. I managed to make a scrapbook page, do minor home improvements, create simple decor items, make a quilt, can barbecue sauce and do all these things with items I had on hand.
I guess you could say being a Positive Packrat is about the other side of "stuff". Some folks would keep that word in huge capitals. I say, keeping stuff on hand can save you time, and more importantly, cold hard cash. For me, at least, some of the so called golden rules of decluttering kind of get lost along the way. The idea that you should love everything you own/and or find it beautiful is nice. But stuff (things, possessions if you will) enable me to live frugally, expending very little cash.
The same is true with the rules of use. Some years my canning jars get used once a year, others multiple times. The point (at least for me) is that the money I save by having a case of jars and canning supplies on a garage self is much more than the cost of the storage. I've made food for my family, homemade gourmet items, and multiple gifts (ice cram sauce sets, for example) for pennies many years.
Years ago, I decided that I could learn something from my kitchen pantry. If I was buying "staples" at discounted prices to make sure I always had what I needed on hand, why could I not do that with other areas at home. To that end, when my kids were small, I would buy socks for a year at once. I did this when there was a really good, unbeatable sale. I shopped for items that I knew I would need eventually. I kept a list. I bought things not because I necessarily needed them at the time, but because I knew I would need them and use them at some point. WhenI saw a basket for pennies at a yard sale, I scooped it up (even though I had no plan of what to do with it). Sewing fabric (assuming I liked it), the same way. Used flower pots, canning jars on sale, extra clothing since I have always spent time in two distinct climates-these are just a few of the thing that this packrat hangs on to.
Everyone has to decide what stays and goes depending on their own storage space and needs.. It's worth remembering though, that it will probably cost you more to replace something how that you disposed of six months ago. You'll also have to allow time to shop for ithe item as well as car expense. For me, I'll try and hang on to those possessions that allow me to live my life more frugally. A penny saved is at least two earned, after all.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Urban Frugality or Rural Frugality-(Or Somewhere In Between?)
One of the blogs I occasionally visit is The Simple Dollar. This week Trent has an article about why he prefers living in the country (both for frugal and non frugal reasons). My perspective is different. I suspect that for me, it would be much less effortless to be frugal in the city or an inner suburb. Truthfully, I expect that one can be frugal anywhere. The methods change as do the frugal opportunities. We all have to take advantage of where we live.
In my case, prior to my marriage I lived in cities (Washington DC and Denver). During my marriage we lived in “inner suburbs” (for lack of a better term). Generally these were high cost of living areas. Washington DC generally falls in around number five in terms of most expensive metropolitan centerss. After managing to live quite frugally (and on one salary most of our married lives), I think I have a good handle on why I think this kind of area is a great area to live in when you are trying to be frugal.
I do think that there are some frugal things that people do anywhere, and are not dependent on locale or other limitations for the most part. These include watching spending, negotiating, bartering with neighbors, buying used, setting financial goals, cooking from scratch, and having a general use it up or wear it out philosophy.
What about you? Do you take advantage of all the frugal resources around you? Do you think it would be easier for you to be frugal or save more money if you lived elsewhere?
In my case, prior to my marriage I lived in cities (Washington DC and Denver). During my marriage we lived in “inner suburbs” (for lack of a better term). Generally these were high cost of living areas. Washington DC generally falls in around number five in terms of most expensive metropolitan centerss. After managing to live quite frugally (and on one salary most of our married lives), I think I have a good handle on why I think this kind of area is a great area to live in when you are trying to be frugal.
- Transportation costs can be very low. Because public transportation was cheap and everywhere (and often subsidized by employers), we managed to live on a single (used) car and a good bike until my daughter was of the age to work. If it rained, I simply drove hubby to the train and then came home. We could have had an even less expensive car (read Junker) if we had not also already been into road tripping travel as a family. On the other hand, if you did drive, you paid parking. And if you lived in the city, you may pay to park your car on a daily basis.
- Garage Sales, Consignment Shops, Antique Shops, Second Hand Book stores and the annual Junk Trash day. Need I say more? Obviously if you are a person who would rather buy new at any cost, this won’t seem an advantage. In my case I managed to clothe my family and much of my home with really cheap, good condition used goods. One year I got my then six year old daughter a complete mix and match wardrobe for the summer (filling three bins) for a total of seven dollars. And I did that in walking distance from my home.
- Competition between stores (especially grocers) breeds low prices. When you have a Safeway, a Giant, a Harris Teeter, a Shopper’s Warehouse and a couple others in a mile radius, they have to compete. Yes, overall prices are high, but each week each of those stores has ten or so of those rock bottom choices.
- Lots of really cheap, good entertainment for pennies or nothing. When we lived in Arlington, on any given day there was at least one festival on any warm month-pick a day, you could find a street fair. Most museums and cultural venues have family days, free days and specials. Many cities have outdoor concerts, from large to small, art fairs and the like. A family or a single person can be entertained for a day for the cost of a beverage and snack. (Note: I deliberately left the Smithsonian out of this list, because while other cities may not have that resource, they do have other free and low cost entertainment alternatives.
- Cheap Housing, especially for single people. While this may sound like a contradiction in terms, an urban environement encourages home and apartment sharing, group housing and the like.
- Cheap ethnic foods. Although we could afford to go out rarely, when we did we had a plethora of cheap restaurants (most ethnic, and none fast food) close to home. Especially if we were willing to eat at lunch or early in the evening, we could eat well with our choice of Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and other restaurants.
I do think that there are some frugal things that people do anywhere, and are not dependent on locale or other limitations for the most part. These include watching spending, negotiating, bartering with neighbors, buying used, setting financial goals, cooking from scratch, and having a general use it up or wear it out philosophy.
What about you? Do you take advantage of all the frugal resources around you? Do you think it would be easier for you to be frugal or save more money if you lived elsewhere?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Frugality and Sustainability-Hand in Hand?
I'm a Frugal Gal. Frugality, by its very nature, often crosses into other movements for many. As I've yelled more than once from the hilltops, although I'm a frugal gal, not too much of the simplicity movement enters my life. I like my stuff. Equally importantly at this juncture, I need much of my stuff. Going out to replace something I decluttered if I change my mind is not an easy feat at this point.
I do find that in my little corner of the world, being frugal also usually means being "green". While my first choice is not always the environmentally kind choice, the fact is that I am a frugal person both by necessity and choice. This means that I generally promote sustainability simply by default. This is a good thing, even if it's a side benefit of my life.. Often, it seems to me, people assume making the greener choice is the more expensive choice. While that may on occasion be true, much if not most of the time the two mesh well, even if unconsciously. For example:
What about you. Do you aim for Frugality, Simplicity, or Sustainability first. How often to more than one of those things mesh in your life?
I do find that in my little corner of the world, being frugal also usually means being "green". While my first choice is not always the environmentally kind choice, the fact is that I am a frugal person both by necessity and choice. This means that I generally promote sustainability simply by default. This is a good thing, even if it's a side benefit of my life.. Often, it seems to me, people assume making the greener choice is the more expensive choice. While that may on occasion be true, much if not most of the time the two mesh well, even if unconsciously. For example:
- I don't use disposables (except for toilet paper) because I "did the math" and it's cheaper for me to wash cloth napkins than to buy paper. Of course, I also like the look of cloth napkins. Now, some might say that there's water used in the cleaning process, but a few napkins (or a rag for cleaning) go into the regular wash, at the regular level. I have applied this philosophy to eliminate paper plates and cups (If a dish breaks on the patio it isn't the end of life as we know it), the use of towels and dishrags (used daily and washed) and other so called disposable items.
- I try to save as much on energy costs as I can. This means I take heat and electricity to my lowest comfort level (which isn't very low, especially in winter). I hang clothing when I can, and I only water once a week (yes, even in Texas). I cook stove meals together and use ceiling fans. Again, I do these things for financial reasons but the end result is sustainability.
- I reuse or re purpose everything I can. This is a necessity for me. The Easter basket that was lined with spring fabric and filled to decorate my living room will now be painted with a sponge and filled with a candle on hand for the patriotic holidays. Whether it's decorating for a holiday, setting a table for entertaining or another cause-I look to what I have on hand first. The immediate result for me is financial, but this also means I am unlikely to put much into a landfill or trash pile.
- When I need to buy, I look to the used market for most things. I do this from a financial stand both because of cost, and because if something is well made and working in a thrift store, it's stood the test of time and will probably last much longer. From a sustainability standpoint, again, this means that I am not putting things into the land fill. Since petroleum products and chemicals are used to make everything from plastic dishes on up, I'm environmentally friendly in more ways than one. I've even considered joining the compact, at least for a brief try.
- When it comes to transportation costs, I try and save much of my car budget for travel, so I am very conscious of commutes and trips and do my best to conserve gas (even as I road trip once a month). Hopefully this contributes in some small way to the planet in general. I've chosen to try a variety of income streams from home to eliminate commuting and "dress for success" type costs, with the same result.
What about you. Do you aim for Frugality, Simplicity, or Sustainability first. How often to more than one of those things mesh in your life?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Living Richly in Retirement-Frugal Fido (or there's no such thing as a free pet)
Widow that I am, I rarely sleep alone. On the other side of the bed is a thirteen year old, fifty pound beagle and lab mix. Up until a year ago, said bed was shared with a sixteen year old beagle as well. Not only that, but when my husband was living, our king sized bed housed two dogs and a married couple (the eternal family joke being that if another dog entered the family, we were gonna have to get dad a new bed).
This dog is a member of our family. There, I said it. While this does not mean that I put the pup on a level with my children, is does mean that our family would not be whole without the dog.
Having pets is always a challenge in retirement, especially if travel is a goal. My husband and I used to joke at the end of an evening out that our kids may be grown and self sufficient, but we still had to find a sitter for the dog and be home every night to make dinner. Having a pet (especially a dog, I believe) is even more of a challenge for fixed income and low income folks. There are those who believe that in cases like mine, struggling to make ends meet some months, the dog should go. Donna over at Surviving and Thriving (one of my favorite blogs) wrote an article entitled, "Why You Can't Afford a Dog". I've decided that for now, even with some of what they call "income insecurity", that Fido is staying.
Aside from the fact that he has my heart and my children's heart, my dog is a companion. I'm a widow, living alone much of the time (and in the near future all of the time). Fido (whose name has been changed for the purpose of safety and privacy) is my constant companion at home. I've been known to carry on conversations (often unwittingly) with my pup. In the evening, when reading, we cuddle together. Fido is my safety net. A large black dog that barks the minute someone he hears or sees something (even on the street) is a security blanket of immeasurable worth, especially to someone living alone. I have a security system as well, but frankly, the dog is a better early warning system. Just as with my children, I've seen my dog grow and change. both dogs were rescued at under a year, traveled to Germany, and back from Germany. The saying may be trite, but we understand each other.
Admittedly there are down sides to having a pet at this point in my life. The most obvious consideration is financial. A year ago, my beagle became ill. He was not ill a long time, just a few months, and because he was in pain, it was an easy decision on what to do. That experience cost me almost two thousand dollars including cremation. When the time comes who knows what will happen with this furry friend. As far as monthly expenses, dogs are like young humans. They need good food (not gourmet food), basic care, exercise and lots of life. This means that my regular expenses are his food, a heart worm pill and flea meds monthly, and annual injections. It's been suggested that this cost may run a thousand dollars annually. I doubt it, but I have been blessed that my dogs thrive on Beneful and Nutrish, and homemade treats.
The second down side to having a pet in retirement has to do with logistics. What happens if I want to take a quick overnight trip to a nearby town, or a weekly road trip. Right now, I have family available and am able to just pack up and go. Soon that will change, and I will have to make arrangements and appointments for my baby (as well as pay for boarding, an additional cost). While I do know folks who travel with their dogs, it does seem to me that most of them have campers or RVs. If I took Fido on a road trip of the gulf cost, would he appreciate being left while I wandered around town and into a restaurant?
Neither of these down sides would ever persuade me to leave my dog, or allow him to leave me. However, my darling lab is fifteen and eventually the time will come when he'll no longer be with me. I've had to ask myself questions about future pet ownership. Can I live without a pet? Do I WANT to live without that companionship? How will I afford that pet? If I downsize into an apartment or condo, is it even fair to have a pet?
These are all questions I struggle with, and why I have not yet gotten a new companion/playmate for my beloved dog. Since he seems content to be the king of the castle and have my undivided attention, it's not a problem that needs to b solved immediately. What about you? Do you have pets? Do you travel with them? If you no longer have a pet, do you miss him or her? How much do you spend on your dog annually?
This dog is a member of our family. There, I said it. While this does not mean that I put the pup on a level with my children, is does mean that our family would not be whole without the dog.
Having pets is always a challenge in retirement, especially if travel is a goal. My husband and I used to joke at the end of an evening out that our kids may be grown and self sufficient, but we still had to find a sitter for the dog and be home every night to make dinner. Having a pet (especially a dog, I believe) is even more of a challenge for fixed income and low income folks. There are those who believe that in cases like mine, struggling to make ends meet some months, the dog should go. Donna over at Surviving and Thriving (one of my favorite blogs) wrote an article entitled, "Why You Can't Afford a Dog". I've decided that for now, even with some of what they call "income insecurity", that Fido is staying.
Aside from the fact that he has my heart and my children's heart, my dog is a companion. I'm a widow, living alone much of the time (and in the near future all of the time). Fido (whose name has been changed for the purpose of safety and privacy) is my constant companion at home. I've been known to carry on conversations (often unwittingly) with my pup. In the evening, when reading, we cuddle together. Fido is my safety net. A large black dog that barks the minute someone he hears or sees something (even on the street) is a security blanket of immeasurable worth, especially to someone living alone. I have a security system as well, but frankly, the dog is a better early warning system. Just as with my children, I've seen my dog grow and change. both dogs were rescued at under a year, traveled to Germany, and back from Germany. The saying may be trite, but we understand each other.
Admittedly there are down sides to having a pet at this point in my life. The most obvious consideration is financial. A year ago, my beagle became ill. He was not ill a long time, just a few months, and because he was in pain, it was an easy decision on what to do. That experience cost me almost two thousand dollars including cremation. When the time comes who knows what will happen with this furry friend. As far as monthly expenses, dogs are like young humans. They need good food (not gourmet food), basic care, exercise and lots of life. This means that my regular expenses are his food, a heart worm pill and flea meds monthly, and annual injections. It's been suggested that this cost may run a thousand dollars annually. I doubt it, but I have been blessed that my dogs thrive on Beneful and Nutrish, and homemade treats.
The second down side to having a pet in retirement has to do with logistics. What happens if I want to take a quick overnight trip to a nearby town, or a weekly road trip. Right now, I have family available and am able to just pack up and go. Soon that will change, and I will have to make arrangements and appointments for my baby (as well as pay for boarding, an additional cost). While I do know folks who travel with their dogs, it does seem to me that most of them have campers or RVs. If I took Fido on a road trip of the gulf cost, would he appreciate being left while I wandered around town and into a restaurant?
Neither of these down sides would ever persuade me to leave my dog, or allow him to leave me. However, my darling lab is fifteen and eventually the time will come when he'll no longer be with me. I've had to ask myself questions about future pet ownership. Can I live without a pet? Do I WANT to live without that companionship? How will I afford that pet? If I downsize into an apartment or condo, is it even fair to have a pet?
These are all questions I struggle with, and why I have not yet gotten a new companion/playmate for my beloved dog. Since he seems content to be the king of the castle and have my undivided attention, it's not a problem that needs to b solved immediately. What about you? Do you have pets? Do you travel with them? If you no longer have a pet, do you miss him or her? How much do you spend on your dog annually?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Frugal Retirement: Turning a Hobby into an Income Stream
Now, as many hobbyists, in previous times the products I made were primarily used for enjoyment or gifts. While I made the occasional custom sports or baby quilts, most of my endeavors were enjoyed by me, family and friends. Turning a hobby into an income requires a different mindset, and along the way I’ve learned a few things:
• While some income streams such as selling your stuff may bring in instant income, many income streams, even small ones take a while to get off that ground. That advice about small businesses not making any business in the first year? That applies to micro businesses and incomes streams as well. As the side bar to my blog shows, I do have a few things listed for sale. But the truth of the matter is that I probably won’t see any real income until the summer.
• When it comes to creative hobbies, one needs to focus on what people want, rather than what you like to make. Although this sounds simple (and obvious) it can be an adjustment. I generally made large quilts. I’ve learned that smaller, seasonal and useful items need to be added to the mix. Living where I do I’ve started to incorporate “Texas” fabrics and various team logos into my projects.
• For me at least, I’ve had to find a way to combine my creativity with good business practices. This means things like making more than one of the same item, just in different colors and themes, so that I can be more efficient with my time. So once I find a pattern I like, I do all the cutting, all the sewing and all the quilting for multiple items in stages.
• In order to be a success, you have to have some kind of schedule and make some kind of time commitment. This is where all the business types that read my blog say to themselves “well, duh!!” As I’ve said before, I’m a putterer at heart. Most of my life I’ve been an at home wife and mom, or in a field where if you waited five minutes, you would be doing something completely different. With that in mind, I’ll never be the gal who gets up, has breakfast and goes into her studio to work for half a day. However, I do commit to a certain amount of time a week, and once I begin sewing, I commit to a time period before I leave that studio. Equally importantly, I’ve learned to track that time and schedule.
• You need to learn to value your time. This is especially difficult for creative hobbyists. Even though we’re making for profit, we generally enjoy the process. This means that when it comes to figuring out the value of a creation (or even a service); we downplay the value of our time. While we may not be able to pay ourselves $20 an hour, some kind of acknowledgement of our creative time is central to the pricing process.
• Small businesses, even casual income streams usually need some kind of structure. This means registering a name, getting a tax number, and figuring out how clients will pay you, for example. How much structure obviously depends on the business? For my business, barbarajune creations, I’ve registered a name, gotten a tax number, opened a business account in quicken and that’s about it. I don’t need any insurance; employees are out right now…you get the idea.
As you can see, I’ve had a learning curve. Others with more business experience in the “real world” may have fewer adjustments, some may have more. What I have learned is that it’s a fine line between hobby and business, but one that’s well worth it. The freedom to create, but with the knowledge that any success regarding income relies totally on me can be a shock sometimes-and I have more than one income stream!!
So I’ll continue to watch the views to my website rise, create and add more items to my little online store, learn about craft marketing and enjoy that fact that overall, I can make a little bit of money doing a lot of what I enjoy.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Living richly In Retirement-Spring Is a Frugal Girl's Dream
As I mentioned earlier on, spring has sprung here in Texas-in reality, its been here for most of the month of March. Every season has frugal advantages and costly situations. While energy use is high in many places during the winter, one can also cook frugal soups and stews and freeze them, and post holiday shopping can save on gifts. That said, in this part of the country, spring is generally a frugal gal's dream. How can I count the frugal ways to enjoy spring in north Texas?
- Energy Savings: For the most part, I'm neither cooling nor heating my house. Once in awhile, there is a brief blast of AC late in the afternoon if the house temperature has gone above 80 degrees. Meanwhile, I'm cooking on the grill at least twice a week, saving on cooking energy (I have a covered patio and I do cook on it year around, but much more often in the warm weather). The days are getting longer. Because I have a house with lots and lots of windows, this lowers my electric bill, as well as being a psychological boon.
- It's garage sale season: This is a plus for two very good reasons in my household. I always first try to purchase items on the used market. This means that small household items, replacement items and even some like new gifts are purchased during this time of year. Yesterday I got brass candle holders for my mantle and decorated pots for a couple of dollars. I have a list of items I am looking for. Here in Texas, yard sales can run from Thursday through Saturday, or any combination thereof. Since I work at home, I generally go Thursday and Friday and stay home on the weekends.
- It's garage sale season, part deux: My son has a book selling business online, and I buy and resell collectibles and other things online as a side business. This means that this time of year is good for business as well as our personal financial bottom lines. On the resale front, yesterday I bought a signed book of poetry published in 1930, collectible Avon plates and a lighted Easter village house, all of which will be resold.
- It's planting season: Although I'm planting and not eating as of yet, planting even small amounts of my own produce, especially herbs, can save a bundle and add to my creative cooking. My patio pots are fertilized and this season I will put starter tomatoes, peppers and the like (bought on sale with a coupon) in the pots. Although this doesn't mean I will never buy produce, it does mean that I will have some fresh items, and a start of a larger garden that will continue year to year.
- In Texas at least, it's spring festival season: This means lots and lots of frugal to free entertainment. Many festivals are free, and those that aren't have a very reasonable entrance fee. So for a small fee and perhaps the cost of a drink, one can have hours of free entertainment as one explores these festivals. I go with friends and we generally take a picnic for before or after the event. It's also the season when free outdoor concerts and the like begin to appear in this part of the country. In today's weekend section there is mention of a free fun run, a free outdoor art festival, a pinball festival, a swap meet, a jewelry making open house, and many free concerts. That's just in my area of the city. There's also a garden show for a mere $2.00 and lots of other cheapies. I haven't even mentioned the kid friendly choices.
- It's time to exercise outdoors: Although my six months membership to my city natatorium facility is extremely reasonable, now I will be walking outside. As summer approaches and it gets hotter, I'll use my local pool (which is free) early in the morning.
- Local, seasonal produce and meats begin to appear more at my local grocery stores:. While food is not going down in price anytime soon, I do find that for the most part local produce and eggs are cheaper (I don't get to the farmers market every Saturday because I'm often yard saling or going to craft fairs).I am a spring a summer veggie person (as opposed to squash and the like) so this is perfect for me. This is just the beginning of the growing season and things become more plentiful day by day.
- As a direct result of the above, this is the very beginning of preserving season: Obviously, this goes well into summer and even early fall. I don't can as much as I should, and frankly, canning store bought produce is not always a money saver. However, I make many gourmet and giftable type items (barbecue sauces, relishes, mojito jelly and the like) that save me piles of money. This year I will also look for a source of bulk tomatoes Last year I purchased a water bath canner and one of those "new skills to learn every month or so" on my list will be in play.
- I feel more energetic as the days get longer and the weather warms: While this may not necessarily be "frugal" in the sense of the rest of my list, it means that I spend less time wrapped in a blanket in front of the television after dinner and spend more time doing other things. Admittedly not all of these are frugal endeavors as I consider after dinner to be "my" time.
- I have less pain, which allows me to accomplish more: I have an injured knee with residual effects on top of arthritis. This means that cool and damp means more pain, and less activity. Again, this probably doesn't fall under the "frugal" sphere in the overall scheme of things, but certainly increases my energy.Since the two streams of income I am trying to establish are errand/concierge services and quilting, this is an overall financial plus for me.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Fixed Income Living-I've Been To The Movies
Well, my Sunday post comes a bit early. I've been up watching basketball games and the aftermath. To the members of the gallery who don't watch sports, you have my apologies. College basketball fan that I am, posts will occasionally be peppered with basketball comments, as I'm a die hard fan (who still roots for those east coast teams that I followed for 20 years)............
Entertainment/socialization is often the first thing that gets eliminated with a tight budget. I find that by taking advantage of deals and discounts, attending a great many free events and being open to opportunities, I manage to have more entertainment than I can handle some months.
Tonight my son and I went to see The Lincoln Lawyer. Generally, I only go to the movies a few times a year. I adore movies, all movies, but not only can movies be expensive for me, but I am the kind of girl who NEEDS that popcorn and drink to go with the film. This means that usually there are only two reasons that get me into a theater. The first is that it's the kind of movie that's meant to be seen on the big screen (Avatar and Inception come to mind). The second time I go to movies is when there's been a convergence of sort.........I'm really feeling like leaving the house, there has been a serious deep discount, and there's a film I would really really like to see. The second situation doesn't often happen, but when it does it hits me full force, which is why I peruse special deals daily and "store them up" if you will.
Tonight was one of those nights. One of my favorite deal blogs had let me know a few days ago that Groupon had $6.00 prime time tickets to see the Lincoln Lawyer. As always when it comes to movie or entertainment deals, I jumped at the chance, and immediately purchased two. I'd spent the afternoon clearing out my closet for a coming yard sale and was pooped. So we made ourselves slightly more presentable, grabbed a sweater to prepare for Texas air conditioning, and off we were to the local theater. In addition to my discounts and deals, this theater has a rewards program where one can earn drinks and snacks. This meant that for two adults on a Saturday night, two tickets, drinks and popcorn were less than the price of two normal tickets. I do love it when a plan goes through!
As with any kind of splurge, even one done with discounts and special offers, this only happens occasionally. Move of my movie watching is done on my small flat screen with movies checked out from Netflix or the local library. The rest of the time I'm watching the classic movie channels, which keep me satisfied many a night. When I do have or purchase a deal like this, I hoard it, saving it for the perfect opportunity. I also am very cautious, only buying Groupon or other group buying deals deals that are good value and that I will actually use. I recently got two tickets to the Studio Movie Grille (just what it sounds like, for you non Texans). For five dollars, I get a prime time movie, nachos and drink. I'll be saving that for a special move-after tonight I'm thinking Cowboys and Aliens, but who knows. That one, I'll probably end up seeing by myself.
Saturday's experience is just one way to entertain yourself for less. In addition to group buying deals, it's worthwhile to sign up via email with the movie theaters or chains that you visit often. I regularly get coupons for free drinks and popcorn from AMC, and almost every theater chain now has a "frequent shopper card". Additionally, many chains have special deals when you attend the first matinee of the day. My theater does that, but my body clock is such that this is the time when I am sewing up a storm and movies go by the wayside. Many theaters have senior discount days, and some allow you to bring your own food. I admit this last one is always difficult for me. Traditionally I am black and white when it comes to ethics, but then I went on a diet and could eat nothing the theater offered, so I have been known to bring in my own drink and low cal popcorn on an occasion or two. Whatever your movie poison is, you should be able to find reasonable alternatives that allow you the occasional cinematic experience.
As a final thought, recently I watched 127 Hours on the small screen. It was an excellent movie and I am glad I watched it. However, I'm equally glad that I didn't pay for even a discount ticket at the local theater. It was much less embarrassing to hide my head on my own couch for five minutes than it would have been in a theater, for one thing. Oh, and the Lincoln Lawyer was well worth the price. But then I'm a Michael Connelly fan who relies pretty heavily on Rotten Tomatoes reviews, so I thought it would be.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Entertainment/socialization is often the first thing that gets eliminated with a tight budget. I find that by taking advantage of deals and discounts, attending a great many free events and being open to opportunities, I manage to have more entertainment than I can handle some months.
Tonight my son and I went to see The Lincoln Lawyer. Generally, I only go to the movies a few times a year. I adore movies, all movies, but not only can movies be expensive for me, but I am the kind of girl who NEEDS that popcorn and drink to go with the film. This means that usually there are only two reasons that get me into a theater. The first is that it's the kind of movie that's meant to be seen on the big screen (Avatar and Inception come to mind). The second time I go to movies is when there's been a convergence of sort.........I'm really feeling like leaving the house, there has been a serious deep discount, and there's a film I would really really like to see. The second situation doesn't often happen, but when it does it hits me full force, which is why I peruse special deals daily and "store them up" if you will.
Tonight was one of those nights. One of my favorite deal blogs had let me know a few days ago that Groupon had $6.00 prime time tickets to see the Lincoln Lawyer. As always when it comes to movie or entertainment deals, I jumped at the chance, and immediately purchased two. I'd spent the afternoon clearing out my closet for a coming yard sale and was pooped. So we made ourselves slightly more presentable, grabbed a sweater to prepare for Texas air conditioning, and off we were to the local theater. In addition to my discounts and deals, this theater has a rewards program where one can earn drinks and snacks. This meant that for two adults on a Saturday night, two tickets, drinks and popcorn were less than the price of two normal tickets. I do love it when a plan goes through!
As with any kind of splurge, even one done with discounts and special offers, this only happens occasionally. Move of my movie watching is done on my small flat screen with movies checked out from Netflix or the local library. The rest of the time I'm watching the classic movie channels, which keep me satisfied many a night. When I do have or purchase a deal like this, I hoard it, saving it for the perfect opportunity. I also am very cautious, only buying Groupon or other group buying deals deals that are good value and that I will actually use. I recently got two tickets to the Studio Movie Grille (just what it sounds like, for you non Texans). For five dollars, I get a prime time movie, nachos and drink. I'll be saving that for a special move-after tonight I'm thinking Cowboys and Aliens, but who knows. That one, I'll probably end up seeing by myself.
Saturday's experience is just one way to entertain yourself for less. In addition to group buying deals, it's worthwhile to sign up via email with the movie theaters or chains that you visit often. I regularly get coupons for free drinks and popcorn from AMC, and almost every theater chain now has a "frequent shopper card". Additionally, many chains have special deals when you attend the first matinee of the day. My theater does that, but my body clock is such that this is the time when I am sewing up a storm and movies go by the wayside. Many theaters have senior discount days, and some allow you to bring your own food. I admit this last one is always difficult for me. Traditionally I am black and white when it comes to ethics, but then I went on a diet and could eat nothing the theater offered, so I have been known to bring in my own drink and low cal popcorn on an occasion or two. Whatever your movie poison is, you should be able to find reasonable alternatives that allow you the occasional cinematic experience.
As a final thought, recently I watched 127 Hours on the small screen. It was an excellent movie and I am glad I watched it. However, I'm equally glad that I didn't pay for even a discount ticket at the local theater. It was much less embarrassing to hide my head on my own couch for five minutes than it would have been in a theater, for one thing. Oh, and the Lincoln Lawyer was well worth the price. But then I'm a Michael Connelly fan who relies pretty heavily on Rotten Tomatoes reviews, so I thought it would be.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Fixed Income Living: A Week In A Frugal LIfe?
Just as an aside, you gotta love the little guy..........Butler messed up my ever lovin brackets, but yea for them!!!!!!!!
Whether I fit the true definition of a retiree or not, I live on what many would consider an extreme fixed income. Basically, I live on a maximum $2500 dollars per month (1500 from my husband's social security, $800 from his pension and a few minor income streams here and there) Out of this money, I make a house payment, pay bills, socialize,pay college tuition for a 22 year old, and eat well. feed myself and a twenty year old college student and occasionally subsidize his business and schooling in a small way.
While I don't live in the most expensive part of the country, Texas has its own cost of living issues and even in Texas what I live on is considered extreme, when you consider that I have a house and a dependent (as in living with me) college student.
Nevertheless, for the most part my life is fulfilling. I socialize, we eat very well, occasionally we dine out. I have a nice house (although it will need some work). I go to concerts, festivals and museums. I travel-I do road trips on a regular basis (because I have given up flying unless it is over an ocean, not necessarily because it was cheaper). I am a quilter, which by definition is no longer a "cheap" hobby, and my son loves the occasional golf game.
Although my blog gets only a few comments per week, statistics show that I have quite a few readers and followers. In addition to this blog, I am on many forums (frugal and otherwise), write articles that appear online and elsewhere, and occasional teach classes on frugality and living beneath ones means. I also occasionally speak on how I got here and how not to become me.
Whether it be here, or in my email box, or in person, I get comments. Many comments and emails are filled with ideas, support and generally positive. However, I also get a fair amount of emails wondering how I can possibly survive and be happy, if I'm being honest and realistic, or telling me that whatever I do (be it coupon, pantry shopping, cutting expenses, making Christmas gifts) they could not possibly do the same.
I've been wanting to do this awhile, and frankly, I'm still not sure how tomorrow's post will look. That said, I think in addition to talking the talk, it's only fair of me to show what my frugal life is like, how I manage, and how I find joy in living beneath my means. Some of what I share will be relevant to all, and some will not. Not every retiree who reads my blog watches pennies. Not every person living on a fixed or lowered income is a retiree. Many of the things I do I did when we were a family with children and were simply "adjusted for size", and can be used by everyone.
I'm still not sure whether I will simply add a daily update at the end of regular posts, or a weekly synopses sharing my frugal life. Either way, I hope that can share even more openly how to live beneath ones means and still have a full and happy life.
Coming next: Eating Well On A Budget For One Or Two, The Week In Review
Whether I fit the true definition of a retiree or not, I live on what many would consider an extreme fixed income. Basically, I live on a maximum $2500 dollars per month (1500 from my husband's social security, $800 from his pension and a few minor income streams here and there) Out of this money, I make a house payment, pay bills, socialize,pay college tuition for a 22 year old, and eat well. feed myself and a twenty year old college student and occasionally subsidize his business and schooling in a small way.
While I don't live in the most expensive part of the country, Texas has its own cost of living issues and even in Texas what I live on is considered extreme, when you consider that I have a house and a dependent (as in living with me) college student.
Nevertheless, for the most part my life is fulfilling. I socialize, we eat very well, occasionally we dine out. I have a nice house (although it will need some work). I go to concerts, festivals and museums. I travel-I do road trips on a regular basis (because I have given up flying unless it is over an ocean, not necessarily because it was cheaper). I am a quilter, which by definition is no longer a "cheap" hobby, and my son loves the occasional golf game.
Although my blog gets only a few comments per week, statistics show that I have quite a few readers and followers. In addition to this blog, I am on many forums (frugal and otherwise), write articles that appear online and elsewhere, and occasional teach classes on frugality and living beneath ones means. I also occasionally speak on how I got here and how not to become me.
Whether it be here, or in my email box, or in person, I get comments. Many comments and emails are filled with ideas, support and generally positive. However, I also get a fair amount of emails wondering how I can possibly survive and be happy, if I'm being honest and realistic, or telling me that whatever I do (be it coupon, pantry shopping, cutting expenses, making Christmas gifts) they could not possibly do the same.
I've been wanting to do this awhile, and frankly, I'm still not sure how tomorrow's post will look. That said, I think in addition to talking the talk, it's only fair of me to show what my frugal life is like, how I manage, and how I find joy in living beneath my means. Some of what I share will be relevant to all, and some will not. Not every retiree who reads my blog watches pennies. Not every person living on a fixed or lowered income is a retiree. Many of the things I do I did when we were a family with children and were simply "adjusted for size", and can be used by everyone.
I'm still not sure whether I will simply add a daily update at the end of regular posts, or a weekly synopses sharing my frugal life. Either way, I hope that can share even more openly how to live beneath ones means and still have a full and happy life.
Coming next: Eating Well On A Budget For One Or Two, The Week In Review
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