We are trying to afford a new-to-us van. The one we have is old, (1987) and has been breaking down a lot. We have adequate support, butr not enough to buy a new vehicle outright, and we don't want to go into debt.
So we are starting to save up, the old-fashioned way, one dollar at a time. Hence, DH asked me to start baking bread again. Bread is quite a staple around here. Fine, I like to bake.
Is it that much cheaper to make your own bread? I don't rightly know, but I do know that the less you go to the store, the less money you spend, period. Duh.
Anyway, I was thinking about that Reb Bradley article that I didn't like. He talked about a homeschooling momma on her deathbed saying that she wished she had bought her bread and spent the time with her kids instead. Well, I had an interesting time making bread with my kids! Hmm. With the kids? What an interesting concept! I am not saying that you have to bake bread. And I am not saying that buying bread is a bad thing. Not at all. We have bought tons of bread. But why does it have to be an all or nothing thing?
Being a Christian wife and mom and even a homeschool mom is supposed to be a pleasant, joyful thing. If its not, its because we are messing it up somehow.
On the Frugal Front, I am establishing the tried and true "envelope" method. The Preacher gave me x amount of money for veggies and bread and the occasional Coke for each week in October. Now we'll see just how much we've been spending here and there on the little things.
It seems ridiculous to think that we'll get enough for a new van doing this, but I know it works. Nickle and dime savings helps more than we think it does.
R
Odds and ends and breaking the silence
1 year ago
7 comments:
It *does* add up!
We have been really 'strapped' for cash recently. Last month we lived off £180 for the whole month (and it was a 5 week month), that's $327 (I think). That was my whole grocery budget (food, cleaning, toiletries, etc) for the month I think the cost of living in the UK is a bit higher than the USA but probably not more than Chile. Anyway £40 a week for the first 4 weeks then £20 for the last week. We did it, I looked at my old grocery receipts, wrote down the prices and then visited Aldi and Netto to see if their products were cheaper than Asda. Those items that were I bought and then did the rest of my shop at Asda. I carefully worked out how much it would cost as I went round so that we would't be embarrased at the till. I also carefully worked out all my meals for the week and only bought what we needed. I also did a little cleaning and added another £30 to the budget.
This month - oh miracle! Two have people handed us envelopes of money (£100 in each) that the Lord had asked them to give us (people we hadn't told about our difficulties) PRAISE HIM.
So budget wisely and keep praying and you'll get your van.
As for bread making, I think that it works out about the same as a cheap loaf over here (with flour, yeast, electricity), but tastes so much better. However, if you can get big big bag of flour wholesale from somewhere I'm sure it would work out cheaper for you.
Mrs.B, yes it does! It also makes you more aware of what you were wasting.
Sarah,
Nothing like being strapped for cash to put you in the Faith and Miracles Mode!
As far as the bread goes, as long as breadmaking keeps me from making daily trips to the store,
(here bread is bought daily) the better. You never buy just bread!
Cost of lining here where I am is relatively cheap. PTL
We do the envelope method too and really like it! I am enjoying reading your blog! Thanks for the interesting, fun posts.
Lol I just read my comment I meant that the cost of living in Chile is probably less than the UK. I don't buy bread daily here in the UK its the stuff in plastic bags probably full of additives. The French buy theirs daily and think that the English are plebians for buying their bread in plastic bags pre-sliced. Anyhoo, must get ready for church...have a blessed Lord's Day.
First time I've visited your blog. I am a soon to be stay at home mom and have been following the Frugal Fridays at Biblicalwomanhood. I am going to attempt (this weekend) my first ever home-made bread which is why I looked at this post in the first place.
I saw you talk about making bread with the kids and though my mother NEVER made bread, we lived next door to my grandparents and gramma made her bread for the week every Saturday morning and for as long as I can remember we (my brother sisiter and I) "helped". We each got our own little bit of dough and made dough-men with raisin eyes (to be eaten at breakfast)and all sorts of things. Nothing was ever wasted and these Saturday morning memories are some of the MOST PRECIOUS memories I have. it may have taken Gramma a bit longer to do the bread, but I am so thankful that she was willing to share that time with us!
Jennifer
Welcome, Jennifer!
Its so wonderful to have precious memories. As a sahm, you'll have ample opportunity to do the same with your little ones!
I am going to post a really easy bread recipe today.
R
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