I have to say that this is one of the best Frugal challenges I have seen in a long time. Why? it is because it gets you to sit and think. Not only all the nifty ways to cut costs but it gets you to really look at how you look at things for example...attitude of your contentment in life. I have been on this frugal trek for at least 18 years now. I have a saying that I have said for many years..."I cut so many corners that I am down to a circle". It is not easy at times living on a very modest level of income but with that said I wouldn't choose to live any other way than simply. I don't want to be a slave to a rat race plus I don't want the stress of trying to live outside of our means either. Well, the Lord keeps showing me better things , better ways and then shows me how to do it frugally.
Lately I have been learning a lot about how to make food in a much healthier way but if you are not careful it can get quite expensive. Recently I am finding ways to make good food but in a more attainable and economical way. Also I have to have the perspective that....
Because of this perspective it has opened my mind to what I should be eating and not eating. One way to make this way of eating more attainable is to make as much of it myself from scratch. I guess that is a large part of why I am not blogging as much. Yes it takes a bit of time but the level my health has taken is unbelievably better. I can say that my adrenal gland fatigue is pretty much gone. If you asked me if I could say that this time a year ago I would have really doubted you. I like how this frugal challenge doesn't sacrifice your health and I love it.
This challenge touches a lot on being content. I have done almost everything I can to save money and still it can be challenging. I keep hoping to create some more breathing room in our finances. I do feel there is some breathing room but with the rising cost of living recently has made the breathing room a little less than I would like. That is where God is working on my attitude the and heart the most. That is where I have to let go and let God. I have to trust in Him that He will provide what is needed. I appreciated Andrea's posts about what is a want and what is a need. That post with another post also Redefining Frugality really got me looking deep inside.
Two other posts that really got me thinking was The 30-Day List and How To Stop Spending Money to Impress Other People. I really suggest you take it from the beginning and read through the challenges. I feel everyone would come away with something that got you thinking and asking yourself what you could do better. I know I did!
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 23: Finding Freedom
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 22: 23 Tips that are Guaranteed to Save You Money!
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 21: The Process of Converting Your Spouse
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 20: It’s Time for a Giveaways ~ Track Your Spending With PearBudget
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 19: Living the Good Life…No Matter What the Checkbook Says
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 18: How to Stick to a Budget
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 17: Redefining Our Wants vs. Our Needs
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 16: Frugal Out of Necessity
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 15: Learn to Share and Barter
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 14: Starting Your Own Urban Garden
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 13: Growing Your Own Herbs
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 12: Raising Frugal Children
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 11: Going Car-lite
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 10: How To Stop Spending Money Trying To Impress Other People
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 9: The 30-Day List
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 8: Learn to Control Impulse Spending
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 7: Clutter Free Living ~ An Interview with Courtney Carver
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 6: Frugality, Health, and Happiness
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 5: 50 Tips for Slashing Your Grocery Bill
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 4: Reducing Household Bills
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 3: Dowsizing Your Home
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 2: How To Develop The Frugal Living Habit
- 23 Day Frugal Living Challenge Day 1: Redefining Frugality
Ok Mary, you've talked me into it. I'll be heading over there soon to get myself started. I'm fairly frugal, but I'm sure I'm not at "circles" yet. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the inspiration!
~Lisa :)
Am I a circle? I think I am in the way that I equate frugality with living with less. As you know, I am at 'No Spending Year', and so far, I have been doing really well. Challenges will come my way, I know :-) but overall, I am not thinking on spending anything that is not Needed!
ReplyDeleteGreat challenge my friend...I am glad that it is helping you :)
And yes Mary the writing is just perfect!!!
love you,
m
I am not at the circle point yet and I know I need to master more frugal ways of eating -- especially with nine mouths to feed. A lot of times I get tired just thinking about it. I'm glad you're leading they way and giving me great ideas.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Deborah
So glad that the challenge helped you so much and that you are doing so well. What a blessing to hear. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Links, Mary. I got lost in them and I forgot to comment on your post! So, I had to come back in to visit again.
ReplyDeleteI need to be better at frugal simple-healthy meals. Frugal being the word. I tend to make meals with lots of pomps!
I saw Maria's post on her "no spending year". I will have to check what she is doing out. I bought my first purchase yesterday for this year. I had to by a standardized test for one of the Kiddos (state requirement). But, it wouldn't have lasted long anyway, I have to go grocery shopping! ;)
Thanks, Mary!
ReplyDeletedefinitely some things to think about, Mary. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOOOOOOooooohhhh! I love that saying. I'd much rather pay the farmer now than my doctor! I thank you for posting this. I will try to set aside some time to go through the challenge. Blessings to you, friend!
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Mary...I am buried alive by the rat race right now, and today I feel like all I can do is cry. Very hard time, trying to dry my eyes and keep working on digging out. I miss you, and would appreciate your prayers. You've always inspired me, and you have such a good perspective.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Lori
btw...I like the new blog-look! Very fun and upbeat!
ReplyDeleteI got so busy when you first posted this that this is my first chance to read this. I'm going to try to read those challenges.
ReplyDeleteBecause of some things going on around here, I have the need to cut corners ever closer to that circle. In some areas, I am a total cheapskate, but there are other areas where I need help.
I read on a blog recently about doing a "frugal fast" one week a month. I think that's a really neat idea.
Lots of good reading on this post. Lots to think on. I will be checking on all the links. Thank you!
ReplyDelete