In
spite of being a single income family we live remarkably well and have for
quite some time. It wasn’t until we started filling out the FASFA financial aid
form and all the other scholarship forms for college that my girls had any
knowledge whatsoever about my income. But
the cat is out of the bag when you fill all of that stuff out and have to
include a copy of your income tax return. Much as I'd like to keep all of my financial
information private it doesn't quite work out that way. However, one of the best compliments my girls
could every give me was telling me they never knew we were on the low income
spectrum and that they were completely clueless. Looking back it made sense to them since
there was only one parent and thus only one income, but because of how I
managed our home and my finances they were completely unaware. Thankfully, my children have never had to go
without.
We
have always had plenty of clothing, appropriate footwear, coats, hats and
mittens for the cold weather months, shorts, sundresses and swimsuits in the
summer. The girls have always had dresses
for special occasions like an orchestra concert, a school dance or the
prom. They have always had access to and
regular visits at the doctor or dentist as well as both girls received
orthodontic care to straighten their teeth.
There has always a roof over their heads and warm and comfortable beds
to sleep in.
We
eat extremely well too. Healthy and
nutritious foods that sustain us and maintain our health rather than cause a
detriment to it. Thankfully, none of us
are overweight or suffer from any diet related illnesses. I’ve heard it said many times that a healthy
diet is too expensive, but it simply is not true. In my opinion it is far more expensive not to
eat a healthy diet. Not only do we eat
very well on a daily basis, but our home is well stocked with groceries and we
don’t have any worries about our food supply.
I know a lot of families right now are struggling with this particular
area so I am very grateful to be in the position that I am currently in.
I
tend to keep things fairly simple and I try to purchase quality over quantity. I don't necessarily feel that everything has
to be new either. Often I can find older
used or vintage items that are much better than what I can buy new in the
stores these days. I think that is
especially true of cookware and bakeware items.
Much of what I have in my kitchen is very old, handed down to me by my
grandmothers or purchased second hand.
We
have a modest home and furnishings, nice vehicles that weren’t overly expensive
to purchase, good wholesome foods to eat, classic clothing and shoes that don’t
go out of style with the seasons and we take care of and maintain what we have
and are mindful not to be wasteful. And
little bit by little bit we make improvements to what we have to not only
increase its value, but also to make it better and improve the quality of our
life. Keeping our life simple and being
mindful of what we purchase and how we spend our money makes it easier to live
within our means. I would much rather have
fewer things and have them be nicer.
Patience and hard work are a big factor here too. I don’t need everything “right now”. I’m willing to wait to purchase what I need
when the prices are low enough that it won’t be a financial burden. These are life lessons I’ve work hard to
teach my children too.
I'm
not trying to brag about myself or portray that I am so much better off than
most. Instead I am hoping to inspire
others so they too can live an abundant life without being limited by the money
they make. I've always felt it is less
about the money you make and much more about what you do with it. I hope I can set an example so that those who
might be struggling right now can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Nothing would please me more than if I could
help someone simply by setting a good example and lead them on a better path.
You are doing so well,and are clearly focused on the right priorities. We have a different life (bay area HCOL, double income, etc), but at our core, we want similar things - to prioritize what's important (financially & otherwise). The way you manage it all, with a lot of positive spirit & grace makes it so enjoyable to follow along with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I appreciate you telling me that.
DeleteGreat story written here without divulging personal information. You show that it is true "it's not what you have but what you do with it". You have riches beyond measure and your girls have learned much especially now that they know the actual $ it took to live this wonderful life you describe.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Thank you.
DeleteYou are doing a great job and it's okay to pat yourself on the back occasionally.
ReplyDeleteHawaii Planner, what does HCOL mean?
I also am single income. Have been my whole life. I was blessed to inherit a property which I remodeled and paid off while I was working. Now I am able to live off it until pension and social security kicks in. I actually was very frugal while working trying to pay off the HELOC for one house and save to remodel the home I was living in.
I just fell off the wagon. Stop paying attention to what I was buying. Like I said mindless spending. I am turning that around. Allowing for small gifts so that I don't feel too restricted.
HCOL: High Cost of Living
DeleteHi Connie,
DeleteThis isn't Hawaii Planner, but HCOL is an acronym for High Cost of Living.
It happens. Don't be too hard on yourself. That wagon can be a pain in the butt!
DeleteYou also have quite a few skills to help you along in the quest for living well more cheaply. I lived like I had/made more once upon a time. Teaching your children to fix your home and maintain it are some very important things you do. I am fascinated with your projects.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear. Thank you.
DeleteYour family is proof it can be done. It takes hard work and dedication. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lee Ann 😊
DeleteThat pot of chili looks delicious
ReplyDeleteBecause I made it in great Grandma's pan! 😉
DeleteYou spend your money wisely and I’m guessing you don’t waste much money on high priced cell phones/plans, alcohol, tobacco, weed, tattoos, crazy name brand clothing, eating out, casinos.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, too many people waste too much money on junk and then don’t have money for the basics.
I think you’re doing a super job with your family snd finances.
Thank you Rhonda. I've thought about weed and casinos. LOL Not really.
DeleteI think that an average American's idea of poverty is a lot different than what you or I, or our kids, for that matter, think it is. When you have everything you need, and some of what you want, I think, regardless of income, you live in abundance.
ReplyDeleteWell said Meg!:0)
DeleteThis is such a great post! You should teach a class on how to live well on little.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be fun? I'd like that.
Delete