Finding Ways to Survive Tough Times
The economy seems to have a choke hold on many families. It is bad enough that vacations were switched to stay-cations if they weren’t cut altogether. But already many families are looking at how to get creative when the holidays come around because it is likely that budgets will not be any nicer by that time.
There are ways to get creative with a budget on a diet. Planning to take extra work or even having a giant sale of all your extras or unnecessary items is a great place to start. Turning to friends and family can also help to lighten the load on the family budget.
Tips for Stretching the Family Dollar
-
1. Have a “Blessing Box” that passes around between you and several other families. Place good, quality items that you don’t need anymore or can’t use in a sturdy plastic box and then pass it on to the next family. You could also include a notebook for sharing barter items (I can fix your fence if you’ll bake my casseroles).
2. Share babysitting duties. Instead of hiring the neighborhood teen for the job why not trade duties with the neighbor that has kids the same age. The kids get a fun day and you get a free night out.
3. Check out the local “Angelfood Ministry.” It is a great way to stretch the grocery budget and help out your local church at the same time. Each participating church gets some funds from the program and families have the ability to participate in a food co-op that would otherwise be impossible for most.
4. Have group meals or potluck gatherings. There are times (like after church or during sports seasons) when all families struggle to get meals together and often fall to buying fast food or eating out. Help save on those expenses by doing group meals instead.
Saving money is not the only reason to make changes or cut back. Some times the need is simple survival. During these tough economic times use some creative measures to help you and your family get through and even thrive financially.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
[...] dry. There are still ways that a freelance writer can survive the struggles in this desert. 1. Go to survival mode – that means rationing your supplies. Cut out ALL unnecessary spending (yes that does mean cable) [...]