People often use the phrase “cutting back,” when referring to their finances. Perhaps resulting from loss of income or increased expenses, but whatever the reason it is usually accompanied by a sense of dread or foreboding … where do I begin? What can I cut without making my family unhappy? You’re asking the wrong questions.
When examining your lifestyle and finances you need to ask the questions that force you to think outside the happy suburbia where you currently live. Here are a few questions to get you headed in the right direction.
- What are some things I currently pay for, that we don’t currently use/enjoy all that much? Think lower tier of cable, less phone features: voicemail, less cell-phone minutes, or lower tiers of insurance.
- What are some free activities that we would enjoy as a family or individually? If you fill your schedule with less-expensive or free extra-curricular activities and entertainment, you won’t miss the pricey ones so much.
- What are some fun ways I can make meal times less expensive, but not boring? Think theme nights and family involvement. We have Spaghetti Sundays. Spaghetti is a cheap meal, but the sauce in the crock pot smells SO good when we come home from church that we actually get excited for it.
- How can we decrease the cost of gift-giving without seeming cheap? There is a cost to this solution: time. Thoughtful, meaningful gifts are worth a lot more than the $50 sweater. Plan ahead, get creative, get your kids involved … everyone loves something from the kids.
- What can I do personally to make my family happier without spending more money? Be with them. Read a book aloud together. Play checkers 17 times in a row. Institute some new, funny traditions: Stripe Fridays (my husband actually does this), Wednesday Night Dance Party, Pancake Thursdays, you get the idea.
I’d bet money (not a good idea) that if you try some of these things you and your family just might be smiling a little more, and spending a little less.Have you liked Domestic Cents on Facebook yet?
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