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"God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow into them."

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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Becoming Frugal before you need to.


All of my life I have been very aware of money and what it does.  I started working between the ages of 14 & 15 at Burger King.  I still remember my first check.  $360.00 (give or take a few dollars and cents).  I am amazed at how much this was (considering minimum wage was $5.35 back then and from what I remember the highest allowance I ever received from my parents was $10 a week this was big money).

I honestly do not remember what it got spent on, probably make up and clothes, but I know I saved some of it to, and tithed on it now that I think about it.  But, what I remember the most is the great feeling I had of not needing to ask my parents for money.  I didn't have to ask them for anything, except a ride to work, and I would buy what I wanted with MY money.  It was great. 
All during high school I worked.  I bounced between Burger King and The Oxford Village Bakery and even worked at Choo-Choo's Chocolate for a little bit.  When different things would come up at school I always had money for them and I even paid for some of my own retreats the school would go on.  I loved paying the $200 myself and not having to ask my parents.  I didn't even have to ask them IF I could go anymore, I just had them sigh the paper and told them I was going.  Because I had already paid what could they say?  :)  I loved that.
After Ben and I got married, as I am sure he will tell you, I became the "money nazi" in the relationship.  I always was telling him "we didn't need that" even if maybe we did because living with my parents I had learned to live minimally.  Well, over time Ben and I have some what learned to  balance each other out, Ben is a great money saver now too, and I try to bite my lip when we are spending money.  :)
Recently I have gotten into clipping coupons and "finding the best deal" on stuff we have to buy anyway.  It really started out as me wanting to know "how these crazy coupon ladies spend $20 for $100 worth of groceries".  Well, sad to say, I haven't figured that out yet, but I have figured out how to get lots of stuff we need and always buy for close to free.  And along the way I have been able to purchase stuff that is a "want" not a "need" for practically free!  As I have been learning how to do this I have come to the conclusion that it is better for me to learn how to do this when I don't really NEED to do it instead of waiting until perhaps we NEED to stretch out money farther than we are used to.
This morning I read a lady's post that sum's this up pretty well and is worth reading...












And, totally off the subject:

Kobe's Quote of the day:

"Mom!  I just peed like a angry wolf!"

Only the mom of a boy would find this cute :)

10 comments:

Lindsay said...

Ha! I read that post this morning too! I totally agree... learning to save money before you have to is a great concept! Thanks to you I got over 50$ of stuff for only 9$ and still have 4$ to spend at CVS! Love it and what an awesome way to help with saving our money! Now we have even more money to go towards the last of our debt we have which will be paid off next month PRAISE GOD! :)

Lindsay said...

LOL about what Kobe said he cracks me up. Where does he come up with this stuff....lol

Vicki Aeschliman said...

oh my gosh, that was great! Dave usually says he has to pee like a race horse and if anyone has seen a horse pee that says it all.

Leah Wentzel said...

kobe says the horse thing too-the angry wolf thing was new today :)

Vicki Aeschliman said...

I was always good about coupons and then got away from it. I am so glad that you inspired me to get back to it.

Ben said...

I have to say that you have MOLDED me into a money saving machine! :) That quote from Kobe is the most awesome quote ever!!

Vicki Aeschliman said...

ok, so I could have written this all in one comment but my brain was farting. I loved the article Leah, it's true, it is so a process and one has to realize it. It is fun though and I am so glad I am back to it.

Shelly Marie said...

It is fun to see much you can save!!! I love it!! I just found a website (besides the Kroger website) that you can load up all kinds of coupons on your Kroger card. Now the test will be if you can use your Kroger card and the paper coupons all in one visit!! We will see!!! I will let you know!!

Leah Wentzel said...

you will have to start giving us the kroger update and tell us how you do it so I can do better there shelly

cinematic said...

Chris and I are definitely learning how to be more frugal!! It is not our strength at all. Thanks for the tips Leah, and the websites. We will be using the coupons for sure!
Thanks for the Craigslist idea today too. I still need to do it.:) I ran out of time today.

Love you!