DH and I set down last night and discussed that we HAVE to get a simpler lifestyle.

We buy on a whim, spoil ourselves and our children because 'we can', eat out often, spend nearly 200 a week on groceries, the list goes on and on.

I really have to get this under control...well, *we* do, but as the 'homemaker' in the family, lol, I feel like I can do more.

So, what are your bottom line MOST IMPORTANT simplifying tips?

We just sold our second car to cut down to one...that's a beginning, right? ROFL

Thanks in advance for all the great ideas I know you'll give :P...I'm going to go read past posts now :D

:wave: Hi Tuesday.

Your lifestyle sounds a lot like ours. I really need to get back on the bandwagon. This was the first Christmas we weren't extremely tight for $$$ and I went a little ape-sheet. lol And my kids were awfully bratty for it. want, want, want. That seems to be a theme at our house lately.

Have you read the Tightwad Gazette? This is like a thrift boot camp.

That's a good place to start. Now, off to take my own advice.

No, but I've heard of it :D...is it online...or a book? TIA :D

For food, I make a menu for every thing we are going to eat including snacks. I grocery shop only once a week, and buy only what's on my list. I have a budget and can only use what I have in my purse. I use cash only, so I can see how much I am spending. I overbought when I used my ATM. I learned how to make baked goods since we go through a lot of bread products. I use up all leftovers before I do my weekly shopping. I make DH's lunch, so we never have eating out expenses unless it is planned.

Everthing else needed but not a neccesity goes on a list. I keep the list handy, and when we have leftover from our budget or I see a really good sale on the items I want, I buy them.

For clothes, I try to consign or sell old clothes first before I pay out of pocket for new stuff.

No, but I've heard of it :D...is it online...or a book? TIA :D


It's a book by Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced decision)

It's great. Hard-core frugality.