Tighten Your Belt

Like most people lately, we are tightening our belts in our household.  We have had years that God has blessed us with plenty.  Prior to that we have definitely had our financial trials.  We have lost our home to foreclosure, lost our credit status to bankruptcy and eaten beans and rice for weeks on end.  But, most of our kids have only known or only remember years of plenty.  So, actually, this belt tightening is good for them.  They know what it's like to want a little bit (a very little bit, really).  They look in the fridge and they don't find the same food they used to find. Now we stick to mainly staples and foods that actually take some time to prepare.  No, praise God, we don't go hungry or anywhere close to it.  We just have to get creative.  

And then there's the allowance issue.  The kids used to get allowance every week.  They set some aside for charity and saved some and the rest was spending money.  They were required to use their allowance for toys, games, outings - any extras that they wanted.  That way I don't have to field request for the kids' desires.  Since Jim's work has slowed down, we have only gotten a paycheck once this year from our business.  I told the kids that if we don't get paid, they don't get paid.  Now they are all pretty much out of money and they are feeling the recession, too.  They can't buy the things they want, or go the places they want.  They're feeling the pinch and it's good for them to be in want a little.  

I think twice before making purchases now.  The things I bought at Trader Joe's without thinking twice now stay on the shelf.  I make minimal purchases from Amazon.  The packages don't arrive nearly as often as they used to.  It's  good discipline for all of us.  Nothing like a little incentive to reign in the finances.  It is a good reminder to be thankful in all things.  God always provides for us and we must remember to thank Him in times of need as well as times of plenty.