by Kathryn Lang
I think there is a hole in my bank account. The bank statement shows the deposit, but the balance sure doesn't reflect the concept that I am earning anything.
Reality of my problem has finally set in. I am spending more than I am earning. The solutions tried so far have not gotten me very far. I seem to be missing the magic beans. The good news is that I have found the secrets to beating off debt before the creditors came to repossess the kids.
There are two things you must have in order to make ends meet (after a job that is). There must be consistency and diligence in keeping up with the finances. I have lacked both in so many aspects of my life. Now I realize that my lack is affecting my life and my family.
Develop Discipline and Consistency with Finances
It is an agreeable change to cross a lake, after you have been shut up in the woods, not only on account of the greater expanse of water, but also of sky. It is one of the surprises which Nature has in store for the traveler in the forest. To look down, in this case, over eighteen miles of water, was liberating and civilizing even.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
1. Cook instead of eating out.
2. Turn off some lights. One 100 watt light bulb has the ability to raise the temperature of a small room by 11 degrees.
3. Pack lunches and snacks for work or school. Saving just $3 a day will give you well over $500 at the end of the school year.
4. Freeze food to use later. Cook up meals or the elements of meals for easy fixing in the future. An added bonus is that frozen food will last longer than fresh and you are less likely to end up just throwing it away.
5. Keep a list of what you have in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. This keeps you from over-buying at the store, but also reminds you to use the items you already have in stock.
I keep thinking that what I need
to do is buy my leg back.
Surely it is for sale somewhere,
poor broken tool, poor ornament.
It might be in a store somewhere beside a lady’s scarf.
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)
6. Combine errands. The less driving you do, the less gas you use. If you have to take the kids to ball practice, then go to the store while they are there. Swing back by the field on your way home - two birds with one stone, so to speak.
7. Turn up the air or turn down the heat. Just two degrees can save you lots on your electric bill.
8. Give up some of the luxuries. Do you NEED a pedicure or manicure? Do you NEED the gourmet coffee? Do you NEED the brand new car (or boat, or four wheeler)?
9. If you must have clothes (for work or maybe some special need) then consider waiting for sales or shopping at a thrift store. This is especially great for kids' clothes, since they seem to grow out of the new pants before you can get them home from the store.
Balance does not happen over night and can be lost in the blink of an eye. I must be diligent in saving and stewardship over all that I have while remaining consistent in doing all that needs to be done. Debt does not come overnight and freedom from debt will take some time and effort as well. Find more tips for family finances over at http://www.bestfamilyfinance.com. More about the author: Kathryn Lang is a working freelance writer and speaker with experience in newspapers, magazines and online writing. You can find out more about her experiences and services at http://www.kathrynlang.com.