back to basics

Have you started to make changes in your family due to the changes in the economy? Have you noticed that your money is just not going as far (or like me, noticing that there is less money to work with) to make ends meet? Are you cutting back on expenses? Canceling that vacation? Skipping those trips through your fast foods favorites?

For our family, it is a little bit of everything (although there was no planned vacation yet this year). I am trying my best to do/buy what I can on a lower than normal budget. So far, the grocery store is where I can see the biggest difference. I've started doing all of the basic shopping at Aldi & the dollar stores. I can get most of all the staple food items at Aldi, and love saving a few extra dollars by getting the same cleaning/paper supplies from the dollar store that I can get at Kroger. I've also thought about better meal planning so I do not overbuy, or trying weekly(or even monthly) cooking, or possibly meal sharing with friends. I've also considered ordering from Angel Food Ministries. My Mom's friend sent me an e-mail about it last year and told me that everyone is eligible for this program, there are no income guidelines.

I also would like to get back to basics as far as our possessions go. We all have too many clothes, and our (too little) house is overflowing with toys...most of which just get moved around the house, not actually played with. I feel that in doing so, my kids will take more pride and what they do have & HOPE that they will take better care of their things.

This economic situation is not looking good, but I am really trying to find ways that it can change my family in positive ways. Our getting rid of things can help other families with less than what we have. Cutting back on expenses now may allow us to afford a vacation later in the year, even on our lower budget. Teaching my kids responsibility about needs vs. wants - it's the perfect time. I am learning these lessons right along side them...my Tim Horton's Coke is NOT a necessity :)

So what are you doing? Are you making some of these changes too?