Well, for many reasons, Mike and I are tightening the belt, and being creative with the resources God blesses us with. I am a big advocate of using what you have, buying used and not getting something because it is the newest or just because you want it. God is steadily delivering us, form poor financial choices within our control and hard circumstances outside of our control. Now we want to be faithful to both save and be generous to those who need it. We are coming into a new season on many fronts, but one of the ear marks of this time, will be how we learn to save and control our spending.

So, I am cleaning out and organizing our closets (again) and getting ready for school this week. Some how or another, I always find something I can list on eBay. So this week I am listing 4 or 5 things and also going through clothes. Not to donate but to scavenge from. I grabbed these bottons from an unused shirt and will turn the body of the shirt into interfacing for something else I am making.

I enjoy sewing and hate going to the fabric store with the kids, so I have given myself a new challenge. What can I make that is new from something I already have lying around. So I am creating “out of thin air” and excited. Look at how this women turned her old t-shirts into cute baby clothes. I need a wallet as I don’t have one, so I am going to make this one.

Pray for me!

Buy LESS…..save MORE…give GENEROUSLY!

I know it is earth shattering but yet highly effective!

I think most American families need help in the finances department, and this book could be a good first start. No offense to my International readers. I am sure International families can look at their budget as well. This book attacks the normal American pastime of “excess” and offers tips that relate to living within the US.  I am sure that international families can apply many of the concepts regardless of their context. It is an easy read and not necessarily meant to be read straight through but rather viewed topically depending on what you need most. It will help you think through your financial plan and give you solid tips  and really great ideas on how to save money around your home. It is an inspiring read that preaches simplicity and motivates you to make your pennies stretch and learn how to live with less.  I found it interesting that many of the ideas, we already implement and many others we have never even thought of.

The books authors (the Economides) actually paid their entire house off in 9 years making only about 35K a year.  They started by just paying $2 extra on principle every month and pinching pennies all along the way.  Annette (the wife) stayed home the entire time raising their kids, learning how to be an efficient homemaker and making “simplicity” be her overarching goal for their family.

This book is proof that it can be done if you are willing to sacrifice a bit, live within your means, and most of all have discipline with your budget.  I was inspired!