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Tuesday 24 January 2012

Making the most of our Money in a Difficult Economy

No one will deny that the current economic situation poses tough challenges, and even more so for home educators, as we are very often cruising along on one wage, not two. However, don't ever underestimate the blessings we receive, of having invested in our children, especially from a Christian standpoint. It is easy to be tricked into thinking our job is not important. However, don't be fooled. A godly home and upbringing is the best thing we can give our children. Material possessions don't make children happy, a loving family, and happy home, where parents truly love the Lord, does.
So, how can we manage our money better, how can we save? I am really interested to hear others' tips so please comment!!
In the meantime, I will share some of mine.
1) Where ever possible buy used. I look on ebay for the best deals, and you will often find clothes going for silly prices, clothes that have only been worn a handful of times, or even brand new! You can do this for clothes, toys, furniture...er, just about anything!
2) Whenever I want to buy an item new, I still check ebay, and amazon first, and put it on watch list, and then click to look for similar items. I have saved money that way!
3) Go onto uswitch, and see if there is a better electric deal out there, and do this every year. I have saved £400 this way. Likewise, checkout boilerjuice website, if you get home heating oil.
4) For food shopping, use mysupermarket.co.uk. It really does help, and will suggest cheaper, and even mention products on offer, you may of missed. Bulk buy stuff which is cheaper at one supermarket, than another. I have been buying minced frozen steak at asda for just £2 a pound, it is 0.89p more at tesco!
I also bulk buy at approved food's website, they are an outdated food retailer, and will often sell job lots at crazy prices. Yes, it is safe to eat food past the best before, all that may be affected, is taste. Tis is confirmed on the NHS' s own website.
5) According to statistics, we throw out a third of the food we buy. Don't add to that. Use any left overs for lunch the next day, and odd bits are fab on a home made pizza. Also remember, even if the food is past best before, don't throw it out! As long as it looks and smells fine, it will be ok. I was only just reading about food in tins years old, and it was tested, and showed no signs of any microbial, or bacterial growth, despite its age.
6) Bulk buy where you can. potatoes by the sack, free range eggs by the tray. If you live near farms, chances are they will be cheaper, and I find so much better quality.
6) With homeschool curriculum, shop around. You can often look 'inside' the book at christianbook.com, but check with amazon for the best price. I even managed to buy some used curriculum, which was still as good as new, but the difference was the price!
7) Home bargains, and The Works are great places to get pens, paper, and craft activities for the children, even workbooks. Plus they sell a whole range of other stuff super cheap.
Over the next few weeks, I as usual will be posting some great recipes, and as always very economical.
8) Don't forget Swagbucks, available here, in UK, and beyond, get points for searching the internet!! You can exchange for amazon vouchers. http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/befruitful
9) Err, almost forgetting real nappies! I save a fortune on those, not to mention cloth wipes, and cloth san pro for ladies. Buy at screaminggreen.co.uk, or fillyourpants!
10) soapnuts!!! check out the nuttiest clean on face book, and the website www.thenuttiestcleancheapsoapnuts.weebly.com. For just a few pence a wash, and no chemicals!!!

1 comment:

  1. all good tips!! I really could/t believe how much I saved when I switched electrical companies....like 45$/month!!
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

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