Share Your Frugal Tips

{Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (written by Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 nkjv)}

{The Message Bible brings it closer to home: I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.}

This is another one of my favorite scriptures because it encourages me that no matter what I'm personally going through, or what's going on around me, I can be content and rest in Christ who gives me strength--I especially like the last statement in The Message translation: I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

I love that. I thank God we have Him to lean on in these precarious times and with the condition of the economy.

I've realized that being frugal is one way the Lord provides for us. He gives us the wisdom, and ideas that will help cut costs here and there. Of course, it'd be much easier if money would just fall from heaven, problems solved, right?! But would it?

In light of where we are with the economy, what are some tips you can share that have helped especially during this time? Big or small, every little bit helps.

I'll start with a few of my tips:

1. I have begun a housecleaning service. My husband is a realtor...enough said. This has worked well for us and Sunny jumps in and helps when I need it. To be honest, cleaning toilets isn't the most glamourous job, but it has definitely helped put food on the table. (I can't believe I just used 'toilet' and 'food' in the same sentence!) What about childcare, baking, using your skills to bring in extra income?

How about bartering? I haven't tried this personally other than with childcare, but I have a friend who has bartered with her orthodontist. He is fixing her son's teeth, she cleans his office. (Consequently, I have benefited from her bartering as well. She offered me the job of cleaning his house.)

2. We have switched out a lot of our lights with flourescent bulbs. I wasn't big on the whiter light and I'm still not, but now they're making them more ambient.

3. One of the biggest ways we've saved money and I know I've mentioned this before, is that we've stopped eating out after church on Sunday's. Not only have we saved financially but we're eating healthier as well.

4. This might be a regional tip, but here in Flagstaff and in the Phoenix valley the Dol*lar Tree store sells Sa*ra Lee 100% whole wheat and 9-grain bread as well as hamburger/hotdog bun, bagels and raisen bread for $1.00. It's not day-old's either. The expirations date is 5-7 days out. The bread freezes well. In the grocery store the ww bread sells for $3.99 retail.

Ok, what about you. Any tips we could all use?

Be encouraged this Beautiful Monday!

It's All FRUGAL TIPS Good!