Living the Low-Income Life

Get-togethers are a great deal of fun. Hanging out with family and friends aids in strengthening bonds, and helps you to destress at the holidays.

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There are many options for get-togethers on new Year’s Eve that will be enjoyed by all who attend. Do not go over board on the number of guests, or the refreshments being served.

I have only 1 idea for this holiday

Make it a family event. Play a long running game such as Monopoly with the children, then turn on the television for the festivities. They may or may not make it to see the ball drop, but you can set up ‘beds’ on the living room floor so they can fall asleep any time. The adults can play cards at the table once the children are settled.

A pasta meal, complete with a tossed salad and garlic bread can be served, and a New Years’ cake. That the children helped to make early in the day.

To save money:

• Bake from scratch.

• Purchase needed items on sale, with a coupon or using both methods.

• Have others help with the cost.

• Check out the local dollar store to see what deals they might have.

• Use ingredients you have on hand.

• Use pasta sauce made and preserved using your own garden produce.

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The winter months can be cold and dreary, as well as wet, but there is plenty of fun to be had for free or almost free. Families will have fun hanging out. Doing things together often helps to strengthen family bonds.

Some ideas for winter fun activities:

• Card games such as Rummy and Canasta can be played.

• Board games like Monopoly, The Game of Life and Triond are fun.

• A movie night complete with soda and air popped corn costs little, especially when renting from a Blockbuster box for a buck a movie.

• With a few plastic block makers, your family will have a great time building snow forts.

• You can also spend a day making a snow family.

• Snowball fight!!!! Start one of these secretly, when the children are all outside.

• A sledding party is great fun! Bring hot chocolate and paper cups for everyone. Each family can bring something different, such as cookies or coffee for the parents.

• An ice skating party can be done the same way.

There are ways to save money on the activities listed above. For instance:

• Ice skates can be found cheap at yard sales, or affordably at second hand sports shops.

• Board games can be purchased throughout the year at thrift shops and yard sales.

• Decks of cards are cheap at a dollar store.

• A sled would make a great gift from grandparents.

Shannon

Image By: seemann at morguefile.com

Snow. Beautiful, white, cold.

During the winter months, many of us must give our homes adequate insulation. This means doing things like banking a home with plastic to help keep more cold air from entering beneath.

In January 2008, while shoveling one day, my stepfather came by to plow the driveway. We had already had too much snow, and there was not much space for him to plow the snow into – we lived on a very small lot. I was shoveling as much snow out of the way as I could, right up against the trailer, so that he could do the plowing.

He told me that what I was doing was a good idea, and to shovel it up as high as I could because snow is used as a poor mans insulator.

So, when you can, shovel the snow up against your home. Just remember not to cover the windows

Shannon

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Get-togethers are a great deal of fun. Hanging out with family and friends aids in strengthening bonds, and helps you to destress at the holidays.

There are many options for get-togethers before Christmas that will be enjoyed by all who attend. Do not go over board on the number of guests, or the refreshments being served.

1. Candy Making Day

   Pepper mints, toffee and chocolate covered cherries are but a few of the options available for this holiday. Needham’s and fudge are excellent choices as well. Everyone will be able to bring a plate of goodies home with them, plus there will be plenty for the Christmas party.

2. Wreath Making Day

   Wreaths make great gifts to be given at the beginning of the holiday season. Wreath forms can be made from pine trees, or store bought forms can be used. Each guest can make a wreath for themselves, as well as some for others. You will also get to keep a few for yourself and to give away. Or you can use this as an opportunity to make some extra cash by selling the wreaths.

To save money:

• Make the candy from scratch.

• Purchase needed items on sale, with a coupon or using both methods.

• Have others help with the cost.

• Bake multiple goodies at once.

• Check out the local dollar store to see what deals they might have.

• Use materials you have on hand.

Get-togethers are much fun because you are able to spend quality time with family and friends. You are given an opportunity to visit and destress from the hectic sabbat season.

There are many options for get-togethers before Yule that will be enjoyed by all who attend. Do not go over board on the number of guests, or the refreshments being served. Mulled cider

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is always a welcome beverage.

1. Baking Day

   many items can be baked or otherwise prepared that will give each person treats to have on hand at their own home, as well as provide you with items for the Yule feast. Orange cupcakes with white frosting, sun shaped sugar cookies and a Yule log are but a few examples of what can be prepared.

2. Crafting Day

   Hand crafted items make wonderful gifts for friends and family. Start your day with a walk, bringing along baskets to hold the treasures you find in nature. If you can think of a craft for something, pick it up. Twigs can be used with yarn to make pentacle ornaments for a Yule tree. Small rocks might cover an old wooden picture frame.

To save money:

• Bake from scratch.

• Purchase needed items on sale, with a coupon or using both methods.

• Have others help with the cost.

• Bake multiple goodies at once.

• Check out the local dollar store to see what deals they might have.

• Use materials you have on hand.

How do you prepare for emergencies in a frugal manner? This is a good question. I am not sure that it can be done completely on the cheap, but here are some ideas for you.

Remember: Sometimes spending a little extra up front will allow you to save a good amount of money over time. And you will not have to worry so much about rising costs in an emergency.

Light

Flashlights are the mainstay. If you use these, purchase a bulk package of batteries at a dollar store such as the Family Dollar in Old Town, Maine. All items are NOT a dollar at this store, but costs are certainly reasonable.

Oil lamps are another option. Be sure to have extra oil and wicks on hand. Candles are another option, as long as you have matches to light them with.

There are solar lights available, as well as other options for lams that do not necessitate the use of fire or batteries.

Entertainment

A deck of cards, or 5 if you like Canasta, will provide hours of entertainment, as will board games that you already have on hand. Power outages are a great time to talk and reconnect as a family as well.

Heat

If you have a wood/cook stove you are all set. Otherwise, you may want a kerosene heater for emergencies. In all honesty, as long as some of us are huddled under a few blankets we are fine… even in the coldest areas.

Food and Beverages

There are many foods and drinks that can be kept on hand. Some cost more than others. Individual serving items cost the most, unless you happen across a sale and coupon duo

Keep food on a shelf or in a box and make sure everyone knows not to touch it until there is an emergency. Replace these items every 4 to 6 months. None of these items need be refrigerated, and everything can be purchased as store brands to save money. You will also want to look to dollar stores for more savings on a few items.

• a big bottle of 100% juice

• ½ gallon of water per day per person, plus another half gallon for cleaning purposes.

• crackers

• peanut butter

• small jar of jelly

• pita bread

• canned or jarred fruit

• granola bars

• fruit bars

• large bag of chips

• raisins

• dried fruit

• seeds/nuts

• dry cereal

Be sure to have enough on hand to last at least a few days. Depending on where you live, you may need more.

Other Items

Many people who do not have power will also not have water (or at least no hot water) for cleaning tasks, so there are some non frugal items we normally do not purchase that we may need.

• paper plates, cups and bowls

• napkins and/or paper towels

• plastic silverware

If you have tips for surviving an emergency, please share them with us in the comments for this post.

There is a lot to do outside during the autumn months to prepare for winter. Taking care of things now will save you money over time because you will not have to replace things so often. Doing so also means that toys, furniture and other items will not be in the way when you are trying to shovel or someone decides to be nice and plow your driveway.

Place everything you can into a shed or garage to get them out of the yard. Toys, bikes and furniture, as well as hoses and planters.

If you must leave things outside, move them out of the way and cover them with tarps or other plastic coverings.

Place a bucket of ice melt with a scoop, as well as a shovel, inside/outside each entry to the house.

Deadhead flowers that need it, and cover small trees and bushes to protect them from the elements.

Take up other old plants, such as tomato and cucumber ones, and compost them.

Add a two inch layer of compost to garden beds. Work this into the existing soil and you will be able to skip this step in the spring.

Taking care of these things now mean that your belongings will stay in good condition so you spend less money over time. It also means that spring preparations will take less time next year, making it easier for you to get started with growing your own food when the time comes again.

Heating costs are so high, and fuel assistance programs are being cut back. In Maine, I have heard that there will not be as much funding as there has been in previous years.

Many Mainers have reconsidered how they heat there homes because electric and oil heat have become so expensive. How will you be heating your home?

Electricity

Many low-income dwellings make use of electric heat. This can be costly, so it will be important to sit down and figure out how to save money with this method. I used to live in an apartment with this type of heat, and remember that it was hard to keep warm.

• Upstairs was always warmer because the heating elements were in the downstairs ceilings.

• I used plastic to cover windows, that could be blow-dried on. Or with painters tape that would not peel paint when I removed it.

• The lowest I could turn the heat to during the day was 69, and we had to wear extra layers and keep blankets downstairs to be warm enough.

• At night, the heat went down to 65. Extra blankets were placed on each bed.

Oil

Oil heat was used in my next home, a trailer. This is also expensive, but there are ways to conserve oil.

• The heat was kept between 68 and 70 during the day, but turned down to 62 when we were gone.

• Blankets were kept handy at all times. Fleece ones that kept us extra warm.

• By placing the beds next to or over the vents in the bedrooms, you can turn the heat down to 55 at night. Pile the blankets on.

• Dress warm during the day and at night.

Pellet Stoves

I have never used one of these, but know people who do. I know that, while you are in the room with the stove, you are nicely warmed. I do no know anything more. It would be interesting to hear from readers what there experiences are with these stoves.

Wood/Cook Stoves

The old ones were great, and I am wondering if the newer models are as versatile. Many things could be used in an old stove to warm a place, from wood to straw. Some items were more efficient than others, but you certainly had more options for burning than with a pellet stove. I want one or the other of these.

I am aware that the heat does not always travel well throughout the home, and this is fine with me. At night I only need minimal heat.

Combination Methods

I know people who uses a combination of heating sources during the winter. A pellet stove can be placed in a kitchen or living room that’s heating vents have been covered or removed, and oil heat can be used in the bedrooms and the bathroom. I believe that the fire is allowed to go out in the stove at night.

Feel free to discuss how you heat your home in the comments below, and to leave tips for saving on heating costs.

With winter right around the corner, it is time purchase necessities or take them out of storage. My suggestion is to use good quality items, as they will last longer. This, in turn, means you will spend less money over time.

Shovels

I suggestion one for each family member. I also like to have an extra one for out back. To save money, it is possible to purchase 1 shovel and have everyone take turns shoveling throughout the day. This method takes longer but works.

I also suggest a scoop shovel rather than a flatter one, as moving snow is easier with the scoop. I purchased one for less than $15.00, including tax, this year.

Ice Melt

What you use may depend on the materials used to build your steps or deck. Use whatever is cheap but will work. Some people use non-clumping cat litter. I prefer ice melt. I spent about $4.00 on a small bag and expect it to last most, if not all, of the winter.

Whatever you choose, store it in a bucket. Many people use an old cat litter bucket with a cover. Keep a small jar in the bucket for scooping.

Roof

If you have a flat roof you may need a tool for getting at the snow up there. It has a long handle and allows you to pull the snow down.

I have a slightly slanted roof so my main concern was with pulling the snow down from the edges. I do not want ice forming and breaking windows when it comes down. I pull the snow down with a broom or a shovel, from over windows and doors.

Plate of Cookies By: cohdra on morguefile.com

Get-togethers are a great deal of fun. Hanging out with family and friends aids in strengthening bonds, and helps you to destress at the holidays.

There are many options for get-togethers before Thanksgiving that will be enjoyed by all who attend. Do not go over board on the number of guests, or the refreshments being served.

1. Cookie Making Day

   This day is spent baking cookies for the actual Thanksgiving meal. I f you choose cookies that can be frozen until needed, this event can be held anytime during the beginning of November. Choose three or for types of cookies to make, such as pumpkin-chocolate chip, peanut butter, white chocolate chip and no bakes. Make enough batches to send a plate full of cookies home with each person, as well as to be served at Thanksgiving.

2. Pie Making Day

   A wonderful day before Thanksgiving activity. Each person will get to keep one of each type of pie, and there will be plenty left over for the next days meal. Pumpkin, apple, banana cream and chocolate-peanut butter pies are only a few options.

To save money:

• Bake from scratch.

• Purchase needed items on sale, with a coupon or using both methods.

• Have others help with the cost.

• Use produce from your own garden.

• Bake multiple goodies at once.

• Check out the local dollar store to see what deals they might have.

Image by Grant MacDonald via Flickr

Covering all the windows of your home this fall will help you to save money on heating costs this winter. Use sturdy plastic rather than the cheap stuff so you do not have to replace all the plastic every single year. Do so only when necessary.

Materials

measuring tape

utility knife or scissors

window plastic

nails

wood slats

hammer

Before you begin, the height and width of each window to determine how much plastic you will need. This will help you to determine how much plastic you need. For added protection from the cold, you can fold the plastic in half for a double layer. Allow for this in your measurements. Remember that you will need a few extra inches of plastic all around each window as well, for attaching the slats.

You will need enough slats to go around each window once.

Use 4 or 5 nails per full slat, less for shorter ones.

The slats will be nailed in so that they are on the outside of the window frames, and so that there is extra plastic all around. Take a sheet of plastic out and do any cutting necessary. Line the plastic up the way you want over the outside of each window, securing it at the top with with slats and nails. Continue all the way around the window.

Continue in this way until done with all the windows.

Covering the windows from the inside will also help you to save money on heating costs: Use heavy drapes in during the autumn and winter months. Consider using thick quilts over windows.

To save money on this project over the years:

• Store slats in a large plastic trash receptacle when not in use.

• Pull the nails each spring and place them in a canning jar or an old coffee can until next fall.

• Reuse the plastic as many years as possible. When tears occur, cut the plastic down to fit on smaller windows if you have any. (Keep these smaller pieces even of you already have plastic sheets for smaller windows. Eventually you will need them.

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The winter months are close at hand, and we are all looking for ways to save money while preparing for this cold time of year. Many homes will benefit from banking this winter. By performing this task, you will save money on your heating bill and prevent pipes from freezing.

Banking your home is easy, but expect to spend a good portion of a day on the task. Be sure to have all the materials necessary on hand before beginning, and have a coat and gloves handy in case you get cold.

Materials

measuring tape

utility knife

banking plastic

nails

wood slats

hammer

rocks or other items to place around the bottom.

Before you begin, measure around the bottom of your home to determine how much plastic you will need. Also keep in mind that you will have to overlap each section of plastic, so add another foot of needed plastic for each section. Also remember that you will need extra plastic at the bottom for placement of rocks.

If the area at the base of your home is low enough, you will be able to cut the plastic in half length wise. For added protection from the cold, you can fold the plastic in half for a double layer.

It is okay to allow a space of a foot or two in between slats. You will need enough to go around the home once, and to nail straight up and down where the plastic sheets meet.

Use 3 nails per slat, one at each end and one in the middle.

Take a sheet of plastic out and do any cutting necessary, if going that route.

Line the plastic up the way you want, securing it at the top with with slats and nails.

Overlap each section of plastic by 6 inches, nailing an extra slat straight up and down where the two pieces of plastic meet.

Continue in this way until done.

Place rocks or bricks over the bottom of the plastic to keep the wind out as much as possible. Bagged leaves with a rock or brick in the bottom will add more insulation.

To save money on this project over the years:

• Store slats in a large plastic trash receptacle when not in use.

• Pull the nails each spring and place them in a canning jar or an old coffee can until next fall.

• Reuse the plastic as many years as possible. When tears occur, cut off those sections and keep the rest, replacing the plastic a little each year rather than all at once.

• Invest in sturdy plastic, rather than the cheap alternative.

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I keep adding more and more food and garden related articles to the Frugal Recipes blog. Hope you are enjoying them. Here is a list of autumn related articles:

Food and Kitchen Articles:

I recently wrote a new article designed to help you create a pantry for food storage this winter. It is called How to Create a Pantry in and Extra Room.

Garden Articles:

I have written a few for this category of articles. The first is called How to Plan an Autumn Garden Party, and is a great way to spread the bounty of your garden.

The second article is titled How to Dry Herbs by Hanging. While written for the autumn months, this process actually takes place throughout the garden season.

Another article I wrote for the autumn season was How to Clean and Prepare Garden Spaces for Fall. It will guide you through the process of preparing ahead for spring planting.

Enjoy the articles and have a great autumn season.

Shannon

After the holidays a great time to purchase clearance items for 50% and more off their regular prices for. These items can help you out a lot when next years holidays roll around.

What to look for:

gift-wrap, boxes and bags (Plain Red: Also good for Valentines Day, birthdays. Plain Green: Also good

for St. Patrick’s Day and birthdays. Other plain colors could be used for birthdays. Silver (anniversary), Gold (anniversary, New Years Eve), etc.)

gift tags and bows (Again, think about other events in the coming year.)

tissue paper (Same as the previous two.)

decorations

paper/plastic cups, etc.

toys, books, clothing, etc. (to give as gifts next year and throughout this year.)

tissues in holiday containers

winter clothing in holiday prints, etc. (For use by your family throughout the winter.)

holiday cards for next year

candies (Throw them in the freezer for next year. Also, take red ones out for Valentines Day, Gold for New Tear’s Eve, and green for St. Patrick’s Day.)

stickers – acid and lignin free (To use in scrapbooking your holiday celebrations.)

tree skirts (If you keep your tree up year round, how about: White for winter, green for spring/summer, red for Valentine’s Day, etc.)

lights and garlands

artificial trees, wreaths

yard decorations

This can all save you a lot of money for next years’ holidays and other events. You should be able to save at least half of what you normally spend.

Besides money, it will also save you time before the holidays. If you play your cards right, you won’t even have to run to the store for last minute stocking stuffers.

Shannon

Autumn Yard Decorations By: mensatic on morguefile.com

There are a few things that you can do to decorate for the autumn holidays, without spending a lot of money.  At this time, stores are already offering discounts on autumn decorations to make room for placing Christmas stuff on their shelves.

NOTE: My favorite thing to do is shop clearance sales after Halloween and Thanksgiving. Doing this has enabled me to acquire a bunch of decorations very frugally. And I have no problem taking items others offer to give me.

Here are some tips for those of you who are on a tight budget this year.

* Look for roadside stands. I recently purchased little pumpkins and gourds at 9 for $3.00. I will remove the seeds before Halloween and use the pumpkins as candle holders. These will be lined along the rail of  my porch. The gourds are already in a basket on the sideboard, and will be moved outside after Halloween to use as a Thanksgiving decoration.

* The roadside stand also netted me a bunch of corn stalks. They are placed in bunches next to the porch right now, but will be moved to the front of the porch when the Halloween decorations come down.

* Each of us chose a pumpkin for carving for only a couple dollars each as well.

* One year, we picked up huge pumpkins for $1.00 each at a pick-your-own farm.

* Some stores are selling small and medium size straw bales at 50% off. You can place pumpkins or a homemade scarecrow on one for a yard scene.

* I purchased a cornucopia shaped basket, some fake leaves and gourds at Joanne Fabric one year. This is used for our table in November.

* Visit the dollar store. They have many money-saving options.

Please let me know how you save money decorating for autumn. I am open to craft instructions as well.

Shannon