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You do NOT need cable. Really. You would be helping your preschooler - entire family - if you did not watch tv and read books instead. Books are free (libraries), active play is free. So much better for the body and mind. Cable is an unnecessary expense. We did not have any kind of tv or movies when I was a child. We do not have one now - will see how Roku works for us. If it doesn't, oh well.
Can you install a wood stove - or do you have one? The cost of the install would be great initially, but after that it sounds like you are surrounded by a lot of free heat (wood) - if it's on your property?
A deer fence might be a worthwhile investment. A bit of an upfront cost, but after that, you'd be home free. We live in the forest also, and have deer/bears/coyotes for neighbors. We also have a large garden. Inside our deer fence.
I only have a high school diploma and not worth more income I suppose.
It's time to start looking around for more opportunities. For example, DMACC in Newton, IA has a welding program that is being underwritten by a local employer because they badly need welders and don't have them, so they are "home growing" them.
Your area may have similar programs (truck driving, patient care, computer programming, etc). Check with the area community colleges and state job services.
If your area doesn't have programs like that, then you may need to consider moving or temporary relocation long enough for you to get additional training.
What ever you do, don't take on expensive student loans! Search very hard for free to low-cost programs that will graduate you into real jobs. Beware of for-profit college scams.
I realize that this isn't quite what you asked, but you need to understand that just being frugal isn't enough. You have to be bringing in money to be frugal with.
You do NOT need cable. Really. You would be helping your preschooler - entire family - if you did not watch tv and read books instead. Books are free (libraries), active play is free. So much better for the body and mind. Cable is an unnecessary expense. We did not have any kind of tv or movies when I was a child. We do not have one now - will see how Roku works for us. If it doesn't, oh well.
Can you install a wood stove - or do you have one? The cost of the install would be great initially, but after that it sounds like you are surrounded by a lot of free heat (wood) - if it's on your property?
A deer fence might be a worthwhile investment. A bit of an upfront cost, but after that, you'd be home free. We live in the forest also, and have deer/bears/coyotes for neighbors. We also have a large garden. Inside our deer fence.
We do go to the library frequently but we do not do well without tv. Well not in the winter. In the summer it does not get used. We tried the Roku. Nothing is really free to watch. Even CBS charges a monthly fee. Once you add up all the stations, I might as well pay the $30 a month cable bill.
We have a gas stove insert and I just got it working yesterday. I have to pay for gas but hopefully it will make the house more tolerable and put less stress on the heat pumps.
Incidentally, your handle is a bit concerning. If you have the low on luck mentality, that isnt helpful. You are in control of your life. You can improve your life. Doesnt involve luck, but a kick a$$ mentality.
Incidentally, your handle is a bit concerning. If you have the low on luck mentality, that isnt helpful. You are in control of your life. You can improve your life. Doesnt involve luck, but a kick a$$ mentality.
I have really crappy luck. Like "the oven works fine all year, but go to use it thanksgiving morning and it's dead", kind of luck. My luck has always been that way.
No it isnt crappy luck. Life is what you make of it. Your life. your attitude. Your choices.
And gas heat is not economical compared to wood.
My dh chainsaws it up. I split it by hand (and I am a woman with physical challenges).
As long as you keep making excuses, your economic situation will not improve.
I wish you well.
I would need a new chimney before I could do wood and wood is an incredible amount of work. I am a single mom. No husband to help. Makes a huge difference.
You have an income problem not an expense problem. I've been there. Only so much you can cut. If you want to reverse course start planning for longer term horizons not by the week or month. It might mean something 'extreme', like moving, is required.
I would need a new chimney before I could do wood and wood is an incredible amount of work. I am a single mom. No husband to help. Makes a huge difference.
Oh yes those lucky enough to have husbands have no idea how different it is for a woman alone, esp a delicate frail type like myself. (if one may be plump and also frail)
Sounds like you're doing all you can, other tham move to subsidized housing in a city or town.
You haven't mentioned any outrageous expense; maybe it'd help if you said what your biggest expense(s) is/are?
Do you have a car payment?
(not trying to be nosy, just looking for areas you could cut back as you asked)
I'd agree that maybe you need to increase your income. Long term, you need more education or a skilled trade. Short term, is there something you could do like rent out a room or get a roommate, house sit, Keep someone's dog for them at your house while they are on vacation.
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