Points to ponder...

[wishing, hoping]

Okay plan of action...I don't know if it will work but I feel better when I am doing something about it rather than sitting around and worrying.

1) We don't eat out much AT ALL...but now that will stop. This includes gas station convenience on the go stuff.

2) More "real food" and less prepared. Like I said, I don't use a lot of prepared stuff, but I will see where I can pare down even more.

3) Try to cut down on laundry. I don't know if this will help or not? Maybe jeans can be worn twice unless they are really dirty? Maybe I can wear sweaters twice? I have a clothesline...not sure where I could hang it though.

4) I will go through jewelry, clothes and other stuff tonight to see what I could sell. I have some rings, bracelets, etc. Also, I could try and sell some stuff I have made previously and see how it goes over.

5) Have the kids pack lunch once or twice a week. I don't know if this will really save anything since the cost of them both eating a hot lunch is only $5 a day. I could really use other thoughts on this.

6) I am still looking into ways to bring more cash in. I can make jewelry but if no one buys it then you have the overhead and no profit. I could take dogs to the dog park, but I have to be careful. I will think of anyone who needs babysitting. I have a few ideas, but it may be up in the air.

One of the traps I have fallen into is I am sinking all my extra money into paying off debt and getting things for the house and the kids. I know Dave Ramsey says to make an emergency fund first, but I feel guilty having that money sit there when I could be paying ahead on bills, etc.

KML I could sure use your thoughts on this.

WH