I've stumbled across this article not too long ago. In the midst of a recession, people are cash-strapped and learning how to budget their money, while trying to keep their lifestyle intact. It's damned nigh impossible unless you know how to improvise and this couple, the Wagaskys, manages to do just that. Family of Four Making it With Just $14,000 a Year It comes as a shock, but they've managed to do quite well on such a budget, and get this? They don't have any debt whatsoever, so you have to ask yourself...what could they do exactly to make this possible? Well, click the link and see. But for those interested in the general information, here is what they've done: Wagasky finds inspiration everywhere from the library to tips from readers on her blog. She stopped eating out and learned how to cook. Everything in the home is either hand-sewn and or made from scratch. She goes to the grocery store once per month, pays cash, and never goes over budget. They are a cash-only household but keep a credit card for emergencies. They fill up their tanks once per month and combine errands as much as possible. They paid for both of their cars in cash and have no car payments. She skips all kiddie snacks in favor of healthier, cheaper DIY options. If she can freeze food, she will. She uses a food co-op to save on fresh produce. They took advantage of Nevada's declining housing market to score a cheap foreclosure. I'm not advocating such a thrifty lifestyle to the tee. But if you feel you need to pinch, then by all means penny pinch and finger strike!
I agree; this is all very interesting. Makes you wish you could go back to your good old days and start all over!
I love this, but it's unrealistic for alot of people. I pinch pennies as much as I can (I cook all my meals, buy at a discount grocery store, shop for some things at the dollar stores), but I still have a mortgage, and I have yet to get to the place where I'd be willing to give up my cell phone, internet or TV. If Hulu and/or Netflix would carry the shows I watch, TV would be the first to go. But the article (I put her blog on my favorites) has some really good ideas, menu plans, recipes, etc.
I perfectly understand. You, above all people, would know what it's like to pinch pennies and still manage on a small bit of leftover income for personal means. I cannot fathom it myself, unless I simply look at myself as a person who relies solely on the kindness of strangers.
Yea, the big difference is that he recieves a stipend, there's not al ot of people just bringing in $14k. Granted, I'm sure he very deserving and paid his fair share of dues, I would like to see her try that on a more standard basis.
