Less is More- How We Walk that Out

Many people are looking for ways to saving money and many have now turned to coupons.  Many people hear me say that we are able to keep our grocery/toiletry budget under $200/month with an average of $165 and think coupons are definately the answer. They also know that to survive on one teacher's salary that we must use coupons everywhere (Walgreens, WalMart, Target, Kohl's, etc), use many different saving sites (like Groupon, LivingSocial, Deal Garden, etc.), and spend lots of time looking for ways to save. But really that's not true at all.

I really only go to two MAYBE three stores on a regular basis, those being Dillon's and Aldi (and maybe HyVee).  I do stay at home but I also homeschool, so my time is very valuable. I honestly try not to spend more than an hour a week on my "saving planning" and about an hour blogging/price match ups.  I would suggest this rule for everyone- even if you are starting out! Truth is I let a majority of my coupons expire, do not use any "deal" sites, only go to two stores, but mostly we just choose to do with less. Many people talk about being smart "consumers," but we choose not to consume. By making wise choices and doing without, we are really able to save money and use our time they way we want!

One of the biggest ways we save money is with our health. We try to eat as healthy as we can (keeping in mind our diets aren't picture perfect) all while staying within our budget. We choose physical activity for outings and entertainment as much as possible and getting the rest our bodies need. Also, we do not spend any money on prescriptions or medicines. We avoid the doctor as much as we can and choose to put our faith in the Great Physician. I understand this is not possible for everyone all the time but I do believe this is one of our best saving plans!

About getting coupons to restaurants and retail stores- it saves us even more money by not spending any money at all on them (even if they are 50% off). On days that we know we will be going to town or somewhere during meal time, we pack a meal. This might seem drastic to many but its usually healthier and MORE convenient. We don't have to worry about fat, sodium, calories, waiting in line, having coupons, or the effect it will have on our pockets. 

I am also able to stay at home and homeschool so our closets can be minimal and flexible. My children wear hand-me-downs and my attire isn't the most stylish but we are okay with that. We mend things (mostly my husband clothing) and wear them until there is no more use in them. By not shopping online or going into retail stores we save even more money.

We don't have the largest house, or a nice TV, new cars, or full closets. Our date nights are not spent at the newest movie or at a nice sit down resturant. We do not have a large selection of movies or toys. Choosing not to drive to every event offered or chasing down the greatest deal saves us gas and time! We take the time to hang dry our laundry, mend the broke items, or cook at home. We do this not in pursuit of having more money but of having a better life. Our family spends more time together, working together, entertaining and supporting each other with less. Sometimes the answer is not being active in saving, sometimes it being passive and getting back to the basics. 

We choose to live our lives the way we were called, not comparing them to the Jones. Sometimes its not easy to do without those things we really want. However want to teach our children (and learn ourselves) that no matter what your circumstances in life you can have true joy. Things and events bring us temporary happiness but a life rich in love and full of contentment bring lasting joy and peace.