tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post2113820909527627140..comments2024-03-19T17:36:52.121+10:00Comments on down to earth: We are cutting back ... againUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85904174388620213452008-05-29T06:07:00.000+10:002008-05-29T06:07:00.000+10:00With gas prices continuing to rise (along with gro...With gas prices continuing to rise (along with grocery prices), I need to sit down and go over our budget again. It's now so hot here that our a/c is on so our electric bill will be rising as well. I relied too heavily on the extra bit of money we had during the winter and spring from not having to run the heat or a/c. Our natural foods market that was our main source for groceries also closed. We have other shopping options, but they are higher priced as they don't offer the sales we had come to rely upon. Time for me to make a price book again as well.........flmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12781812205765728149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-722481746636108062008-05-21T02:53:00.000+10:002008-05-21T02:53:00.000+10:00Rhonda, I think you would be great at sitting down...Rhonda, I think you would be great at sitting down with people who want to simplify and/or cut bills to look at their lifestyle and see what they want to adjust. If you decide to take on this or any of the other ideas, don't short yourself on what you charge. You're a valuable lady with a lot of wisdom and skills. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87635796970573398892008-05-20T17:22:00.000+10:002008-05-20T17:22:00.000+10:00I would look into teaching writing or simple livin...I would look into teaching writing or simple living part-time at a nearby community college or university. It is a relatively pain-free way to make some extra money, and you'll have fun too.<BR/><BR/>The e-book idea is also a good one.<BR/><BR/>If you are going to freelance write, the website for Writer's Weekly has great articles on current formats for contracts, as well as listings for writing assignments, etc.<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/><BR/>Anna MarieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-45127101484084950972008-05-18T11:50:00.000+10:002008-05-18T11:50:00.000+10:00Rhonda, I would invest another $1.50 of your posta...Rhonda, I would invest another $1.50 of your postage budget (or use email) to send the description of how you live and decisions you are faced with to the Prime Minister and Nicola Roxon and Jan McLucas. It addresses two important issues - pensioners living on a fixed income and volunteering, and the impact that 1) can have on 2). <BR/>Another thought I had, since petrol is your big issue - have you thought of purchasing one of those motorised bicycles for getting around - they cost a little bit to buy, but one would pay for itself in a year at $50 a week, and a 15km ride in the open breeze could be quite pleasant up your way. See http://www.moped.com.au/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38926630227523309382008-05-18T07:40:00.000+10:002008-05-18T07:40:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda. I am glad you are where you are at whil...Hi Rhonda. I am glad you are where you are at while this is happening to you. You have empowered yourselves for change! I have seen on google.com some very cheap & quite clever, solar ovens that can be made at home. They seem to bake cookies well so maybe bread too? Maybe a few meals a week this way will bring the electric down. I really think that this blog should be turned into a book somehow...the info hear is priceless! Aloha, ~AhyaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8740635552148121062008-05-18T07:24:00.000+10:002008-05-18T07:24:00.000+10:00Looks like tough economic times everywhere. I have...Looks like tough economic times everywhere. I have no ideas as I am so impressed by how much you already do!! I just wanted to add that while this may be a set back ~ you are just so incredibly willing to just do what you have to do with such a positive attitude. No negativity or "poor me" just forge ahead and that is what I so admire about you Rhonda!!<BR/>Thank you again for sharing your journey w/ us and letting us learn along the way.<BR/><BR/>((HUGS))<BR/>Debbie<BR/>Central IllinoisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-1278966830711822352008-05-18T07:03:00.000+10:002008-05-18T07:03:00.000+10:00Hi RhondaYour post once again came at an appropria...Hi Rhonda<BR/>Your post once again came at an appropriate time. I had just logged onto internet banking to check how much market money i had only to find i had none. A cheque i had written months ago when i was in paid employment suddenly appeared and gobbled up my market money. i am currently resisting the urge to cry in frustration! The recent federal budget hasnt really done us any favours either- we have children but dont use daycare so dont get any of the childcare handouts etc. My hubby is self employed and already owes a tax debt so i cant see us gaining there either. We are lucky in so many other ways but sometimes a bit of cash is what we need. Hubby is giving up smoking because he has finally realised how much money it wastes and we have cut back a great deal. My vege patch is going well and we are planning renovations to the chook pen today because we have a fox in our area. We are cutting back because we are trying to get by without me going to work. The kids love it now that im home for them and there are so many other non monetary benefits from that. <BR/>on another note- i have started knitting dishcloths after you mentined it in your blog- i got the cotton/bamboo and it is lovely to knit with. Good luck with your cutting down- i think a lot of people are doing the same thing these days.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72016451946644542132008-05-18T05:10:00.000+10:002008-05-18T05:10:00.000+10:00Rhonda,You seem to be able to express your simplic...Rhonda,<BR/><BR/>You seem to be able to express your simplicity in a very heart touching way through your stitching patterns.<BR/><BR/>Have you thought selling your embroidery patterns. If you combined each pattern with a recipe for a special dish or tidbits of your writing...something more than just a stitching pattern...perhaps that would bring you in some <BR/>"pin money" You may even be able to find a way to be able to sell the patterns as a download using paypal as an option.<BR/><BR/>Count me as your first sale!Needle, Thimble and Thread https://www.blogger.com/profile/02998233696141477714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66771562130246334292008-05-18T04:13:00.000+10:002008-05-18T04:13:00.000+10:00RhondaI have read some of the posts and will keep ...Rhonda<BR/>I have read some of the posts and will keep reading. Thank you for sharing your life along with the ups and downs. I consider you my friend. I teach first grade and I feel lazy today. Beautiful weather and so much to do and yet...... 3 of the people I work with are retiring makes me sad. <BR/>As I read your writings I realize there is much to do and I will feel better if I do it. Will pot 2 petunias and grade papers today. Thanks again for the motivation.<BR/>Oh yes and for sharing about "cutting back" as we are doing the same and well.....it does not feel as good as it does at times.Ritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07287238810628574373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70240616695580936162008-05-18T02:24:00.000+10:002008-05-18T02:24:00.000+10:00I've never commented before, but I found your blog...I've never commented before, but I found your blog about a month ago and have been very much enjoying reading. I find your posts both helpful and inspiring.<BR/><BR/>I work as an editor, so if you'd like a professional opinion, I think you're quite a good writer and could definitely write articles or a book if you wanted to do so. I vote for an e-book, as then readers who live in the U.S. like I do could get it without having to pay expensive international shipping. :)<BR/><BR/>HelenaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-39487778764701962242008-05-18T01:03:00.000+10:002008-05-18T01:03:00.000+10:00HiThank you, Rhonda, for posting so honestly and w...Hi<BR/>Thank you, Rhonda, for posting so honestly and with such a positive outlook on your situation. I find your post and everybody's comments very comforting because we are all assured that we are not alone but have the support of each other. Everybody's individual situation is different and we come from different countries but there is a common strand running through. Our strength lies in working together to pool our knowledge and there are many good ideas in this huge list of comments here.<BR/><BR/>When I have pruned down the large expenses from our budget as much as I can, then I look to the little savings. A few pence saved here and there can sometimes make all the difference. We have a saying here in Britain: " Look after the pennies and the pounds (£) will look after themselves".<BR/><BR/>Somebody mentioned here to keep a thermos flask by the kettle and pour any leftover water into it when you have boiled the kettle. I do try to boil only as much water as is needed but even a couple of tablespoonfuls of hot water added to the flask each time the kettle is boiled, will provide a small bowlful of water to wash a few dishes after dinner. On that line, I am always careful to use as few plates and cups and pans as possible. I was given some money as a present at Christmas and I spent it on a saucepan that has two steamers on top so that I could cook several things on one gas ring on the cooker.<BR/><BR/>I wish you all the best, Rhonda and look forward to learning much about finetuning our budget from you and all the other people here as we all work together.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16855403299773356566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70552202250364592402008-05-18T00:11:00.000+10:002008-05-18T00:11:00.000+10:00Hello RhondaEveryone has lots of ideas for you and...Hello Rhonda<BR/><BR/>Everyone has lots of ideas for you and everyone else in this situation. Have you thought of getting some sort of sponsorship for your blog eg; you say you buy your cheese locally would they be interested in some promotion on your blog. What about the chook lady as well. Does your area have a swapmeet where you could have a stall. Perhaps you could grow some extra seedlings plants and put an add at your centre where you work. You could stipulate what day they were available to suit you.<BR/>Best wishes to you both.<BR/>Bev CAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59575054003361945212008-05-17T23:54:00.000+10:002008-05-17T23:54:00.000+10:00Rhonda,I am sorry to read your news.I too know wha...Rhonda,<BR/><BR/>I am sorry to read your news.I too know what its ike to live on a fixed income, we are pensioners in the UK.<BR/><BR/>We are not quite debt free, will be within the next 2 years, but at the rate fuel is rising we may well be chanelling all our cash into gas and electricity!!!<BR/><BR/>We live in a sheltered community, the heat is supplied by a district heating system for which we pay a monhtly sum. We have just had word to say that it is NOT going up this year. I am waiting to hear about the electricity and also our rent.<BR/><BR/>We solved the 'no garden' problem, as you know by getting an allotment.<BR/><BR/>We have just come back from our budget trip to France. Diesel is cheaper there and we came home with a full tank to find that it had risen to £1.19 a litre......I budget £25 a month, so when its gone, its gone. We are lucky to live on a bus route both into the city and also to our local shopping centre.<BR/><BR/>Even in France because of the rise of the euro against the pound this are not as cheap there as they were, but I have to say, even in the supermarkets the quaility is excellent and the markets are unbelievable and its all produce in season, there was loads of asparagus around it and was inexpensive........soft fruit was also coming in and that was reasonable prices too.<BR/><BR/>I had to increase our food budget this year for the first time for a number of years, I have always cooked from scratch and made my own bread, we do not eat meat everyday and if I buy a chicken it does for 3 meals and makes stock for soup. We eat soup in the summer as well as during the winter. It is hard to see sometimes where to cut back.<BR/><BR/>I did consider giving the car up, but we would loose so much social contact if we did, it is staying for the time being, its the only way we get a holiday too......we try not to fly and public transport is the pits. Train fares are horrendous.<BR/><BR/>I really hope you find a way to make some extra cash, as you know I sell at craft fairs, its not always easy to make money that way. Often prices only just cover the cost especially of quilted items which take time to make especially if they are done by hand.<BR/><BR/>Would it be possible for you to create a niche market with your soaps? something I would like to have a go at making too.<BR/><BR/>I look forward to reading about how you are going to tackle the problem, I know you will find a way.sweet blondie blue eyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10415902997410295811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43743646216024703062008-05-17T23:50:00.000+10:002008-05-17T23:50:00.000+10:00You can self-publish books at lulu.com - there's a...You can self-publish books at lulu.com - there's a good guide as to what it would cost with no of pages and choice of binding etc. Worth checking out! xx Dianawalter and mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03654023053222721637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-1078008178180897502008-05-17T22:15:00.000+10:002008-05-17T22:15:00.000+10:00Oh Rhonda Jean, I'm sure you're not alone there. ...Oh Rhonda Jean, I'm sure you're not alone there. I am sooooo glad we decided to get serious and pay off our debt. These past 12 months would have been so much worse if we'd had to do that. We've sort of been living in a similar way to you - on a fixed government income. Only ours is a drought relief payment (which is basically the job search allowance without my DH having to search for a job because he already has more than a full-time job, it just hasn't been earning an income for a while).<BR/><BR/>Simple Living is a great way to reduce the impact of rising cost of living. But it still has to bite at some point doesn't it?<BR/><BR/>You've already been given so many wonderful suggestions. I'm going to need to come back later to read them all for I'm sure there are many pearls of wisdom there.<BR/><BR/>Have you considered ways you could earn money through your blogging? For instance, setting up some simple ad spots on the side of your blog. If you sell them privately (rather than through a company) you could specify your own criteria for advertisers (that fit with your own simple living ethics).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14882424992226202642008-05-17T21:30:00.001+10:002008-05-17T21:30:00.001+10:00Not much more to add from what's already been said...Not much more to add from what's already been said. Just reassurance from me that you are a wonderful writer and I think plenty of publications would love to have you on board. ((hugs)) and all the best.Eilleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10234465657790552289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91191850458843963962008-05-17T21:30:00.000+10:002008-05-17T21:30:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda, isn't it amazing how one bill presented...Hi Rhonda, isn't it amazing how one bill presented on a Tuesday in May, can have such wide reaching effects. I missed reading your blog for 5 days....and look how busy you've been! Congratulations on the anniversary posting - how marvellous to think of the influence your blogging has on lives across the world...or closer to home - like mine. I'm having a little free virtual raffle over at my place if you'd like to enter. Lisa, Andrew, Thomas, Sebastian & Max xxxThe Tin Househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03422547957232680227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-27573850785329428892008-05-17T21:15:00.000+10:002008-05-17T21:15:00.000+10:00Thanks Rhonda to you and everyone who comments on ...Thanks Rhonda to you and everyone who comments on your blog, it's comforting to know that everywhere we are having the same sorts of struggles, not that I would wish any of them on any of you. I work in an almost minimum wage job and my husband is on dissability, so when our government decided that they needed to raise the minimum wege it caused the price of most neccesities to rise milk, bread eggs and the like have skyrocketed. Hubby is less eager than I to cut back but he is trying some new things. I very much appriciate the creative ideas that I have seen here, and will try to impliment some of them. I know that whatever you end up doing you will be successful, with your skills and attitude you couldn't help but beAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50723139160746350642008-05-17T20:27:00.000+10:002008-05-17T20:27:00.000+10:00Like you I'm grateful to be debt free and living s...Like you I'm grateful to be debt free and living small. I do have a part time job, but health problems limit the number of hours I can work, so I earn just enough to pay the rent and utlities. My husband's centrelink allowance pays for our groceries. We do without as much as we can, it's not going to be easy tightening the belt a bit further, Guess I'll give up the chocolate next. We don't have any money in the bank, but we are managing well enough, we don't go hungry, we have clothes and our utilities are not too high. Quite low in fact.I don't have any helpful hints for you though, sorry.Riverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14794655013673748992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25953978791708548882008-05-17T20:25:00.000+10:002008-05-17T20:25:00.000+10:00I agree with the ebook suggestions. A great way to...I agree with the ebook suggestions. A great way to get back into writing for money. I hope you find a workable solution without having to totally give up your day trips.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28696062515481926382008-05-17T19:09:00.000+10:002008-05-17T19:09:00.000+10:00I'm sorry things aren't going so well for you. Ap...I'm sorry things aren't going so well for you. Apparently there is a review of pensions going on atm so we'll have to see what happens there. When I last did a budget, food accounted for about 3% of the total. Hobbies (including gardening) came to 8%, but fixed costs like mortgage and insurance came in at 40%! Checking where the $$ goes is a great first step and invariably surprising... I didn't know I had hobbies until I had to put 'gardening' somewhere!Chookiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07230973711859964063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87003784887919167962008-05-17T18:55:00.000+10:002008-05-17T18:55:00.000+10:00There are a lot of great suggestions in these comm...There are a lot of great suggestions in these comments.<BR/> <BR/>Are you a member of LETS? http://www.lets.org.au/qlets.html - it looks like there is a group near you. It's a 'non-money trading system' like bartering. It won't allow you to earn income as such, but there may be things you need that you can trade for.<BR/><BR/>Good luck.Kezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15915193876879614644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-3354375380522633342008-05-17T18:11:00.000+10:002008-05-17T18:11:00.000+10:00It's interesting coming back again and reading all...It's interesting coming back again and reading all the comments. Have to say I agree with rural aspirations... don't advertise on your blog, though I get the feeling that wouldn't be the path you'd take. The ads encourage us to consume and spend, and surely we are looking to conserve and stay away from materialism? Just my own thoughts, but I do find blogs with ads a turn off. On the subject of dogs, I think you already home-cook your dogs' food, so are already saving there (is so much better for the dogs' health, too, I do the same for mine) but you may be able to slightly reduce the meat content, only a small saving, but all these little things add up. Still got my thinking cap on! With love, Diana xwalter and mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03654023053222721637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41027334878858568522008-05-17T18:02:00.000+10:002008-05-17T18:02:00.000+10:00The price rises are hitting everywhere and with oi...The price rises are hitting everywhere and with oil reaching yet another high everything will just keep rising in price, fuel, energy and food. <BR/><BR/>I have 5 hectares down to cereals and am putting a small area to vegetable growing for sale but the cost of running the tractor is making me wonder if I will actually make any money at the end of the day.<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure what to suggest as extra income generators since if everyone is beginning to feel the pinch cash wise they will all be curtailing their spending.<BR/><BR/>Like you, the only way I can see is to become more self-sufficient and plan better - fewer trips to the shops, oven used to produce more than one meal at a time and recycle and repair and re-use. So maybe the e-books of what you have done would sell as there will be very many people needing to change their lifestyles<BR/><BR/>So that does bring me to an idea; a set of e-books outlining areas where life can be simplified plus a number of magazine articles that will allow you to promote the e-books.<BR/><BR/>Wishing you all the best,<BR/>DeborahdNDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00531819276422542672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50660867599102757642008-05-17T17:47:00.000+10:002008-05-17T17:47:00.000+10:00Maybe you should re-consider the advertisers who w...Maybe you should re-consider the advertisers who wanted to put a banner on your blog. It's money for nothing and no one would think less of you. Pride is nothing in times of need Rhonda.<BR/><BR/>That was my thought for you. Also, try the book again. You can have Amazon publish it and sell it for you on their site.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815336062313580688noreply@blogger.com