Comments on: Raising a Family on One Income (Part Two) http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/ personal finance that makes cents Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:56:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Daughters and Mothers: Stick up for Yourselves NOW « finance psychology http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-88933 Daughters and Mothers: Stick up for Yourselves NOW « finance psychology Thu, 07 Jun 2007 19:09:31 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-88933 [...] percent of the childcare?.During my blog travels today I also happened upon a popular post called “Raising a Family on One Income (Part Two)”. The writer, a woman. actually says “Every week my husband gives me an allotted amount of money [...] [...] percent of the childcare?.During my blog travels today I also happened upon a popular post called “Raising a Family on One Income (Part Two)”. The writer, a woman. actually says “Every week my husband gives me an allotted amount of money [...]

]]> By: Nora http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-88652 Nora Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:14:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-88652 Mrs Darling, Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely blog. I was born and raised in the country and guess I have always lived frugal without even thinking about it. People like bumodo who are offended at every little thing are usually city people, like they guy who wont buy toys from a garage sale. A little nutty both of them. I usually do not shop at thrift stores. they are generally dirty and disease is an issue ( I have a degree in microbiology for the nit pickers out there), and canning food is really only financially feasible if you inherit a large number of jars in excellent ondition, like I have done. Their number dwindles each year due to cracks and chips though, and I have take to freezing large amounts of foodstuffs from my garden. I also raise and butcher my own rabbits, and we are able to put several deer in the freezer every year. We got the freezer, a 40 cubic footer, for 50.oo. It runs like a champ and I can fit 3-4 deer, 40-50 rabbits and all the vegetables I can grow in that freezer. Anyway, thank you again for you blog, I enjoyed reading that frugal living was not a lost art, or more accurately, a lost mindset. Mrs Darling, Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely blog. I was born and raised in the country and guess I have always lived frugal without even thinking about it. People like bumodo who are offended at every little thing are usually city people, like they guy who wont buy toys from a garage sale. A little nutty both of them. I usually do not shop at thrift stores. they are generally dirty and disease is an issue ( I have a degree in microbiology for the nit pickers out there), and canning food is really only financially feasible if you inherit a large number of jars in excellent ondition, like I have done. Their number dwindles each year due to cracks and chips though, and I have take to freezing large amounts of foodstuffs from my garden. I also raise and butcher my own rabbits, and we are able to put several deer in the freezer every year. We got the freezer, a 40 cubic footer, for 50.oo. It runs like a champ and I can fit 3-4 deer, 40-50 rabbits and all the vegetables I can grow in that freezer. Anyway, thank you again for you blog, I enjoyed reading that frugal living was not a lost art, or more accurately, a lost mindset.

]]> By: Katherine http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-80970 Katherine Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:31:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-80970 I am curious--you all paid cash for a car and for a home remodel within one year ('96-'97)--around $150,000 cash--what does your dh do for a living? And, was he already financially set before you married at 29 & 31? Surely you had bills, as a single mom, that you brought into the marriage? More background as to how you came to the debt-free place in live would be very welcomed!! :)Kat I am curious–you all paid cash for a car and for a home remodel within one year (’96-’97)–around $150,000 cash–what does your dh do for a living? And, was he already financially set before you married at 29 & 31? Surely you had bills, as a single mom, that you brought into the marriage?
More background as to how you came to the debt-free place in live would be very welcomed!!
:)Kat

]]> By: Tina Westcott http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-80507 Tina Westcott Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:45:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-80507 We are a family of 6. We own our own home free & clear.We only drive nice older vehicles. One 97' Lt Blazer (4-wheel drive), One 91' Buick Roadmaster stationwagon, and 1 90' Toyota Camry. All of which were bought with cash.I homeschool our 4 children, Live in the country and conserve as much as we can. Things like using white vinegar to mop floors, clean counter tops, windows, etc. We also use white vinegar in baths to help soften our dry skin.It kills germs. We dry all but whites on the line. We use Purex soap & do not have any problem with fading clothes. We buy our meats when they are on sale along with other groceries. This year we will be able to start a garden. We use garlic oil as an antibiotic so our children are rarely sick. We shop for new clothes on sale racks, Consignment stores for jeans, & thrift stores for misc. items. We buy all sorts of herbs in bulk, cooking and medicinal. We own a pay as you go cell phone for emergencies only. My husband has to travel to his job and could need something. We do measure cereal and milk for adequate food proportions and we have plenty of food. We live simply and entertain ourselves simply. Fishing, bike riding, playing games, reading, etc. We cut corners but live nicely. Two weeks ago we travelled 1200 miles roundtip so we could buy a Great Pyrenees puppy. Sounds extravagant? Not really. He is a great guard dog for our home, loving and faithful is the breed. My husband works nights and it is nice to know we now are protected. Healthcare is so high and most of the time we have found it has not benefitted the children but later cost us plenty. So for non-immediate care we do rely on old fashioned preventative care and some home remedies but we are not fanatics. We are a family of 6. We own our own home free & clear.We only drive nice older vehicles. One 97′ Lt Blazer (4-wheel drive), One 91′ Buick Roadmaster stationwagon, and 1 90′ Toyota Camry. All of which were bought with cash.I homeschool our 4 children, Live in the country and conserve as much as we can. Things like using white vinegar to mop floors, clean counter tops, windows, etc. We also use white vinegar in baths to help soften our dry skin.It kills germs. We dry all but whites on the line. We use Purex soap & do not have any problem with fading clothes. We buy our meats when they are on sale along with other groceries. This year we will be able to start a garden. We use garlic oil as an antibiotic so our children are rarely sick. We shop for new clothes on sale racks, Consignment stores for jeans, & thrift stores for misc. items. We buy all sorts of herbs in bulk, cooking and medicinal. We own a pay as you go cell phone for emergencies only. My husband has to travel to his job and could need something. We do measure cereal and milk for adequate food proportions and we have plenty of food. We live simply and entertain ourselves simply. Fishing, bike riding, playing games, reading, etc.
We cut corners but live nicely. Two weeks ago we travelled 1200 miles roundtip so we could buy a Great Pyrenees puppy. Sounds extravagant? Not really. He is a great guard dog for our home, loving and faithful is the breed. My husband works nights and it is nice to know we now are protected. Healthcare is so high and most of the time we have found it has not benefitted the children but later cost us plenty. So for non-immediate care we do rely on old fashioned preventative care and some home remedies but we are not fanatics.

]]> By: Lynn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5729 Lynn Fri, 18 Aug 2006 22:03:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5729 I personally don't like Fabric Softener with my wash. It leaves a film. I have found that white distilled vinegar is an excellent and cheap substitute. I personally don’t like Fabric Softener with my wash. It leaves a film. I have found that white distilled vinegar is an excellent and cheap substitute.

]]> By: Teri Pittman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5666 Teri Pittman Thu, 17 Aug 2006 01:04:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5666 I don't shop in thrift stores much, although I have had good luck at a new Goodwill in the well-to-do part of town. There's too much junk and it really can be a struggle to find something that fits. I've actually found marked down clothes new at Walmart for cheaper than I can buy in the thrift stores. I buy bulk foods and I find that it has been a real saving grace for me. By bulk I mean 25 and 50 pound sacks of things like rice, beans and wheat. I bought a new CountryLiving grain mill and I grind my own wheat by hand. I haven't done that in ages and I am really enjoying it. I'm working my way towards a year's food storage. It amazes me that it took so long to find out that food storage is the key to getting by on less money. We basically decided that we can't afford utilities any more. We had a modest house on a third of an acre in town. We weren't allowed to use wood to heat due to the insurance restrictions. We moved back to the country to minimize the utilities we need and to be able to use wood for heating and cooking again. There are just so many expenses that are forced on us by bureaucracies. It's great that you were able to pay off your place. It's the only way to REALLY own your own home. I don’t shop in thrift stores much, although I have had good luck at a new Goodwill in the well-to-do part of town. There’s too much junk and it really can be a struggle to find something that fits. I’ve actually found marked down clothes new at Walmart for cheaper than I can buy in the thrift stores.

I buy bulk foods and I find that it has been a real saving grace for me. By bulk I mean 25 and 50 pound sacks of things like rice, beans and wheat. I bought a new CountryLiving grain mill and I grind my own wheat by hand. I haven’t done that in ages and I am really enjoying it. I’m working my way towards a year’s food storage. It amazes me that it took so long to find out that food storage is the key to getting by on less money.

We basically decided that we can’t afford utilities any more. We had a modest house on a third of an acre in town. We weren’t allowed to use wood to heat due to the insurance restrictions. We moved back to the country to minimize the utilities we need and to be able to use wood for heating and cooking again. There are just so many expenses that are forced on us by bureaucracies. It’s great that you were able to pay off your place. It’s the only way to REALLY own your own home.

]]> By: mrs darling http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5648 mrs darling Wed, 16 Aug 2006 15:34:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5648 bumodo, I apologize if it came across that I felt I was too good for thrift stores. Thats not it at all. They just feel dirty to me and I have a right to that opinion. Just like you have a right to shop at the thrift stores and not garage sales so I have a right to shop garage sales and not thrift stores. It has nothing to do with feeling holier than thou. Its just my preference based on my experience. As to the latter part of your comment to Andrew I have to say I agree with you. bumodo, I apologize if it came across that I felt I was too good for thrift stores. Thats not it at all. They just feel dirty to me and I have a right to that opinion. Just like you have a right to shop at the thrift stores and not garage sales so I have a right to shop garage sales and not thrift stores. It has nothing to do with feeling holier than thou. Its just my preference based on my experience.

As to the latter part of your comment to Andrew I have to say I agree with you.

]]> By: bumodo http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5637 bumodo Wed, 16 Aug 2006 07:13:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5637 I am sorry Mrs. Darling but I have to say that the quality of this article is far below what I expect from this blog. I find it pretty offensive that you suggest that your too good for the 'stench' and 'grime' of thrift stores. Both and and my family have shoped at thrift stores as long as I remeber. When i have children they will certainly wear clothing from a thrift store and play with toys from a thrift store. If you really think that spending time and gas to visit garage sales is going to get you better quality things you should think again. The only differnce in the items is that someone was kind enough to donate the items to be sold by a organization that wishes to help others rather than empty out thier junk and make a buck. --- To Andrew, you should really watch your child and teach them instead of attempting to sanatize the world. Your kind produce only annoying children with no life expierince. Your point is not valid ethir. The toy you just bought you kid is just as likly to have been recalled as the ones sitting on my shelves that i got from the thrift store. If your worried about lead paint, dont buy a toy that looks 40 years old. If your worried about choking dont but a toy with a million tiny breakable pieces, have some common sense for christ sake. I am sorry Mrs. Darling but I have to say that the quality of this article is far below what I expect from this blog.

I find it pretty offensive that you suggest that your too good for the ’stench’ and ‘grime’ of thrift stores. Both and and my family have shoped at thrift stores as long as I remeber. When i have children they will certainly wear clothing from a thrift store and play with toys from a thrift store.

If you really think that spending time and gas to visit garage sales is going to get you better quality things you should think again. The only differnce in the items is that someone was kind enough to donate the items to be sold by a organization that wishes to help others rather than empty out thier junk and make a buck.

—

To Andrew, you should really watch your child and teach them instead of attempting to sanatize the world. Your kind produce only annoying children with no life expierince.

Your point is not valid ethir. The toy you just bought you kid is just as likly to have been recalled as the ones sitting on my shelves that i got from the thrift store. If your worried about lead paint, dont buy a toy that looks 40 years old. If your worried about choking dont but a toy with a million tiny breakable pieces, have some common sense for christ sake.

]]> By: mrs darling http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5622 mrs darling Tue, 15 Aug 2006 19:51:37 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5622 I have over 200 cookbooks, but I cook primarily from Taste of Home by Reiman Publications and Amish and Mennonite cookbooks. I will post the recipe for the buns on my recipe site when I have a few minutes. When I do I will come back here and leave a link to the recipe. I have over 200 cookbooks, but I cook primarily from Taste of Home by Reiman Publications and Amish and Mennonite cookbooks. I will post the recipe for the buns on my recipe site when I have a few minutes. When I do I will come back here and leave a link to the recipe.

]]> By: T http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5621 T Tue, 15 Aug 2006 19:09:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5621 I would like to know your hot dog and bun recipes, or at least what cookbook you use. I would like to know your hot dog and bun recipes, or at least what cookbook you use.

]]> By: Through a Glass Darkly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5620 Through a Glass Darkly Tue, 15 Aug 2006 19:07:32 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5620 Interesting post. What recipes do you use to make your own hamburger and hotdog buns? Interesting post.

What recipes do you use to make your own hamburger and hotdog buns?

]]> By: mrs darling http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5613 mrs darling Tue, 15 Aug 2006 17:03:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5613 Ian I am a quarter of a mile from the nearest store which is Hagaans(sp?). We are surrounded by the city. We have a 2800 sq ft home on half an acre. We bought the house new in 82. My husband planted the fruit orchard and all the berry bushes. I have a big canning garden. My husband bought this house when he was 24 years old. It cost $78,000. I realize there is no way you could buy a new home for that in the Portland area anymore. Also you would be hard pressed to find half an acre so close to town. One must note, however, that for a 24 year old to have the down payment and the income to buy a 75 thousand dollar home in the early 80's is very remarkable. My husbands Dad died when he ws 13. By 15 years old he was holding down a steady job pumping gas. He saved every penny he earned. At 18 years of age he traveled with his brother from Chicago to Oregon where he then apprenticed as a pipe fitter. He was still an apprentice when he bought this house. Today this home is assessed at $425,000. It says something for staying put in one place for years. We got married when I was 29 and he was 31. Our first child was born 7 years later. She is now nine and our son is 5. I have a daughter that was 7 when we got married and is now 24. So you can see that we had no timeline in mind for children. We had my duaghter of course from day one. The next seven years were spent trying to ahve another child. So we waited for infertiity reasons not economic reasons. Our invitro and surgeries cost us around thousand that we paid in cash. In 1997 we built a 1450 sq ft addition onto the original 1300 sq ft home. We built the addition with help from friends. It included two bedrooms, a bath, a 16x20 kithcen and a 16x20 family room, and two offices. it cost us around 120,000 which again we paid on cash! Ian I am a quarter of a mile from the nearest store which is Hagaans(sp?). We are surrounded by the city. We have a 2800 sq ft home on half an acre. We bought the house new in 82. My husband planted the fruit orchard and all the berry bushes. I have a big canning garden.

My husband bought this house when he was 24 years old. It cost $78,000. I realize there is no way you could buy a new home for that in the Portland area anymore. Also you would be hard pressed to find half an acre so close to town.

One must note, however, that for a 24 year old to have the down payment and the income to buy a 75 thousand dollar home in the early 80’s is very remarkable. My husbands Dad died when he ws 13. By 15 years old he was holding down a steady job pumping gas. He saved every penny he earned. At 18 years of age he traveled with his brother from Chicago to Oregon where he then apprenticed as a pipe fitter. He was still an apprentice when he bought this house.

Today this home is assessed at $425,000. It says something for staying put in one place for years.

We got married when I was 29 and he was 31. Our first child was born 7 years later. She is now nine and our son is 5. I have a daughter that was 7 when we got married and is now 24. So you can see that we had no timeline in mind for children. We had my duaghter of course from day one. The next seven years were spent trying to ahve another child. So we waited for infertiity reasons not economic reasons.

Our invitro and surgeries cost us around thousand that we paid in cash. In 1997 we built a 1450 sq ft addition onto the original 1300 sq ft home. We built the addition with help from friends. It included two bedrooms, a bath, a 16×20 kithcen and a 16×20 family room, and two offices. it cost us around 120,000 which again we paid on cash!

]]> By: Andrew http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5612 Andrew Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:55:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5612 Mrs. Darling, you are correct, I would find out. Because I subscribe to the CPSC recall newsletter. And it is not just toys with parts that break off but more insidious problems like crayons made with carcinogenetic materials or toys painted with lead based paint, something you can't see or feel. I am sure that you have not called every company about every toy you have bought at garage sales to check those kinds of things. It is a problem especially for little children who put things in their mouth. You do whatever you want to with your kids but please don't share them with mine. And don't tell me I don't have a realistic argument. If there are entire government agencies around the world dedicated to protecting the public from problem manufactured items than I would call that valid evidence. And keep in mind the largest percentage of items recalled are those for children. At least I will know in 30 days that something is wrong and I can mitigate the exposure as apposed to months or years of exposure. Also considering that the majority of children's products and toys are being made in China and that Chinese goods are NUMBER 1! in where recalled products originate, I would say that a healthy skepticism in those products is not only realistic but the responsible thing to be concerned with in regards to our children. While you say you haven't experienced any problems in 24 years do you really know? Do you know if your children or someone else you gave a toy to could have been smarter, or better behaved, or had fewer allergies, or grown stronger, or learned faster if they hadn't been sucking on that lead paint toy car for years growing up? Do you know what may happen to any of them in 10, 15, 20 years because of an exposure? No you don't. So blanket statements with no supporting facts are nothing more than opinion. And since your opinion is no more right or wrong than mine is, do not presume to tell me I am wrong until you can back it up. Did you happen to think that maybe you just got lucky that you haven't had a tragic problem in 24 years? Anyway, the point of my whole post to begin with was to educated some people on the risks in buy children's stuff at garage sales and why I don't do it. Mrs. Darling, you are correct, I would find out. Because I subscribe to the CPSC recall newsletter. And it is not just toys with parts that break off but more insidious problems like crayons made with carcinogenetic materials or toys painted with lead based paint, something you can’t see or feel. I am sure that you have not called every company about every toy you have bought at garage sales to check those kinds of things. It is a problem especially for little children who put things in their mouth. You do whatever you want to with your kids but please don’t share them with mine.
And don’t tell me I don’t have a realistic argument. If there are entire government agencies around the world dedicated to protecting the public from problem manufactured items than I would call that valid evidence. And keep in mind the largest percentage of items recalled are those for children. At least I will know in 30 days that something is wrong and I can mitigate the exposure as apposed to months or years of exposure. Also considering that the majority of children’s products and toys are being made in China and that Chinese goods are NUMBER 1! in where recalled products originate, I would say that a healthy skepticism in those products is not only realistic but the responsible thing to be concerned with in regards to our children.
While you say you haven’t experienced any problems in 24 years do you really know? Do you know if your children or someone else you gave a toy to could have been smarter, or better behaved, or had fewer allergies, or grown stronger, or learned faster if they hadn’t been sucking on that lead paint toy car for years growing up?
Do you know what may happen to any of them in 10, 15, 20 years because of an exposure? No you don’t. So blanket statements with no supporting facts are nothing more than opinion. And since your opinion is no more right or wrong than mine is, do not presume to tell me I am wrong until you can back it up. Did you happen to think that maybe you just got lucky that you haven’t had a tragic problem in 24 years?

Anyway, the point of my whole post to begin with was to educated some people on the risks in buy children’s stuff at garage sales and why I don’t do it.

]]> By: Mikey Likes It » http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5611 Mikey Likes It » Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:45:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5611 [...] I’m a personal finance junkie.  I love to learn about ways to save money and spend it wisely.  I subscribe to magazines about personal finance and read books and blogs about it.  My new favorite blog is called Get Rich Slowly.  It has practical ways to save, invest, and spend (including one of my favorites, shopping at garage sales).  A quote from the latest post, which, coincidentally, is what we are doing at the Court house: We operate two freezers for food storage. My husband does all the grocery shopping because I positively cannot shop as cheap as he can. He watches sales like a hawk. His commute home from work takes him across town. He “coupons his way home” in the evening that way he never has to go out of his way to hit the sales. [...] [...] I’m a personal finance junkie.  I love to learn about ways to save money and spend it wisely.  I subscribe to magazines about personal finance and read books and blogs about it.  My new favorite blog is called Get Rich Slowly.  It has practical ways to save, invest, and spend (including one of my favorites, shopping at garage sales).  A quote from the latest post, which, coincidentally, is what we are doing at the Court house: We operate two freezers for food storage. My husband does all the grocery shopping because I positively cannot shop as cheap as he can. He watches sales like a hawk. His commute home from work takes him across town. He “coupons his way home” in the evening that way he never has to go out of his way to hit the sales. [...]

]]> By: Spoonman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5610 Spoonman Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:44:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5610 Yeah, this goes back to what I've said before: it ain't worth it if I have to work that hard to save a little money. Although, I have to disagree about thrift stores. I've bought a significant amount of new clothes, still with tags, at those places. They're actually fairly common. And, if you find one in the higher-income areas, this is much more common. And the not using the clothes dryer thing. Man, I just don't get it. In an earlier post it was stated that you could save about $600/year by not using the dryer. Let's do the math: $600/year = $50/month. I can tell you having tried this a couple of times that the best I could do was about an hour for setup and pulldown, once a week for two people. At BEST, that means I'm saving $12.50/hour. My time is significantly more valuable than that, I'll spend the money. Now, when doing laundry for a family of four, it prolly doesn't take much longer to hang and pull down clothes, but I'm sure it has to happen more often. Does that halve the number you're saving per hour? Quarter it? I'm all for saving money, but certainly not for wasting time. You can always get more money. Yeah, this goes back to what I’ve said before: it ain’t worth it if I have to work that hard to save a little money. Although, I have to disagree about thrift stores. I’ve bought a significant amount of new clothes, still with tags, at those places. They’re actually fairly common. And, if you find one in the higher-income areas, this is much more common.

And the not using the clothes dryer thing. Man, I just don’t get it. In an earlier post it was stated that you could save about $600/year by not using the dryer. Let’s do the math: $600/year = $50/month. I can tell you having tried this a couple of times that the best I could do was about an hour for setup and pulldown, once a week for two people. At BEST, that means I’m saving $12.50/hour. My time is significantly more valuable than that, I’ll spend the money.

Now, when doing laundry for a family of four, it prolly doesn’t take much longer to hang and pull down clothes, but I’m sure it has to happen more often. Does that halve the number you’re saving per hour? Quarter it? I’m all for saving money, but certainly not for wasting time. You can always get more money.

]]> By: Ian http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5609 Ian Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:43:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5609 Can you describe the economics of having enough land to grow a lot of your own food? Does this mean you live a long way from a city? Does it mean you pay a lot more for gas to go anywhere? Does it mean you just got lucky buying a big lot 30 years ago that was in a great location and could be sold today for $1M? I'd also like to know how you spent the early years of your life getting out of debt on your house. Sounds like you decided to have kids quite late if you have a 10-ish year old but have lived in a house for over 24 years. Was this a timeline to help you afford children? Can you describe the economics of having enough land to grow a lot of your own food? Does this mean you live a long way from a city? Does it mean you pay a lot more for gas to go anywhere? Does it mean you just got lucky buying a big lot 30 years ago that was in a great location and could be sold today for $1M?

I’d also like to know how you spent the early years of your life getting out of debt on your house. Sounds like you decided to have kids quite late if you have a 10-ish year old but have lived in a house for over 24 years. Was this a timeline to help you afford children?

]]> By: mrs darling http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5607 mrs darling Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:30:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5607 Jordan you are right. The water is directly heated by sunlight. Our solar didnt cost very much. It consists of three panels on the roof and all the piping for the water was ran by my husband who is a steam fitter. We've had this system for 24 years and have long ago recouped the initial cost. And speaking of solar blankets we do have one for our pool too. But here in oregon it wasnt doing the job since we have rain through the month of June . My husband bought a solar water sheet and all the water to the pool is pumped through the solar pad and then into the pool. Now we can swim in the early summer instead of waiting until July! Jordan you are right. The water is directly heated by sunlight. Our solar didnt cost very much. It consists of three panels on the roof and all the piping for the water was ran by my husband who is a steam fitter. We’ve had this system for 24 years and have long ago recouped the initial cost.

And speaking of solar blankets we do have one for our pool too. But here in oregon it wasnt doing the job since we have rain through the month of June . My husband bought a solar water sheet and all the water to the pool is pumped through the solar pad and then into the pool. Now we can swim in the early summer instead of waiting until July!

]]> By: Jordan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5605 Jordan Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:20:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5605 dabrfe, as far as the heating via solar power, the gist I got was that they are not actually using solar electricity to drive a water heater, but are directly heating the water by sunlight (similar to those solar blanket things people put on their pools). If that's the case, I think it's pretty cool, because it's definitely cheaper, although I imagine it's not quite as good at getting water to the scalding temperatures some folks like =). dabrfe, as far as the heating via solar power, the gist I got was that they are not actually using solar electricity to drive a water heater, but are directly heating the water by sunlight (similar to those solar blanket things people put on their pools). If that’s the case, I think it’s pretty cool, because it’s definitely cheaper, although I imagine it’s not quite as good at getting water to the scalding temperatures some folks like =).

]]> By: dabrfe http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5603 dabrfe Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:27:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5603 * "Every week my husband gives me an allotted amount of money to spend." We do something similar, but, in our budget, I have my special money and my wife has her special money. We can use our special money on whatever we want without running it past the other person. Since all of our accounts are shared, any gifts for each other come out of our own special money, so getting something for my wife really means I have less to spend on myself. The "special money" categories are an easy way to have some fun and freedom as well as make gifts mean all the more. * "We also do a good portion of the house heating by solar" Be sure the run the numbers on this. From what I have seen, it takes a LONG time to recoup the cost of installing a solar solution. If saving money is your only objective, this might not be a good solution. If you are will to pay for the ecological savings as well, more power to you (no pun intended). * "We operate two freezers for food storage." Again, be sure to run the numbers on this. Most often (but not always), the cost of the freezers and the electricity required to run them more than offsets any savings in buying food in bulk. * "Baking your own breads..." Also check out bakery thrift stores. We buy bread for a fraction of what it would cost us to make it. For example, a loaf of Earthgrains Honey Wheatberry that sells for close to $3/loaf in the grocery store only costs 50-75 cents at the thrift store. There is no way for us to make bread for that price, especially once you factor in the cost to run the oven and my time. I will make pizzas (including crust) on occasion and freeze them for healthier, inexpensive frozen pizzas. And we do make other yeast breads sometimes, but not for as inexpensively as we could buy them at the thrift store. * "I grow my own herbs and what I don’t grow I buy by the bulk." $8-$10 for a few ounces of oregano in a jar? I have never seen prices anywhere near that. Yes, buying in bulk is cheaper, but that price seems a bit high. Also, it is best to keep spices in the freezer, and certainly away from light and any heat source. If you are picky about your spices, you probably don't want to buy more than 1-2 years worth at a time or they will start to lose their flavor. Conversely, buying more often that once a year is not necessarily getting you fresher spices since many are harvested annually. If you really value your spices, check out www.penzeys.com - some things in bulk are even cheaper than in the stores (e.g. - cumin) and the quality is MUCH better. * “Every week my husband gives me an allotted amount of money to spend.” We do something similar, but, in our budget, I have my special money and my wife has her special money. We can use our special money on whatever we want without running it past the other person. Since all of our accounts are shared, any gifts for each other come out of our own special money, so getting something for my wife really means I have less to spend on myself. The “special money” categories are an easy way to have some fun and freedom as well as make gifts mean all the more.

* “We also do a good portion of the house heating by solar” Be sure the run the numbers on this. From what I have seen, it takes a LONG time to recoup the cost of installing a solar solution. If saving money is your only objective, this might not be a good solution. If you are will to pay for the ecological savings as well, more power to you (no pun intended).

* “We operate two freezers for food storage.” Again, be sure to run the numbers on this. Most often (but not always), the cost of the freezers and the electricity required to run them more than offsets any savings in buying food in bulk.

* “Baking your own breads…” Also check out bakery thrift stores. We buy bread for a fraction of what it would cost us to make it. For example, a loaf of Earthgrains Honey Wheatberry that sells for close to $3/loaf in the grocery store only costs 50-75 cents at the thrift store. There is no way for us to make bread for that price, especially once you factor in the cost to run the oven and my time. I will make pizzas (including crust) on occasion and freeze them for healthier, inexpensive frozen pizzas. And we do make other yeast breads sometimes, but not for as inexpensively as we could buy them at the thrift store.

* “I grow my own herbs and what I don’t grow I buy by the bulk.” $8-$10 for a few ounces of oregano in a jar? I have never seen prices anywhere near that. Yes, buying in bulk is cheaper, but that price seems a bit high. Also, it is best to keep spices in the freezer, and certainly away from light and any heat source. If you are picky about your spices, you probably don’t want to buy more than 1-2 years worth at a time or they will start to lose their flavor. Conversely, buying more often that once a year is not necessarily getting you fresher spices since many are harvested annually. If you really value your spices, check out http://www.penzeys.com - some things in bulk are even cheaper than in the stores (e.g. - cumin) and the quality is MUCH better.

]]> By: mrs darling http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5597 mrs darling Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:43:09 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5597 If you are afraid of a recall you can always call the company that makes it and find out. Ive been buying garage sale toys for 24 years and I've never had a problem. I dont think thats a very realistic fear. After all you can buy toys at the store and find out a month after your childs been playing with it that's it's being recalled. Would you ever forgive yourself if something happened becaue you bought the toy at the store? This is really not a valid arguement. If you are afraid of a recall you can always call the company that makes it and find out. Ive been buying garage sale toys for 24 years and I’ve never had a problem. I dont think thats a very realistic fear. After all you can buy toys at the store and find out a month after your childs been playing with it that’s it’s being recalled. Would you ever forgive yourself if something happened becaue you bought the toy at the store? This is really not a valid arguement.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5595 Andrew Tue, 15 Aug 2006 13:25:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/08/15/raising-a-family-on-one-income-part-two/#comment-5595 The only problem with buying toys at garage sales is that you have no idea if they have been recalled because of a safety issue. I will not subject my child to a risk like that, could you ever forgive yourself if something happened just so you could save a buck?!?! http://www.cpsc.gov/ The only problem with buying toys at garage sales is that you have no idea if they have been recalled because of a safety issue. I will not subject my child to a risk like that, could you ever forgive yourself if something happened just so you could save a buck?!?!

http://www.cpsc.gov/

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