My Budget Train Detailed Derailed

If my bank account and budget was a train, it would have derailed and exploded. A brief history lesson,  I grew up in a somewhat middle class at best family. My mother always worked hard and her efforts were spoiled by an alcoholic husband. She always worked hard and sacrificed for her family. This was a stepfather and not worth writing much about. When I was fourteen,  my mom met my Dad ( stepfather but my Dad.A wonderful man) Anyway, Dad had health problems but was a hard worker and encouraged my mom to become a stay home mom. We were absolutely delighted and loved her being home.They had a small business and did well, not rich, but we always had what we needed and we were fed and happy. We truly loved mom being at home!

Fast forward,  I grow up go to school while working 60 odd hours a week and marry at 21. My husband haf a great work ethic. We were doing well. If we wanted to go out big deal, we went out. If we wanted this or that we usually got it. We planned a baby and were blessed with a little lady when I was 24. I stayed home until she was in school because I wanted to be the person to raise my child.I loved my mom being home and wanted that for Miss.J. We loet income and I contemplated returning to work when she was a little bigger but with the average expenses for clothing, gas, child care and so forth,  it was a waste of money for meto work. So eveventually, it was time to work but unfortunately,  this time was matched with the unexpected loss of my husband. Unfortunately, this meant that working would not enhance our family income but become necessary. I worked and cared for my daughter as a young widow.It was a trying time to say the least. Fast forward and life took an interesting but life changing direction again, as life's curve balls usually do. An unexpected turn of events found a six year old family member in need of a foster home placement. Two years later, I became the adoptive mother of this little girl and her newborn brother. so, within 2 1/2 years of losing my husband,  I was now a widow with three children. After a maternity leave of eight months, I returned to work but quickly learned that my son's health management would be a full time endeavor. Due to health problems relating to fetal exposure to drugs and alcohol,  my son would need around the clock care. When he came home from the hospital, I was informed to not expect him to see his first birthday. (Happy to report he's a thriving wonderful seven year old!) I had to stop working to care for Mr.K. So, we've been on a tight budget with little room for fun!

So, with having to juggle a thin budget, I've learned to be creative . I'm always looking for ways to save money. This January,  I wrote iut a budget. It was going pretty well. At least, the bills were getting paid and beginning to pay down debt. We relocated at the beginning of summer to an area that we have been interested in. I personally would love to leave this state but I'm out voted, yet once again.  So, I've decided to try to "Bloom Where I am
Planted!" ( Quote Author unknown to me.)

So, now that summer is winding down, our fall schedules will begin. I decided that now thatMr.K. wwill be starting the first grade that it's time for me to go back to work . I've piddled here and there to make extra money with online endeavors including blog jobs, freelance writing, an Etsy shop and craft shows. However, I'd like to continue my odd jobs with a stable income to speak of. It's incredibly hard to budget when the income is tight. So, as I learn to pay down debt, save money and save for important occasios, this novice beginner of learning to coupon,  save and so firth, I'd like to invite you along to share experiences. People feel to share your wisdom.

Time to get this derailed budget and financial house in order. (I Hope.)

Blue Skies ahead? I think I see some bumps ahead?

Freezer Meals To Save My Sanity and Budget

We recently made a move and a new schedule has moved in to attempt to dominate our time. Both work and school schedules have changed. The schedule has cut into our normal time frame to make dinner. The result has been later dinners, dinner outtings and one epic dinner fail.

The problem: Late dinners cut evening quality family time short, cause grumpy children, impulse buying and going out to eat, reduction in healthy meals and quality food and the surprise dinner fail.

We have been adjusting to a new schedule and new bills. Going out to dinner is a luxury that i'd rather reduce or eliminate for awhile. I would like to create my new budget and stick with it. When we do dine out, i'd enjoy planning the outting and having a nice time. I would rather not dine out in desperation.

This past month, we have been adjusting to the new bill schedule and numbers. I feel that it has been a rough month. We are trying to budget to adjust to the new bills, pay off debt, plan school fees and similar and start saving in general.

This past week we had a dinner fail and unexpected company. I was making a comfort meal of a stroganoff. I prepared my ground beef, boiled my water, had my gravy ready to add to this one pan casserole meal. I was ready to add the noodles. As I poured the noodles Into the boiling water, I noticed the pan was suddenly filled with black spots. The noodles had an overabundance of what appeared to be dead boweavles. I was so upset. Unfortunately, I only did not have anything else thawed out. So, as dinner was already getting to the table late,  cereal it was.

We prepared for company this week as our oldest child is graduating from
high school! Grandma came to visit from out of state. We have a family of 8. The problem: unexpected company. Three additional family/ friends decided to take a spontaneous road trip. ( Without funds) We are not prepared for twelve in the home. We are happy to see everyone but we are still in recovery phase from our recent move. We've been stretching meals and had to order pizza once because half of the family were attending a planned event and we were left home without a vehicle to make a better strategy.

The resolve: Planning meals in advance including freezer cooking to save money. My children love menu planning. My youngest especially enjoys knowing what meal is on the daily menu. I just read a few interesting articles on the Money Saving Mom Blog and the Who Needs a Cape Blog! Both sites have great information to learn about the planning and incorporating of freezer and crockpot meal planning!

I will be sharing more of my plan in an upcoming post.

I would love to prepare freezer meals, crockpot meals and a neighborhood co-op!