Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac
Gangsta whitewalls, TV antennas in the back
You may not have a car at all
But remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you got.
~William DeVaughn, 1972
William DeVaughn got it right. We may not have a lot, but we can still be grateful for what we do have. It IS possible to be thankful and frugal at the same time!
Cynthia Yates explains*:
"Frugal is not walking around saying 'Woe is me' or being some type of tightfisted grump. Frugal is being able to enjoy your surroundings. Frugal is making the most out of what you have. Frugal is rejoicing."
"The Bible says that in all things rejoice. Frugal is rejoicing in the blessings that He has given you-even if it's a broken down clunker. It is being so joyful to know Him and to make Him known to others around you. Frugal is smart above all things. It is the wise use and care of things around us, including time and finances."
Looking at the above descriptions of 'frugal', which words best describe your attitude towards budgeting? What are you most thankful for?
*Information taken from: http://cynthiayates.com
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Weekly Resource: Stay Warm & Save Cash!
As temperatures begin to drop, energy prices begin to rise. Here are some tips for keeping yourself warm this season without breaking the bank:
1) Humidity holds heat. Increased humidity will make a significant difference in your comfort level. Whenever you take a shower or bath, leave the warm water in the bathtub to increase the humidity in the air.
2) Use a hot water bottle. Great for warming your hands & lap while sitting; also put it under the covers at the foot of the bed.
3) If the air is too cold when you're trying to sleep, consider rigging a makeshift cloth "tent" over your bed. Your own breathing will warm up the inside of the tent very quickly. There's a good reason those antique beds had roofs and curtains...
4) Microwave socks or small homemade "pillows" filled with rice, dried corn, or beans for one minute in the microwave and use as a heating pad or bed-warmer (if you don't have a microwave, use a hot water bottle).
5) After cooking, leave the oven door open to let the heat escape and warm up the area of the room around it.
6) Leave your house! Go stay with friends, or spend the day at a public library or community center.
7) Take advantage of solar energy; place a dark rug in sunny areas of your house during the day to absorb the sun's heat.
8) Use cheap, clear shower curtains over your windows. This will keep the cold air out, and the warmth from the sun will heat your house without cold air coming in. You could also cover your windows with clear plastic sheets and make it airtight.
9) Exercise! 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can warm you up and keep you warm well after the exercise session. And your healthy body is generally more tolerant of the cold.
How do you do keep warm (without increasing your utility bill)? Share your thoughts!
* Info taken from WikiHow* Check out the full article:
http://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Warm-at-Home-Without-a-Heater
1) Humidity holds heat. Increased humidity will make a significant difference in your comfort level. Whenever you take a shower or bath, leave the warm water in the bathtub to increase the humidity in the air.
2) Use a hot water bottle. Great for warming your hands & lap while sitting; also put it under the covers at the foot of the bed.
3) If the air is too cold when you're trying to sleep, consider rigging a makeshift cloth "tent" over your bed. Your own breathing will warm up the inside of the tent very quickly. There's a good reason those antique beds had roofs and curtains...
4) Microwave socks or small homemade "pillows" filled with rice, dried corn, or beans for one minute in the microwave and use as a heating pad or bed-warmer (if you don't have a microwave, use a hot water bottle).
5) After cooking, leave the oven door open to let the heat escape and warm up the area of the room around it.
6) Leave your house! Go stay with friends, or spend the day at a public library or community center.
7) Take advantage of solar energy; place a dark rug in sunny areas of your house during the day to absorb the sun's heat.
8) Use cheap, clear shower curtains over your windows. This will keep the cold air out, and the warmth from the sun will heat your house without cold air coming in. You could also cover your windows with clear plastic sheets and make it airtight.
9) Exercise! 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can warm you up and keep you warm well after the exercise session. And your healthy body is generally more tolerant of the cold.
How do you do keep warm (without increasing your utility bill)? Share your thoughts!
* Info taken from WikiHow* Check out the full article:
http://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Warm-at-Home-Without-a-Heater
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Be sure to check out the Resource of the Week for financial tips and local service listings.
Lasting Change Volunteers: Connect with participants and post resources!
Be sure to check out the Resource of the Week for financial tips and local service listings.
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