Live like it is 1937

[mom-from-missouri]

Was suprised to see this couple at church this morning, and they WALKED (stroller for the kids). It is only 4 blocks, but I think in their previous mind they would have drove.

The clothes line the center gave them is up now, and have noticed several times when I have driven by that it is being used.

At our church we eat a potluck brunch between SS and church every Sunday. Several people sent their leftovers of what they bought home with the family-one because she didn't want leftovers as they leave for vacation tomorrow, and another lady because she is having surgery tomorrow and won't be eating for several days. The wife made the comment that she would send them with her husband for his lunch tomorrow--which is also a new idea, him taking a lunch instead of buying it at work.

So, we are seeing improvements!

Tuesday, the wife is having lesson #2 with a local Amish lady, who is teaching her how to bake her own breads, cakes and some cooking lessons. Another item that was on their grocery receipts was boxes of instant mashed potatoes, tv dinners and more "instant type of foods'. You can buy a bag of potatoes for far less than the box of instant ones, and it provide for several meals, instead of just 2 as the box does. So, we are working with them on that as well.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I applaud what everyone is doing with this family. It is one of those "teach a person to fish" situations. Thanks goodness they are willing to learn. That is huge.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Me too! Teach them rice and beans, pasta and home made sauce, and just plain cereal and eggs for meals. Easy to cook and pretty healthy.

Perhaps some of the changes will stick. Perhaps not, but maybe just the basics that you pay rent, food, utilities, car before anything else is most important.

I still have trouble understanding how you can pay netflix and cable but not the water bill.

[disneysteve]

Perhaps some of the changes will stick. Perhaps not

Exactly. Show/teach them every possible way they could save money and spend less. Let them pick and choose the ones that work for them. They won't do everything but they'll come out of the process in much better shape than they started.