Get Money Crazy! (Part 2)

Get Money Crazy! (Part 2)

   In my last Get Money Crazy Blog we talked about the basic steps for financial freedom and living a financially stress free life! If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend you do! Out of all of Dave Ramsey’s baby steps for financial freedom we discovered the most difficult step was paying off debt. I’d like to take some time today to point out how this looks in our lives. This does not mean you have to add these to your plans because everyone’s life looks different. But, it does mean you should consider. :) 

Tithing 

   Before I go into the things we got rid of, I want to touch on the one thing we did not and will not stop. Tithing. Now, not everyone goes to church and that’s ok. Tithing can look different to you. For us, we tithe to our local church because we support what they’re doing for our children and in our community. That money goes to many places. For you, it may be that every month you give money to a single parent for diapers. Or, you give to that foster child program you support. However this looks to you, do NOT let this part go. Tithe means one tenth of your income. But, if you know you can’t do this and feel comfortable, then pick what you feel is right for your family. Every little bit can help someone. Giving not only grows your heart, but it also teaches your children to put others before themselves. 

Cut 3
  There are so many non essentials you can completely cut out of your life to help in your journey to becoming financially free. Is it fun to get rid of them? Eh..No. But you can make it a challenge for you and your family. Sometimes it will take you places that you didn’t realize you would enjoy. 
Get rid of all TV subscriptions. 
   When my husband and I first starting talking about this, it was I that was struggling the most. I was home with the kids all day, so I felt we needed that Disney App. Also, if you know me, you know I love to find a good show and binge! Nevertheless, we knew what we had to do. All the subscriptions combined added up to like $45. Which isn’t crazy expensive, but it is NOT a necessity. If you have debt then you’re broke! You only need necessities. 
   We soon realized there were so many other free TV apps we could use instead. We became excited about finding the free shows and movies! I don’t think we will ever go back to paying for a subscription because we have learned to love what is offered to us. Some old shows (old to us), we have fallen in love with because they are free to watch! Here are 10 free TV apps that actually have awesome shows and movies for the entire family! (Some of these you may be able to upgrade to watch more, but we don’t do that.)
Peacock 
PBS
PBS Kids
Crackle
The CW
Tubi
Pluto TV
ABC
VUDU
Investigation Discovery 
If you know someone that is cutting out these luxuries, it could give you another gift idea! Buy someone a year subscription of Boomerang for the kids, or HBO for the parents. I know I’d love that!! 
Stop buying expensive soap.

 This may sound silly, but you wouldn’t believe the amount of money I was spending on soap! I didn’t want to buy the cheap shampoo and conditioner, and I didn’t want to use bar soap. However, if you stop and add up the amount you spend on these items, you will realize it’s not necessary and actually pretty dumb. You don’t have to get the cheapest of the cheap though. There are many options for decent shampoo and conditioner. I like buying in bulk, so going to Amazon and buying this Kirkland brand is a great way to save money, and the product is awesome! 

I also decided to change to bar soap. They last so much longer than body wash does. It’s crazy cheap and if you get goat milk soap, it’s so amazing for your skin! We absolutely love it, and I hear it’s easy to make your own too. Maybe I can get Cassie to write a blog on making goat milk soap. ;) 

 

Cook at home 

   I’m not going to lie, this one sucks! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good home cooked meal. But to be honest I’m sick of picking meals, getting the recipe, shopping for the groceries, and then having to cook it! However, eating out is going to cost you so much more, and it will take you on the longer road to financial freedom. You don’t have to cut it out completely though. It’s like dieting. If you say you will never eat unhealthy food again, you will fail. Same goes for cutting out restaurants completely. One day you will be in a hurry and need to grab something quick for the kids. It will happen. To control this, set a budget for eating out. Add a certain amount of money to your restaurant envelope, and once it’s gone, you’re done for that month. We like to plan days to go out to eat. This will give you something to look forward to, and it will also help you find deals! I like to look for coupons, promo codes online, and kids eat free nights! 

   For great deals and gift ideas especially leading up to the holidays, check out The Mom Loop Deals on Facebook where we post all the deals we can find on everyday and unique items! 

   I hope you have taken some time to look at your finances and have seen where you can make some changes. If not, I promise you the freedom and peace it will bring is worth everything you will sacrifice along the way. You will not be disappointed. 

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