"The Infinite Power of Hope"

I tend to agree with what President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said in “The Infinite Power of Hope."--

"Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges."

I feel, that these trying economic times challenge each of us in a different way. This I do know, families need hopeful words of encouragement from our leaders just like President Uchtdorf.

I pray that what you find in this blog today and in the days ahead, will help you find better prices, ideas for food storage and helpful hints to stretch your money a little further.Stay hopeful. Lets become better prepared and fear less. We will all work hard together to make it happen and our burdens will be lightened.

Here we go!

Today I'd like to talk a little about shopping...

Seasonal Sales

Stock up your pantry and food storage shelves during and after the holidays. It will save you a lot of money over a long period of time.

Easter Time: Hams, Turkey, Eggs

Fourth of July: Hamburger, Ground Beef, Chicken, Ketchup

Thanksgiving: Celery, Canned Soups, Cranberry Sauce, Turkey, Ham, Canned Vegetables, Potatoes, Spices, Sugar, Flour

Christmas Time: Butter, Flour, Sugar, Cream Cheese, Nuts

Keep a small price book. Buy food when it is at its lowest and use a calculator each time you shop. Save your receipts and compare.

For instance, I don't buy any meat over $2.00 a pound.

I buy fruit when it's on sale.

When eggs are on sale, it’s smart to buy lots of eggs. They are a great source of protein for very little. They also make a few more meals possible.

Always remember that the biggest isn't always the cheapest, but sometimes it is. Compare the difference with your calculator.

If it's not food, clothing, or shelter, it's discretionary money. And food, clothing, and shelter can be modest.

Some Very Serious Ways to Save Money

1. Try being a one-car family.

2. Get rid of your cell phone and don't buy phones for your children.

3. Cut call waiting, long distance, caller id on your phone. These are not needs.

4. Get rid of your cable or satellite TV. This will save on electricity and give you at least 15 more hours a week to develop a talent or a skill.

5. Take lunch to work with you instead of eating out.

6. Learn to cook from scratch.

7. Drink water instead of Pop. You’ll feel healthier too!

8. Grow as much food as possible in your own garden, or buddy up with another family and help them with their garden.

9. Shop for used clothing. Use hand-me downs for your kids.

10. Learn to mend your clothes instead of buying new ones.

11. Stop shopping every day. I try to go to the store when only absolutely necessary. Pretend you’re in the military and you only get paid once a month. (been there done that) Then shop once every two weeks, or even once a month if you can. Buy enough food so that you don't have to go more than that. Plan your list well. Never run to the store for just one thing. Combine shopping trips with other errands and save on gas.

12. Try out generic brands. Find out what the store brands are.

13. Try incorporating less expensive foods into your families diet. Kids learn to like beans, potatoes rice and soups if you make them when they are young. It’s healthy food too!

14. Keep your thermostat to 79 in the summer. Put an extra layer of clothes on and turn that thermostat to 65 in the winter.

15. Learn a new skill and make things you want, instead of buying them.

16. This is a sensitive subject for meJ Get rid of your pets, unless they are a food source (chickens, goats, pigs, cows). I know we love our pets. We are keeping ours, but not replacing them as they naturally live out their lives. I took the time to add up the expense of food and litter and vet apts. You may be surprised at the added expense your animals cost. I was stunned!

(1.) I learned many years ago-- while living on a hobby farm, that Cornish Cross Chickens grew and matured in about 8 weeks. If you have the room, I’d suggest ordering chicks right now. Here is the website you can order them via the internet and have them delivered right to your door! If you are interested here is the site… www.mcmurrayhatchery.com

17. Cut hair at home. Clippers and some good scissors pay for themselves over time. Our boys had moms haircuts when they were small. They actually liked my cuts better than the barber. Cool!

18. Use real towels, napkins, plates, glasses, diapers instead of disposable ones. I’m trying this one myself!

19. Plan your meals around the sales and stock your pantry around sales! You’ll be surprised how much more pleasant making a meal will become.

Remember this is a just a general list to stimulate us into thinking about what we can personally do to cut back and save money. Then we can put that money we save into quality food storage goods.

I'd love to hear your ideas on how to cut back on daily living costs. Let me know what they are in the comment section below and I'll post it on my next blog entry.

Tomorrow we talk food storage and several different ways to store food. I’ll even tell you something new I’ve found to help us save on clothes washing detergent.

Until then, stay hopeful and lets get ready for the days ahead, together. Enjoy your day!