Crunching the Numbers

Chris has been in school all of our married life, so obviously, money has never flowed in abundance. God has been faithful to provide each of our needs, and we've always managed to get through the months and years - up until now - debt free! Not onlly that, but I've been thankful and blessed to stay home with Luke. Now, as we're on the home stretch with Chris beginning his PhD (NO MORE SCHOOL AFTER THIS PROGRAM!), we are dealing with some student loans, but we feel thankful and know it is rare that we have not dealt with them until now. So, needless to say, this new period of our lives is tight. There is lots of crunching going on - of the numbers, that is. And, though sometimes it is initially overwhelming and discouraging, there is somewhat of a thrill at such a challenge. (Of course, it is only a "thrill" when I am really staying on top of things, sticking with my budget and not spending money I really don't have.)

So tonight, I made some lists and did some planning for our Christmas expenses. We spend very little (comparatively) and don't buy everyone gifts, but even with that, it adds up! I'm not really sure how much I'll really be able to trim off of the number I came up with, but we'll see. Tonight, I googled "saving money at the holidays." I came across a list of ways to save and was cracking up at how ridiculous and unrealistic some of the items were. One way for saving money on Christmas cards was, "Cut your Christmas card list in half, or don't send Christmas cards at all." Now, I know some of you all might not care about sending cards, and that's fine. But, for me, this "tip" was ridiculous and unrealistic! I love sending Christmas letters with an update and picture of our family. I don't send them to everyone I've ever met, but I want my friends and family to know we love them and are thinking of them at my favorite time of year. I also love getting Christmas cards, and I treasure each one I get - I know it's hard to keep track of our address, since we move every year! So, to save money by just not sending them at all is not an option for me. Another funny "tip" regarding Christmas decorations was - get this - "Don't decorate." HA! Um, ok. So, if you want to save money this Christmas season, here's a way: don't celebrate Christmas!

Sigh. Those tips were obviously not very helpful to me. But, I'm definitely on the hunt for ways to find the deals and make every penny we have count. What are your favorite money-saving tips? Jenny, I wanted to take your "pantry challenge," but since we just moved a few months ago, I actually don't have much in my pantry to really use up! I guess I must be doing a good job of using mostly everything I buy each week!