Lessons Learned

I have been spending a lot of time talking with my children about the importance of living below your means. Not only do we talk with them about it but we also try to live be example. I have so many regrets of how we used our money in the past and we are still cleaning up the mess from living that way. If only we knew then what we know now,but could of,should of and would of won't do us any good now. All we can do is pick up and keep moving forward taking what we have learned and instilling it in our hearts and minds. To make it a part of our lives.

Yesterday while with my youngest son Brandon,I asked him,"What do you think it means to live below your means,what are the steps to insure you are doing so?" His answer was very good! He said " you don't go into debt,no loans and no credit cards. I mean it's stupid to get a car loan and it loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot." He said " it's best to save up and buy things straight out then you own it and are not paying more than it's worth buy getting a loan, the same is right about credit cards they make no sense,when you charge things and they are used up and you are still paying on them. How stupid is that! "

Yes he is a very smart boy. He also mention putting God first forever and always. And saving a portion of your income without fail.
What he didn't mention and it's probably because I haven't talked about it as often or gone into any sort of detail about it. That is taking care of all you have to make it last as long as it can.

1. give to God
2. save a portion of your income
3.no debt unless it's a mortgage
4.use up what you have before buying new
5. buy things used or on sale or clearance always try your hardest to get the best price on all things
6. use cash or debit,tracking every penny that comes in and out of your home
7. take care of what you have and make it last as long as you can saving you even more money

my seven rules of living below your means

*Photo provided by dsleonard on photobucket.com*





Happy Homemaking