I’m sure it feels amazing to be ahead of bills, Deborah! And to be stocked up on food too!! Congratulations!

I have also been using rebate apps to save money on groceries and supplies.

My chicken story is a long one but to make it short, I bought 7 chicks a couple years ago, 6 of them ended up roosters, I sold them bought 3 more chickens, 2 of them died because they were old, my uncle was dying so he gave me 2 wounded chickens that he had found and was taking care of, 1 of them died a week after he died, the other is fine now (she’s my lucky hen), my cousin gave me 1 chicken that he had left (his other chickens were killed by a fox or something), then my daughter moved and gave me 6 of her chickens. So I now have 10 chickens which are overwhelming me with eggs so I will be selling eggs after Easter.

I’m NOT doing this now but I was helping my mom’s friend with a garden and we shared the fruits of our labor but he passed away. An idea for someone that don’t have room for a garden. I didn’t at the time but I also wasn’t able to take care of a big garden by myself and neither was he so we did it together. (saving for raised garden beds now)

I make my own laundry soap, first aid ointment, chapstick and household cleaner. White distilled vinegar, water and a few drops of essential oils do wonders and it goes a long way.

I have a budget now since my husband started letting me know how much money he makes and I have been paying the bills, buying groceries and our supplies. Within 3 months he is surprised at how much food and supplies we have stocked up. Before, we were always out of everything and hardly ever had groceries. I also have the bills caught up and a month a head. Which we only have 4 bills to start with.

Over a year or 2 ago they cut my husbands hours at work and we didn’t have the $120.00 per month for our home phone, his cable and my internet. So we had to get everything cut off. I talked him into buying a Roku box, a Magic Jack and just getting internet. When the income tax money came in I went with him and we bought the Roku box for $50.00, a Magic Jack for $65.00 ($65.00 is initial start up and then $35.00 a year afterwards) and had the internet turned back on. So we started paying $40.00 per month (versus the $120.00) for internet, his TV, and a phone. Since I started paying the bills I ordered Hulu for him for $7.99 per month which he watches from the Roku box and he is happy as a lark because he has better TV to watch now.

I think the key is to be clear about what you’re offering and seeking. Once someone makes an offer – don’t accept the offer if it’s less than what you want. For example, you offer a bushel of apples for trade and someone offers a pint of raw honey from their hive. They feel the honey is worth the apples – do you? If yes, go for it. If no, pass. It’s truly a matter of just being clear. That doesn’t mean someone might feel bad but seeking clear expectations cuts down the chances.