There are soooo many things I want for my family in this new year. I am really searching for contentment. That is what this blog is all about. What is contentment? The dictionary states that it is being happy within the parameters of what you have. Most days I feel that way, but then there are the days that all I want to do is shop and spend money. What is that all about?! Do we really need all the things that we have. Other days, I want to sell off all that we own, downsize to a smaller house, and simplify our lives. I go from one extreme to the other. There has to be a middle ground. I have decided to try my best to be content with what we have. NO MORE BUYING THINGS THAT WE ABSOLUTELY DONT NEED and NO MORE SELLING OR GIVING AWAY THINGS WE ALREADY HAVE! My new years resolution for 2011 is to make our lives better with what we already have, and quit longing for things we don't have or even need! I am taking the following steps:
1. Shop at Kroger and not Walmart for groceries. (Walmart is far too tempting!)
2. Continue to give my children allowance once a week, but only take them shopping to spend it once a month.
3. Stick to the budget that we have set for our family.
4. Lose weight so I don't have to buy new clothes.
5. Shop at the beginning of the season, not THROUGHOUT the season for children's clothes. Once we have the essentials, we can stop!
5. Plan ahead for gifts in order to be frugal.
6. Less eathing out ... more eating in. (Plan meals at least a week in advance.)
7. Less going out... More family fun and movie nights at home (cards, video rentals, puzzles).
8. Consider whether it is a NEED or a WANT before buying.
9. Most importantly...pray about purchases and spending.
10. Communicate as a family about spending!
Well, I think that about covers it for now. Feel free to comment or add suggestions to help us on our road to contentment. I pray that we can find true happiness in the things with which God has blessed us. I will continue to update you on our progress. Happy New Year!
Sounds like a good plan to me :o)
ReplyDeleteVickey Thomas
I will enjoy reading more about this as you make changes in your life!
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about doing The Compact?
What's The Compact?
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and your goals. We're trying 3, 5, 6, and 8 ourselves. Gifts are a huge money drainer for me because I tend to wait until the last minute. In fact, now that I think about it, my procrastination costs me a lot of money... buying plane tickets too late, having to expedite a bill because I waited too long to pay... maybe not procrastinating is the goal that will help me achieve all else. Hm...
ReplyDelete