DIG DEEPER!

In order to "stop digging" one must first dig deeper - into yourself. What is really important? What is luxury? Giving up the dream also means reevaluating the present. We have learned that less is more.

What do I mean by this? I buy clothes that are all color coordinated - many different outfits out of the same basic materials. Yes, I once boasted a closet of glory - now I simply mix and match the daily uniform and, I have to say, we are pretty damn cute!

I also disposed of any plants - which I love, but require care that I have no time for and they DIE. I have no patience for anything less than permanent. If it is going to require extra work on my part without payoff, it's GONE! Just tonight, I met with a landscaper for our home and as I looked through the "ideas" brochure, my only request was in budget and low maintenance. Y'see, I shop price and convenience and we will have a most beautiful yard without the hassle of tremendous upkeep.

What else have I done? Due to the wonderful state of our current economy I have learned, quite by accident, that many gas stations and grocery stores offer economic stimulus packages. In other words, if you buy a $100 gift card, you are GIFTED with $10 SO, knowing that I will spend $800+/ month on groceries, I purchase these gift cards - at both gas stations and grocery stores. Just yesterday, I spent $140 dollars in the grocery store....with coupons x3 and the perk of giftcards - owning that I only buy from the circular and with coupons, my final payout was $48!!!!!!!! And we're set for the next two weeks!!!!!(More on grocery shopping later!)

We have DUG to the bottom of our souls and we could still continue to dig. The bottom line is DO YOU NEED IT OR DO YOU WANT IT?!?!
We live by need alone - the wants come into play for entertainment and fun and guess what, I've heard that my house is still the greatest place to hang out on the street!
And yes, we still have fun that I could not afford unless I played each and every card the smart way.

(By the way, these very same stores offer a $0.10 fuel discount if you shop there. I drive a humongous diesel guzzler (paid for) so therefor, I benefit on both ends! No car payments and the fuel is less. With a 44 gallon tank.....do the math!)