99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget

by Cheri Gillard

Overview

With words like “recession” and “record unemployment” filling the air, the typical family–regardless of how the economy is treating them–will be paying attention to the budget. That’s why 99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget will receive a warm reception as it delivers scores of practical ideas to save cash around the house.

Cheri Gillard, formerly an obstetrical and NICU nurse, is a freelance writer and editor, plus the mother of quadruplets.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780307458476
Publisher:	Random House Publishing Group
Publication date:	07/21/2009
Series:	99 Ways
Sold by:	Random House
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Cheri Gillard, formerly an obstetrical and NICU nurse, is a freelance writer and editor, plus the mother of quadruplets.

Read an Excerpt

Introduction

Our society believes that love and worth are measured by things. It’s time we recognize and reject this lie.

“Because you’re worth it.”

We are “worth it” because we have inherent value as individuals, not because of the toiletries we use. Cars cannot determine our significance. Shoes cannot make us better people.

“When you care enough to send the very best.”

We’re pressured to believe that the amount of money spent on a gift is directly correlated with how much the recipient is loved. We’re told that the kind of peanut butter we choose will establish if we’re caring or not. We’re convinced that paying more for a logo will somehow make us more remarkable.

“Reassuringly expensive.”

This mind-set must be recognized and altered in order to be liberated from buying to fill a void, establish status, assure value, or provide a reward.

Once free, we will be able to buy thrift store clothes without believing we are diminished by doing so. We will be free to purchase an older car knowing we are not defined by a vehicle.
No matter our shampoo brand, we will understand that we are valuable and we love our family no less because of product choice.

“We work hard so you don’t have to.”

We’ve been sold on convenience. We pay to have people walk the dog, raise our kids, plan and make our meals. We must choose between conveniences and savings. When we choose to do the work ourselves, the savings will really add up.

Become a part of the process. Involve your family and friends as you save money. Allow relationship to grow as you explore the new lifestyle. Consume to live instead of live to
consume. Use these 99 ways to learn how to save thousands while living a freer and more fully balanced life!

We are “worth it” because we are created in the image of God and have inherent value as individuals, not because of the toiletries we use. Cars cannot determine our significance. Shoes cannot make us better people.

As you use 99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget, please keep in mind that the estimated savings included with each “way” is based on a family of four using commodities and services in various areas of the United States. You may find your savings differ from the amounts proposed because of where you live and your individual tastes and practices.