There is something that I kind of got out of habit from my old single mom days. When I was a single mom I had to pinch pennies until they screamed for mercy. It was a good thing. It kept me out of debt. Saving money was a way of life and a desperate need.
My last job paid well, I probably should have earned quite a bit more, but it was good and definitely better than what I am making now. When you work in ministry, it is always good to remember it is not about the money. I also knowingly took a job with a significant pay cut. The problem has been that I have been still kind of living like I am making the money I made before. Not good.
Just like with the baby steps I am taking with reading my Bible and studying God’s word, I am also making new baby steps in saving money. I was really good once, and I am going to get there again.
Baby step one – Keep an eye on waste and do my best to use everything.
This week use all the broccoli. Don’t laugh!
My first go at using everything is broccoli. I love broccoli crowns, but am not a fan of the stems. For as long as I can remember the stems were tossed or I would buy a bag of crowns which has lately seemed to be the better bargain in my new hometown. This week it seems everyone wanted the bag broccoli crowns so I had to choose between the large broccoli crown or the full on broccoli and stem. Because I read or heard that you can totally eat the stem if you prepare it right I went for it.
Okay…no pictures this time because I am not remotely gifted at foodie pics, but if you peel the stem and chop it into little chips (say about 1/4 to 1/8 of an inch) you can steam it and eat it right up and it is good! Okay not earth shattering news BUT it meant that the whole pound of broccoli was used and that is a good thing for my wallet. My husband and I had a snack on the steamed chopped stems while using the pretty bright green steamed florets into a macaroni salad mixed with red pepper, cucumber, rotini and leftover chicken breast from Monday’s meal. Another updated baby step of course is being sure to use leftover items like chicken. I used to be amazing at that, but over the last couple of years I definitely tossed too much.
And to keep spiritually minded with saving money I am focusing on Proverbs 13:11 – “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
What a great encouragement for baby steps!
Have any tips to share? I’d love to try them!
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