My Frugal Life - "Time is Money"

I was raised in a frugal household so I learned from the masters. I am a very organized person who believes "Time is Money" so I have learned to budget my time very wisely. I am a working mom of two girls (ages 14 and 8); we are busy with school activities, cross country practice (I help "coach"), church activities, and family outings.

I have a planner and calendar which lists "all" our appointments, dates, and family activities, doctor appointments and outings, etc. I am a huge list maker, but in addition to the normal shopping list, mine also include lists of annual chores (cleaning the silver, windows, gutters), books to read/movies to request at the library or websites to visit, vacation ideas, budget sheets, and the like. I also include necessary telephone numbers in my planner. I also record any weekly "to do" items on the Saturday page of my calendar, so I can check them off as they get performed during the week (things like returning library books, purchasing stamps, obtaining craft supply for Girl Scout project, balancing check book, etc.) I am a great proponent of using a spare minute to complete a chore and having these lists and notes makes it easier for me to fill up the time waiting at the bank or doctor's office.

I divide my household chores by the day and complete a small task each day before I leave to walk the kids to the bus stop.

On Sunday mornings, I clean the master bathroom (DH does the tub)

On Mondays, I dust the upstairs (3 bedrooms and a loft) The kids are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and bathroom.

Tuesdays, I dust the downstairs: sun-room, great-room and dining room, clean glass table tops, etc.

Wednesdays, I have early morning bible study so no real chores

Thursdays, I clean kitchen countertops and after dinner, I vacuum (if DH has not already done it!) and mop the kitchen and entry hall.

A load of laundry is done almost every day. I try to wash knits at night and dry in the morning so I can hang them before I leave for work. Whites I can wash in the morning after our showers and put in dryer before I leave for work. My 14 year old DD does her own laundry!

The children prepare their own school lunches. Dear Husband is better than most, I am told, as he unloads the dishwasher and makes the bed (two chores I abhor!). He also irons his own clothes.

We get up early (5:30 A.M.) so we can have a relaxed morning. We are generally out the door for school by 7:10 A.M. We go to sleep around 10 P.M. (DD around 9 P.M.). We do not watch a lot of TV. Exercise is gotten throughout the day by taking the stairs, exercise class during lunch and cross country practice.

We always eat dinner together. I keep a fully stocked pantry and freezer. I have a list of "easy meals" for the nights when we don't have much time before we have to be back out the door. I try to plan the meals in my head so I can purchase what I need on our weekly shopping trip to avoid rush hour grocery stops. I enjoy trying new recipes so also have a file and pull at least one new one each month. We do lots of pastas, roasts, and grilled meals.

Lastly, I spend some time everyday in prayer and meditation. I exercise a little, call my mom, and e-mail friends to keep me grounded and focused on the right things. I try to do "one" caring task for others each day (send a card or a phone call to a person in need). I try to make most weekdays "money free days", meaning I don't make any unnecessary purchases (groceries and gas don't count, but the Ho-Hos purchased at the grocery store do! Ha ha)

This also helps me save money and "time"! I take my lunch and read.

I am truly blessed, I am happy, healthy and I think, wise! Organization is the key for my success. Good luck!

Diana from Prospect, KY

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