31 Days of Thriving on a Low Income

Welcome to a brand new series! We've all been there, too many days till the next paycheck and not enough money to last.  How do you thrive when the pantry is almost empty and the bills still need to be paid? Join me for a month long series on thriving on a low income.

I'll be focusing on four different areas:

Week one: meal planning, stretching our grocery budget, quick meal ideas, eating gluten free on a budget

Week two will focus on saving money on our utility bills, our gas budget, household needs, and entertainment.

Week three's focus will be on affording activities for your children or yourself.

Week four will be spent looking at savings for birthdays and holidays.


This post is linked to Cornerstone Confessions Titus 2 Tuesday

Menu Plan Monday

One of the best ways to thrive on a low income is to have a meal plan.  It's easy to become so busy that you don't follow it or you chuck the entire thing in favor of the drive thru! We are a busy family of seven; a mom, dad, a 15 year old boy, 13 year old gymnast, 11 year old gymnast, 9 year old girl, and a 6 year old gymnast.  If I can meal plan- you can too!

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday- gymnastics 

*slow cooker spare ribs 

  sweet corn

  fried potatoes

Tuesday- cheer clinic/ gymnastics/ work

* Creamy Ranch Pork Chops 

   potatoes

   carrots

Wednesday-gymnastics

* gluten free pasta and meatballs

Thursday- cheer clinic

* beef pot roast

   potatoes

   carrots

Friday- gymnastics

* homemade pizza

Saturday- ballet/concert/birthday party

* chili 

   baked potatoes

Sunday

* hamburgers/fries

This year all of my children are in public school. We're blessed to live in a community that offers free breakfast to all it's students every day. My girls usually eat breakfast at school. If it's a chilly morning I make baked oatmeal or muffins. 

One of my daughters cannot have gluten so I pack her lunch every day. My other kids qualify for free lunches. My oldest two buy lunch every day. My youngest two usually buy but also pack on occasion. 

This is linked to I'm an Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday 

Coming Soon: 31 Days Writing Challenge

I have read the Nester's 31 days of series for several years. Each year, I think, next year is my year to join in. Each year though, it seems that life happens and I don't get to write. This is my year! I have felt such a burden to share with others who might be struggling and feel like there's no hope or end to the battle to make ends meet. I don't have all the answers- heck, you might think I don't have ANY answers, but I am going to share what works for our family and how we are raising a family of seven on $29,000 a year.

I hope you'll join me for 31 Days of Thriving on a  Low Income !