I have learned. THINGS do not make you happy. LESS is MORE!

[hwillm1977]

Another good way to save money is learning to sew, you'll save a fortune on clothes... I work in an office, and instead of spending $150 on suit jackets and skirts for the office, I buy material on the bargain racks for $1.00/yard and sew myself a suit for around $10 worth of material and 4 hours of my time. I sew our curtains, some bedding,
.

I always thought sewing my kids clothing I was saving money, NOPE - I can buy stuff cheaper at Walmart, I have it right away, don't spend hours sewing. You can't beat a $4 t-shirt or sweatpants etc.
I can't make Jeans, and they're $10 at walmart, I actually got myself a pair a few weeks ago for $9.

Sometimes, sewing just isn't cheaper. I don't wear fancy suits or anything like that, I'm a jeans and t-shirt gal, and really Walmart prices are just too good on those things.

Definitely stuff like jeans and t-shirts are cheaper (and easier) to just buy, and I don't sew stuff like those... I have to wear business suits, and sometimes business-casual clothes to work every day... a suit, dress or skirt can cost a fortune... special occasion clothes are fun to sew too, but can take forever

 

[Wildsky]

Today would be the day to buy those sewing machines girls and boys!

I've seen a few under $100 while browsing on line, I don't need one myself but was thinking of a cheaper one to teach my kids to sew one of these days. (not today )

Get the best one you can afford, sometimes the cheaper ones have issues with the tension and that can be a real pain in the rear.
I have a babylock embroidery/sewing machine with automatic tension which is really nice but it was super pricey.

 

[Ldychef2k]

WalMart has a basic sewing machine for $50, and you can buy it online. I was there, folks, in all the madness, and I survived !

 

[Dace]

So you are not just a survival chef, but now an accomplished survival shopper

 

[Up-the-Creek]

Less is more and this time a year many people seem to get that. In our area it is a way of life for many people. I was raised that way and so was my DH. We have a new home that WE built, and mind you it is no mansion by any means, but it is enough for us. Small(less than 1,000 sq. ft.), easy to heat, and very affordable. We don't own a newer vehicle, we did one time,..needless to say that was a learning lesson to never do that again(what a rip off). We now own three vehicles and they are all paid for, and that in turn comes with cheaper insurance also. It is all about choices that we make. I do believe that the "mainstream" would make you believe that you "have to" have so much stuff to survive. All you need is a warm spot and food. You can actually survive without running water, electricity, and Walmart(or a mall).

 

[hikerchick]

Less is more and this time a year many people seem to get that. In our area it is a way of life for many people. I was raised that way and so was my DH. We have a new home that WE built, and mind you it is no mansion by any means, but it is enough for us. Small(less than 1,000 sq. ft.), easy to heat, and very affordable. We don't own a newer vehicle, we did one time,..needless to say that was a learning lesson to never do that again(what a rip off). We now own three vehicles and they are all paid for, and that in turn comes with cheaper insurance also. It is all about choices that we make. I do believe that the "mainstream" would make you believe that you "have to" have so much stuff to survive. All you need is a warm spot and food. You can actually survive without running water, electricity, and Walmart(or a mall).

difficult to fire up the laptop to post on here without electricity, though.

 

[Up-the-Creek]

Less is more and this time a year many people seem to get that. In our area it is a way of life for many people. I was raised that way and so was my DH. We have a new home that WE built, and mind you it is no mansion by any means, but it is enough for us. Small(less than 1,000 sq. ft.), easy to heat, and very affordable. We don't own a newer vehicle, we did one time,..needless to say that was a learning lesson to never do that again(what a rip off). We now own three vehicles and they are all paid for, and that in turn comes with cheaper insurance also. It is all about choices that we make. I do believe that the "mainstream" would make you believe that you "have to" have so much stuff to survive. All you need is a warm spot and food. You can actually survive without running water, electricity, and Walmart(or a mall).

difficult to fire up the laptop to post on here without electricity, though.

Point being,..I could do without it. I guess it is my one luxery at this point.