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As I mentioned recently, my husband just lost his job. He’s got work until the end of this month, and I’m so grateful for that mercy. He’s already started looking for another job, and we’re praying he’ll be able to find something that will allow him to begin right after his current job ends.
However, we’ve dealt with unemployment before. Years ago, the company my husband was working for decided to downsize, and my husband’s department was one of the ones that got deleted. Even though he diligently searched for a job, it took months before he finally found something. That was a very scary and difficult time (with three small children and one on the way), and one that I do not wish to repeat.
Thinking through all the potential outcomes in our situation, I realized that we need to be as frugal as we can, and spend as little as possible. Instead of feeling fear and despair, I decided to embrace the challenge.

My challenge to myself for this month in particular is to spend nothing or as little as possible for necessities and whatever life brings. I do know that we have 3 birthdays and a wedding coming up, so I’ll have to be creative there. I’m looking forward to it!

Part of the way I decided to motivate myself is by writing about living on less for 31 days. My plan is to write every weekday and then take off for the weekends. So it may take me longer to reach 31 posts, but I hope to get there eventually! And to make them easy to find, I’ll have all of the posts linked at the bottom of this page.

I hope you’ll join me, and I hope you won’t mind the extra posts this month. I do plan to cut way back for the months of November and December, so it won’t be long before I return to just two or three posts per week. See you tomorrow with my first money-saving idea!

Here’s a list of all the posts in this series:

Day 1:   You’re Here (this post is day 1)!
Day 2:   Take Inventory
Day 3:   Organize Your Pantry
Day 4:   Make a Meal Plan
Day 5:   Cook From Scratch
Day 6:   Save Money on Groceries
Day 7:   Make Your Own Bread
Day 8:   Enjoy a Free Date Night
Day 9:   Find Beauty in the Ordinary
Day 10: Make Your Bedroom a Haven
Day 11: Organize Your Closet
Day 12: Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Day 13: Organize Everything
Day 14: Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Day 15: Cultivate Contentment
Day 16: Cut Your Own Hair
Day 17: Make Your Own Beauty Products

Day 18: Consider Cloth
Day 19: Get Free Stuff
Day 20: Have a Tea Party
Day 21: Have a Craft Day
Day 22: Take Your Own Family Photo
Day 23: Make a Holiday Binder
Day 24: Give From the Heart
Day 25: Make Memories
Day 26: Save Your Change
Day 27: Make Simple Meals
Day 28: Homeschool for Less
Day 29: Sell Your Stuff
Day 30: Turn it Off
Day 31: Count Your Blessings

Hi, I'm Joy!

I'm a homemaker and homeschooling mom of 5. For over 25 years I've been cooking from scratch and making homemade bread for my family of 7. I love sharing sourdough recipes, easy dinner ideas, and simple DIY projects for your home.

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41 Comments

  1. Lauren says:

    I didn't see this series until it was over, but I suppose the advantage is now I can binge on all the posts over a couple of days 🙂

    Reply
    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thanks so much for stopping by, Lauren! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Dawn says:

    Joy,
    Your list of post looks great. Many I do, some I haven't tried and others I need to make a priority. Especially the organizing. I meal plan, but not as good as I could and that is another aspect I need to re-introduce into our life. It is both a cost and time saving option. Praying your husband will find a job soon!
    Blessings,
    Dawn

    Reply
    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thank you, Dawn! I so much appreciate the prayers for a job, too! Blessings!

      Reply
  3. Serena @ Simple Holistic Girl says:

    These are great tips. I think everyone should live like this, whether they have $1 in the bank or a million. A lot of spending is just not necessary.

    Reply
    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thank you, Serena! I'm really beginning to embrace simplicity and even a bit of minimalism. It seems to make life better not to want too much, have too much, and do too much.

      Reply
  4. Elisha Wolter says:

    Your attitude towards your situation is very encouraging! Good on you for embracing the challenge, I know God will bless you abundantly for staying positive and honoring the last of your husbands hard-earned income at his present job. God will provide another job, at just the right time. He never forsakes His children or sees us begging bread. Much love to you, thanks again for your positive attitude, it's inspiring! Have a wonderful week!

    Reply
    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thank you SO MUCH for the encouragement, Elisha! You've really brightened my day! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Joy Kincaid says:

    That's sweet of you, JES, thank you!

    Reply
  6. JES says:

    I will be featuring this series tomorrow on the Art of Home-Making Mondays. Thank you for sharing at our link up and have a lovely week Joy!

    Reply
  7. Rachel says:

    This sounds like a very timely practice and challenge for your family! I hope he gets a new job asap, but it sounds like you are handling this season with grace!

    Reply
    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thanks so much for stopping by, Rachel, it was so nice to hear from you!

      Reply
  8. Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says:

    I love your attitude, Joy! I'll be praying that your husband finds a job before his current one ends. I know what it is like to be in your situation and I think that attitude is half of the battle. Saving money can be challenging in a fun way, if that's how we choose to see it. Looking forward to this series.

    Reply
    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thank you so much, Heather! So glad you stopped by today!

      Reply
  9. Carol Blanchet says:

    What an encouragement you will be to your husband! A source of strength as his best cheerleader during this discouraging time for him. Your cheerful disposition and willingness to meet the challenge head on with joy will speak volumes to your children! I am praying for your sweet family – for provision (of job and other needs) and for joy. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      It means so much to know that you're praying, Carol! Thank you for that and for the encouragement!

      Reply
  10. Misty B says:

    Great idea! We have been through job losses before too. Not fun :/ prayers and looking forward to your series!

    Reply
    1. Joy Kincaid says:

      Thank you so much for the prayers, Misty!

      Reply