Money Monday-Manage Don't Panic Part 1

   

    I'm tired of sky is falling fear mongers. Editorialist, bloggers, podcasts, you name it ranting every other post or article waffling between being practically in the bread lines one day, to being smug and smarter than everyone else because they're on top of things so well, the next. Yes, things suck now in the stores, at the gas pump, in the car or housing market as interest rates go up again. We all get it. We all know. Harping doesn't help, but honing in on managing our cash flow does, even if just mentally giving us the fortitude to not over stress.

     My mantra to ride this recession, yes, a recession, is to manage not panic. Easy for me to say, right, as I'm not living on a fixed income. (What does that mean really though? My income isn't going up; it's fixed too.) Easy for me to say as we live in a mortgage free house with two people employed. I acknowledge these truths. But we have other truths. My DH is 100% commission. Those higher interest rates directly impact sales, thus his income. We still have two semesters of college tuition to pay and out of pocket health costs. We have expenses for some items others don't that I don't talk about in this space. My premise doesn't change to ride this out. Manage not panic. 

     So I hope to not come across smug myself, this post is coming from our specific needs and life, not to preach at or direct anyone else. Likely some things are relatable, and in comments, I can learn a tip or two from you. 

Social Life 

    Remember when we couldn't easily get together with family and friends and all we wanted was to gather? Now we can again, with precautions in general.(Though new cases are creeping up again)Now's the time for me to try and manage our calendar around people not expensive places. Events will still happen but we can control the number we add and favor the people part of getting together. That reminds me,  I am overdue for getting together with the mom's for a walking night. It costs nothing! 

     Board games are fashionable! I look to Treader, her family, and friends for this ignition. She has described terrific gatherings that are literally fun and games. What's cool is that depending on the games, it's multigenerational. Of course, we still like our family card nights.

     I'm still spending on experiences, and stretching between outings when possible. We've done two community theater plays and donated to the live music nights. I feel strongly that in times of crap economies, we need the arts just as much. Being part of a community, seeing friends and neighbors is essential to me after the last few years.

Food 

     I'm sick of meal prep too, but that's on me to shake things up. I need to dust off the cookbooks, look at sites, and reconfigure the way I use healthy and cost effective ingredients. I'm going to try to think outside middle America to recipes that are eaten regularly in other parts of the world and based on humble ingredients, but seasoning is key. I found the Indian grocer and seasonings and basics like rice, chickpeas, and other beans, grains, and pulses are incredible both in quality and price. I need to get DH adjusted but I think if I start as sides he'll develop a taste. He used to be ho hum on Tex Mex as I recall and now devours it. 

     Here's a few sites I book marked. Keep in mind, as an American, the recipes from the UK are different to me as well, so no laughs. 

Cheap and Cheerful Pulse Recipes

10 Budget Busting Jack Monroe Recipes

55 Top Rated Tex-Mex Recipes 

 10 Asian Recipes on a Budget  

Keeping Local

     Unfortunately our town grocers are all part of a chain, but I'm doing more shopping in town to both avoid gas and keep dollars here. It's a balance though as I'll take advantage of being out of town for a Sam's, Trader Joe's, Target, or Aldi stop. I'm just not making special trips. For several months now, I've not done a trip out of town just to shop. The last time was early May. Target, you're killing me though. Their prices have gone up to where they don't seem thrifty at all on everyday needs, and fast fashion/decor hasn't really increased in quality. While it's been a while, the last few times I've felt more like a window shopper when I've popped in and I used to love a good Target shop. I gradually see myself buying just loss leaders and what we need. 

     That's managing our budget too as we build back the pantry, the closet necessaries, household needs, but don't deprive ourselves. Many times I've blown good efforts by throwing in the towel because I felt sorry for myself and deserved a splurge. Having a craving for a certain food, a fancy coffee, a new look is easy(ier) when you have the basics on hand. 

     There's more areas to manage that in doing so helps my sense of control.  This post has started to get quite long so I'm breaking it up in two parts. Come back next Monday please, but please feel free to comment now. How are you managing and not panicing? Have you changed or adapted any ways of your life to feel more budget comfortable?