Are you ready to stretch those dollars further? I am.
God wired humans with powerful survival instincts that hold true in both physical and financial portions of life. That explains why sensible men and women opt to contract [shrink] spending habits when financial security is under attack. Economic survival relies on how quickly a way of life is changed to accommodate current circumstances. (Rebuilding Families One Dollar At A Time, p. 34)
Ever since COVID-19 showed up, life’s rhythm has gone into a tailspin. Millions of hard-working people saw their jobs evaporate. Since money is needed to pay bills, the loss of a steady income is a huge problem. And the brave entrepreneurs, who poured life savings, sweat and tears, into a business startup, saw that dream ripped out from under them. These hardships are real. It’s not too far-fetched to question whether God really does work all things out for our good. Each situation makes it necessary to stretch those dollars down to the pinching of pennies.
Unemployment benefits help, but some who deserve that benefit are desperately waiting for that long overdue first check to show up—months after applying. Far too many families are in financial peril. Community food banks are serving more people than ever, and homeless numbers are climbing. Some wonder if the possibility of earning a decent wage is an unattainable dream. But let’s hold onto hope and God’s promise to watch over us.
Psalms 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
The promise is real, but it is up to us to be wise stewards over the monies we have.
Our duty is to stretch those dollars as best as we can, as far as we can, to meet our basic needs. Yes, it’s a huge challenge but with deliberate effort what seems impossible becomes possible.
This subject takes me back to my early married years. The money was tight, but we got by. I remember going to an orchard to pick fruit up off the ground for 5 cents a pound. Some of it was bruised, but all was edible and provided healthy food for our family. Four dollars bought eighty pounds of peaches. After a couple days spent peeling, slicing, and canning what was brought home, there was fruit to last well into the winter months. I don’t know if this is possible today, but it won’t hurt to ask. If you aren’t allowed to pick, perhaps the farmer will sell you culled fruit and vegetables at a reduced price. Imperfect peaches or squash make delicious meals. Local farmers might appreciate knowing the food will be put to good use rather than go to waste.
Ads in newspapers and magazines worked back then, and still keep me in touch with weekly bargains on meat, milk, eggs, flour and so much more. Buying featured items the family ordinarily uses is a sure way to stretch grocery dollars. Coupon clipping increases the savings. Our meals weren’t fancy, but we never went hungry. Home cooking is still the best pennywise option.
Being frugal adds up.
Whether it’s a cookbook, clothing, garden tools, or furniture, look for used items first. Visit a thrift store or wander through yard sales. These are bargain central locations. Your piggy bank and family will thank you later.
Another wallet-friendly idea is to ask a neighbor before heading to the store. People are surprisingly happy to do a neighborly act. If pride gets in your way, give it the boot. Be authentic.
God really does work all things out for our good and His glory. Look for those hidden blessings in the midst of financial difficulties. Find something, one thing, to be thankful for each day. God is always faithful. He promises to supply our needs and even a pandemic can’t get in His way.
