HOT YOGA MAMA

I haven’t posted on a daily basis like I usually do. It’s been a tough couple weeks.  Ian got laid off from his job so we have been planning on how to make living off one income work (for now),

 I am now teaching only 2 times a week at the studio. This is good because I know the kids want to see me more, especially during the summer so they are happy with the new schedule. I want to enjoy my summer too.

But now we have to figure out how to live off of my income.

For those of you who have been following my blog, you know my husband and I both worked full time jobs. He made more than I did, although I would say I make decent money. I was saving my yoga income to push my clothing line. Looks like that’s going to have to wait a bit. We have to do what we have to do and that’s the bottom line.

The low down dirty of it all is that I have to figure out how to account for the following:

• Covering our mortage
• Groceries for 6 people in our family
• Scary gas prices
• House bills
• Summer vacation with the family
• Any miscellaneous expenses that come up

Okay - within just a few days, Ian and I came up with a plan which feels like it’s really going to work:

• No summer camp for the kids, Ian be watching them while I work
• If extra opportunities come up to teach yoga, take it
• Cancel HBO and other movie memberships
• Cancel our expensive FIOS hi speed internet access - down grade to something more affordable
• Cancel other memberships that are luxuries at this point
• Pull Mason (our 3 year old) from pre-school
• Join a carpool at work to cut down on gas costs - Yay, found one!
• Remember that there is always a good side to these things

So - after the shock is gone, and it’s not over yet… I know we’re on a new journey here.

I’ve already been checking out other websites to read up on tips for saving money. Although it sounds simple, it takes time to make adjustments.

Now that Ian is not working, he does not have to drive into work. I just found a carpool so our gas bill has been cut down to less than half from what it was before.

I am looking at ALL the ads and flyers that come in the mail from Safeway, Albertson’s, and QFC (all the grocery stores in our neighborhood). The key is to buy only the things I have on my list that are a true necessity. For this week it’s milk, dry pasta, laundry detergent, some fruit for July 4th barbeque at a friends house, and 7up. I figure if I make my list out first of what I need, then I scan the ads for good deals. I don’t want to buy things just because they’re on sale. I will end up spending too much money.

Food has been our greatest opportunity in saving money. I should have been doing this months ago! It’s amazing how much money we spend on frivolous snacks at work, lunches every day…soda and coffee breaks. I don’t do any of that. Costco is a great deal for my family because there are 6 of us. We plan to go about every 3-4 weeks and buy only what we really need.

My biggest concern is buying clothes and shoes for the children. At 10, 8, 7, and 3 - the kids are growing fast. School will start in a couple months and I will need to buy new clothing. I guess I will have to cross that bridge when it gets here but I am worried about fitting that into my budget.

Any tips you can send me?

I am thankful I am still employed, that I work at the studio and make some extra money. I am grateful for the blessings we do have in our life.

But this is a new experience for us. I will continue to share what my learnings are of living this great new frugal life of mine!

Namaste.