Friday, January 23, 2009

2008 Financial Lessons

I haven't done a Frugal Friday Post lately, but have been thinking about doing this particular post for a while.

These are a few of the financial lessons I learned in 2008:

1. Pride goes before a fall. I was so PROUD of having paid off our van! Two short months later it was totaled!

2. When said "paid off" vehicle is totalled and you have to find transportation within a week's time, buy a good, used, dependable car. Even though I jokingly call my car "The Old Lady Car", it was probably the best financial decision we've ever made. Its a 2001 Buick LeSabre, about which the very experienced mechanic who services our vehicles says, "If you keep that car serviced, it will last a long, long time". No monthly payments, its good on gas, rides like a dream. Thank you Lord!

3. Let go, and Let God: I often try to be frugal in my own power. When looking back at 2008 and the years before that, God has taken care of us abundantly. He probably thinks I'm silly when I obsess over the tiniest frugal things, when He can bless me more abundantly than I ever dreamed in the blink of an eye!

4. Keep up the hard work: I think that we DO need to be a good steward of our blessings and be as frugal as possible, without being stingy. This is not a "on again, off again" process. Its a day to day journey. There will be days when time and situations will win out over being frugal. That's ok, just keep going. There's always another day.

5. Accept the fact that some things are just not ready to happen, or may never happen. Examples: Etsy Shop and Ebay. Sometimes hard work just won't make something work. Its just not time or may not be the Lord's will at all.

6. Cheapest isn't always the best buy. Example: A beautiful top that costs twice as much as I felt comfortable paying, but I've already worn it for two years and counting. One nice, quality item is worth several cheaper, poor quality items. Hmmm, I think I'll go shopping! :o)

7. Do the best you can and God will do the rest!

Visit Biblical Womanhood for more Frugal Friday Tips!

8 comments:

Melonie said...

These are great lessons! And I love your cabinet and closet pics. Nice work!

Terri said...

Those are great tips. Thank you for sharing, Debbie.

Anonymous said...

Debbie,

Thank you for sharing this. Those are all very valuable lessons and ones we can all use.

Anonymous said...

Great Lessons Debbie. Thanks for sharing with us.
Hugs,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Great post!

ancient one said...

Great ideas! Don't give up too soon on the etsy shop and ebay. I've always heard it takes about 3 years to get a business really going. (But then the economy bust might make that rule wrong) That's the only thing I think might hinder your progress, because your products are certainly well made and worth every thing you charge.

I agree with the good quality lasting longer, but for summer things, I'm looking for cheap so I can have more than one. They are mostly t-shirts and pants that I live in everyday. And flip-flops are my shoes of choice...LOL

Sue said...

Hi debbie
I am enjoying your blog more and more. Thanks for the timely tips and your house is looking great!!!
Blessings,
Sue

Little Penpen said...

Great post! Very inspiring too. I wish this economy would turn around and make things easier for all of us! Good luck on your Etsy and Ebay!

Glimpses of Home - first quarter of 2021

I made a list of my 2021 goals that I wrote down in the back of my planner.  Its time to review that to see how I am doing! But, here are a ...