Education
Many people are unaware that free public education for K-12 is available online. We have been using Connections Academy for 6 years. They provide everything you need for a good education. Honors and AP Classes are offered. I do not care about digital textbooks, so I buy physical textbooks. However, with careful shopping and book trade-ins, I spend less than 50 dollars for both kids a year.
Abe Books and Thrift Books are excellent ways to buy low-cost books. Amazon also has low- cost books. The AP History book we purchased was priced 80-125 used on Amazon. I purchased 2 copies for 7 dollars on Abe Books.
Income Generating
Many states will pay you as a caregiver for your child or spouse if they are disabled. This can be life-changing because it allows the caregiver to stay home. In rural areas, caregivers are hard to find. The people behind us rehab wild horses. They asked me if I wanted to do respite for their adult son. I declined because I do not do in-home support. Some states also offer training for people to do respite.
Amazon reviews are a way to generate income.
EBay is another way. I sell books, clearance items, and Estate items. You need to know what to look for.
Etsy used to be a great way to generate income. I had a few issues before I closed my shop.
Surveys and focus groups can be profitable. I pair these with low-attention activities.
Determine what activities are worth your time. If you are white knuckling through your life journey, you are going to need to do everything possible to avoid spending money. There may be periods where you need to keep the lights and the family fed. Things that I did as a single mother 20 years ago may not be the best value for my time. Bagels... I refuse to make bagels. I can buy perfectly acceptable bagels for 2.79. I make the cream cheese though.
Ten Frugal Things I don't do:
Shop my local thrift store
I don't always use the cheapest option
I don't pick up takeout
I don't use physical coupons
I don't always reuse plastic bags
I don't always buy used
I don't hold on things unless I know I will use it.
Reusable toilet paper
Skimp on donations
I don't go without.
Frugal Things I do
Hang my clothing
make laundry soap
cloth napkins
make my cleaning solution
reusable paper towels and cleaning cloths
Use Hello Fresh a couple times a year
Sign up for samples
Product testing
Home haircuts
Buy a coffee when I go to Barnes and Noble with a gift card
Use digital planner that I can print
Inexpensive smart phone
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