Our Frugal “History”

People ask often how we can afford to have a large family. How do we make it work? I wanted to share some “Frugal” tips, but thought a bit of background the best place to start. 🙂

I, Martha, grew up as an MK (missionary kid). I wasn’t really intentionally taught to be frugal, but I learned so much just observing my parents (& grandparents!), & am so thankful for the upbringing I had that really put a priority on family & time rather than trips or material things. I was taught from a young age to save money (even if it’s not very much, it’s something!) We were not big spenders.

Grant learned a lot from his Grandma about being frugal. He also has been more of a saver than a spender.

From the beginning we have almost always been on the same page financially, thankfully, and I believe it has a lot to do also with our faith.

I can remember in our first months of marriage, I was working as a cashier at Lowe’s & Grant worked at Office Max. I remember having a discussion with another newlywed & I came away shocked. They were making payments on so many different things that they felt they needed. I know I felt so naive at that time, & sure, I probably was. But I’m thankful to be, at this cost!

She was talking about how since they just got married, they had recently bought all this new furniture & on and on and how now they were on such a tight budget. I felt sad for her! We did not make a lot of money at that time, but we also didn’t spend a lot! It never even crossed our minds to go buy new furniture (on credit)! We never bought any new furniture until 10 years later! (I’m not counting mattresses – and even there we bought economically).

The biggest & most important thing is living within your means. Do not spend more than you make! Shocking, I know! 🙂