When Job Loss is Good

Losing a job is a painful thing if you are the "breadwinner" for the home, and there are still homes where that lifestyle exists...husband or wife working, while the other partner stays home to take care of the children or the home. We did that by choice, and live fairly simply as a result.

But in many homes, both husband and wife have to work...or do they?

While I'm sure there are cases where it might be necessary, in this post I want to share something that came into my inbox from "Flylady", the site known for helping woman get their homes in order. It was a testimonial that a woman from Colorado shared about how many things she did not have to spend money on when she lost her job...remember of course that she did have a husband working...so her story does not apply to all, still there are lessons that we all can learn.

Here's some of what she shared, and if she ever finds her way over here, I hope she'll say hello:

• Transportation: one vehicle now needs fuel only once a month instead of twice a week; fewer oil changes; less tire wear. Garaged vehicle doesn't get as dirty, can be washed at home instead of at the drive-thru. We're considering selling it to lower insurance & other costs. But it's paid off, and nice to have on Errand Day.
• Drycleaning: dropped to practically nothing.
• Clothes: t-shirts, blue jeans, socks & tennies cost less than blouses, suits, pantyhose & high heels.
• Food: Biggest cost saver. Groceries instead of eating out. Plenty of time to shop for bargains, plan & cook meals.
• Utilities: We pay more attention to lowering the thermostat, turning off lights, using & heating less water.
• Exercise: Who needs the gym when there are daylight hours & the great outdoors?
• Housework: Amazing how much can be done during an extra 60 hours per week.
• Sleep: Finally being able to get to bed on time, wake without an alarm clock. No more chronic sleep deprivation.
• Material things: With time to take good care of what we have, less needs to be replaced.
• Repairs: Why hire someone when there's time to do it oneself.
• Entertainment: Doesn't need to cost so much. Time to find & attend free local stuff instead of traveling & paying big bucks.

I think there's a few tips in here that can apply to any of us, whether we're working or not!