It never ceases to amaze me how people go into complete panic mode during a 'tight' spell, financially speaking. I have been in this situation many, many times myself. It stinks; reeks, even. Granted that my husband makes a fair amount of money, and does get a V.A. check every month. I chose to be a stay-at-home mom this year. Long story short, it was MUCH, MUCH, MUCH better for our family that I stay home. The other addition is that we have four children. Four kids do not an easy, breezy budget make. You have to feed them, shelter them, and there are always things they need for school ( I said need, not want.) Also, my hubby is diabetic, among other health problems. Prescription medication is not FREE, but it is NECESSARY for him.

In the past (and recent times!), we have had multiple ways to get through financial hardships. Have there been times we have had to ask for help? Certainly. Am I proud of that fact? NO. However, there are a few strategies I have in place to not only help prevent things from getting too out of hand, but to pick up the slack when unexpecteds DO happen.
Here are a few:

1. Budget, Budget, Budget. I cannot stress enough how crucial this is to almost anyone who has to manage money. I HAVE to know where the paychecks are going, and what needs to be done with them. If you have to cut back in other areas when things are tight, DO IT. I have discovered that many utility companies, and other bills, have arrangements you can make with them to help you through a rough patch. Pick up the phone--it can't hurt to ask! Also, if you have to cut back a little on groceries, there are ways to do this without starving. I'll add this in next.

2. Menu Planning. Let me just say, the weeks I DON'T plan a menu, everything suffers. I don't set anything out the night before to thaw because I don't know what I'm gonna fix the next day. When 5:00 sneaks up on me (Wow--already????), I don't have a CLUE what to fix. Many times this has lead to getting take-out--another evil to us tight-budgeted people. When my menu plan is in place, I don't have the anxiety of 'what to fix'. I know what I need to get ready, which in turn gives me more time to do housework and other things that need to be done. Anything that gives me more time is a GODSEND.

3. Just say no! I don't care if everybody and their little brother has it, why do YOU need it? 'Nuff said.

4. COUPONS, YAAAAAAAYY!! I am fairly new to the whole coupon thing. I have discovered recently that it honestly is worth my time, and a few dollars for a Sunday paper and an All You magazine, to clip these suckers. I will also freely admit to doing my shopping at least 30 minutes away from home to save myself some money. I did the math, and I save more in groceries and supplies than I pay for the gas to drive where the deals are.

5. Pantry Challenge. Before you EVER leave the house to get groceries, take inventory of your pantry, fridge and freezer. ESPECIALLY if you are having financial trouble. I take a note pad and go through all these areas and start making my 2-weeks menu based on what I already have. There have been times I have actually got away with only buying milk, eggs and cheese to get us through because we already had a LOT hidden in the nooks and crannies. Once you make your list, STICK TO IT. It will eat your budget alive if you don't.

I will talk more on this subject later, but for now, this should suffice. Just these five little tricks have saved us a bundle.