Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What you didn't know about energy efficiency could hurt your pocketbook. Though it seems that closing vents in unused rooms would save energy, the energy consumed by the system is at the unit itself, and restricting conditioned air at a vent termination redirects it to other locations in the house or through leaks in your duct system. Closing vents also puts backpressure on the fan that pushes the air through the system, causing it to work harder, use more energy, and wear out faster. Replacing single-pane windows for Energy-Star rated dual-pane windows will save energy. That energy savings, however, is a function of the size and number of windows in your home, their orientation and overhangs, and the location of your house and the climate zone you are live in. This typically amounts to a small fraction of your total energy use, and given the expense of replacing windows, there are typically much more cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bills. See the full list of Energy-Saving Myths A furnace will provide heat at its max power (or a fraction of max power for multi-stage units) when it is first turned on. So, setting the temperature higher will have little effect in how quickly a home heats. Setting the thermostat higher does have the potential to increase the run-time of the heating system, using more energy and potentially making your home uncomfortably hot. Given that electricity is typically between four and 10 times the cost of natural gas, running just two electric space heaters can cost the equivalent of heating an entire home with a gas-powered system. Some people actually believe that if leaving the light on when they leave the room for a few minutes to take a restroom break, for example, is better than turning it off and then on again when they return. There is no significant additional power draw when turning on a light bulb (other than the calories you use by flipping the switch). So, turn off the lights each time you leave a room, even if for just a couple of minutes.5 Energy-saving myths
By Kym McNicolas, Forbes.com
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Two daughters' weddings, a new transmission, a new roof and one big secret The U.S. government can learn a lot about shedding debt from Jerry and Sue Bailey. The Jackson, Mich., couple paid off $92,000 in credit card debt in 5-1/2 years. "I still can't believe it when I hear the amount. I don't wish this on anybody," Sue Bailey says. The couple's massive debt reduction earned them the Clients of the Year award from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a nonprofit association of credit counseling agencies that help consumers manage their finances and get out of debt. The winners were announced this week at the group's annual meeting in San Francisco. 17 Credit Cards How did the Baileys end up in such a predicament? From 1992 to 2005, they ran up bills on 17 different credit cards. During that time, they paid for two weddings for their daughters (at a cost of $5,000 each), replaced the transmission in their car when it blew out, made numerous repairs on their home and replaced the roof when it started to leak. Everything went on a credit card. "We got caught up with 'More is better' and 'How much is enough'," says Jerry Bailey, a pastor. He handled the family finances but didn't let his wife, a nurse, know how much debt they were amassing. "My first clue was when the people started calling our house," Sue Bailey says, describing calls from debt collectors about unpaid bills. "My husband is very loving and very protective, to a fault sometimes." The magnitude of their financial woes hit home when he told her they had to put the cost of their daughter's wedding reception on a credit card. When they added up all the bills, the $92,000 total debt was staggering. (See the Baileys' video testimonial about theirdebt loss.) "I never thought it would happen to me. It happens to other people," Sue Bailey says of their massive debt. "You feel kind of ashamed that you got there because you believe in paying your debt and paying what you owe." Afraid of the Mailbox, Phone They recall being afraid to go to the mailbox for fear of the bills they would find there. Sue Bailey says when she was home alone, she checked the caller ID before answering a call. If it was a bill collector, "I wouldn't answer the phone," she says. "That is no way to live your life," Jerry Bailey says. The couple sought help in May 2005 from their local credit union. A representative suggested they file for bankruptcy, but the couple dismissed that option. "We just don't believe in that," Sue Bailey says. "We believe in paying what we owe." [Click here to check current credit card offers, including rates and terms.] The credit union then suggested they contact GreenPath Debt Solutions, a nonprofit credit counseling agency and NFCC member based in Farmington Hills, Mich. GreenPath and other nonprofit credit counseling agencies enroll financially troubled consumers in debt management plans to pay off outstanding debt. Clients agree to make monthly payments to the credit counseling agency, which distributes the money to creditors each month until the debts are paid off. The agencies have a long track record of negotiating with creditors to reduce interest rates and make affordable monthly payments. The Baileys' road to debt freedom wasn't easy. Sue Bailey had to briefly stop working as a visiting home nurse when she needed foot surgery. Their GreenPath credit counselor, Mary Haas, stepped in to help, contacting creditors seeking further reductions in payment amounts. All but two agreed to reductions. "When I hear a success story like the Baileys', it makes me really feel good about what I do for a living," Haas says. "I'm glad that I was involved in helping them achieve their goal of getting out of debt." Through budgeting, sacrificing and taking on extra work to earn more income, the Baileys paid off their debt in October 2010. Jerry Bailey says he didn't believe it when he got the call from Haas that they had completed the program. He couldn't believe he was finally finished. "I had her repeat it because I wasn't sure," he recalls. Says Jerry Bailey: "The scripture tells us that the borrower is a slave to the lender, and we really felt that way for a long time. That was true for us until GreenPath came along and helped us to climb out painful step after painful step." GreenPath CEO and President Jane McNamara says everyone, including the federal government, can learn from the Baileys' debt reduction ethic. "Not everyone is as dedicated as they were," says McNamara. "They made a lot of sacrifices. They weren't able to spend as much time as they would liked with their children and grandchildren." She adds: "I have said several times, what they need in Washington is a debt management program. When we talk to people who are overextended, we look for ways to increase income, decrease expenses and balance the budget. This is not rocket science." Advice to Others: Save and Talk Jerry Bailey advises those who may be where he was six years ago to "put just a little bit out of every paycheck into a savings account. Let it build up for when that rainy day comes because it does come." What would they do differently if they had it to do all over again? "We'd tear up the credit cards," Sue Bailey says. "Don't get more than one," her husband adds. "You need to have one, but pay it off every month." Sue Bailey's advice to other couples sharing finances: "Talk to each other; don't play the blame game. We both did it. I didn't blame him. We did it together." She adds: "If you don't have money to buy something, then you have to ask, do I need it or do I want it and can it wait until later."
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling has honored Jerry and Sue Bailey for their dedication and sacrifice over more than five years that resulted in them paying off $92,000 in debt. More from CreditCards.com:
• What Type of Debt Help Is Right for You?
• How to Turn Good Credit Into Great Credit
• FICO's 5 Factors: What Makes Up Your Credit Score
living on 40,000...
As Washington politicians debate whether earning $250,000 a year makes a family rich, special education teacher Danny Kofke has come up with a much lower threshold for wealth: The father of two says that his family of four can live well on his $40,000 a year salary—and you can, too. He explains how in his new book, A Simple Book of Financial Wisdom, a follow-up to his first book, How to Survive (and Perhaps Thrive) on a Teacher's Salary. US News spoke with Kofke about how he manages to stretch his income and his tips for others trying to do the same. Excerpts: It's pretty impressive that you have supported your family of four on less than $40,000 a year. How did you do it? This took long-term planning. Raising a family of four on my teacher's salary would be next to impossible if we had a huge mortgage and a lot of debt. Before we had children, my wife, Tracy, was a teacher, too. We had a plan for her to be able to stay at home once we had children. We werenÂ’t exactly sure when this would happen (this is for The Man Upstairs to decide), but we had an idea on when we would start trying. We ended up being married four years before Ava was born. During this time, we tried to live off one of our teaching salaries and used the other one to pay off debt and establish an emergency fund. We were not sure how long Tracy would be able to stay home—we initially aimed for one year—but were able to have her stay home for six years and work part-time for one. We were able to do this even after having our younger daughter, Ella, three years after Ava. The key for us was the long-term planning. Can anyone really succeed at this? I do feel that almost anyone can. I know there are some that earn a lot less than I do or have more debt but I feel they can work towards this, too. I am not a financial major or a chief executive of a company. I have never even taken a financial class in my life. If this 35-year-old school teacher can learn the basics of money management and finances, then others can, too. Tell us some of your more unusual advice, that we might not have heard before. I think the biggest thing I have learned is if broke people are making fun of you and laughing at your ways, then you are doing something right. It was difficult to get mocked when Tracy was working and we chose to live off one salary while others were spending like there was no tomorrow. Many people told me to get off my wallet and spend money. Pride is sometimes a hard thing to swallow, but I knew that many of these people were not making smart financial decisions and these decisions would eventually come back and hurt them. I don't know if it is unusual advice but, when making financial decisions, you have to do what is right for you and not be influenced by the many temptations that surround us. What's the hardest financial rule for you to follow personally? Living below my means is the toughest rule for me to follow. There are so many temptations—Madison Avenue spends billions of dollars each year to get our money—and sometimes I want to buy things I know I should not. When this occurs, I allow myself a 24-hour breather and, if I still feel strongly about buying that object after this time, I will discuss it with Tracy. The great thing is, after I let the emotional aspect have time to go away, my more rational side speaks to me and I make a sound decision. How are you teaching your children about money? Once my older daughter, Ava, turned three, we had her do simple household chores so we could teach her how to handle money. I am not a fan of rewarding others for things they should be doing anyway, but I did make an exception with Ava since my initial goal was to teach her money management skills. We started with chores that were easy for her to complete: cleaning her room, brushing her teeth. Every night, we would check off the chores that were completed, and every Friday we added them up and she was paid. We called this money what most parents do: an allowance. No matter what you call it, make sure your child does the work to earn the money. After Ava got paid (she could earn up to $1 each week), she had three jars: Give Away, Savings and Spending. She first put 10 cents in the Give Away jar, 25 cents in the Savings jar and the remaining amount in the Spending jar. This worked so well for us. When we were at the store, often Ava would see something she wanted. We never had any arguments; we would simply say, "We'll have to go home and see if you have enough money in your spending or savings jar to buy it." Ava has used the money in her Give Away jar in numerous ways. One year there was a little girl at my school who lost her father shortly before Christmas. Ava used her Give Away money to buy this little girl a stuffed animal. Ava actually came to my school and delivered this to her personally. Another year, Ava used this money to buy canned food for needy families in our community. This past Christmas, there was a family at her school that was struggling. Ava used the money in her Give Away jar to buy them a gift card to a local grocery store. If Ava continues to apply these lessons in life—gives away 10 percent of her money, then saves 25 percent of it and uses the remainder for spending—and goes above and beyond in her job, she will be wealthy in more ways than a fat bank account can show.More from USNews.com:
• The Worst States for Millionaires
• 10 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2011
• A Financial Checklist for 30-Somethings
living on $20,000 a year
Last week, we ran a story on living well on $40,000 a year, featuring a special education teacher who supports his family of four on that relatively modest salary. Fifty people commented on the article, many of whom argued that living on $40,000 a year was hardly an impressive feat. "I could live like a king on $40,000 a year. Try living on $22,000 a year and see how that goes for you. And I have a family of three," said Joyce of Maine. Connie from Texas expressed a similar sentiment: "I would feel really rich if I made that kind of money? Why don't you have an article on how to live on $17,000 or $20,000 a year?" To do just that, we tracked down Joseph Fonseca, a writer currently living in Seattle who supports himself on $20,000 a year. Fonseca, 28, authored a first-person piece in the Washington Post over the weekend describing his "10 cities, 10 years" project, in which he moves every year and starts over in a new town. An aspiring novelist, he plans to eventually write a book about his quest. We spoke with him by phone to get more details about just how he makes ends meet. Excerpts: Do you avoid a lot of the expenses that many of your peers spend money on, such as technology and meals out? For the most part, yes. I have a lower-end Android phone because I needed a new phone. I went as cheap as possible. I don't own a car, I rely on public transportation, and sometimes biking. I have a laptop, because I need it for writing. I do have Internet access because it's pretty important to get online. My only extra bill is Netflix, and I'm considering getting rid of that. I don't go out to eat, or just for special occasions. I cook for every meal. I don't drink coffee. I try to stick with water. I do go out to bars, but not every night. That's my best way to meet people and experience cities. What's your typical meal? I usually buy a pound of beef and a package of chicken and make easy Mexican dishes. I get some vegetables and mix it all together and throw it on a tortilla. I do a lot of pasta dishes. When I'm working, I usually pack a lunch, I make a sandwich plus chips or cookies to get me through the day. Then I get home and cook a fuller meal. I try to have a good mix [of food] so I don't get sick. My brother taught me little tricks to take different ingredients around the house, like seasonings, to make a sauce that's different and more unique, to give yourself different tastes. What about clothes? Once or twice a year, I might get a few new things, like an extra pair of jeans or pants, or a couple shirts, but I still have shirts I wore to college, so they're six or seven years old or older. If a job requires certain clothes, then I'll buy clothes for that. I maybe get one new pair of shoes a year and make them last as long as possible. I mostly shop at cheaper places, like thrift stores or Salvation Army or Goodwill. Those are good places to hit up. What about going on dates? I was in a relationship for a couple years, and we'd go to movies or bars. I like to go to movies, so I try to find cheaper movie places. We'd go to parks and take books or play a board game out there. We'd go to free art exhibits or save up and make a night of it. When I lived in Nashville, I'd get free passes to art museums where I worked, so I'd use that. Do you indulge in any luxuries? I splurge on things with friends, like going out to bars. To me, the most important thing is to have fun with friends. I'd rather spend $30 or $40 to go out with friends and have those memories that buy a bunch of CDs or random things. What's the hardest thing to do without? There are days that I wished I had a car. Sometimes public transportation isn't great. But for me, the benefits of not having a car outweigh that [feeling]. Do you have health insurance? I don't. I had one job that offered it, so I had it for a little and went to the doctor and got a clean bill of health. I do have the thought, if I get sick or hurt, I can't afford to go to the doctor. Luckily, I rarely get sick. If I start to get sick, I try to eat a little healthier. I've been hurt a few times, but just made do. Do you have any savings for emergencies? My savings all go toward the move each year, so long-term, I don't have any savings. I also don't have any debt. I try to save $3,000 for each move, and that gives me a little security to settle in and put down deposits. Do you anticipate or look forward to having a higher salary one day? Not necessarily. I hope to make my career as a writer. My goal has always been to do that. I've never been someone that wanted to be settled into a career. I may or may not have a family some day. I don't see myself as someone that will own a house and have property. I basically just want to be someone who at some point can say, "I'm a writer full-time." Hopefully it would pay more than $20,000 a year, but I could live a satisfactory life on $50,000 a year and be a writer and do other things if I had to. To me, life experience, traveling, and meeting people is so much more valuable than having a nest egg. If I had children, I would want to make enough money to support them. But as long as I'm unattached, I'm just concerned about my life. I don't imagine I'll ever be a well-off business person. As long as I have enough money to be happy in my own life and satisfied with my goals and not relying on others, then I'll be happy. What about retirement--do you plan on ever saving enough to retire? I don't think about it too much. To retire requires having a career to retire from. My ambition is to be a writer, and I'd love to be writing into my old age, to be like Vonnegut and write until the day I die. Do you have any advice to others trying to live on $20,000 a year? You can get rid of so much stuff and you'll realize how little you're really missing. It's about prioritizing what you really need in life. It's hard to save and stick to a strict budget if you don't have a reason, or if you're just vaguely saving. You should have a goal you're working toward, a career goal or an artistic goal.
How long should it last?
When you spend $500 or $1,000 or more on an appliance or home improvement, you want it to last. You also want to anticipate and budget for costly repairs and replacements. But just how long should major home items stand up to everyday use? Kiplinger's asked trusted industry experts, trade associations and retailers to estimate how long consumers can expect their products to perform. Take our ten-question quiz to see how well you understand the lifecycle of key components of your home. 1. How long should a washing machine last? Answer: 12 years Both washing machines and dryers typically wear out after 11 to 12 years, industry groups say. Top-load machines boast the longest average lifespan at 12 years, while front-load washers typically last about 11. (Note: If you choose to save space with stacked front-loading units, recognize that you may have to replace both the washer and dryer when either one breaks down.) You can extend the lives of both by cleaning your washer once a month, emptying your dryer's lint screen after each use, and avoiding covering the dryer's outside exhaust. If you have a front-loading machine, make sure to use the recommended high-efficiency detergent. The excess suds from ordinary detergents can cause mechanical problems. 2. How long should a standard incandescent light bulb last? Answer: 1,000 hours A standard incandescent light bulb should burn 1,000 hours. To change bulbs less frequently, switch to compact-florescent light bulbs, which cost about $2.50 more but outlive incandescents eight times over. The longer lifespan translates to big savings: $35 per bulb, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and the average consumer has 40 light bulb sockets in his house. Energy Star-qualified CFL bulbs also run cooler and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. 3. How long should a furnace last? Answer: 20 years Furnaces should last between 15 and 20 years, according to industry experts and the Department of Energy. Furnace filters, however, only hold up one to three months – and in order to avoid an expensive service call, it's crucial to change them on the manufacturer's schedule. Waiting too long between changes can clog the filter and freeze the furnace's electric components, which a repairman will need to fix. 4. How long should a mattress last? Answer: As long as it feels comfortable. The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every five to seven years, regardless of the type of mattress you own. A 2006 study by Oklahoma State University found that mattresses older than five years contribute to lower back stiffness and trouble sleeping, largely because both foam and mattress springs wear down over time. Mattresses age differently, though, so if you don't notice any back or sleep problems, consider hanging on to yours longer. And make sure to change your box spring at the same time as your mattress — manufacturers design the two to work together, and they often fall under the same warranty. Rotating and flipping your mattress every six months is another great way to get the most out of it. 5. How long should a dishwasher last? Answer: 13 years Expect an under-counter dishwasher to last about 13 years, say appliance manufacturers. Dishwashers require very little maintenance, as long as you run them regularly. But if you don't use your dishwasher for a week or more, you might encounter some problems: sticky motor seals, mold and odors among them. In addition to running your dishwasher every week, keep an eye on your dishwasher's filter and drain and inlet hoses. Many dishwasher malfunctions stem from problems as easily fixed as a kinked hose or clogged filter. 6. How long should a water heater last? Answer: About ten years Water heaters can wear out after ten years, according to manufacturers, but the lifespan can vary depending on your water supply. Hard or mineral-filled water wears units out more quickly. To lessen the effects of hard water, drain and flush the tank once a year to prevent mineral build-up. Also consider a yearly check-up by a professional, who can inspect the unit's pressure and temperature-relief valves. 7. How long should a coat of deck stain or sealer last? Answer: Three years Water-repellant deck stains and sealers generally last about three years, depending on exposure and traffic, says Bill Leys, a California-based waterproofing contractor who speaks on industry best practices. Regardless of where you live, however, fading is a good indication that you should reseal your deck. Sweep and pressure-wash the surface, and sand away splinters and peeling before you apply new stain. Failure to properly maintain your deck can cause water damage such as dry rot, mold and mildew. 8. How long should a range last? Answer: 15 years An electric range should keep cooking for about 16 years, manufacturers say, while a gas range will last about 13. Stand-alone versions can make it even longer: 20 years for a wall oven, and 18 years and up for a cooktop. A huge number of use and maintenance factors influence the life of your range, so consult the owner's manual for detailed care instructions. Whirlpool says, for instance, that putting a small pot on a large burner can build up too much heat and shorten your stove's life. 9. How long should an asphalt driveway last? Answer: 15 years With proper maintenance, an asphalt driveway can easily last 15 years or more. A cement driveway can make it even longer — 30 years or more, by some estimates. The key, however, is proactive maintenance. Driveway owners should repair cracks as soon as they reach a quarter-inch wide and sealcoat asphalt driveways every two to three years, depending on weather and traffic. 10. How long should a coat of standard exterior paint last? Answer: Six to ten years A properly applied coat of exterior paint should last between six and ten years, says Jeffrey Spillane, senior product manager at Benjamin Moore. As Spillane and other manufacturers caution, however, the lifespan of your paint varies widely based on what kind you use and where you live. Sherwin-Williams, for example, sells paint with warranties ranging from six years to a lifetime. Check the warranty of your paint when you buy it, prep your house before painting, and only paint in moderate conditions; extreme heat, cold or humidity while painting will only make your work wear faster.More from Kiplinger.com:
• 15 Fall and Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Home
• 10 Energy Efficient Moves to Do in a Weekend
• Quiz: How Smart a Home Owner Are You?
To be or not to be VEGAN???
So As I do laundry, I'm researching Forks over Knives and being a vegan. The evidence is clear. Eating a Whole Food Plant diet is the answer to getting rid of all my symptoms of pain, discomfort, and overall feeling of fatigue. Only problem i see is, I'm the pickiest eater I know. Will I really be able to follow this lifestyle? Will I be able to find the delicious healthy vegan recipes I need to feel satisfied. I guess the motto i need to keep in mind is " Eat to live, Don't live to eat. " Words of wisdom. But it truly is a HUGE step. To abandon the way I grew up eating and have eaten for 25 years and go in a completely different, new and exciting yet terrifying direction. I do feel it is the answer. I just have to really research and find the recipes I am willing to try out. I guess baby steps is the way. Little by little I should attempt to make the change to a healthier lifestyle. I guess i'm writing this for myself. But if anyone has some suggestions or advice. I would definitely welcome any recipes that are vegan; especially like different salad ideas.
For those who have no idea what i'm talking about, You need to watch Forks over Knives. It will change your life; or at least give you knowledge with facts to back it up on the American Diet and where we as a society went wrong in our dietary decisions. Just watch it.
The following are websites i've looked at or blogs that I found interesting. All three of these are either on blogspot or facebook as well.
Forksoverknives.com
http://www.veganculinarycrusade.com/
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
i am inspired... i do want to start my own garden
Photo courtesy of Lori Eanes Although they already grew some fruits and vegetables and raised chickens, rabbits, three turkeys, and four goats on their quarter-acre lot in the city of Vallejo, California, their initial goal was not to try to be self-sufficient. In fact, they barely had any of their own crops ready to harvest for the first six and a half months of the project. Concerned about pesticides on conventional produce and chemicals in processed and packaged foods, they mainly wanted to eat healthy and know where their food was coming from. Hoff points out that even “mom and pop sounding companies” such as Ben and Jerry’s, Stonyfield Farms, and Walnut Acres are now owned by huge corporations. Over the course of the year, the family reaped more benefits than they had expected. They saved at least $2,000 dollars on groceries despite the fact that everything they were eating was either locally grown or organic. They saved even more money by avoiding restaurants. Purchasing and freezing an eighth of a steer from a local farm lowered the price of grass-fed, organic beef to $2/per pound and a loaf of fresh bread cost them 50 cents to bake. Eating higher quality food paid off health-wise. Both Hoff and Ferguson avoided colds all year and felt more energized. Hoff lost 20 pounds “without counting calories.” Hoff describes the economically depressed downtown area of Vallejo as a “food desert” — lacking a supermarket and with little access to organic or local goods. The foodie mecca of San Francisco lies 30 miles south, but both Hoff and Ferguson work full-time and neither had the inclination to spend all of their free time grocery shopping. After reading the book No Impact Man, which chronicles a New York City family’s effort to live sustainably, including giving up processed foods, for a year, they thought, “If they can do it in an apartment in New York City, we can certainly do it here.” In August 2010, Hoff and Ferguson started preparing for their year without groceries, which would begin in October. Aside from planning all the family’s meals around seasonal produce, the most challenging aspect of the project was the research phase and figuring out where they could obtain certain items such as milk, says Hoff. They were allowed to purchase produce, meat, and dairy from the weekly farmer’s market and directly from farms. For staples such as sugar, rice and flour, Hoff located a local woman who had set up a buying club in her garage where members pooled resources to buy organic food in bulk directly from the source. They were also allowed to barter and trade. They were not allowed to buy food at regular grocery stores, supermarkets, or convenience stores or eat at restaurants. The first weekend without groceries, with the help of a 30-minute mozzarella kit purchased online, Hoff was able to deliver on her promise of serving lasagna for her son’s thirteenth birthday. Hoff says he still likes eating junk food and soft drinks (at friend’s houses), but the he thinks the project is “pretty cool” and talks about it in class. To make it easier to adjust, they designated Fridays as pizza night. The first six months were so easy, that the family decided to up the ante, and for the last three months they could eat only what they already had on hand, could produce on their urban farm, or barter. Hoff doesn’t recommend trying go without buying food at all and admits that after a couple of months, “I was close being fed up.” Their fruit trees didn’t produce and they were stuck with eating zucchini, green beans, and cucumbers for weeks on end. Ferguson became sick of the limited choices but tried to focus on “the bigger picture of what they had accomplished over the year.” Hoff, on the other hand, posted on the blog, “I’m so over not buying food.” When I spoke with them the day after their project ended, they had just returned from their first trip to the farmer’s market and were happily cooking up a feast of pork with potatoes and corn. For Hoff, the best thing about the project was that it “brought us closer together. We’ve become a team and work together really well.” She also loves grabbing food for dinner right out of the garden and says, “Shopping doesn’t feel like a chore any more.” Their friends and family claim they could never do it, but she insists that, “you don’t have to have an urban farm to eliminate the grocery store from your vocabulary.” Hoff advises people to make the transition gradually and to try to replace one item at a time, such as pickles or bread, with something homemade. The blog offers tips on how to get started.No groceries for a year: How one family saved money, lost weight, and lived well
“A spider bit the goat, so we didn’t have dairy for a month,” says Rachel Hoff describing one of the misadventures that occurred during her family’s year without groceries. As for bread, she, her husband Tom Ferguson, and teenage son, Tom, Jr., had to do without when the both the oven and the bread machine went kaput in the same week. Despite occasional mishaps and deprivations, Hoff describes the experience, which she documented in her blog A year without groceries, as “surprisingly easy.” And, as of October 1 st , the family is sticking with the challenge for another year.
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