We are in a freeze.  The freeze will last through March and maybe through July.

I am not talking about the weather.  I am talking about the bank account.

Just recently, Stephen and I were asked to lead our church youth group on a mission’s trip to the Dominican Republic with Compassion this summer.   Because all our girls go to the youth group, and love Compassion, and we have a sponsored child in the Dominican Republic, and  my girls want the opportunity to deliver shoes, we committed our entire family to go… wait, wait, do you see the dollar signs flashing? It’s going to take some serious creativity to save for us all to go to the Dominican Republic. For about a year, we have been planning this other trip to Europe for Spring Break.  We cashed in all our frequent flier miles, we cashed in hotel points and we put deposits down on our other expenses. There is no turning back. We wanted our girls to meet history with art, food and French and Italian culture. We have saved along time for this vacation, and Stephen and I have been excited to do something different than the third world.

But the Dominican Republic was not in the plans.

By the way, my kitchen could sure use a remodel, and our upstairs carpet is getting pretty worn… Another lifetime I suppose.

So, to afford this opportunity…we are cutting costs. My girl’s will be doing fundraisers and raising support with the other young people going, and we will be saving…and saving…and saving.

So here is what we are doing to save money.

1. We are not eating out at all, not even fast food.
2. I am planning meals for the week, and then grocery shopping with a list.  First time in my life for this.
3. I am shopping at Winco and Walmart. Uggg…that is all I have to say.
4. No clothing purchases.  After Christmas, we told the girls that we would not be shopping for anything.
5. I am dressing warmer.  I like my house warm, but am learning to live with less heat.  I layered my clothes today with a bathrobe. Attractive huh?
6. No luxury spending on pre-made or post made foods.
7. I colored my own roots… no hairdresser this month.  (Savings $80) Turned out ok and the gray is still gone and my hair did not fall out.
8. No Starbucks.  Serious savings by drinking all my coffee I purchased in Ethiopia.  Hoping it will last until March when I return to Ethiopia.
9. No more home phone!  It’s gone!
10. Less driving.  Trying to minimize all the trips and driving our smaller car around.

I admit, it’s not very fun to be in a spending freeze.  But we must do it if we are going to save for these trips.

So, what are some other ideas?

I am not willing to take cold showers, so leave that one out, but if you have some other ideas, send them my way!