I, too, am not sure where to click, but here goes!!!
As a widow, this past year I've lived on a little over $13,000 a year. I've been unable to work following an auto accident, and I used most of the accident settlement to send my grandson to barber college. He's now 19, and came to live with my husband and me when he was 10. My husband passed away a little over four years ago, and my grandson was quite ill for several years with Lyme Disease. The Lyme left him with chronic fatigue syndrome, and he has occasional flare-ups. It's a dreadful disease!
But, living on a just a little can be done, and done comfortably. I receive $1132 in social security survivor's benefits, and $229 as my part of a payoff from the sale of our business. The $229, which I'll receive until 2009, goes into a money market, and is used to pay auto insurance and property taxes, as well as savings.
As for monthly expenses, groceries (this month) have been $75 at the supermarket, $26 for Angel Food Ministries. That's about average. I cook from scratch and we rarely eat out. My grandson works a second job as a fill-in dishwasher/host/whatever they need at a local restaurant. He's given meal tickets along with his hourly pay, and so he uses them to treat us. Works for me -- I can't tell the difference between a "free" meal and one I've paid for.
When my husband and I sold our big house and downsized, we put almost all that we made into the new, smaller home. Therefore, my house payment is only $228, with $40 for home insurance, and around $1000 per year property tax, for a total of about $350/mo. Although my house needs some repairs, it's still a roof over our heads. As soon as my grandson is on his own (it's taking him some time since he's been quite ill), I'll be moving to live in an apartment my youngest son has built for me as an addition to his home.
Even though we live in a hot, humid area, we "zone" our air conditioning with small, 5000 BTU a/cs in living room and bedrooms. If we aren't in a room, we turn the a/c off. Same with heating in winter. I don't have a clothes dryer and don't want one. I have four solar dryers in the back yard, and racks to use in the house in bad weather. My highest electric bill this summer has been $250, while around me, my neighbors are paying $400. We also use LOTS of fans. We're careful with our water usage, as well, and that bill is generally about $45.
We don't have a landline, and I long ago got a cell phone program that includes a "buddy" second phone for my grandson for $10/mo. Total phone bill for a month is $85.
We do our own yard work, shop at the dollar store, garage sales and thrift shops. Basically, if we don't need it, we don't buy it. Also, our vehicles are paid for, so we don't have car payments. Auto insurance is much cheaper since we don't smoke, have clean driving records, have taken driver's ed (my grandson) and carry the insurance with the same company as my home insurance.
I can't afford health insurance, so I have a $50/mo. medical discount plan. Actually, when you consider co-pays and deductibles, I've many times done better with the discount than I would have with an insurance policy. I do have quite a bit of medical debt due to some health problems, but I pay a bit on them each month, and they seem happy as larks to get it. My grandson's father carries him on his insurance policy -- thank God!
We use the library for books, movies and internet. My grandson's girlfriend is as practical and frugal as he, so they can have a lot of fun with a bit of nothing. We occasionally take in a movie using discounts (Harry Potter tomorrow -- sorry, but I can't wait), and I splurge on basic cable (less than $19/mo.) since we live too far from any city to get reception otherwise.
I have four dogs -- a rescue, a stray, a roadside find and a dumpee -- so they're included in my budget. I spend about $300-$400/yr. on shots, heartworm meds and yearly checkups. Food, treats and flea drops run about $20/mo. Fortunately, they're very healthy, and they keep me in good shape, too, since they INSIST on being walked a mile or two a day. Like people, pets who are well-maintained (exercised, fleas controlled, teeth brushed, kept out of harm's way in a house and yard) aren't terribly expensive to keep, but, according to all the studies, they'll keep me healthy and alive much longer. Also, they provide much-needed and valued security in an "iffy" neighborhood.
We live in a small town, which helps on gasoline expense. Many places we can walk or bike. Both vehicles are serviced and have the oil changed every 3000-4000 miles for an average cost of only $35-50 each. This saves a fortune in repair bills, or even having to invest in a new vehicle. As proof, my vehicle is 22 years old, and runs like a charm, thank you very much.
I haven't asked my grandson for room and board payment because I want him to be able to save enough to give him a good start when he leaves to be on his own. In return, he does a lot for me around the house, keeping up with the yard, washing the cars, house and dog sitting when I'm away, etc. And he's not expensive and he is a good saver, otherwise I wouldn't do this. He is, however, responsible for his own vehicle, gas, clothing, etc.
I have no credit card debt, and, other than core living expenses, the only things I owe are my mortgage, taxes, auto and home insurance and medical bills.
So it can be done. I budget strictly to include savings for the unexpected, and the way I see it, our bills get paid, we have a roof over our heads, more to eat than what's good for us, and the wolf just passed up our door and headed down the street.
But more importantly, we enjoy life. There's so many things to do that don't cost a fortune, many of which benefit others. Since I don't work, I'm able to serve in my church and community, visit (with my dachshund) the local nursing home, and spend much of each summer with my two smaller grandsons. These are the things I most love doing, so I consider myself blessed. . .
At a little over $13,000 a year.
