My writing style may seem jumbled because I have so much to say.  Please stay with me as I try to put order to my thoughts.

I live on roughly $1400 per month and don’t rely on assistance.  I have a very comfortable life style.  My Grandpa told me one time he never wanted anything he didn’t get — he was just careful about what he wanted!  Me, too.

I don’t have a credit card and the only thing I pay over time are medical bills and debts that I made more than 3 years ago.  When I moved into my apartment 3 years ago I promised myself 2 things.  1. I was not smoking cigarettes any more (difficult, but I did it) and 2. I was not buying anything I couldn’t pay for right then (and I have done that).

When I moved in here I brought with me a small, paid-for chest freezer, an antique chest that had been my toy box, an antique desk that had been my son’s study desk through his school years, an small, antique dresser that had been my daughter-in-laws when she was a little girl, two wooden chairs,  a folding cot, my grandmother’s cast iron skillet, and my clothes.  I had a paid-for pickup truck from my working days that brought my belongings.

I found this wonderful 2 bedroom apartment in a small town near a larger city with good medical facilities (important when you get older) for $575 a month.  The apartment came with a refrigerator and stove and I moved in.  I was blessed that relatives and extended family in the area gave me furniture, quilt and towels they no longer needed.  I added furnishings as I found them and could afford them from Craigslist and sales.

I was really frightened when I moved in that I would not be able to pay the bills and live.  Not only have I paid my current bills as they came due, but have been able to pay on back bills until they are paid off or nearly paid off.  My apartment is warm and cozy.  I have enough to eat and occasionally can even eat out.  As I have paid off back bills, more money has become available for discretionary items.

Keep following to see how it can be done.