LARGE FAMILY, ONE INCOME // Tips from a Mom of 8

[@EliB9619]

Thank you for sharing your heart on this! My husband and I both worked until our oldest was 3. The Lord did a work in my heart over the course of one school year calling me to stay home with our kids. I had always wanted to stay home deep down but just knew that two teachers simply couldn't afford it. I was very nervous to tell my husband because I thought he would think I was a little nuts. When we finally had the conversation - God had been laying it on his heart all along as well. That was almost 7 years ago now and we have not looked back. God has been so faithful and like you we have been through times where we barely scraped by and times that were much more plentiful - all the while we knew his hand was at work. God has provided in SO MANY WAYS. These past few years has become a testimony of sorts in our lives. My kids have either never been to the movies or only been once or twice with Grandparents - we rent and do a family movie night at home - not to mention there are rarely movies in the theatre we would want our kids to watch. We drive old(er) vehicles and maintain them well. We have lots of family fun together and rarely does it cost a lot if any. No Disney for us either - we love camping and do extended family visits/vacations for summer fun. We bought our home when the economy was very depressed 11 years ago and our mortgage is very small. The Lord was carrying out his plan long before we knew about it. I could go on and on but I was so blessed and so encouraged by your video today! Thank you for sharing!

[@jasonandjulie]

I love how parallel our lives are 😍 God is faithful!

[@savannaconrad8676]

These are great tips! I agree with buying everything used. When we moved we left all my maternity, postpartum and newborn items back in the States. So I’ve been slowly buying all used items and it’s so great to see how God provides even the small things. I had my eyes on some natural pacis I had seen but were so expensive and some cute swaddles that, again, were more than I would want to spend. I went to the thrift store yesterday and found 4 swaddles for $1 each and then saw someone on Facebook giving away the exact pacis I was looking for brand new because her baby didn’t take any pacis. I can’t believe how gracious God is over things that we think wouldn’t matter to Him!

[@jasonandjulie]

I love that savanna 😍 God is so good! I’ve had so many experiences like that one. It is just amazing that he sees and generously gives even little things.

[@Judi-lm2fj]

Raising our 6 children making the food stretch was important. Casseroles and soup always helped. Buying 2nd hand clothes helped also. Great video.

[@TheBabcocks]

Prayer does go a long way in making things stretch! Like recently I prayed for one load of free mulch. The next day I had 3 show up.

[@jasonandjulie]

Yes! God is so good like that 🥰

[@hollyjane4835]

I have good luck shopping at the Habitat Restore near me.I got mosaic tile for a backsplash for $4 a sheet. In a home improvement store probably would have been $15 to $20.Also, revamping found objects. Found 5 dining chairs in my neighborhood waiting for heavy trash pick up. I brought them home,cleaned them up with new stain and seat cushion. They were solid mahogany. I just could not believe someone was throwing them out.What it really comes down to is living within your means. God bless your family.

[@jasonandjulie]

Ooo what a great find! 🥰

[@KatelynG0301]

One thing I have learned when it comes to shopping is if you didn’t know you needed it before you saw it then you don’t need it. This has helped me a lot with impulse buying.

[@jasonandjulie]

Such good advice!

[@grupoambia4872]

Julie you are like Lady in Proverbs 31: 10- 31. God bless you. 💝 Saludos desde Monterrey , México

[@jessicakline-parker9609]

Great ideas, Julie! One way we save money is to get our mulch and garden soil from our town’s free compost and mulch pile. It’s a great resource! I’ve done all my gardening and landscaping this way. When we moved to our home the landscaping was very sparse, so I asked friends and family if they would share starts from their perennials. Many were happy to bless us with a housewarming plant from their garden and now my landscaping reminds me of so many people I love! Much more meaningful than buying plants at the greenhouse and more affordable 😊 Another way we save money is using the library. That is our first stop for books, movies, CDs, and magazines.

[@jasonandjulie]

That is such a sweet idea!! ❤️ And yes to the library...ours finally reopened (just curbside pickup) and I’m so thankful!

[@ruthmartin6087]

I love your practical way of living. It's very similar to our lifestyle, although listening to you made me realize we could certainly brush up in some areas again! One way we save money is by drying all our clothes outside... I grew up without a dryer (our church didn't allow it and I didn't know anything different) and even though I do have one now I rarely use it. I find it very therapeutic to hang clothes out in the sunshine to dry 😊

[@susanbaker8130]

Great tips, Julie. Years ago I got used to buying most all my clothes at Goodwill. I have a sense of when to go since I hate shopping and invariably I would find many new, brand items for $3.50 a piece or less at .99 an item on sale. Brand new pants, tops, or seldom worn clothing. I could get half a year’s worth of clothes for $30. Never felt guilty, and knew the money was going for a good cause. Used books off Amazon have been another fun treat from technology. I also used to make more of my food from scratch, but being older now and still working, I do enjoy some meals out. Buying a car and keeping it for 20 years was another money saver. I’m not much into prestige buying so doing without most things has been my favorite way to stay out of the frantic consumer culture. My grandparents had about an acre and a half of land in Michigan with 7 kids during the depression. They knew how do everything themselves: garden, keep their own chickens and a cow, fruit trees. My grandma canned everything, even meat. She could hold up a newspaper to you and cut out her own pattern for what you wanted in clothes: dress, skirt, suit, coat. Sewed them all including layette sets for newborns and kindergarden outfits for all the grandkids. When everyone else was “down on their luck” during the depression, my grandma and grandpa could take them in or help them in some way. I loved their self-sufficiency and charity for all. Tried to learn from it...could do much more myself....and our culture is badly in need of returning to such responsibility, frugality and charity. I am so grateful that I had that example of American cando spirit in my grandparents and mom. The most enjoyable things in life really are free or come from the work of one’s own hands. That’s part of why I enjoy your channel and your family’s homestead!

[@jasonandjulie]

I loved reading about your grandparents! Thank you for sharing their story. I am so inspired by stories from years past. We got your package in the mail this week. Thank you for the books!

[@sonyaandriyas790]

Hi Julie, thank you for sharing the tips. I'm so blessed.

[@felinafanelli6115]

I like the way you make meals like magic.

[@carolynmoody9460]

what a blessing to have found your channel 😄

[@jasonandjulie]

I’m glad you did 😊

[@kellyu765]

Thank you!! These are all great tips but the one that I feel like spoke to me the most was....do without. It’s ok to do without on a lot of things and be grateful for the things we do have.... and then when we do get them in the future we will be more thankful OR maybe even realize during that time we’re doing without that we really don’t even need it at all. Thank you... this really blessed me today! 💕😊

[@AMinivanFull]

Thank you for this great reminder! I haven't been as frugal as usual lately and I needed these great reminders to get back on track. New subscriber but I'm loving your channel and how encourage you are 🙂

[@jasonandjulie]

Thank you for your sweet words 😍

[@unpoedic]

Thank you! You've blessed me today.

[@jillgott6567]

I am a single older lady. A couple of years ago I found a great deal on flannel pj pants atWalmart. There were matching tops to make sets but I prefer wearing a tank top to bed so no need to buy the toos. For 1/10th of the original price I picked up a few pairs and bought more the following year. As the pants wear out they will become cleaning rags or parts of a craft project. CLEARANCE whether food, personal care, clothing or other items is mybfeiend ! Also SALES. When a store had paper towels $.68/ roll, and toilet tissue $.32/ roll - I bought a year's worth. You just can not beat that price !

[@jcross9251]

Wonderful thoughts! “Things don’t make us happy “ do without” and it’s ok and really can be very good because it makes you really appreciate when you do have. Both situations can be blessings. It’s all how you think. Thank you 😊

[@jillgott6567]

• I am a single adult in my 60's - only 1 Rocking Chair and 4 folding metal bookcases were purchased brand new 25 years ago, and my mattress 9 years ago. Everything else was purchased second hand or a curb side find even my bedframe. There is a different mentality in " feeling poor" and living frugally and when one is aware of that difference life is a great blessing

[@reneecasey5719]

good reminders !! I needed this

[@cindynieswender2900]

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to have this channel! I love your family!

[@georginachapman1672]

We often have our main meal at home and then go out for ice cream or morning or afternoon tea still fun and some time out.

[@jasonandjulie]

That’s a good idea!

[@abbyrichard5493]

Great tips!! Here are the top 5 ways that my family of 6 saves money....... 1.) I make all of our bar soap in a crockpot and also sell it to cover my costs. 2.) I buy shampoo in gallon jugs from Carina Organics and refill smaller bottles for the bathroom. A gallon lasts our family about a year. 3.) We grow a huge garden and I can as much food as a can put up. This will last through the winter so I rarely buy can goods. 4.) We only buy clothes from resell shops or wear hand me downs. 5.) I basically make all food from scratch and avoid eating out.

[@jasonandjulie]

Making bar soap is one thing I’ve never tried. Doing it in a crockpot sounds fascinating!

[@abbyrichard5493]

@@jasonandjulie it's a fun science experiment 😄 I've learned a lot since I first started. You just need some good olive and coconut oil and lye.

[@juliathelittle7007]

Friend of mine had been praying for those beautiful blue print plate sets with country scenes on them and in due time she got a whole set for $20. I got all the next size of cloth diapers I will need for a while before less than $200 by buying used.

[@Renewed85]

I do so much of this already. So they are cool to hear. We are a family of 6. Homeschool. One income. The struggle is so hard. I think i use spending as therapy. I'd like to stop. There are so many things that i want to make from scratch. I need to fo better

[@jedette]

Thanks for the tips Julie!

[@jenniferhall847]

Amen! Yes! You are totally right!

[@bevbarrett8537]

Hi you are amazing lady and very blessed I feel so blessed listening to you and I love watching your family grow and mature thank you for taking time out of your day to chat to us sending love prayers and blessings to you all x

[@jasonandjulie]

Thank you for your sweet words!

[@tlwhitney711]

Great ideas! We have lived on a very limited budget for our whole marriage, 11 years, and living without is the best advice!!! We date night trade with friends, it is a great way to not only get a date nights regularly but also to bless another couple with that time. Our dates are often coffee dates or walks or wondering the book store, cheap and it keeps the focus on eachother not the event.

[@jasonandjulie]

A date night trade is such a great idea!

[@katieb9312]

Love all your tips. We live very similarly- buy used for everything, cook our own food, free entertainment, and our kids have never been to the movies or Disneyland either. I’m always curious about other family’s movie favourites too; would love to hear what you all like to watch especially with all your multiple ages- maybe future vlog idea!?

[@jasonandjulie]

Yes that is a good future vlog idea. It is SO HARD to find movies that are appropriate and appeal to different ages.

[@April-zh2vm]

Thank you for doing this video have been waiting for you to share your tips!!

[@jessicabulloch5302]

No butter😣 I can't do it. Ok maybe I can. Im a big family mom so I have experienced times of scarcity. If the priority is being home with the kids to educate them , then one income living can be done. Great ideas .

[@jasonandjulie]

Yes so true! It’s all about priorities ❤️

[@jojopeterson4411]

I have referred your channel to my daughter’s friend. She is pregnant with her 6th child

[@jasonandjulie]

Thank you!

[@aligrise3145]

I love these tips! Very practical and easy for anyone to apply.

[@laurachambers3809]

Amazing video!!! I believe you will help so many folks with your tips. Keep up the great work and many blessings to you! ❤️🙏❤️🙏

[@jasonandjulie]

Thank you 🥰

[@shirleykinney3777]

So much wisdom!

[@mrs.garcia6978]

My husband is a master HVAC, grew up working for his stone mason father and mechanic uncles and still uses YT a TON. Ain’t no shame

[@gloriapeel6887]

Some great ideas!

[@cherylemaybury9967]

Something I have found useful when eating out is ordering 4 meals and 4 empty plates. Many restaurants serve very large portions and our family was able to halve the meals and be completely satisfied. I still do this with my grandchildren. Usually two kids will want the same thing so it’s easy to halve a meal or we sometimes buy a variety of meals and share all of them. We never buy drinks when we eat out because our restaurants charge ($5 each) a lot for them. They always offer complimentary water so we will be satisfied with that. Sometimes after we eat I will give the kiddos a treat and buy them a frozen soda from MacDonalds because they are only $1 here. Another thing I do is I buy the “odd bunch” fruits and vegetables. Our supermarkets get all the odd sized, misshapen less then perfect, fruits and vegetables and put them in large bags for a couple of dollars. I get 5 kilograms of carrots for $4 which is great for me because I like to juice them as well as cook them. A 5 kilogram bag of apples cost me $3 where the normal sized ones are $5 per kilogram. I often buy fruits and vegetables straight from the farms in season and get a large bag for a couple of dollars, an advantage from living in a rural area.

[@jasonandjulie]

Great ideas!

[@DaughteroftheTrueKing]

I love all your tips👍👍❤

[@jasonandjulie]

Thank you!

[@izannegeldenhuys4103]

Thank you - I just loved this video - so many useful tip! There is something so liberating about just going without! The Lord teaches us so much through that and we've found that we often feel most content when we just cut down and go without! Also, I watched your video on how to cut your own hair and tried it recently - it worked so well, thank you!!

[@jasonandjulie]

I’m so glad to hear that! 🥰

[@OneMamaToAnother]

Yes to so many things! Our 'dates' usually consist of going to Costco together without kids once or twice a year :) I have an entire budget/frugal living series on my youtube channel but free food is a big one for us. There are organizations where people who have fruit trees on their properties that can't or don't want to pick them can have volunteers come and do it. Our local one then divides the produce between the landowner, the volunteers and the local food bank.

[@jasonandjulie]

Wow that is really neat! What a great resource for fruit

[@TheThriftyGma]

***Buy used save the difference*** ... great video.. thanks. 💖

[@davidmitchell1304]

We tapped our own maple trees. 12 taps gave us about a galloon of syrup.

[@jasonandjulie]

That’s exciting! We hope to do that one day. Our maples are on the small side

[@jessicapounders770]

I really enjoyed this video!

[@crystalmichelle6053]

This was very inspirational to me. Thank you ♥️

[@jasonandjulie]

I’m so glad to hear that ! ❤️

[@Mmolesy]

Im new here, ive really been enjoying your channel. Im a mum to 11. Aged 10 months to 18 years. (7 girls,4 boys) my home isnt tiny. But ive gleaned alot from you all already.😍

[@jasonandjulie]

Welcome! So glad you’ve joined us here 🥰 I love hearing from other large family mamas.

[@nancymartin3441]

I make my own laundry detergent... Saves tons..God Bless

[@janetcampbell5678]

Me too. It lasts me a year

[@bereckianna1]

Hi, I love your chanell! I'm from Romania. We just started an unschooling center in Sibiu.

[@jasonandjulie]

Wow what a neat resource!

[@sgvicentini3502]

Thank you Julie for sharing these tips, we do the same as you, we do it out of necessity, because we do not have, then I will tell you a little about how we live. We reuse everything, we do not complain, it is what we have to live. But despite not having and not being able to give many things to our children, I know that God does not abandon us, he is always with us, we always say that God will provide, I tell you something, we never stop praying. This video really moved me. I hope that many people value what they have and thank God for having it. Thank you very much. Blessings to you!!!!

[@jasonandjulie]

Yes God is so faithful! 🥰

[@sgvicentini3502]

Thank you. Blessings

[@dianebondhus9355]

I've always cut my family's hair. Going on 43 years now. 😊

[@jasonandjulie]

It’s such a great money saver!

[@sharamclaughlin9343]

This was a great video!

[@jasonandjulie]

Thank you ❤️

[@michaelgreen9721]

Hello, I'm from Keeping it Dutch!

[@bereckianna1]

Great tips!

[@mrs.garcia6978]

For hand soap I buy a gallon of oil based soap (eczema) and add 2T + 10 drops EOs to a foam dispenser filled with hot water. 1 gallon = $20 and lasts 18 months-ish. I fell on this out of desperation just like yours over the cost of ready-made non-hand-killing soaps. You tech can use it for shampoo and body wash but we’re very oily (me and 5 girls) and picky (hubster).

[@pathtowellnesswithmiriam1371]

Thanks for all the tips. We do a lot of these. But I've been thinking of ways to save money as our income has been reduced recently. It's important to remember to sometimes just go without.

[@tinareyes1890]

My husband can fix just about anything and if he can’t he looks on KZbin or he asks someone who knows how to do it then he does it, he doesn’t like paying other people. My adult children are turning out just like him, lol my daughter laid down tile, painted, redid her counters on her house.

[@jasonandjulie]

That’s so great! 🤗

[@felinafanelli6115]

You are super!

[@jasonandjulie]

🥰

[@amandapassmore3832]

To save money, I am a huge advocate for reusable items in place of disposable items: diapers, wipes, feminine products, paper towels, napkins, baggies, etc.. We haven’t used paper towels or napkins regularly in about 8 years and the same cloths I bought then are still in pretty great shape. We’ve cloth diapered all three of our boys and used cloth wipes as much as possible. I make my own cleaners and sprays - so much cheaper and I’m confident in the safety of the ingredients. I use silicone baggies when I can. I am also a huge fan of purchasing used - I try to purchase as much as a I can used: homeschool curriculum, furniture, books, clothes, etc. I agree about date night - my husband and I go on actual dates 1-3 times a year (but both our parents are nearby and still agree to babysit!) We are also intentional about our time alone after the kids are in bed. We still talk regularly about anything and everything. He’s a firefighter who is gone on 24 hour shifts every 3 days so we usually end those days with a long phone conversation. I try to make as many meals as I can from scratch - if we eat out, I use coupons or rewards whenever possible (at Denny’s, kids east free one night a week AND I can use a 20% coupon.) We are also big fans of garage sales (not necessarily right now lol) but we are able to purge things we can’t use anymore and make a few extra dollars. We are also on a single income but God has definitely provided for us since I left my job 7 years ago. It takes a few extra steps, but I think it’s totally worth it to be less wasteful and save money where I can.

[@jasonandjulie]

Such great tips on frugal living! Thank you for sharing! 🥰

[@TamGreat]

Thank you for sharing :)

[@maryross4488]

I like the way you said take a shot of the item and go home and see if u need it. Indo that with my books that I love.nim a bookworm and tend to just pick up a book that I like and buy it. Indo collect them yes but I oly buy them from thrift shops too not at the huge bookshops. Xxx

[@jasonandjulie]

I like buying used books too! Such treasures 🥰

[@helenedwards2560]

Just wondering if you use cloth diapers to save money?

[@jasonandjulie]

I did for my first four children but I don’t currently. That would be a good money saver though!

[@suzannegonyea3726]

Cinnamon and sugar on pancakes or French toast Mmmmmmmmm

[@jasonandjulie]

Yum!

[@999chocolate9]

9:16 in your right side what animal is that in grass?

[@jasonandjulie]

It’s our cat 😊

[@curiosity7774]

This has nothing to do with saving money, but how do you keep such a small frame after 8 kids?? What are your eating/ exercise habits like?? Please share. #momof4

[@jasonandjulie]

Honestly I think a lot of it is genetics. My family is pretty naturally thin. I do try to eat whole foods and avoid junk food but I really don’t think I can take a lot of the credit 🙃

[@mrs.garcia6978]

Y’all need 2 steers, 3 pigs, and like 200 meat birds STAT! That’s how we eat cheap (and plain eat when the world loses it’s mind for months) as long as we don’t grain them. 😂 I didn’t know MO had an IKEA, the 2 near here are a nightmare tbh.

[@jasonandjulie]

Yes it is so nice being able to provide your own food like that!

[@ohske]

Good morning 👍👌♥️