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I remember this date

November 15th, 2011 at 02:36 pm

I always remember this date. It is the day that my father died, right before my 10th birthday.
My father had retired from the service after serving almost 30 years.

My mother had never had a job in her life. Lots of women never worked; they stayed home and took care of the home and the children.

For almost two years, we had to live on my parents savings. The pension was cut off and there was no money coming in. Finally, my mother was able to get a job and the three of us had about $25 a week to live on. Fortunately, my parents had saved and had paid cash for their home when they retired to Florida.

That is how I learned to be so frugal. My mother didn't buy anything she did not need. I don't remember her ever buying anything for herself. I got a job at age 12 and was able to buy my own clothes and things for school. (I made $3 a day for a 9 hour day)

It was a valuable lesson.

Friday, the stock market went up and I had a no use gas day. Saturday, I had another no use gas day. $5 to add to the challenge.

Prev. total $18,788.00
today 5.00
new total $18,793.00

Posted in $20 Challenge | 6 Comments »

6 Responses to “I remember this date”

  1. My English Castle Says:
    November 15th, 2011 at 05:28 pm 1321378138
    1321378138

    I always wonder what gets people started on the frugal trail. Thanks for sharing your story.

  2. Amber Says:
    November 15th, 2011 at 10:35 pm 1321396535
    1321396535

    Awe Julie I am sorry to hear about your lost and at the same time am very proud of who your parents raised. Thanks for sharing this story

  3. Looking Forward Says:
    November 15th, 2011 at 10:53 pm 1321397633
    1321397633

    Wow! What a sad story with such a good outcome. I also want to say "Thank You" for sharing. Smile

  4. CB in the City Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 01:53 am 1321408427
    1321408427

    My mother had a similar past -- orphaned at 7, raised by an aunt during the Depression. They had very little. She was very frugal all her life -- now, if only my father had been, also, but he was just the opposite! And he was raised in poor circumstances as well. So I think a disadvantaged childhood can push you either way. Good for you for making the best of it.

  5. Thrifty Ray Says:
    November 16th, 2011 at 02:35 am 1321410957
    1321410957

    Julie, thank you for sharing. No wonder you are a natural at frugality...and happy early birthday to you!

  6. SicilyYoder Says:
    November 21st, 2011 at 04:49 am 1321850983
    1321850983

    Very sad. We were poor, too, and my parents divorced, but my mom grew up very plain and simple, so we always had a huge garden, and alwasy gave at least 10% of the garden to others.

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