Dole

Read at your own risk. Let me preface this by saying (at least for the LDS folk) I believe only in the church welfare program and only under certain circumstances *

Many LDS people struggle week to week to pay bills including myself, at least at this juncture of my life. We enjoy some luxuries we could do with out such as phone, basic dish, and basic Internet.
Sara and I had a small miracle this month.We made a budget of $35 a week for food that's $140 per month. Sara said there is no way we are going to be able to do that unless we stock our pantry with the basics (Pasta, canned veggies-fruits and other misc). My reply was we have to, we have no choice. Here we are a month into it and today I asked her how she thought we did? Sara was amazed that first we didn't starve and second we made some of the most delicious meals I've eaten to date. Are we proud of ourselves? Heck yes. The funny thing is we didn't do it to save money, we did it out of necessity. I know, I know cry me a river. Don't tell Sara but we probably could've made it on less.
How often do people take advantage of the system saying their situation is different. They believe they are exempt and no one really understands their details (except the specialists within the government program they are associated with). Are they carefully taking care of their financial responsibilities in every aspect before they begin to ask for help. Are you planning on going on welfare in the future? If so, start saving now so you won't have to. Do you have cell phones, dish, and Internet. Do you eat out? Are you lights on all day, the temp of your house at 75º all day and night? Is your lifestyle expenditures more than your income? Think about it before you ask for help.
What are we taught? When in need the first resource for providing for the family is the father. The father may need to take more than 1 job to keep his house in order. The wife may need to pitch in too. How much respect would a wife gain for her husband coming to her in humility, "honey I need to take another job so we can keep food in our kids bellies".
I gained a huge amount of respect for Sara. In 2007 Sara was selling her blood to help pay for groceries. We were in a new house and the mortgage was high. Talk about degrading for me as a husband. I stood by and watched my poor wife do that for 2 months or so. She insisted on helping out. She didn't want to feel like she wasn't doing her part. When the phlebotomist perforated her vein I had enough. Although I respected her desire to help out my pride took a huge hit. She was worth more to me then the blood she was selling. I found another job, then another until we didn't need the extra $100 a month.
The second resource after exhausting the first is to go to the family. Third, friends. Who wouldn't help a friend out. Last resource is the Bishop/church. I have never read in any circumstance that taking dole from the government is healthy. On the contrary, it is destructive spiritually. I know your situation is different, I've read about it.
We are a society of we want it and we want it now. We can't put off our future because we want it now. Give me everything now. No I don't want to save I want it now. I don't care if I have to go in debt, I'll go on welfare but please don't put me out and make me wait. Marriage, kids, home, computers, vacations, school, career. Get a job, get two. Sell some things, have some self respect, gain respect from your wife. Save up, then put your plans in action. I know I am preaching to the choir but man o man things are tight and it hurts to see people on the dole, people taking church welfare, people on any kind of welfare buying things I cannot afford. I work my butt off and see little progress sometimes. I can honestly say when I go to bed I have a clear financial conscience, I pray to God in thanks every night for my job that allows me to have a home to call my own for the means to keep my family fed and warm and the few small luxuries we have.

Be frugal.


*Unplanned circumstance such as divorce, death, loss of job, accident, or those who do not have an understanding of provident living.