Your story is something I really needed to read today.  My husband and I have decided that I am going to stay home and be a full time mom - this is scary as our income will be cut in half.  But the rewards are unmeasurable.  I have  9 and 11 year old girls.  I have always worked and infact only "slowed down" while pregnant, after the babies were first born (first three months of birth) and on and off while our oldest son endured chemotherapy.  He passed away 5 years ago.  To say I am not terrified of living on a limited income would be a farse but reading how you have done it gives me the optomisim I need.  Thank you

THIS IS WAT HAPPENS WHEN WOMEN GET DIVORCED, FROM THEIR MAN THAT PAYS ALL THE BILLS

Donna's articles are a wake-up call to those of us who have been sucked into the American consumer lifestyle.  We have been heavily marketed to, subtly and not so subtly instructed to want more stuff.   My simple trick:  stop watching TV.  Living simply is an attitude, and a mighty difficult one to adhere to these days.  But it is so rewarding, and there are so many free pleasures available in the world.  The important thing, I think, is to consume consciously, which is the byproduct of living mindfully.  What an valuable message Donna sends!  Thanks, Donna - keep on sharing your story and tips, and for all the readers, continue to take what benefits you and those you love, and leave the rest behind.

Good grief!!  Give this woman a break!!  I think that living on $12,000 a year , even if you count the additional "income" from some freelance work, etc., is still pretty phenomenal!  We live in an increasingly expensive time, when everyday necessities are skyrocketing in price, so I think that she needs to make no apologies for the occasional bump in her income, because most of the "extras" she mentioned (freelance work, the generosity of others, etc.) are not something that can be counted on with any certainty.  I LOVE the articles Donna has written, and I hope that she will continue to write about how her life, and values regarding money, evolve as she works on completing her education and, at some point, returning to the workforce in a higher paying job.

I commend Ms. Freeman for brilliantly bringing the desire/concept along with the real world application of frugally surviving on 12K.  Currently unemployed and drowning in debt, which I admit was self inflicted, I contemplate bankruptcy as I deal with the foreclosure of my home.  There is no shame in reaching out to others, and going back home if necessary, which is something that I will have to do.  I have learned a lot from my situation and her article, and realize that I am very fortunate to even be offered shelter from family and friends.  For those that criticized the  “bonuses” of the generosity from others that reached out to her, shame on them.  You never know when hard times will hit, or your area will go through hard economic times.  For those that have learned to make it on minimum means, I also commend you.  But those that are kicking dirt, should looking within themselves and realize that through the grace of God, they are fortunate to be frugal and comfortable also.  

I COULD NOT HAVE READ YOUR MESSAGE ANY SOONER, FULLY AGREE.

Yesterday, I started looking a my bills, trying to decide if it was more cost effective to bundle my telephone bill, cable, cell phone and dsl.  When I took a close look at the cell phone which i pay 39.95 for, it cost me 45.00 just for usage,taxes etc.   Do I really need cable or will a few good videos or cd's suffice.  After all these days the tv looks at me, I rarely am able to enjoy 15 minutes before falling asleep.  So if I eliminate cable,which cost me 88.00 last month, and the cell phone 80.00 I will recoup $160.  Maybe i can substitute the cell phone with a calling card.  Anyway I am still making comparisons.  

hi donna , im curious,, on your downs days, what do you do? I mean when your day is going bad? I recently moved out on my own , and working full time. im having several bad days, Like to much month at the end of my money,, I managed to save and buy a cheap car, everything has went wrong at the worst possible times<< battery starter, etc. somedays i just wanna scream! and have! I wash cars after my day job to help with my bills, but its winter time not many people want them cleaned now. GuessI,m just venting, how do people make it with a Min wage job? I really am trying to live a good and Honest life, any 1 out there with advice please if you have time write to me I'd greatly appreciate it! jryankanipe@bellsouth.net  western Ky

I dont think Donna was trying to show she could live totally on 12K a year, without someone buying her lunch, or letting her stay at their house when she visits but rather to let us share her journey to "do a lot with very little" Congrats Donna!! and to all those who pick at her results, give her a break, at least she is not doing it on welfare, she is carrying herself thru life and alot of other folks could learn from her example.  Keep the articles coming Donna and God bless.

I'm a returned college student, who just broke off a wedding and moved out on my own. I only make a little more then you but own nothing.But the problem is rent here is off the wall esp if you don't want to live in the ghetto and get shot. My rent is $700 and I'm just 3 blocks from the bad area. So I'm having a hard time getting by. I have health issues and have several doctors I must get to. So I must buy a car this year. I'm borrowing my ex's now. I make to much money for the food banks one must only make 12,000. Any other suggestions.

I read with real interest all 3 of the articles that Donna has on the web, just this afternoon. I have been there. Raised poor, married middle class, had huge debts that were aquired by my then husband (he loved credit cards, mortgaging a paid for farm and trailer, and drink), divorced with several kids still at home and no, I did not receive child support or alimony, and have been as happy in the last 10 years as I was in the first 20, before marriage. I consider my children my greatest asset! I don't really think the point is the living on $12,000 a year, to me it is living on what you make. Okay, how many can honestly say that they haven't gone out to eat with friends, and the friends picked up the tab. How many haven't gone to visit someone and stayed at their home, free of charge. How many haven't done an odd job or bartered for something in life. There are many things that one does that may bring a few dollars or save a few, that aren't even remembered later. Are all the irate readers telling the IRS of the money they received for a gift, or the few dollars they may have made repairing something for someone, or providing a service to someone. I think not! Why then is it so bad for something good to be happening to this lady at this time in her life? I feel rich in family and friends. I do not have good health and  will never be cured, but it is quality of life not quantity, for myself. I don't have lots of money, but if there is a collection going for one of my fellow workers, I will give my last few dollars. I have extra cans of food for such times as I have given my money to someone who needs it more, so I will not make that trip to the grocery store. I shop at auctions, flea markets, thrift stores, garage sales, etc. I consider them an adventure in finding something I want or need, but can't afford new. My last 3 couches were $5 each at auctions. Sure they were older than my oldest kids, but, they were comfortable, durable, and like new as they were well taken care of by the elderly people who probably bought them new. All I am saying, and I think what I interpret Donna as trying to say, is that you live on what you have, not buy now and pay when they catch up to you. I commend her for her writing and wish for all the best in the future. Stay happy no matter how you do it!