Career Woman to Coupon Mom: Frugal Life from a New Perspective

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When we made the decision to homeschool, I went from career woman to coupon mom and gained a new perspective on living the frugal life. It happened practically overnight. One moment I was sitting at the top of a busy career, and the next I was clipping coupons and shopping for a mini van. Let me be clear, I was NEVER going to drive a mini van!

We had not considered homeschooling for our family, but we suddenly found ourselves in a situation where God was making it all too clear that it was His intended path for our family. For the record, I was NOT very happy about the idea and fought it pretty hard for a while.

God said, “Homeschool.” I pretended not to hear. God said, “Homeschool.” I said, “No way!”  God said, “Homeschool.” I threw myself on the floor and held my breath while kicking my feet. You get the idea. But when all was said and done, I could not do anything for my family other than what God directed, and so our lives changed dramatically.

The first thing that needed to happen was for me to have an attitude adjustment and for that to take place, my perspective needed to change.  I needed to view the frugal life as something to be desired, a fun challenge, a responsible and good way to live – not as a punishment and a sacrifice to be avoided at all cost. I was about as far from the finish line as you could imagine.

Once our decision was made, I dug in to figure out what should happen next and how I was supposed to go about this stay at home, homeschool mom thing.  I did what most anyone would do–I treated it like a research project. I Googled and read. I talked to people who seemed to know what they were doing. I did my best to completely research what homeschooling is really about.

God blessed our obedience despite the fact that He had a rather spoiled child on His hands.

When I started clipping coupons, I knew I was a changed woman. I got myself a binder and at least 2 copies of the weekly newspaper and clipped those coupons and filed them–whether we needed them or not.  I began shopping the BOGO sales, and if it wasn’t on my list and I didn’t have a coupon – it didn’t go in my cart.  I started planning family meals and even cooking most of them.  We grew some vegetables in a small garden box. I now own a wheat grinder and a bread maker!

As for our homeschool, I did a lot of reviews the first few years and earned the back-bone of our family’s curriculum in return. I got used books from other homeschool moms and generous friends who were more than happy to help a newbie.  

We do a lot of reading together and exploring of God’s creation. It is amazing how much kids can learn on a nature walk with simply a Bible, a field journal, and an inexpensive magnifying glass! We find topics of interest and track down the information we need. God has been faithful to provide.

We joined our local science center for only $75 per year, and because they are a member of ASTC.org, we have access to some 300 museums around the country. We do as much traveling and exploring in those as we can manage. Travel has always been high on my list of priorities. Believe it or not, God in His infinite grace and love has provided the way for us to do much more of it than I would have been able to do were I still tied to a demanding full-time career outside the home.

We just returned from a trip to Atlanta for a convention which I was paid to take part in. We also had a great field trip and saw family and friends.  Most of our travel is either paid for in full or in part by work God has provided through homeschool companies.  I take full advantage of the opportunities–often by bringing along our camping gear. We stop at museums and parks all along the way. This spring, we will be in 6 – 7 different states including Washington D.C. – which is at the top of my field trip list!

I never thought I would drive a mini van. I would not have imagined that I could enjoy the frugal life, and in a million years I would not have guessed that I would be homeschooling 3 little boys. I am so very thankful that God in His infinite wisdom knew so much better than I what is good and right for our family. I am eternally grateful that He has taken me from career woman to coupon mom.

My perspective has changed on the frugal life, and the view from here is incredible!