I have to say that Growing Up Hungry left such a mark on me that I am still to this day discovering all the ways it shaped me, both good and bad.

Both My Husband And I Have Fought To Crawl Out Of A Pit Of Debt. I Know Exactly How It Feels To Cringe Every Time The Phone Rings Because The Likelihood That It Will Be A Bill Collector Is So High.

I used to turn my ringer off just so I could go a whole day without being reminded that I had gotten myself into what I thought was a complete an utterly hopeless situation.

We took some drastic measures, which really is all you can do when you find yourself in such a low place.

The surprising thing I found was how many things are available FREE through local churches and recreation centers.

WE CANCELED ALL EXTRA ACTIVITIES FOR OUR KIDS THAT WERE NOT FREE.

My kids were little and really didn’t know then, but we continued to teach them that when there is money in the budget, they can participate in extra activities and when there isn’t, they can’t.

This was challenging for us because we loved our weekly lunches out on Sundays, after church. But it was through this that I learned how to menu plan and really cook well.

WE STOPPED GOING OUT TO EAT.

This was probably the toughest thing for my husband. We were able to supplement by visiting our local library weekly to pick up some great movies completely FREE.

WE CANCELED CABLE.

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