Ed Note: I’ll confess up front, I’m not always diligent about keeping up with the dishes and there are only two of us living here right now. But I so love a tidy kitchen, especially my beautiful remodeled kitchen with its beautiful cabinets and count tops. I assure you, my kitchen now has a lived in look but this picture is a good reminder of what I need to aspire to daily.
Dirty Dishes Cause Debt! by Jill Cooper (guest post)
www.livingonadime.com
The other day I was asked one of the most common questions that people ask me: “Where do I start if I want to get out of debt?” After telling me of her huge credit card debt and how they eat out almost every night, the lady took a deep breath and said, “How do I save on laundry detergent and cleaning supplies?” Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees.
Even though saving money on cleaning supplies does help and should be part of your plan, that usually isn’t where the biggest problem with the debt lies. This woman never once thought to ask me how to stop eating out so much. Most people don’t want to face the real causes of their debt because their biggest problems are the things they like the most. Going out to eat is one of the top five causes of debt.
Get those dirty dishes out of the sink!!
We go out to eat because we can’t face a dirty kitchen. Keeping your kitchen empty of dirty dishes is the key to saving money. This is probably the #1 way to start getting out of debt. Most people are so overwhelmed with piled counter tops and dirty dishes that they would rather go out to eat than face a dirty kitchen.
Do the dishes after every meal and keep hot soapy water in the sink while you are baking or cooking. Clean as you go. If your sink is empty and the dishes are washed, your kitchen always looks good. This helps you save money because you have the time and space to cook.
To get in and out of the kitchen quickly, try these easy steps:
- Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and put the hand washables in it to soak.
- Wipe off counter tops and tables with hot soapy water. (This way, if you have unexpected company, at least your table and counters will be clean.)
- Sweep the floor and shake throw rugs if needed.
- Wash the dishes that have been soaking.
- Wipe down the faucets and dry with a towel. (Be sure to wipe any sticky appliances, too.)
- Put out a clean dish rag and towel.
- Take out the trash.
These simple steps can help you start climbing your way out of debt. You will be amazed how much better you will feel just having the kitchen clean.
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Although they say that dishwashers are most cost-effective (and I DO love dishwashers!), I find that our temporary residence without the dishwasher requires I keep it cleaner. It was easier to let dishes pile up, knowing that I was only going to transfer them “out of sight”. Now the kitchen quickly becomes unmanageable if I don’t require everyone use the same cup all day, and if I don’t wash dishes several time throughout the day. It is time-consuming, but I do have a cleaner kitchen without the dishwasher because I have more routinely maintained kitchen (just don’t tell my husband).
Love the new kitchen!
Dear Marilyn,
I was so excited to read your latest news letter. I too had a very difficult year in 2010. Actually, the most difficult in my life! I almost lost my daughter to starvation due to an undiagnosed intestinal blockage. For 5 months, I tried to keep her alive virtually on my own. Thankfully, the Lord lead us to a wonderful surgeon just in time to save her life. But my emotions are still reeling from the experience. You are so right! The news media seems to serve one purpose these days. To instill fear and anxiety. When I “turned them off” for several weeks, I was amazed at the difference in my mind set.
Anyway, this past week, I decided that it is time to do something constructive this year. I am a stay at home homemaker with grown children. Though they still come around a lot, I don’t have the daily task of taking care of little ones. So I was thinking, “what can I do with my days that will really make a difference?” I so want to have something to show for my time. I haven’t answered that question yet, but am on the road to finding it. And your letter was so inspiring in that thought process. I recently read an article about “producing” rather than consuming. That was the catalyst. So I’ll be checking out the book that you mentioned. Just wanted you to know that we are on the same page, and I look forward to your e-letters.
Oh, and love the new kitchen! Blessings, Mary Jean
Dear Marilyn, this is Ruth from TN. I really enjoyed your article. I hadn’t heard about the book. Our children are 15-25 and all of us have learned so many new skills over the years and are continuing. This last year I made my first hard cheeses…Colby and Stirred curd cheddar! I am soo excited! We had extra milk from our miniature jerseys…I had made yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese and mozzarella for years. This has been a whole new adventure. We are still praying for you every day (and your family). I will say it again, “Grief takes TIME.” You are getting and will get THROUGH it by GOD’S grace. I am so proud of you. I can’t believe you took on a kitchen remodel!! It looks beautiful. Knitting and crocheting are only the start, how about needle tatting (or with the shuttle)? or huck weaving? There are so many resources now.We were privileged to learn from an older lady a lot of the skills no one knows how to do anymore. Now, our daughters are teaching others as a way of passing that knowledge down. After you learn, you will pass it on…you are a natural teacher! Warmest regards and blessings, Ruth
Ruth,
I didn’t realize what I was getting into or I definitely would have been less ambitious and waited. Now I’m paying for it, as the grief process is ongoing as you know. Thanks so much for the ongoing reminder that It takes time and I’ll get through by God’s grace alone. Marilyn