There are a lot of things that I think are the best investments I ever made. Some are investments of time and others are things. With moving to the country we have had to make quite a few investments in equipment that will help us live here and manage some of the challenges. Some are for safety too. So as circumstances change you have to re consider your investments.
My all time best investments that I can think of are:
Collecting big storage jars for most of my life. Most have been 50c but these days I still might add one for two or three dollars. I love them. They store so much.
The same with Pyrex and Corningware cookware. All from op shops! I am not a fan of cooking or storing in plastic and these just go on and on.
Slow cookers. Oh my goodness my slow cookers are my best handmaiden! Some I have from new and others $5 in the op shop. It is nothing for me to have three going at once!
Learning to use it and things like turning left over casseroles into beautiful meat pies has built up my freezer so often. Right at this moment I know there are a dozen meat pies in the freezer ready and waiting.
Learning to cook from scratch, make stock and soups.
Learning to crochet, knit, sew and embroider. And mending!
Chickens! Chooks are one of the best investments! Always having eggs and never having any green waste is just wonderful. Plus bug control and fertiliser for the garden.
My non electric yoghurt maker. I always have fresh yoghurt and never have to buy sour cream or buttermilk either as it substitute for them all. Also probiotics!
Insulated lunch boxes, thermos, insulated travel mugs... picnic basket. All of these save a fortune. I cannot imagine what they save. One time before we moved I worked out two coffees at work would be about $8 a day for Andy. That is what his work mates spent. And this didn't include the actual lunch. He worked taking his insulated coffee cup or thermo everyday for five years. Five working years at $8 a day is over $10,000 savings in coffee alone. I thought this has to be wrong but it isn't!
Imagine what the insulated lunch bags saved!
Twice last year I went on long day trips with my Dad. Before we left I packed a picnic of rolls and slices of fruit cake, a thermos of tea, a thermo of coffee, cups etc. As the day wore on and we had travelled a lot of miles Dad pulled up under a big tree and we took a break. Out came the drinks and the cake. Dad happily talked to me about all kinds of things out there on the side of the road, in this beautiful scenery and miles form no where. I thought what a good investment it was to have made up these picnic supplies. At that lovely moment it felt like the best investment ever.
Other things include:
My sewing machine.
My mix master.
A good mattress!
Essential oils and learning about them.
Decent first aid, medical supplies and a first aid course.
The things Andy has invested in is a whole additional list but he has a tool for everything and can fix most things. Tools are a great investment.
So many skills are a great investment. I took embroidery classes years ago and embroidery became a sideline income for me. Each new skill we learn seems to pay dividends!
Maybe " the set it to use" and making things challenges you will save some money. If so investing in something that will save you more money (or time) is a way to get further ahead. You can multiply your savings many times over with good investments!
What are some of the things that have helped you the most?
What have you invested in that really paid big dividends?
Some investments we are planning now include fruit trees to establish a bigger orchard.
Because we invested in a trailer we can go pick up a heap of manure for the garden. If we invest our time in this the benefits go on and on. One good investment leads to another!
Tomorrow is the first Tuesday Afternoon Club "get together" on Facebook and next Tuesday will be the first one here on the blog. xxx
