One Mom's Solution to the Budget Crunch

With the crunch in the economy, we are looking for ways to cut back on our living expenses. Some days I feel like I have trimmed our budget so severely that instead of holding a ripe, juicy apple in my hand, all that's left is the seedy core. Things we once took for granted, like electricity, indoor plumbing, cell phones, high speed internet, and other luxuries are now examined with a critical eye to determine their necessity.

As I viewed our bills today with an exasperated groan, I was tempted to make a radical change in lifestyle and join the ranks of the Amish. Amish use kerosene lanterns for light and have an outhouse situated conveniently in their backyard. Amish don't have cell phones, and as for high speed internet -- well, that is a term they probably haven't heard. They don't need gas for their cars, because they have no cars. They don't believe in insurance, so forget those high monthly premiums. And the cable bill? Not a chance, since they don't believe in television.

By joining the Amish, I figure I can reduce our monthly costs by around $2000. That looks mighty fine right now, with a struggling business we are trying to pull out of the red. The only problem is this: what will my family say when I announce the news to them?