every day. Garage, yard, and rummage sales provided all kinds of household goods and toys in almost perfect condition, for very little money. Turning down the thermostats and shutting off the lights when leaving a room considerably reduced our utility bill. All outside landscaping and yard upkeep was accomplished by spouse and I. Engaging in “do it yourself” projects reduced the hiring of tradesmen. Clipping coupons and stocking up on extraordinary priced sale items reduced our grocery bill. Using a hand towel instead of paper towels to dry hands reduced our costs of paper goods. Vacationing within driving distance and renting an inexpensive cottage where we prepared our own meals reduced vacation costs. Shopping at the end of the season for clothing and shoes for the following year reduced our costs for apparel. Confining celebrations and special events to the house, reduced entertainment costs. Filling the car gasoline tank half way reduced frivolous driving. Repairing holes in socks reduced the cost of hosiery. Adding insoles to sneakers prolongs the life of these shoes. Visiting farm stands in less expensive areas of the state provided fresh produce at a low price. The purchase of a less expensive economy car provided a savings in vehicle price and gasoline consumption. Beginning in the latter years of the 1990’s through 2013, it became increasingly clear to me that many people, especially the early middle aged and younger, do not know how to budget or to be thrifty with expenses resulting for some in huge debts and unpaid bills. Whether this behavior is due to a childhood where many hours were assigned to a daycare provider and/or is societal based (mind control?) is unknown to me. Possibly a lack of discipline is a factor as well. Day care providers often do not discipline a child thoroughly for bad behavior due to fears of litigation. “Time out” is the “catch all” style of disciplining today regardless of the type of bad behavior displayed. In the past there were many ways to discipline a child based on the poor behavior exhibited. Read the Commentary regarding this topic in Just Thoughts. In the 1960’s and before, budgeting limited funds was a major factor in maintaining the family’s well being. Nutritious meals were planned by mothers using food products that were on sale at the market. Sometimes large roasts of meat could provide through the cook’s use of ingenuity a varied and sumptuous meal for most of the week. Media supported the idea of stretching and reducing a food budget by depicting cooking shows demonstrating to viewers how to cook tasty meals on a small budget. Throughout the years, one usually subscribed to an American Indian and religious philosophy that food should not be discarded but eaten until finished. For example, all meat on a turkey should be eaten and the carcass used for a base broth in soup. Gristle or undesirable meat can be served to pets to reduce pet food costs. In the past, used clothing in good condition and toys were graciously accepted from relatives and friends whose children had outgrown these items. Children, many times also enjoyed wearing the clothing of an older and well respected relative or friend. Couples reviewed their finances together and agreed on how the available money would be apportioned, spent, and saved with future needs or potential future needs taken into consideration. Sometimes in reviewing bills together, couples would decide that some services were unnecessary or could be reduced resulting in substantial savings to the family. Through experience, one can tell another that these money saving suggestions when implemented can become over a short period of time fulfilling and satisfying accomplishments to family members. On the other hand, today some parents refuse to accept “hand me downs” from relatives and friends even when these items are in good to excellent condition. Some couples today do not combine their income and plan how their money is to be wisely spent and saved. Instead some money is contributed to the