Inspiration to save money doesn’t happen often, let alone through television. I found watching the TLC show Kids by the dozen about the Jeub family to be extremely motivating. The Jeubs live extremely frugal lives and have fun while raising 14 children. I especially found myself amazed watching the family shopping trip where they would buy a shopping cart full of groceries and still spend less than $150 a week with a total household income of less than $40,000. I would hope that the TLC show increased the families income as well as some sponsorships or a possible book endorsement. Wendy Jeub has written a cookbook called Love in the kitchen and sells for $15.96 on the families website here.
Some other frugal tips from the Jeubs show featured a birthday celebration day where they celebrated all of the Jeub children together. This allowed for one giant party where all the children received gifts and had family and friends over for a huge celebration.
The Jeubs also had a family business where they write and distribute a speech and debate curriculum. I was fascinated that one of the daughter’s was interested in working in the family office and learning about business at such a young age. Writing books can be a wonderful source of passive income or residual income. The Jeubs also have a book that I’ll be ordering called Love In The House that explain how they spend less than $600 a month on groceries, frugal ideas like the birthday bash and more.
Are you able to support your family on $40,000 a year? How about if you had a family of 14? What inspires me about the Jeub’s is not just limited to the salary supporting the entire family for all the basic needs, but for much more including:
1. Strong family bond. They Jeub family has struggled through some difficult times and continues to have faith and a strong belief in family.
2. Hard work. Television always has a way of making something seem glamorous, including working on a farm. The Jeubs raise chickens for eggs and mend clothes to make them last for future generations. I can’t even imagine washing clothes for 14 children, as that would drive me crazy. This take more than hard work, but tenacity.
3. Team building. Watching the children work together, whether through home schooling, chores, or working in the family business was priceless. The lessons learned here will last throughout a lifetime and allow them to teach future generations. I really enjoy watching the buddy system where they pair up a younger child with an older mentor.
4. Frugality. How they can shop for 14 children for under $600 a month is remarkable. Is your household grocery budget under $600 a month? I know a few friends that spend more and they don’t have any children. Eating out several times a week would do it for most families.
Did you watch any inspirational television programs in 2008 that helped shape your personal finance journey?
