My daughter was born in 1987 while I was a senior in high school, and I was a single mother for almost 8 years.  Frugal by necessity, I didn't fully appreciate my ability to pinch a penny. It wasn't until later I realized the valuable lifelong skills I had acquired.

I struggled my way through college while working as a bookkeeper. After earning a degree in English and business, I went to work as an accountant. At that time I was very much into my career--what I wanted more than anything was to be a successful working mom.

My career in accounting just wasn't paying the bills, however, so I made a complete career change and went to work as a technical editor and computer network administrator. I was then able to provide a more stable life for myself and my daughter.

I started working harder and harder, trying to do more, be more, achieve more. One day it finally dawned on me that our family was falling into the trap of earning more = spending more.

I knew I wanted a more simple, self-sustaining life. As my family struggled to make ends meet, I realized there were other people who also wanted to live life more simply, and needed help in learning how to cut back on household expenses to have more money and more time for their families.

I decided to share the money-saving homemaking skills I'd learned with others. In 1998, I started a newsletter, began compiling booklets of my favorite family recipes, and established a web site to share whatever knowledge of creative homemaking skills I could. We managed to cut our expenses back to the point where my husband could attend college full time so we could work towards a more stable financial future.

About two years ago I asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life and I started to grow as a Christian, as well as a wife and mother.

I continue to work full time while pursuing my writing career as a hobby. In addition to maintaining my web site, I do a lot of freelance writing. I am very involved in my church and enjoy working with the high school youth group as well as ministering to single moms. On any given weekend you can find me spending time with my family, watching movies, and playing with our two dogs and three cats.

From my home to yours...God Bless,
Rachel Paxton