be financially independent

Soon, I will move, and either buy or rent a house. I have been making small changes, adjusting to my new circumstances and goals. Some are silly, but small things add up.
1. I use coupons.
2. I try to only buy things on sale or with a discount.
3. I turn off the lights and air conditioning.
4. I skip pedicures and do my own toes.
5. I buy in bulk, only what we need or really eat.
6. I had to go to a party. I did need a dress as my closet is bare, but instead of spending a lot on something fancy, I went simple, cheap, and practical, and people said I looked gorgeous and very happy!
7. I sell things on Ebay! Snowboots, hiking shoes, jackets,...
8. I buy my make-up at the drug store, not Sephora or Nordstroms.
9. I froze my gym membership and save it for the middle of winter.
10. I am selling horse blankets etc…from our old ponies.
11. I am not going on vacation :(
12. I am starting a vacation fund :)
13. I am educating myself on mutual funds, etc…
14. I am going ahead with starting a business, cautiously and frugally, with possible huge success. I’ll never know unless I try!

Of all the challenges that I’ve had in the past several years, I did not expect to be in the financial position I’m in now. I know I’m not alone. I did expect that my kids would at least be financially secure. My hopefully soon to be ex-husband has made most of our money disappear, taken money from our kids college funds, has no life insurance, and is basically killing himself every day he continues to drink. SO, I must find ways to take care of myself and my family. My Master’s and provisional licensing should be complete within 2 years. I will also pursue a business idea I’ve been floating since I was 9 years old, and finally, there is always my writing, which may not be financially lucrative, but who knows!