In this tough economy, how have YOU cut back to save money?
I stopped paying all the bills. (I still pay some of them) Works for me...creditors are a bit peeved...
I've been thinking about this question quite a bit lately. I've been looking at some things that we pay monthly and have tried to decide what we need and don't. As an example, although I would love to have a cool smart phone with a data plan, for my wife and I who hardly use our phones, it's something we can downsize on. I've been running a cost analysis on current monthly for what we have now as opposed to a pay as you go plan ($100 for 1000 minutes). I'm thinking I can save 30 - 40 dollars a month, which could go a long way to other things. Of course, I could just bring my lunch more, I guess.
I haven't at all -- we were already living at about subsistence level anyway, with very few luxuries. No, the internet isn't a luxury, since we both work full-time on it . We get our produce at wholesale with the Bountiful Baskets co-op (hardly local since they're in like 15 states now) and my husband does some work at a local meat store in exchange for bison and seafood. Entertainment costs $13 a month -- $8 for Netflix streaming and $5 for the discounted YMCA membership where I go for yoga and weight lifting, as well as walking/running in inclement weather. We live simply, but it's a very happy life, and the economy has done little to impact us directly other than to improve my freelance opportunities.
Before the economy got so bad and I was working a lot more hours, we used to look at the things we needed, and spend my check on those things, like painting, or house maintenance. We were trying to get things ready for retirement, replacing old appliances etc..
Today things are a bit different, as my check now goes for living expenses. We don't spend as much on our hobbies and the things we just want to have, rather than need.
We think twice about running to town and BBQ'ing steaks or something else. We tend to eat a lot of chicken and don't eat out as much.
by Cindy Vine 6 years ago
What are some good tips on how to save money?
by Harmax123 14 years ago
What have you done to save money in this tough economic time?question for everyone
by ElleBee 11 years ago
Are you frugal? What is the most extreme thing you've ever done to save money?
by Alissa Roberts 12 years ago
Since Black Friday is almost upon us, I would love to hear stories of how far you went to save money on Christmas presents. What is the craziest thing you have ever done to save a few bucks?
by Om Prakash Singh 14 years ago
The great recession is still in progress and till it's gonna be there for quite sometime. It has affected each and everyone of us. But I was wondering what are the things that we learned (or are still learning) from the meltdown. I personally have learned two things;1. We all must have savings, no...
by Dr Penny Pincher 10 years ago
What is the craziest thing you have done to save money?
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