Have you changed your spending habits with this recession?

1. 60

   Ladyfoxx321posted 14 years ago

   With the unemployment statistics in the double digits, the housing market at an astonishing low and businesses failing, how have you changed your spending habits or has the recession affected you?  Other than Hubpages, what have you done to supplement your income?  What strategies for saving money do you recommend?
   
   Personally, we have cut down on eating out, which had gotten out of hand.  We use public transportation more often and the cost savings go into an account for house repairs or to pay for our weekend excursions.  Please share, someone may be at their wits end trying to make ends meet and you may have a solution.  Thanks.

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2. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   No, I changed my spending habits in the last recession. And I’ve never changed them back.
   
   As for a tip, I never buy a book. It's always off to the library for me.

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3. 0

   Onusonusposted 14 years ago

   My wife's been cuponing.....

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4. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago

   And another one. On average, junk food costs more per ounce than meat. I’m serious; I did the math.

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5. 53

   kmackey32posted 14 years ago

   Things have been the same for me....

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6. 60

   Ladyfoxx321posted 14 years ago

   That's good to be able to maintain your same lifestyle with no changes.  Couponing is great; I need to do it more often.

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7. 66

   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   Things were pretty much "as usual" for me until the whole PANDA thing - but that's a-whole-nother issue, isn't it....     

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8. 51

   BKELLYposted 14 years ago

   create a budget and stick to it! i used to think that doing the math in my head would do the trick, but i was soooo wrong..

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9. 59

   fdoleacposted 14 years ago

   Yes, we have delayed major purchases, reduced our visits to restaurants and in general focused on needs instead of wants.

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10. 77

    Moonchild60posted 14 years ago

    I don't really have to, thank God, but I started to cut coupons, look for more sales, eat out less and stopped just buying whatever I want because I can.  It's nice, but it just feels wrong, all things considered.  What confuses me is that according to the Stock Market and the financial stations, retail sales increased in March...what is that about?  Seriously??? I know it wasn't because of ME.

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11. 60

    Ladyfoxx321posted 14 years ago

    I've learned not to beleive the "experts" necessarily when it comes to money and spending trends, etc.  The best thing to do is put money away; including in ways that you can get to your money if necessary (money under mattress).
    
    Also, writing a spending plan or budget does really help.  When you see it on paper it makes a difference and is easier to make adjustments.
    
    Delaying major purchases is also a good idea.  We've sold alot of unnecessary items in order to have extra money and help others out at the same time.

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12. 67

    Joy56posted 14 years ago

    you know what i have had to change a lot, and i think i am happier, not jetting around the world, and not eating out, and not buying things i dont really need.  Sitting in the house, enjoying the comfort, and communicating on hub pages, cant put a price on it...... i am happy

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13. 60

    4closurefraud32posted 14 years ago

    i have definitely - coupons! coupons! coupons! planning trips to save gas and watching the budget A LOT more closely. money seems to evaporate nowadays.

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14. 73

    cheaptrickposted 14 years ago

    You would not believe how hard all this new legislation has hit small business's.The new so called food safety bill requires operations like ours to pay all expenses for inspections,new permits,and non patented seed.Small business has taken the brunt of this deluge of new tax laws as well.We're still afloat but We've run out of buffers and it looks like the storms going to get allot worse soon.
    Yes,I've changed my spending habits.

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15. 59

    JSwindellposted 14 years ago

    Yes.  Ten years ago, I used to go into a state of frenzy over post-holiday sales at clothing and shoes stores.  For the past couple of years, it's been about those post-holiday bundles at Target and the satisfaction of knowing I'll have almost a years' worth of cleaning supplies for less than $50.

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16. 60

    Ladyfoxx321posted 14 years ago

    Wow, I am so sorry about your business.  You're right, the new tax laws has really hurt the small and disadvantaged businesses.  Small business really do keep the country going to some degree and it seems we are defeating the purpose. 
    
    Coupons are good.  I am trying to be more diligent in using them, but its no good when I leave them on the kitchen table!  Do you have a good organization system 4closurefraud32?
    
    JSwindell, I'm with you, I don't do the holiday shopping anymore, I gave it up because it is meaningless to me.  I'm generous throughout the year, so everyone understands my philosophy.

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