Okay, the cost of living has skyrocketed—what are you skimping on—or better yet, what are your budget tips—for getting though this no-end-in-sight rough spot?
This is a great topic! Right now we’re skimping in several areas. Entertainment is the biggest though. We watch dvds we already have, or download things to watch. We have friends over and play games instead of going out. We eat simply and rely on few packaged mixes, its much cheaper. We take lunches and pack snacks and drinks when traveling. These are our scrimps right now.
I forgot to mention my own skimping areas. . . which are basically eating out less, not going to the movies (which is a big sacrifice to me, because I love that, but you are right bassoongrlspam, entertainment is a natural place to cut), and not taking those long weekend drives I used to like . . . I can’t seem to stop buying tank tops at Target, however. It’s an addiction . . .
I love to cook, so we’re “skimping” by not eating out much. It actually works well because we’re in control of what the kids eat, and so far, they and my husband like my cooking.
I am skimping on going out to eat and the movies. I only drive when i have to. My fiance’ and I have found things that are more fun to do that are cheap, like going to the park and grilling out. taking long walks and playing board games at home.
For us, it would be eating and going out which we have really cut in order to save up some money. When we go shopping we time it with an on going sale in order to save..
The kids are home for the summer and we’ve always enjoyed going out to eat once a week with them. They can’t jump up and run off to something else when we’re in a restaurant and they came in our car! And we really get a chance to visit. We never went to really expensive restaurants (Applebee’s about the most expensive), but have taken it down a notch here and there, look for coupons, and often skip the soft drinks. We also installed an automatic thermostat last fall.
Okay, the cost of living has skyrocketed—what are you skimping on—or better yet, what are your budget tips—for getting though this no-end-in-sight rough spot?
Other than the summer season I have another huge factor that drives me to shop for an entire new wardrobe… I have lost over 60 pounds and none of my clothes fit! I have only purchased some color saturated items to update my color palette to that of the current trends and I have also purchased the in-expensive basics, but that is all! Instead of spending what I don’t have on a new wardrobe I’m opting to alter my clothes myself, a custom fit is always better than a mass produced one anyways.
I’m also only buying one iced coffee a day as apposed to iced coffee, breakfast and, lunch in New York City (which is highway robbery).
I’ve cut down on cabs. I don’t own a car, but I do own a 1 year old baby boy and I tend to take cabs for the slightest of inconveniences (its too windy for the bus etc)... so I’m hanging out on the bus more often.
At the end of the month all the small savings really add up!
Hi krisbis345—just wanted to say congrats on losing 60 pounds! Good advice, too, on creating a new wardrobe with some key pieces and then altering what you’ve got—it pays to be creative in this current economic climate . . .
Other than the summer season I have another huge factor that drives me to shop for an entire new wardrobe… I have lost over 60 pounds and none of my clothes fit! I have only purchased some color saturated items to update my color palette to that of the current trends and I have also purchased the in-expensive basics, but that is all! Instead of spending what I don’t have on a new wardrobe I’m opting to alter my clothes myself, a custom fit is always better than a mass produced one anyways.
I’m also only buying one iced coffee a day as apposed to iced coffee, breakfast and, lunch in New York City (which is highway robbery).
I’ve cut down on cabs. I don’t own a car, but I do own a 1 year old baby boy and I tend to take cabs for the slightest of inconveniences (its too windy for the bus etc)... so I’m hanging out on the bus more often.
At the end of the month all the small savings really add up!
First of all, great advice. Working with what you have really is the best way to go.
Second, congratulations on your weight loss. Staying healthy is probably the single best thing you can do to save money in general.
Hi krisbis345—just wanted to say congrats on losing 60 pounds! Good advice, too, on creating a new wardrobe with some key pieces and then altering what you’ve got—it pays to be creative in this current economic climate . . .
Hi krisbis345—just wanted to say congrats on losing 60 pounds! Good advice, too, on creating a new wardrobe with some key pieces and then altering what you’ve got—it pays to be creative in this current economic climate . . .
Other than the summer season I have another huge factor that drives me to shop for an entire new wardrobe… I have lost over 60 pounds and none of my clothes fit! I have only purchased some color saturated items to update my color palette to that of the current trends and I have also purchased the in-expensive basics, but that is all! Instead of spending what I don’t have on a new wardrobe I’m opting to alter my clothes myself, a custom fit is always better than a mass produced one anyways.
I’m also only buying one iced coffee a day as apposed to iced coffee, breakfast and, lunch in New York City (which is highway robbery).
I’ve cut down on cabs. I don’t own a car, but I do own a 1 year old baby boy and I tend to take cabs for the slightest of inconveniences (its too windy for the bus etc)... so I’m hanging out on the bus more often.
At the end of the month all the small savings really add up!
First of all, great advice. Working with what you have really is the best way to go.
Second, congratulations on your weight loss. Staying healthy is probably the single best thing you can do to save money in general.
thank you ... the best part of loosing the weight is that dressing up is now fun again!!!!
Let me add my congrats on the weight loss. You’ve done a healthy thing for yourself and the people who love you and want you to stick around!
I’m packing lunches every day (saves a ton ‘o money), riding my bike or walking when I can, driving much less or consolidating trips. I also bring a bag of nuts or other healthy snacks so I’m not tempted by the vending machines or expensive food in the cafeteria in my building. I also bring my own tea (love loose tea) and make myself a cup or two a day.
We also don’t go out to eat as much. Too pricey! Second-run movies, DVDs from the library (same with books) and I have deleted all favorties off my computer for EBay, Amazon, BlueFly. We’ll see how my willpower holds up. But I find if that I just don’t go on those sites, I’m ok.
I’ve also just started shaving 10% of my pay off the top when I get paid. Just marking it in my checkbook as “savings.” It’s still in there, but mentally, it makes me think I have less $$ than I do. I used to do that when I was younger and made less money, and it works for me. Then when you need a big purchase, you have some $$. I found that 10% is pretty easy for me to sustain.
