Have You Cut Back On Your Spending?

I have cut back on frivolous shopping.  I have even saved my "surplus" monies provided by the gov. In my savings acct.♥Nassy
I REFUSE TO CUT BACK ON MY $250.00 PER MONTH BILL FOR MY NUTRA-SYSTEM DIET FOOD.

Yeah. I've definitely had to cut back because of the fact that the U.S. Economy is in the toilet. It has been tough, but I think I can make it through. Here are a few things that I have done to make ends meet:

• I've had to cut back on groceries. I will only buy the essentials (which has been great for my diet) i.e.: Milk, bread, meat, cheese, and eggs. It isn't too bad since it is just me. I don't have to cook for anyone.
  
• I've also used public transportation instead of driving longer distances. Because gas is so expensive, I try not to drive unless it is necessary. If something is within walking distance, you can bet I'll get my tennis shoes on and walk.
  
• Getting rid of extra services or at least downgrading services has really helped also. Different things that you can downgrade on are internet, cable, phone service, and gym memberships. It may seem trivial, but the few dollars you save for each really add up each month so I can fill up my gas tank or just make a bigger bill payment.
• I also bring my lunch to work everyday. Not eating out saves me about $20 a week (if not more). That really adds up fast.
• Instead of going to full-priced movies, I'll wait until those movies come out in the dollar theatre. A dollar I can pay to see a movie once in a while.
• I've also signed up for reward/discount programs: Maverik gas stations have a discount card where you will get 2 cents off of every gallon. Again, this may not seem like a lot, but it really adds up after a month's worth of gas.
  
• I've had to get a second job to help ends meet. I found that there are a lot of openings with companies that specialize in telemarketing services. These jobs are pretty simple and very flexible with their hours. They try to fit your schedule, which was great since I had another job at the time.
• At the end of this month I am even moving to save some money. I will soon be only six minutes away from my job with a rent payment $50 cheaper. So yes, I even am moving to save a little money each month.
  

Some of the things I refuse to give up on during this economic struggle are books. I have an addiction to books--all kinds of books. I will still occasionally go to a bookstore and buy a book. But I do limit this a little bit. I have to avoid all bookstores where I can because if I go in one, I'll be coming out with a book or twelve. But I do enjoy it.

Let's all hope the economy gets better soon.

I am newly retired and planned for it years ago...so while I am not 'rich' I am relatively frugal - but not in everything!!...I eat out with friends once a week...so don't consider that an extravagance..
 
* I use my local library for internet access
* I use coupons whenever possible when grocery shopping
* Subscribe to many magazines(another weakness!!) but only at discount prices; have never paid full price for a magazine subscription in over 20 years!! (by the way, the co. I use is Delta Publishing....the lowest prices ever!!!)
* Love DVDs and CDs and books, and have only paid full price for about 5 to 10% of them; I get deals thru book/cd/dvd clubs, discount dealers you can find online, etc.
* Don't drive as much as I used to, but then who does??
* and I REFUSE to give up my cable and premium movie channels!!
* I REFUSE to give up shopping on the internet from time to time,also!!
* I watch what I eat....every other day I cut out sweets, etc., then the next day I allow myself a small amount of the junk food...by the way, this can help you lose weight...you don't feel deprived, as, 'you can do anything for just one day"...try it!!
Guess I've rambled on a little too long! So that's it!!
 

Yes, times are getting tougher and pennies have to be counted now where they didn't before.
 

1. We've cut way back on eating out to once a month now. 



2. We don't go to the movies anymore, but just rent for more movie nights in. 



3. I've gone back to the remembered "old days" of our early years of marriage and plan weekly menus and prepare an exact shopping list. 



4. I'm using leftovers better than before--even planning for them to freeze for meals later.



5. I'm also going to local Farmers Markets for fresh produce that I'm freezing for later use. 



6. I'm going to discount grocery stores and trying more house brands, which I've found to be generally as good as national brands in most cases.



7. I go to the bread store and purchase bread, rolls and buns at a huge discount and freeze until needed.



8. Never thought I'd do this, but I've been shopping at Thrift Stores for clothes for me and my grandson.  I've found some incredible bargains.  You just have to look at what's there and check in on scheduled visits.



9. I've also become more active with my Ebay store and am glad to report that sales have increased.

The one thing that I will not get rid of until the last will be my high speed Internet and my cable TV!
 
If you're "penny pinching" too, I wish you good luck!!
 

Yes have certainly cut back. No rides just for fun in the hot rod as it gets 8 miles per gallon of premium. Reduced the eating out. Watch the food budget. Come to think of it have cut back on just about everything I used to do!

Here are a few tips from my personal experience:

-drive slower when possible and pre-plan easiest routes to save gas
-don't eat out as much
-clip coupons for food and buy only the food you need in the house
-shop online or at cheap stores
-save change
-sell things on eBay