Because Of The Economy What Have You Downsized If Anything?

United States
March 19, 2009 2:17pm CST
There are many things I have done in the past couple of years that I didn't do before trying to stretch the budget and make things work. Some of us are going through harder times than others. I gave up my cell phone a year ago. I figured I had a home phone with an answering machine and it was going to have to do for now. I go through coupons now and I never did before. I drive and older car that gets great gas mileage to stretch out the time between fill ups. Instead of shopping in major stores I cruise goodwill looking for bargins. I only go out maybe once a month now instead of once or twice a week to eat or do something fun and even when I do that I set a budget and when the money is gone it is time to come home. I buy things more in bulk now and such as food and make a game of seeing how far I can stretch it throughout the month. What are some of the things you do if any?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@daneg33 (1128)
• Canada
19 Mar 09
I haven't changed much of anything. We were living pretty frugally before the economic crisis, because most of my income goes to pay for daycare so that I can stay in the workforce and my husband's income goes to pay our mortgage. I would have to say, if anything, we have put off buying newer vehicles and managing the debt we already have.
• United States
19 Mar 09
wouldn't it be cheaper to be a stay at home mom if that is the case of where your paycheck goes....just wondering
@daneg33 (1128)
• Canada
19 Mar 09
No, if I stayed home I may as well kiss my career goodbye. The technology changes so much that I would have no idea how to do my job after a time. Staying in the work force keeps me current in more ways than one. I do have some money left over to pay the bills and buy groceries, we need two incomes to be homeowners, since we live in a very expensive area of the country.
• United States
19 Mar 09
yes you are right. Things do change quickly in the business world. Hopefully in that little bit of left over income you also take time for you because that is important :)
@benny128 (3615)
19 Mar 09
to be honest we havent cut back on anything, as you still have to live your life. I am a single dad and to be honest my main priority is my kids not the situation in the economy. So we are doing pretty much the same we were doing last year, and enjoying our-selves as lifes far too short to worry about situations that are directly out of your control.
• United States
19 Mar 09
That is amazing that being a single Dad you haven't cut back on anything. My son is going to be 23 this year so I have no children at home. I could not imagine in this day and age having 2-3 children and trying to keep my head above water especially being single. I admire that you are able to do that
@benny128 (3615)
19 Mar 09
thanks for your kind words, And wouldn't change it for the world, have fun mylotting,
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
20 Mar 09
i have done a little bit of everything i could think of. good for you, sonds like u have done real well. i live pretty close anyway but i do try not to buy as much at the grocery. i don't shop for clothes anymore. since i can't work i just wear what i have. i tried to get all my running errands done at one time. i have cut the heat back & put on warmer clothes this winter. i use coupons as long as i was getting the paper but i quit taking it. i do miss getting the coupons.