Author Topic: What have you had to cut back on? (Read 964 times)

Marlelar · « **on:** March 06, 2013, 12:53:10 PM »

Given the tough economy that we live in, what strategies are you using to cope with it? Cutting back? 2nd job?

I think the current "middle" class is in worse shape than the "middle" class was 30 or 40 years ago.

Marsha

songbird · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2013, 09:22:21 PM »

I had a long conversation with my butcher in my neighborhood store. I watch due dates for discounts on meat. This butcher proved to his corporate manager that if you reduce pre packaged meats at 75% off at due date or just after saves the corporation money. If they don't, if they take 50% and throw away the meat, it is a very big lose. So, this butcher proved it twice and the corporation allowed him to continue. The butcher knows me and 75% of the meat goes to our trad. church for 5-6 needy families. I have the time to do it and God permits it with my husband saying yes. Thank God for the whole process that is taking place. Instead of us putting money to the poor, say $20. $20 goes further when buying meat for the needy. You would be surprised at the good meat and good deals. If there are beef franks that no one touches and the due date comes up, some times they will be on sale or BOGO. Then add the 75% off! Wow! No one can afford a pound of beef franks for $7. ea! But 75% off, divide by 4 is $2.80 then BOGO is $1.40 ea. I am blessed! If you can talk with your butcher maybe you could convince them to try this out for one month and see the result. You need another freezer besides your side by side or some one else's.

I watch the due dates and mark them down in a place, like a pocket calendar. I never shop on SUnday or Holy day. I take advantage of the thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales. In fact we need to do one. You can swap clothing for children, maybe.

That is what I do, and maybe you will hear from others on this site.

Iuvenalis · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2013, 12:31:38 AM »

Gas is nuts, so we're much more deliberate about where we are going and pooling errands and me hopping a ride with my wife, etc.

Also, freezing more when there's a deal, we almost never throw anything away that can be frozen, cooking in larger batches, and we rarely go out now.

Me and my wife hardly get clothes for ourselves, the kids get them (the younger one can luckily wear her sister's old clothes). We heard about a good thrift store recently but need to find where it is.

Renzo · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2013, 01:33:36 AM »

Writing down every penny I spend helps a lot. Having a budget is "freeing," because it lets me know what I can spend and what I can't. I especially love to come in under budget, because I carry the excess over to the next month. So, it's like a reward.

I don't think I would have bothered, if it weren't for our declining economy, but I'm glad I did.

ggreg · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2013, 05:08:59 AM »

Nothing. I live below my means so the ebbs and flows make no real difference to me.

Plus the recession has helped me if anything. More people running businesses badly realise they need to call in an external expert to get them out of trouble.

Zeitun · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2013, 12:51:16 PM »

Food, driving, clothes, and recreation in general are the things we've cut back on.

Napoli · « **Reply #6 on:** April 06, 2013, 08:11:19 PM »

God has been generous with my family. But, housing in Vancouver, Canada is the issue. Average home cost a million bucks. So, only foreigners can afford them. They are mainland Chinese who are flooding this city. In fact, you can be in most parts of the city and not see one white person.

Marlelar · « **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2013, 10:10:14 PM »

Same is true in SF Bay Area where I have family. The Chinese have lots of money so are keeping housing costs up. The buy with CASH, no 20+ yr mortgages for them.

Marsha