Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

sara — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:30:31 GMT

In the summer I get around with only half a tank of gas. I dont lug all that weight around and give the gasoline guys money in advance of need. In the winter its another story, keep the tank full.

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

Toblerone @ SimpleMom.net — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:12:17 GMT

Amen to the ironing bit! I can't stand that chore. Throwing them in the dryer for a few minutes after line-drying solves this problem as well.

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

Kleo33811 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:38:24 GMT

I agree with all fo the suggestions. Some of the most obvious I think could benefit everyone. I am a new homeowner as of 1/2008 and I am personally happy with my decision. With the economy taking a dump at the time of my purchase I just looked around and figured that with a few thing shed I could own a home and spend less than rent. I did it with eliminating these types of things: Got rid of the home phone, Who needs it with cells these days. cut back the a/c during the day, who's home to enjoy it anyhow & Bought ceiling fans for bedrooms - spent a little to save over time, also stopped using bedspreads at night, opt for a sheet and you won't need the hosue so cold. Unplug your appliances, pc and cell charges. Turn down your water heater. With these things I save about 50.00 in electric and 45.00 in home phone. That more than makes up the gas hike. No matter how it hurts take some of the money you save by cutting a bill - even if you don't need to cut a bill like home phone do it anyways and put that money into a savings account. You will appreciate it later!!! I promise you. Even if it means no movies, bars, restaurants, or mall. I will not do any of those until I know my bills are paid and 10% of my check goes direct deposit into savings ! DO IT lol ! You will not miss it!

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

Cheapie Momma — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:36:20 GMT

Don't go into Walmart at all!! I buy all my food at local grocery stores and spend 70.00 a week for 6 ppl....I go to Walmart for 1 gallon of milk and walk out with 170.00 worth of crap I don't need!!

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

LB — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:58:38 GMT

Get rid of your landline telephone. A cell phone is all you really need.

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

jj — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:07:30 GMT

You can also save by making your own frozen meals. I prepare chicken or another type of protein, place it in small containers to be used when I am ready for it. That way, I am do not get "tired" of the left-overs. I can then bring it the next day for lunch or add it to another meal, i.e. stir fry or add another type of sauce for variety.

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

Ann — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:14:53 GMT

Pour your leftover coffee in an air tight jar and put it in the refrigerator for tomorrow morning. Heat it in the microwave. Coffee is expensive-why waste it?

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

Cynthia Yost — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:56:12 GMT

A way to save money on replacing small appliances...BUY VINTAGE ONES!!!! My mother had a Hamilton Beach mixer that was a wedding present from her mother. Mom married in'49,and the mixer was still working in'79, when she put it away because Dad bought her a new KitchenAid. I bought a 60 year old Mixmaster mixer with the bowl and beaters at a yard sale in about 1992, used it almost every day, and gave it to my visiting,poorer sister in 1999, still running! My current husband pays BIG for high quality small appliances, and I read and follow the instructions, and we STILL have to buy a new toaster fairly often! I won a 60 year old toaster on ebay, which still works, according to the seller. I bet THAT will last longer than 5 months!! And it is PRETTY, to boot!

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

andrew — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:44:49 GMT

one of the best way to be ruthless on saving is what i coined as 'zero waste' strategy.Imagine u have zero budget,what is the first thing you value most comes to your mind.This strategy is to ensure you ONLY buy what u really needs not what u wants. An example,If food is the no 1 priority,focus on food purchases first while stop budgetting all other expenses like buying clothes,entertaining. Work on getting the most value for food.Find out the cost driver for food purchases because the cheapest food may not necessarily give you the most cost saving.An example is you have to drive to a longer distance in order to buy cheaper food.happy brain storming!

re: Count 'em: 75 tips for surviving a crummy economy

Arizona Mama — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:57:22 GMT

We live in Arizona in the "Valley of the Sun", apptly named!

I cook most meals in a crock pot (have 3 sizes for various meals or mail dishes), have a small countertop convection oven for pizza, rolls, biscuits. Takes less electric and doesn't emit a lot of heat!

We do "On Peak/Off Peak..i.e. the electric company offers lower rates on Off Peak. We turn our AC OFF during the Peak hours. Yes, by 8 PM it's a little warm in the house, but the savings are worth it! We do not wash/dry clothes or run anything unnecessary during Peak Hours, except ceiling fans and area fans for rooms we are in.

Meals: If you use boxed "hamburger/tuna helper type things, add extra noodles (maybe a hand full) to give you more substance, taste is the same. I add an onion or part of one, my own seasoning. If you like, a box of mac & cheese, a can or 2 of tuna, mixed veggies, 1/4 onion, celery, if you have it, salt, pepper, garlic and a can of cream of something (we use mushroom or celery, store brand is fine & cheaper);

We eat less meat than most families of our size. We have proudly raised 6 children and one meal would be stretched with 1 lb of hamburger, noodles, can of tomatoe soup, again onion, celery, green pepper (1/2 will work for taste), oregano, basil, garlic, salt & pepper. As I've gotten older, have found sea salt tastes better and use much less of it.