In this economy, . . .

[kryptychyck]

Just the basics

When I got laid off in February, I gave up an awesome apartment and cancelled brand new furniture and moved into my parents' house. That was a very low point for me. the good news is that I just got a new job yay!

I have given up my extravagances. I have no children or a mortgage, but my new rent is very expensive nonetheless. I was never in debt, but I enjoyed planning my splurges: trips to the spa, pedicures, massages, manicures. I would get my hair and make up done for nights out. i did not buy my spring Kate Spade purse with matching wallet and I dared not even visit the Burberry store this season either! Actually, I did not see anything at Kate Spade that impressed me yet. No more last minute shoe purchases. I stay out of the high end section of the King of Prussia mall. In fact - I stay out of all the malls!!! I do not have a vacation scheduled this year - but that might change...

I basically stuck to the necessities - food, gas, phone bill, car payments. I did buy some nice interview suits and I did fly up to Boston for job interviews (tax deductible of course).

I did have to buy a new laptop b/c my very old finally went. Thankfully, I have the money for that b/c I did not blow it on anything else! I bought fitness equipment to go with my STS. I paid for my gym membership and got my hair done once - cut and highlighted b/c it was a disgrace.

Now that I wil be earning a paycheck again, I am going to be more careful with my spending. I was never in debt, but I was not frugal either. I saved, but I was capricious with money too. Now I am going to plan a bit more and be a bit smarter. I was never out of control, but like my mother said recently - I didn't exactly go without either. I did get what I wanted when I wanted. I guess my days of living so whimsically are over. This was a big lesson!

 

[elliemom]

I am sooooo cheap (thrifty) okay cheap, that I didn't really have to cut back. I have always been a saver and I don't like my house cluttered with too much STUFF. I have little boys who get much more enjoyment out of trips to the local park (free), picnic lunch, having friends over, than they ever get from big expensive toys.

I am glad that more people are learning to enjoy the simple things.

Okay okay I did get the new DVD's (but that was a NEED) see how i can convince myself????

ellie

 

[nancy324]

We're only going out to dinner now on special occasions, and even then, we don't go to the really expensive restaurants anymore.

And I'm shopping sales for clothes! Actually, it's not really that amazing considering all the great sales around these days.

I'm going 4 months instead of 3 months on my hair highlights.

 

[marnold]

DH and I have been cutting back big time. We are also paying close attention to ALL of our purchases. We have been carpooling as well. We are now debt free with the exception of our mortgage and that has eased our worries a bit. We don't buy anything on credit and consider all of our purchases. When we were young, we bought many items which seemed IMPORTANT and a NECESSITY but needless to say we have changed our opinions with age.

 

[RapidBreath]

I would like a job!!!

I'm working on some projects for the family business and I still own my business. But, I would like a paying gig!

I don't go out unless I absolutely have to, I've reduced driving. I buy meat only on sale. I will buy the meat thats on its "sell by" date the one with the 1 dollar off at register coupon and cook it that night. I bought my protein powder on sale at the co-op. They have a 10 percent off first Friday. That really made a difference. I buy my vitamins in bulk at vitacost.com I get my fruit in the larger bag and make it last because its a lower price. I did not get a gym membership, with Cathe I did not need one. I brown bag my lunch, carry snacks. I switched to a washable water bottle from the little individuals. I buy gallons of water on sale at Winco for 85 cents. I refill my pink bottle. I like it better anyway, no BPAs. We buy organic cereal at Costco. I make hot tea and put it into one of those travel coffee mugs so if I do go out I don't buy a drink at the book store so I can browse.

I buy organic milk at Target, its 6$ a gallon here. I buy yogurt and ricotta cheese at Trader Joe's. I buy bread and eggs at Longs drugstore because the bread is half price and my brother eats it so fast it doesn't matter what its use by date is anyway. We like to have a dozen eggs hard boiled for breakfasts. My mom eats two, I eat one. So, thats three eggs per day and we go through a dozen in four days. I buy store brand bags, feminine products, and bulk oats/spices. I map out my shopping route once or once every two weeks to minimize fuel cost.

I've put off fixing my car's window. It doesn't like to roll up. lol. Bad in rain! We pre-cool or pre-heat the house at night and turn off the thermostat in the day.

For my birthday I dug up some old gift certificates that I thought would not work but they did work! That was about 80 dollars. I spent it on ear rings for my birthday. I also bought ear cleaner.

I spend my days working on the computer, maintaining the home, taking care of everything, and looking for more work. I have a project through the end of the week. And, I have an interview for a job next Tuesday. But, I'm not counting on it. After that, I will concentrate on my portfolio and possibly considering some more education, maybe a certification in a different field.

I am so grateful for my parent's support.

Sorry for the ramble

 

[janie1234]

We are now debt free with the exception of our mortgage and that has eased our worries a bit. We don't buy anything on credit and consider all of our purchases.

That is WONDERFUL!! I am so jealous! I wish more people could boast such a thing. Myself included. I am really trying hard to just buy with cash only that way I know if I don't have the cash I probably shouldn't buy it.

 

[marnold]

Thanks Janie! It is so hard to make "big girl" decisions! I do know that if we can do it...anybody can! We also can thank Dave Ramsey. It was hard but DEFINITELY doable.

That is WONDERFUL!! I am so jealous! I wish more people could boast such a thing. Myself included. I am really trying hard to just buy with cash only that way I know if I don't have the cash I probably shouldn't buy it.