Economy is taking it's toll.... what are YOU doing about it? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Shelby&Seymour · 10-06-2008, 05:18 PM

I know that it is on lots of our minds....... and it is affecting all of us (some more than others). I thought that a thread may help..... we can share how it is affecting us and helpful ideas making things a little bit easier.

Gas prices are really making a dent in our budget..... my husband not driving his full size truck.... instead, he is using our old little truck and getting 2x as much gas mileage.
We also make less trips to town (I make a list, and we "do it all" in one trip).
We have been camping closer to home.
I use every coupon I can get my hands on, and plan our menu according to what is on sale.
I am doing FULL loads of laundry..... it takes as much electricity to run the washer and dryer regardless of how much is in it.
Having a gargage sale!!!...... all that stuff you don't need or use..... plus there are people that may NEED what you have..... and they get it at a garage sale price!

Instead of going 30 miles to the movie theater or out to dinner...... we stay in our little "Po-dunk" town. Not as big a variety...... but I think that the "ghost walk" that they are having this month might be fun!

........ any suggestions or ideas that you can share would be great!
A big part of the solution is to keep on plugging along.... and being as creative as you can!

Yorkiedaze · 10-06-2008, 05:24 PM

We haven't changed much of anything. I drive the truck less but other than that we are doing fine.

SladesMommy · 10-06-2008, 05:28 PM

Its not really affecting us to much (yet). We've always been somewhat poor, so its not a major deal to us. I live less than 3 miles from my job, so I use very little gas. I would just bike and use no gas, but I work 2nd shift and don't get off until after dark. When I get paid, I buy only groceries and the absolute necessities like deoderant. I also clip coupons and compare prices before I buy anything. I get paid every 2 wks and before I go to the grocery store I look to see what stuff is already in my cabinents and plan my menus accordingly. This week I only had to spend $23 for two weeks worth of menus!

I also quit buying sodas and juices, I drink milk in the morning and the rest of the time I drink water- its healthier and I save money!

MyLadies · 10-06-2008, 05:29 PM

Well, I was always stingy with everything, & conserved energy at home to begin with and saving as much as I could is nothing new. But I notice I am combining more trips together. Also I'm doing without more, like no more Evaporated Milk in my coffee because it's gotten so expensive, I've learned to like black coffee. Also I get more Bread at the Bread Outlet stores now to freeze and thaw a loaf out to every week or so. I can't tell it's been frozen and it's alot cheaper to buy bread at the Bread Outlet store than at the grocery.
Thats all I can think of for now.

Shelby&Seymour · 10-06-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SladesMommy

Its not really affecting us to much (yet). We've always been somewhat poor, so its not a major deal to us. I live less than 3 miles from my job, so I use very little gas. I would just bike and use no gas, but I work 2nd shift and don't get off until after dark. When I get paid, I buy only groceries and the absolute necessities like deoderant. I also clip coupons and compare prices before I buy anything. I get paid every 2 wks and before I go to the grocery store I look to see what stuff is already in my cabinents and plan my menus accordingly. This week I only had to spend $23 for two weeks worth of menus!

I also quit buying sodas and juices, I drink milk in the morning and the rest of the time I drink water- its healthier and I save money!

WOW!! $23!!! That is awesome!!!

Shelby&Seymour · 10-06-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyLadies

Well, I was always stingy with everything, & conserved energy at home to begin with and saving as much as I could is nothing new. But I notice I am combining more trips together. Also I'm doing without more, like no more Evaporated Milk in my coffee because it's gotten so expensive, I've learned to like black coffee. Also I get more Bread at the Bread Outlet stores now to freeze and thaw a loaf out to every week or so. I can't tell it's been frozen and it's alot cheaper to buy bread at the Bread Outlet store than at the grocery.
Thats all I can think of for now.

I don't know if you have them or not.... but I found the individual creamers at BIG LOTS.... they are a name brand and very reasonable. (... and in the hazelnut flavor!)

grandmatoall · 10-06-2008, 05:42 PM

We cut back on all of the unnecessary things. We get bread at the bread store, check for sales, just what everyone else is doing.

PANAMA69 · 10-06-2008, 08:46 PM

A dear friend of mine lost money with Wamu

yorkiekist · 10-06-2008, 09:13 PM

I have had to cut down alot for the last year already. I am not allowed to work Sundays, Holidays, etc, anymore because of my pay scale, my company is down-sizing where-ever possible. That forced me to rent out my 1/2 acre field to a person with 3 horses to make up part of the difference. I dont go to movies as much or eat out as often. I now go to a cheaper hair-dresser. The cut is not as nice, but not bad either plus its closer to home. I dont go see my Mom as often. What used to cost 30 in gas now costs 80. I dont have TV anymore. I have done without a water heater since May. I will be getting one at the end of this month. The water out f the tap is just now starting to get cool. I use an evap cooler as much as possible, except for the 2 humid months. One thing that I have always done is I only put cloths in the dryer for about 5 minutes then hang them out on the clothsline. The only thing I dont skimp on now are the Yorkies, horses and the goats.
I wonder how this 78billion dollar "buy-out" will effect all of us in the long term?

red98vett · 10-07-2008, 04:07 AM

Great thread !

I have to admit I'm at a loss on how to cut down more - I'm already doing bare minimums - - I'm blessed to be working full time but helped support myself by working from home too - lately things have slowed way down ...so I'm looking at new ways to save....I'll be reading this thread for ideas - thanks !

red98vett · 10-07-2008, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PANAMA69

A dear friend of mine lost money with Wamu

HOW ? Can you tell more ?

Mom to Hot Rod · 10-07-2008, 04:38 AM

Well, I've been consolidating errands and buying only what is necessary at the grocery store. I've also been making hubby lunches a lot more. We've cut our cell phone package back a bunch. I have been cutting back on unnecessary spending for a while now so that is good. I say to myself, "do I really need that?" Also really been conscience about turning electrical things off and unplugging unnecesary appliances such as microwave and computer screen, etc.

red98vett · 10-07-2008, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod

Well, I've been consolidating errands and buying only what is necessary at the grocery store. I've also been making hubby lunches a lot more. We've cut our cell phone package back a bunch. I have been cutting back on unnecessary spending for a while now so that is good. I say to myself, "do I really need that?"

I did the phone package also 4 months ago - I knew during summer my electricity would triple and it sure did....

I keep my thermostat at 80 so it's not like I'm living in comfort -

Even with gas prices coming down a tiny bit, we, as Americans, should be outraged at the high cost of everything.

jp4m2 · 10-07-2008, 05:22 AM

It's getting so frustrating and scary ......Everything is going up except for the paychecks .....

Unfortunately many of us are being affected by all that is occurring in our economy. This is not a problem of affecting only the "poor", this is hitting the middle income people just as well......I just saw the news and the utilities are being shutoff for a lot of people, by the time they pay for gas for the car, the mortgage payment and food, nothing is left to pay a $1000 gas or electric bill......

New York has 230,000 people with their utilities shut off and Michigan has about 18,000 people with theirs shut off.....What a shame....this is going to get a whole lot worse as it gets colder. There's going to be some tragedies occurring out of this with people trying to keep warm......

It must be nice for the ones that haven't had to cut back or change their life style to make ends meet unfortunately many of us are affected by this. A person sure loses their sense of security when they have to worry so much on how they are just going to survive with the bare minimum. It sure takes away a persons peace of mind.......

Mom to Hot Rod · 10-07-2008, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red98vett

I did the phone package also 4 months ago - I knew during summer my electricity would triple and it sure did....

I keep my thermostat at 80 so it's not like I'm living in comfort -

Even with gas prices coming down a tiny bit, we, as Americans, should be outraged at the high cost of everything.

One nice thing about this year (at least here) the weather has been beautiful! I've had my a/c on for about 4 days in the last 2 1/2 mos so that was a blessing. I have not had to turn on the heat just yet but it was in the 40's last night, but the days are still in the high 60's and 70's and where I live we get the hot sun on the back of house pretty much from 10 am til evening. I wish I could cut my house phone out but we live over the bridge and in the long run, it is really easier to a landline phone than just cell phones.

10-06-2008, 05:18 PM	#1
Shelby&Seymour "& Seeger, too" Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,169	Economy is taking it's toll.... what are YOU doing about it? I know that it is on lots of our minds....... and it is affecting all of us (some more than others). I thought that a thread may help..... we can share how it is affecting us and helpful ideas making things a little bit easier. Gas prices are really making a dent in our budget..... my husband not driving his full size truck.... instead, he is using our old little truck and getting 2x as much gas mileage. We also make less trips to town (I make a list, and we "do it all" in one trip). We have been camping closer to home. I use every coupon I can get my hands on, and plan our menu according to what is on sale. I am doing FULL loads of laundry..... it takes as much electricity to run the washer and dryer regardless of how much is in it. Having a gargage sale!!!...... all that stuff you don't need or use..... plus there are people that may NEED what you have..... and they get it at a garage sale price! Instead of going 30 miles to the movie theater or out to dinner...... we stay in our little "Po-dunk" town. Not as big a variety...... but I think that the "ghost walk" that they are having this month might be fun! ........ any suggestions or ideas that you can share would be great! A big part of the solution is to keep on plugging along.... and being as creative as you can! __________________ Happy Fall Y'all! 🎃

10-06-2008, 05:24 PM	#2
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	We haven't changed much of anything. I drive the truck less but other than that we are doing fine. __________________ AZRAEL RAZAEL JILLI ANN

10-06-2008, 05:42 PM	#7
grandmatoall I Love My Babies Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Nampa, Idaho Posts: 1,440 Blog Entries: 1	We cut back on all of the unnecessary things. We get bread at the bread store, check for sales, just what everyone else is doing. __________________ "Bobbi, Proud Mom To: Sandy & Leo Yorkies & Grandkids - Make My Heart Smile

10-06-2008, 09:13 PM	#9
yorkiekist YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: HOT, HOT, HOT AZ Posts: 3,150	I have had to cut down alot for the last year already. I am not allowed to work Sundays, Holidays, etc, anymore because of my pay scale, my company is down-sizing where-ever possible. That forced me to rent out my 1/2 acre field to a person with 3 horses to make up part of the difference. I dont go to movies as much or eat out as often. I now go to a cheaper hair-dresser. The cut is not as nice, but not bad either plus its closer to home. I dont go see my Mom as often. What used to cost 30 in gas now costs 80. I dont have TV anymore. I have done without a water heater since May. I will be getting one at the end of this month. The water out f the tap is just now starting to get cool. I use an evap cooler as much as possible, except for the 2 humid months. One thing that I have always done is I only put cloths in the dryer for about 5 minutes then hang them out on the clothsline. The only thing I dont skimp on now are the Yorkies, horses and the goats. I wonder how this 78billion dollar "buy-out" will effect all of us in the long term? __________________ *BUYCOTT ARIZONA* Last edited by yorkiekist; 10-06-2008 at 09:15 PM.

10-07-2008, 04:07 AM	#10
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	Great thread ! I have to admit I'm at a loss on how to cut down more - I'm already doing bare minimums - - I'm blessed to be working full time but helped support myself by working from home too - lately things have slowed way down ...so I'm looking at new ways to save....I'll be reading this thread for ideas - thanks ! __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

10-06-2008, 05:28 PM	#3
SladesMommy Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ATX Posts: 4,513	Its not really affecting us to much (yet). We've always been somewhat poor, so its not a major deal to us. I live less than 3 miles from my job, so I use very little gas. I would just bike and use no gas, but I work 2nd shift and don't get off until after dark. When I get paid, I buy only groceries and the absolute necessities like deoderant. I also clip coupons and compare prices before I buy anything. I get paid every 2 wks and before I go to the grocery store I look to see what stuff is already in my cabinents and plan my menus accordingly. This week I only had to spend $23 for two weeks worth of menus! I also quit buying sodas and juices, I drink milk in the morning and the rest of the time I drink water- its healthier and I save money!

10-06-2008, 05:29 PM	#4
MyLadies No Longer a Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,218	Well, I was always stingy with everything, & conserved energy at home to begin with and saving as much as I could is nothing new. But I notice I am combining more trips together. Also I'm doing without more, like no more Evaporated Milk in my coffee because it's gotten so expensive, I've learned to like black coffee. Also I get more Bread at the Bread Outlet stores now to freeze and thaw a loaf out to every week or so. I can't tell it's been frozen and it's alot cheaper to buy bread at the Bread Outlet store than at the grocery. Thats all I can think of for now.

10-06-2008, 08:46 PM	#8
PANAMA69 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: ~~YorkieWorld~~ Posts: 8,428	A dear friend of mine lost money with Wamu

10-07-2008, 04:38 AM	#12
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	Well, I've been consolidating errands and buying only what is necessary at the grocery store. I've also been making hubby lunches a lot more. We've cut our cell phone package back a bunch. I have been cutting back on unnecessary spending for a while now so that is good. I say to myself, "do I really need that?" Also really been conscience about turning electrical things off and unplugging unnecesary appliances such as microwave and computer screen, etc. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10 Last edited by Mom to Hot Rod; 10-07-2008 at 04:40 AM.

10-07-2008, 05:22 AM	#14
jp4m2 Love my Boys Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: w/ my boys Posts: 5,056	It's getting so frustrating and scary ......Everything is going up except for the paychecks ..... Unfortunately many of us are being affected by all that is occurring in our economy. This is not a problem of affecting only the "poor", this is hitting the middle income people just as well......I just saw the news and the utilities are being shutoff for a lot of people, by the time they pay for gas for the car, the mortgage payment and food, nothing is left to pay a $1000 gas or electric bill...... New York has 230,000 people with their utilities shut off and Michigan has about 18,000 people with theirs shut off.....What a shame....this is going to get a whole lot worse as it gets colder. There's going to be some tragedies occurring out of this with people trying to keep warm...... It must be nice for the ones that haven't had to cut back or change their life style to make ends meet unfortunately many of us are affected by this. A person sure loses their sense of security when they have to worry so much on how they are just going to survive with the bare minimum. It sure takes away a persons peace of mind....... __________________ B.J.mom to : Jake J.J. Jack & Joey, momma misses you..... The joy found in the companionship of a pet is a blessing not given to everyone. The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too..