What to give up

csuave

Xstatic3333 said:

csuave said:

We don't have a lot to cut back on, at least that DH would be on board with but we have made the following adjustments lately.
1. DH has started using the library instead of buying books.
2. We go meatless at least one day a week for dinner.  DH isn't a huge fan but since we both like Kraft Mac and Cheese we are having some good success.
3. We were eating Lean Cuisines most of the time for lunch.  We are now doing PBJ instead.  We might get tired of it later but for now it is working and we like it better than eating hot food anyway during the summer.  This is probably saving us about $30-35 per week.
4. I guess I can also add that we have given up some of our privacy and schedule flexibility lately to make money on AirBnB.  It is working out really well so having people in our house at times is worth giving up some of our privacy/alone time.

ETA #4

I'm also giving up my Lean Cuisines this year. My plan is to make a big pot of rice and beans and bring some to work each day. VERY cheap!

There are a lot of things that I'm willing/happy to do for the sake of not spending needless money. Living on rice and beans when I don't have to is not one of those things. That's a whole new level of commitment to the cause!

This made me giggle. Anyone else find rice and beans really tasty? I make them nice and spicy and put cilantro in the rice. :-) That said, I agree with your overall point. We skimp less on food to cook at home, but rarely go out so I think we end up ahead on food in the long run.

Yes, I like rice and beans very much!  Especially with cilantro.  I had them a lot on vacations and love them for breakfast with some eggs.  http://www.food.com/recipe/gallo-pinto-costa-rican-rice-and-beans-78747

formerlyGDaisy09

I don't miss our cable. 

We don't eat out often (less than once a month) and I'm fine with that. 

We don't go to the movies...I think the last thing I saw in a theater was "Saving Mr. Banks". 

I gave up coloring my hair. I cut H's hair at home

I'm sure we have other things we cut corners on...but food is not one of them. Yes I shop sales and shop in season, but I buy organic cage free eggs, chicken, etc. local milk...This summer most our meals focus on what is ready in the garden, but we eat well and I think our health reflects that. there really are only so many corners you can cut. We did do rice and beans and pasta for a while when things were really tight, but we were both cranky, tired, and our waistlines reflected those unbalanced choices we were making. We also make the same food choices for our animals, and since 3 of them have had vet checks in the last month I feel confident that our food choices for the animals are saving us money long-term with the vet (I actually got permission to let my dogs gain a few pounds (more treats and peanut butter kongs! and the vet said when we get the notice for the cat's rabies booster in november to just ignore it and we'll catch her up on all her vaccines and push her annual visit to next November).  

I guess what I'm saying is that there is true cost cutting and then there is immediate budget relief that is only a short term solution. 

short+sassy

I have a high deductible health care plan, so I have to pay 100% of my prescriptions until I hit my $8,000/year deductible.  One of my prescriptions is $250, but I can get it for half that buying from an online Canadian pharmacy.  It takes a good bit more planning because I can't just pop down to the local store if I run out or run low, but my savings are enormous.

My H and I cut down a lot on eating out a few years ago, both together and for lunches at work.  Huge money saver and healthier.

I also cut out spending money on impulse purchases.  More because I have way too much clutter than for money reasons...though it helps the wallet also!

I also save money by working out at home (though not as much as I should!) rather than going to a gym.  I've had gym memberships in the past and I just prefer being at home, even if I don't have all the fancy machines there.

Unlike most of you all, no way could I give up cable!  Most of my favorite shows aren't on Zulu or Netflix (at least last time I checked).  It would drive me nuts.  But, in my case, it currently doesn't really matter because cable comes "free" with our wireless internet from the local cable company (Cox).  They do a good job keeping it secret that it comes on the same line, but it does, as long as you have your own cable box or equivalent to snag it.

I know when I've been on really hard times in the past, I'll cut back on our groceries and keep it very basic and cheap.  But I do miss being able to buy what I want to buy and have always gone back to our more typical grocery shopping once the financial situation improves. 

vlagrl29

The things I have to have are groceries and my yoga membership.  Keeps me sane  Plus sprouts has very affordable produce that is super fresh so you can buy healthy foods now for a pretty reasonable price whereas it use to not be like that.

orangehills

short+sassy said:

I have a high deductible health care plan, so I have to pay 100% of my prescriptions until I hit my $8,000/year deductible.  One of my prescriptions is $250, but I can get it for half that buying from an online Canadian pharmacy.  It takes a good bit more planning because I can't just pop down to the local store if I run out or run low, but my savings are enormous.

My H and I cut down a lot on eating out a few years ago, both together and for lunches at work.  Huge money saver and healthier.

I also cut out spending money on impulse purchases.  More because I have way too much clutter than for money reasons...though it helps the wallet also!

I also save money by working out at home (though not as much as I should!) rather than going to a gym.  I've had gym memberships in the past and I just prefer being at home, even if I don't have all the fancy machines there.

Unlike most of you all, no way could I give up cable!  Most of my favorite shows aren't on Zulu or Netflix (at least last time I checked).  It would drive me nuts.  But, in my case, it currently doesn't really matter because cable comes "free" with our wireless internet from the local cable company (Cox).  They do a good job keeping it secret that it comes on the same line, but it does, as long as you have your own cable box or equivalent to snag it.

I know when I've been on really hard times in the past, I'll cut back on our groceries and keep it very basic and cheap.  But I do miss being able to buy what I want to buy and have always gone back to our more typical grocery shopping once the financial situation improves. 

 

I wouldn't want to give up cable, but to save money I will lol. I'll get it back one day. I will miss HGTV though!! Thank goodness I can watch Property Brothers and House Hunters on Netflix. I'll probably make my mom record Fixer Upper for me though ha! 

short+sassy

@orangehills, yes!  I was exactly thinking of HGTV and the Food Network.  I know some of the shows are online or on Netflix, but it doesn't seem like most of them are.  I was sad they moved Scott McGilvary's (sp?) Income Property show to the DIY network...which I don't get.  I have a serious crush on that guy, lol.

orangehills

short+sassy said:

@orangehills, yes!  I was exactly thinking of HGTV and the Food Network.  I know some of the shows are online or on Netflix, but it doesn't seem like most of them are.  I was sad they moved Scott McGilvary's (sp?) Income Property show to the DIY network...which I don't get.  I have a serious crush on that guy, lol.

HA me too!! I follow him on instagram at least. he's hot. i miss that show too, I don't get DIY either.