Hard Economic Times in Buffalo, N.Y., Serve Up New Lifestyle Recipe

When the recession first began, I never thought it would be something that would affect me. As a recent college grad my paycheck wasn't anything to write home about, and what money I did make went toward paying off student loans and paying the monthly bills. Before the recession, it always seemed like I had enough to cover my expenses, fill my stomach, and have some fun once in awhile, but as I watched the extra money that once lined my pockets quickly deteriorate, I realized that no one could be recession proof, and that in order to make it, I had to make some changes.

My family always jokes that a Morris family member's day isn't complete without a trip to the store. And for a long time, that was how I lived my life. Sure I'd grocery shop every few weeks, but more often than not, I'd stop at the store on my way home from work and grab whatever I needed for that particular day. But with that came a lot of unnecessary purchases and a lot of money misspent.

The recession has put an end to my daily trips. Now, I plan out all of my meals in advance, make a detailed grocery list, and most importantly...stick to it. The transition was hard but necessary, and I had to change more than just my frequent store visits to stay afloat.

I've never been one to cook. Sure I've made dinner, even when the economy wasn't spinning out of control I couldn't afford to go out seven nights a week, but taking pride in preparing a meal was not always something I did. Making the change to plan meals in advance not only required me to learn how to cook, but also to think about the ingredients I was purchasing, and how I could use them in multiple ways.

In addition, I also started to spend time clipping coupons and researching which stores were selling less expensive items. Now, I make weekly trips to as many as three different grocery stores in order to get the best deals on the products I frequently use. Since making this change, instead of living paycheck to paycheck, I've been able to slowly build up my savings account. It may not seem like a lot to put in $20 a week, but over the past two years, that $20 a week has added up quick.

In addition to changing my eating habits, I've also cut way back on going out, purchasing clothes and household items and other miscellaneous frivolous spending. Before, I was content to have enough money to get by, but now, I have a strict budget that I follow carefully - one that ensures I'll have enough to survive.

A lot of Buffalo residents have had it harder than me, I've watched friends lose their jobs, and others lose their homes. I am thankful to have a steady job that allows me to survive during these turbulent times. But while the recession has been hard, it has also allowed me to develop a new lifestyle, one that I plan on sticking to no matter the economical state of our country.