Internet Resources to Support Frugal Lifestyles as the Economy Crumbles
The economy is crumbling, and things aren't supposed to get any better in the next year. The working poor know the value of pinching pennies, but a paradigm shift in spending habits is infiltrating other socio-economic groups as well. While some argue the internet should be one of the first expenses to go when wallets thin, online resources can elevate a family bogged down with financial stress to a more comfortable place.
In these times of uncertain economic stability, the internet provides expertise and opportunity for frugal lifestyle changes.
To the average American, the gas station and the supermarket are the two places where the economic downturn rears its ugly head. There are two schools of thought in reducing costs: use less, and get better prices. The internet can help in both cases.
Websites such as GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com report on the lowest gas prices in neighborhoods across the country. Reduce fuel prices more by researching before leaving the house and then mapping out chores to include the cheapest gas stations. If gas costs are still out of control, Google 'best mpg cars' and trade in your SUVs and vans for an economy compact or a hybrid vehicle.
Comparison shopping for groceries is just as applicable. Most towns have three or four super markets in the area. Websites display the weekly specials and sales, and offer coupons for reduced prices. Coupon use rises when costs go up. Websites such as Coupons.com and MyCoupons.com offer both online coupon codes and printable grocery coupons. TheGroceryGame.com combines coupons and sales for maximum savings.
As the cost of running out to the store increases, shoppers are more likely to forgo shopping trips altogether. For needed items, internet shopping not only provides convenience, but money-saving sale prices not found in brick and mortar establishments. Services like Froogle and PriceGrabber allow shoppers to find the lowest prices on what they want without having to spend money on gas.
A year from now, more people will suffer through home foreclosure. Food stamp usage will increase and public assistance and charity groups will be under increased pressure. Formerly thought of as primarily an entertainment luxury, the internet may change both driving habits and the way people shop. When a frugal lifestyle becomes a necessity, online resources can prevent total financial meltdown.
Published by Melanie L. Marten
Melanie Marten is self-taught and self-employed. Besides freelance writing, she dabbles in website design and owns dozens of websites and blogs. Work is squeezed in between parenting two boys, homeschoolin... View profile
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- The economy is crumbling, and things aren't supposed to get any better in the next year.
12 Comments
Post a CommentI reread this and so agree, we gave up the local newspaper and can read that online as well as getting coupons from online too, great article. Internet will be the last to go!
I agree with you about not dropping the Internet in these tough economic times. It's an important communication tool, as well as being a cheap form of entertainment. If I have to get rid of something, it will be the TV. I pay $45.00 a month for cable, and I only watch for two hours a day on average. I can do without it. Thanks for the info.
Excellent points. We could really use them these days.
Great information and I also like to pay my bills on line and save on the stamps. If you pay by phone that is a rip off too, so the internet is really helpful that way too. great article.
Thank you for the advice. As a retiree on a fixed income, I don't have to go to work, and I live alone, so I'm going to need both my Internet service and my cable TV to keep my mind occupied. It might not be a good idea to get rid of either one since I'm going to have to be home alot. More and more Americans may have to stay home for their entertainment. Even local concert tickets are expensive and might have to go. So the computer can not only give us vital info, but it can also keep us occupied as we stay home to drive less.
I have no car, no "good clothes," live to a great extent on free food made available by my employer, and live several thousand dollars per year below the official poverty line. I do have a decent computer and high speed internet, and between the money I save, and the money I earn online, it's more than worth it. I'll give up a lot of things before I'd give up the internet. It's a necessity in the world we live in. Great article, great points made!
This is a very timely article, Melanie, with a lot of practical points made. I have made a note of a few of the online resources you mentioned. Thanks for this article!
Sophie
(nodding) I like the comment about the internet being the first to go - in the past, when I was broke, there was an 'order' of what you could let go - cable, internet, phone, and then have to pay the main bills. Now, the internet is one of the first bills I'd pay if I was broke, because it SAVES me money! Good, timely subject!
Thanks for the comments. At least the article might be helpful to some.
good one! thanks for sharing