Reevaluate Your Cost of Living: Getting By in a Poor Economy

Reevaluate everything around you, especially the cost of living. There is no doubt that things will get a bit tougher before they get better. The rumor is that oil may go to $200 a barrel. Some individuals are starting to sell their gas guzzlers and SUVs. Food is going up in cost. The travel industry is in dire straights. Even Las Vegas is crying the blues. You know it's bad when the House is trying to pass a housing package to help out homeowners. There are NO quick fixes. Still, there are things that you can do and consider to help yourself out.

Reevaluate your cost of living. This means taking a good hard look at your habits and finances. Let's start with the obvious. Gasoline rationing. 1. Combine your trips. 2. Don't go unless you have to. 3. Start walking more or using a bike. 4. Use the vehicle that doesn't burn much gas. 5. Carpool 6. If you vacation, do it closer to home or forget about it for this year. 7. Mow your grass a little shorter.

Gardening. If you haven't started one, do so. You can save at the market on veggies by doing this. Even if it is a small one. Speaking of gardening, let's talk about flowers and shrubs. They have become very costly. Try growing your own instead of buying the plants. Cut back on what you plant. This will also save on water expenses. If you don't have a garden, instead of going to a store, think about buying from local farmers are going to the 'farmers market" nearby. You can usually get great savings.

Electricity. You don't need lights during the daylight hours. If you use air conditioning set it higher. Open windows and use electric fans. Turn off the radio and television if you aren't using them. Cut back on usage during peak times of the day. I know that this is tough to do for some but, it can be done.

Medicine. Go to a generic type of medicine if at all possible. Talk to your doctor first though. Keep up with doctor and dentist visits. this could head off major problems. Besides your health is very important.

Diet. Change it. If you buy your lunch, try brown bagging it. You can save quite a bit of money in a short period of time by doing this. Also, look at what you eat at home for your meals. Buy in larger quantities at the store. Just like medicine, look for generic foods. You can find them everywhere. Check out your dollar store.

Cleaning products. Did you ever notice how expensive products like Tide, Cascade, and Detergent softeners are? Instead of the more expensive ones, go to a cheaper one.

Paper products. Be selective here,too. Some are way over priced. You can go with off brands to save.

Entertainment. Do you really need all those movie stations on your Dish or Cable? It may be time to rethink them, too. The same can be said about eating out. Many like to take their spouse out for dinner. Why not work with your spouse on developing a new meal together? Watch the game on television instead of going to the game. They are over priced anyway.

Reuse things. I always clean my filters instead of replacing them. I just take out the vacuum and clean them by hand. by the way, keeping filters clean, keeps your power bills lower. How about aluminum foil? It is pretty expensive, too. Think about cleaning and using it over.

Cut down on waste. This could be everything from food and drink to energy. If you haven't been recycling, then do so. Aluminum cans can bring in up to 50 cents a pound in some places.

Visit with your friends, neighbors, and relatives. How can this save you ask? Easy. You can share ideas and sometimes a meal. Just remember to reciprocate when they visit.

Save. Remember the Piggy Bank for your children? Do one for yourself. Besides it can be fun.

Diet. Change your eating habits. You will be more healthy in the process. Stop eating after 6 pm in the evening. If you must eat in the evening, go to veggies and fruit. Make out a weekly menu and stick to it. Be inventive and try new things.

Yard sales. You would be surprised what you can get at a flea market or yard sale. Besides it helps those people out. Think about having your own yard sale. It could bring in a few extra bucks.

Bring in another stream of income. Do something on the side to bring in some extra cash. It might be things like mowing your neighbors yard or starting a small business that doesn't take a lot of work.

Skip the Casino. Going to the casino is a luxury. With things being tough, how hard do you think it would be to try and win there. If you do go, think about changing your spending and gambling habits. Remember, casino's are in business to take your money. Try something new like going to a local Bingo game. They are cheaper and the payoffs are better.

Lastly, change your mind set. You are now in a saving and conservative mind set. Does this mean you have turned into a "scrooge"? In some ways, "yes". In other "no." Always take care of your church. However, be very selective about the groups you donate to. Here's an idea on donating. Actually set up a fund for your family. Every member contributes and everyone benefits. At the end of a year, lets just use Christmas time, have a family meeting and agree on the use of the fund as a family. If you decide not to use it for yourself, select a worthy cause. It will give your family a feeling of pride.