What can we do??

We are going to be getting extrememly frugal, pinching places we didnt know we had...

Lets brainstorm together:confused:

I've been cutting back to and rethinking every penny spent. I was looking forward to Steve's cost of living raise in Nov...He informed me,they are not getting one :(

He gets his 12 month raise in Oct..that;ll help. I tell ya,this high gas thing is depressing :(

I was going to post a thread like this myself. I have been thinking of this myself, all day. First of all, if it is not a have to, I am not going. We are gonna have to start cutting back everywhere around here.

dh got his yearly review last week and we should see his increase on the 10th. i got a small promotion and my increase should show up in my check tomorrow. unfortunatly i don't think either of them are going to be enough to keep up with gas prices. our biggest help will be school starting next week. with the kids in school, i won't have to pay for a babysitter. i am also going to start walking to work. i was going to wait another couple of weeks when it should cool down a bit, but i'm going to start walking tomorrow. i'll just have to make sure i have a bottle of water for the walk home.
i'll be making more things from scratch too like our bread. i haven't made much in a while because i could get it cheap at the bread thrift store, but now it will cost more to buy it if i factor in gas because it's not on the way to anywhere. i used to make a trip once a month out there, but it will be too costly now.
i think our biggest adjustment will be to take my car almost everywhere instead of dh's van. smaller gas tank to fill and it gets better gas mileage.

We both have commutes. Mine 2-3 days a week 30 miles and Dh's 40 miles 4 days a week. We just wont be going unless it's necessary.
I'm giving up my expensive diet moderate/low carb diet for a while to cut costs. I know its healthier but its very expensive sometimes.
I told the kids they would only be allowed hot lunch 1 day a week. As much as I hated to do it.
Dh works for a a subcontractor that hauls for a big homeimprovement store. I'm getting concerned as he says the stores are seeming slow already. They generally get slower every winter which means less $ in Dh's pocket. Usually thats not 2 bad but with all costs rising yikes! I'm a stylist. When people are stretched cash wise they put the stylist off. So could be a big hurt in my business also.
Keep brainstormimg folks!!!

~drive under the speed limit
~if you can go without using your a/c in your vehicle, keep it off. You'll use less gas.
~make sure you have the proper air in your tires. makes a huge difference in gas consumption
~change your oil when you should, at every 3,000 miles.
~if you can, buy gas where you get something back - be it airmile rewards, coupons or as we do Canadian Tire dollars. If we have to pay high prices, go where you can make a few cents back.
~don't leave your vehicle idling when you can shut it off. I noticed at our local hydro building office they have a sign. Shut off your vehicle and you'll save on gas consumption.

Were combining trips. To get to the city, its an hour one way. Were walking everywhere in our small town. If you can, ride a bike.

We won't be going out to restaurants at all. We didn't go often, however it was nice to go once in awhile. Not as long as gas prices are up.

I'm stockpiling so that I only have to purchase loss leaders. Groceries are going up already. Our local Co-op was already told to be prepared for more price increases.

Cut back where you can. Thats all you can do. Dh and I were talking about that coming back from the city. Were doing what we can and tightening our belts where its possible. Then were going for the ride because there isn't anything else we can do about it.

Remember, this is also going to affect our heating costs. Start looking now for ways to make your home more energy efficient.

There was a sad little segment on our local news station last night that was supposed to be offering advice to people on how to get through the coming winter and the expected high heating bills --- their advice? clip coupons, weatherize your home, and use food pantries. I thought they missed a great opportunity on offering some really good advice and educational items and something that people can use LONG TERM in case this does turn out to be the Way of the Future for everyone.

I think it is the long term that scares everyone --- if this is temporary then we can face it and deal with it, but to believe that we are just going to have to learn to live this way from now on is scarey.

Personally, I'm trying to become as self sufficient as possible. And in my case part of that means a big garden and harvesting/storing everything possible. Also, we have been postponing getting some chickens --- they are beginning to look like a good idea more and more.

I think back to the stories I've heard my Depression Era parents tell of how they got by and I'm gleaning out the ideas that may be relevant to today's world. Handmedown or remade clothes; gardens; wild foods (plants and critters); reading by oil lamp light; soap making; eating less meat; use it up and wear it out. Etc.

Yup, I was just telling DH last night...started to post about it too.

We have got to find a way to be extra frugal around my house....I am going to be doing some brain storming for the next few days.

I may start a clothes line again (even though my HOA might not approve)

This is so depressing...We've been watching CNN allday and they just keep on about how bad we are going to have it. For us frugal people,we cut back already as much as we can,I have been brainstorming allday,to think of something else to do to save money.
~Our once a week eating out will be history.
~I turned the ac up from 73 to 75...gonna turn it up more tonight (temp suppose to be 65)
~no unnessary trips ANYWHERE

?? All I can think of right now,I had more,but forgot lol...need to be writing all these down ;)

You know....If gas gets as high as they say...$4/gal here....people will not be buying (new) cars,and my husband may be out of a job.....now thats depressing :(

Gas just hit 2.67 in my area. It is a horrible price! I intend to start to look for web sites and cookbooks that feature more crockpot, meatless meals. My DH is very much a meat and potatoe man but he is going to start being served more meatless dishes. I really need to rethink our eating and cooking habits.

I think we all need to look at our standard of living and decide what is really a NEED as opposed to a want or something we just have had for so long that we take for granted. I intend to do the following:
~No trips that are not necessary
~combine errands when I do have to drive
~continue to try and limit energy costs by hanging clothes,
turning off electirc items not in use, monitoring water usage
~stop tossing out items that I might be able to recycle, reuse or
perhaps sell
~Start to try to cook from scratch and become a better cook
~ pull out the sewing machine and mend instead of replace

Most importantly to finally learn to be content with the blessings I have and not to think happiness comes in a store shopping or in eating! LOL

Please post ladies, we need all the ideas, help, encouragement and motivation we can get! Lets help each other to not get depressed and to stay committed!

Here gas is $2.79 per gallon. It is supposed to be $3.80/gallon tomorrow. Also, there is a shortage here, so most of the gas stations are out of gas. Don't know what to do? They had all of the companies, and emergency vehicles fill up today.

I put our a/c on 82, and am not using the dryer. Also, TRYING not to use the a/c in the car, but it is really hot here!

:eek:

Gas is 3.35 here this eve. I luckily topped off my tank at 2.75 this morning in Illinois. We both commute-hubby drives 150 miles a day and I drive 88 miles a day for work :bang:.
We are not using a/c at all...but, it is not too hot anyways. No dryer at all-clothes lining it! We have been cutting costs all around as it is...no cable...it's fuzzy tv for us, looks like we will be getting rid of Netflix-even if it is our only type of entertainment. Board games, and books will be our new entertainment.....

There is a DVD coming out called "end of suburbia" it talks about just this what we are saying here.

Yes, cutting back on everything seems to be the common thread here. Thankfully, fall is coming so the weather is cooler and we don't need the a/c or heat on.

Gas prices are up 30% here in MI. I was listening to Bill O'Reilly tonight and he recommended trying to use less gas as there could be a temporary gas shortage. So, the big problem seems to be not that the gas prices are high, but the supply is low right now.

Tonight I talked my husband into exchanging cars with me. I drive a small car, with air; he drives a Jeep without air. He's got a longer drive so I told him he should really use my car. I suggested to him to see if he could work a 4 day week vs. a 5 day week. That might be something people with flexible work schedules might be able to do. Although you'd be working longer, you'd avoid having to drive for one day a week.

Check your work to see who lives close, maybe you could meet at a designated location and carpool.

My husband is an Amsoil dealer, synthetic oil. He uses it in his Jeep. He can go 10,000 miles without an oil change, and he claims he's getting better gas mileage. Plus, it's synthetic. That might be something for people to consider.

If it is in your budget, you might want to think about the new hybrid cars. At least you could get a tax credit this year.

Limit road trips to only those that are absolutely essential. I'm not planning a big vacation this year. This was in the works prior to the gas problems, part of my debt reduction plan.

Check your house to see if there is anything at all you can return to the store to get extra cash.

Take a route to work that avoids the expensive coffee shops like Starbucks. That's my new plan.

In the winter, put a featherbed, down comforter on your bed, add extra blankets. Use flannel sheets. Synthetic pajamas like the fuzzy fleece polyester fabrics are really warm, so pack the sexy nighties away!

Eat at home, plan meals ahead to avoid ordering take-out.

Cancel all extra services you don't need. I just signed up for Netflix. I guess I don't need to spend an extra $10 a month, $120 a year for movies.

Calculate how much you spend on monthly services and multiply by 12, that will really make you think, "Do I really need it?"

If you have room, consider renting out a room for extra cash or even consider renting out storage space.

Ebay, there are always people that have money to spend. See what you have to sell, and list it today.

Call your electric/gas company and ask how you can reduce your bill. It is sometimes cheaper to use electricity during off peak times.

Consider fewer cell phones. Does your family really need one for each person?

Call all your credit cards and ask for a lower interest rate. If the first person says no, ask to speak to the supervisor.

Call around to see if you can get a better interest rate on your savings account.

If you have the time, check into doing online surveys. It's not much cash, but it is something.

Don't buy anything unless you absolutely need it and it is deeply discounted. Use coupons to get double savings. Use no brands. Eat less meat. Try to avoid packaged food like potato chips.

I'm going to try to add an extra $100 per month into my Emergency Fund to help with the heating bill.

Clean out your filters on your heater. Don't use the dryer, hang out everything to dry. I don't have a clothesline, but I have a rack in the basement, plus over the door devices to hang up clothes. I have a two clotheslines that I use to hang up sheets.

Give up paper products. Use more rags, and less paper towels. Instead of napkins, use cloth napkins.

Ask for gift cards for Christmas to grocery stores, Target, Walmart, etc. . . That way you can always use the gift towards groceries. Buy people practical gifts they need.

If your employer offers a flexible spending account, consider increasing the amount you contribute to it. That is a 30% savings right there since the money isn't taxed.

Declutter, simplify your life. Get rid of things, and make money while you do it.

Get your financial papers in order. Write down all your bills, then call the companies to see about lowering your monthly expenses.

Consider increasing your insurance deductible. That should save you on insurance.

Exercise, take vitamins, herbs, and eat more natural foods so you don't get sick this winter. Stock up your medical cabinet now while things are on sale. I have things like Cold Ease, Oscilli. . . a homeopathic remedy for the flu, I take vit. C daily, and etc. . .

Check out other sites like:

dollarstretcher.com, betterbudgeting.com, about.com, msn money for more ideas

An inspiring site is lainesletters.com for more tips on frugal living.

here's what we're doing:

-no eating out
-only driving to the grocery store and to thrift stores on Sat
-selling a vehicle to pay of debt & lower insurance
-making all our bread
-cutting back to $30 a week on groceries (this will be tough)
-having a yard sale

Turn the a/c up again...it's on 80! Steve was SHOCKED when he called home tonight on lunch lol

Another thing I did tonight was fill some empty milk jugs and juice containers with water....

....On the upside....In the last 30 days,I have made $687.44 on ebay....$422 of that was just yesterday :)
I'm saving every penny!!

I'd like to list more but afraid to waste money on listing fees right now.

SIL and I are going to carpool down to the cheaper grocery store 30 minutes away and this time I'm going to try and get a month's worth of groceries instead of two weeks. So have had to plan a month's worth of meals and am hoping it will work out just right.

Car has been in the shop the last month and so we've saved lots on gas. :D I really hadn't noticed how many little extra errands I'd been running, but when you suddenly have to walk everywhere you need to go, then you begin to cut out hurried trips to pick up something. So now I've been using the car only once or twice a week---dh walks to work.

If you live in a city, remember to check out www.gasbuddy.com for the cheapest and most expensive gas prices in your area. There is a huge spread in gas prices.

I forgot about gas buddy...great idea :D

In listening to the news last night, the economists are saying this will become the norm - high gas prices and that we should get use to is.

I'm so glad I'm frugal and can even get more frugal.

I was actually thinking of starting this thread too, but I hadn't gotten a chance to check the boards for the last few days. Glad someone else did!!

We'll be moving in Jan/Feb, and really having to tighten our belts anyway, because this is my son's last year of private school, and there will be a transition period between when he's in private and when he's in public where we're going to have it tougher. Fortunately, I get a good commission at my job, which helps!

In any case - my SO and I were just talking about this yesterday, and we've done some things to cut back:

- fortunately, we don't have to pay gas bills or any utility bill other than electric. Right now, our electric bills are around 36 dollars/month. It's a small apartment. We try to turn the AC off whenever we can, and we only use a fan in the bedroom. Only have one lightbulb in the LR and One in the BR, and only one is on at a time.
- when we move, we agreed that even if we have to use candles instead of light bulbs to save on electric, we will do it.
- committing to only 4 loads of wash per week, for 3 people. Sure, that'll mean a lot of ugly dirties sitting around, but oh well, I'll shove them in a closet somewheres.
- we are always working on decluttering and making some extra $$ from the things we no longer need. We have it all saved into a "gift fund" in my savings account, so we will no longer need to spend regular "out of pocket" money on the holidays this year. I made our gift list already, and what we've made extra meets or exceeds our budget.
- I have lots of used book sales on my calendar that we'll need to visit to get books to sell on ebay, amazon, or half.com for extra $$
- I reduced our netflix from the 17.99 plan to the 14.99 plan.
- I reduced my monthly contribution to Farm Sanctuary from 15 to 5/mo (sounds like not much, but it's something, and I want to feel like I'm doing something)
- I'm FORCING my son to start eating things other than cheese, chicken, pasta, eggs, and cereal. He's going to eat what we get on sale and what we have hanging around, or he's not going to eat. I can't afford to feed him only what he likes, and besides, I don't like buying chicken anyway (try to keep my meat intake to a minimum). He'll get used to it.
- I went through the shoprite circular this morning and made my grocery list from mostly sales. I also got from freecycle a $10 off coupon for my shopping order.
- We always get the gas rebate (going from 5% to 3% now though) on our AAA credit card.
- I earn points through 4 or 4 different programs that will go for gas cards, target or walmart cards, and/or vacations (free hotel nights, etc).
- Taking a fresh look at free activites for my son. We don't actually spend a whole lot on recreation anyway, but it can't hurt to find new stuff. I keep a calendar with all activities, even if we don't attend them. That way, if I need something to do spur of the moment, I just look at my calendar and say "oh, there we go, free thing to do". There's a lot in the philly area!!
- Going to try to keep the eating out to a minimum. We like to do it, so we're not going to quit, but will use those restaurant.com certificates, go for early bird specials, or do mystery shops where we get the food for free.
- I always buy used/cheapo clothing for me and my son. I always pick stuff that's in very good condition, and I can usually find awesome deals on ebay. I have a large enough wardrobe and I won't need any new clothes for a while if I can't afford them. Same for my SO. He just bought some new pants and tshirts, and can hold off for a long time now if he needs to. I also just got stuff added to my wardrobe for the winter because my sister gives me her old clothes (which are never old, she rotates out a lot!). Unfortunately can't give her any of mine since I rarely get rid of them =P
- Freecycle and craigslist!! I also give stuff away on those lists to help others. Keeping my eye out for kitchen table and chairs right now, and a light jacket for my son, since his is gone to oblivion for some reason...
- I looked into reducing our mobile bill, but that's not possible at this point. We both need cell phones since we commute a lot.
- Our phone bill is already on the base rate
- Our cable is on the base rate. We do splurge on a cable connection for the internet, though.
- Trying to stay at work instead of going home for lunch and coming back. I might not be able to stand it all the time, but it will save on gas. Of course, I bring the lunch.
- Had my SO check my tire pressure last night.
- My SO says that if you use just the fan, and not the AC in the car, it saves on gas. I don't know if he's right, but hey, I'll try it. I also open the windows instead sometimes.
- When it hits winter, I'll use the heat on as low a setting as possible in my car.
- Combine trips, of course!
- Trying to get sample packs of BC pills from my gyn instead of having to pay the scrip copays (Hope they have enough!)
- Gleaning more freebies for my stash

Gosh, I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of all of them. Keep the ideas coming, too, ladies. I know I can always use more!!

For the last couple of weeks, I've changed my driving behavior to reduce gas consumption. The end result - I was able to make my tank of gas go a lot further - about 30 extra miles, increasing my mileage from about 25 mpg to 28 mpg. I will continue doing the same, and my dh will too. Here is what I've been doing to improve my gas mileage:
~ drive not faster than 60 mph
~ accelerate gradually
~ when I see red light ahead (even if it's a long way), take my foot off gas pedal and let car roll to a stop
~ fill up in the morning, when it's cool (gas expands in high temperatures, so you get less for your money when it's warm)
~ not use a/c - I've read somewhere that running a/c uses up to 20% more gas. I sometimes open the windows when I'm driving on the street, but on the highway windows should be closed.

As a result of these, I was able to make about 10 gal of gas last for 16 days or 280 miles.

Gas up to 2.79 here.

We now officially have a gas shortage in Alabama.

Our director sent out a memo that anyone who wants to work a 4-day 10 hours workweek may do so - a plan will be implemented in the next three weeks.

DH and I commute to work together - very lucky here. We will be taking the motorcycle to work on Fridays (casual dress day) weather permitting.

I will do better about running errands and only go out when necessary.

Gas lines in my neck of the woods have begun. :(

I have also heard that driving with the windows down causes a drag that raises fuel consumption. Has anyone else heard that and know if there is any truth to it? If that is the case, I'm just gonna keep using my AC since I'm darned if I do and darned if I don't. (I'm a wimp and don't do well in the heat) and here in Gulf area it is alway hot and disgutingly humid.

I read somewhere that the open window vs. AC line is 45mph. That is to say that if you are driving faster than 45mph, the wind drag consumes more gasoline than the AC would.

Annieacid, you mentioned using minimal heat in your car this winter. I'm not sure, but I don't think heat uses extra gasoline. I think that the heat that the engine makes in normal operation is used to warm the air in the duct work. Anyone know for sure?

Our home is all electric, so driving is our only area affected by the gasoline prices. I've rationed myself on driving. My work is in a two week rotation. I work 3 days (Fri, Sat & Sun) and then have 11 days off. On the days I work, I pass two stores where I can get most of our groceries on my way home. Over my 11 days off, I hope to permit myself to drive only three times. Two of those times will be to take dd's to gymnastics on Mondays. The nearest thing to my home is a convenience store, which is 0.6mile away. A regular chain grocery store is 2.75 miles EACH way, along a rural-type highway without sidewalks. So walking for errands isn't very realistic.

The other thing I'm doing is logging my driving just like we log spending $. Today I had to drive 3 miles each way to the pharmacy. That trip cost me about $1.50. :bang:

I'm also taking another look at shopping loss leaders at multiple stores. I'll be doing some fancy calculations to determine if the extra driving will be worth the savings. Just another reason to have a price book! :) OTOH, I may be able to pick things up on my way to/from work or gymnastics.

I saw on Morgan Spurlock's Show Thirty Days that cars can be converted to run on vegetable oil...so I'm off to do an internet search to discover the feasability of doing this. I'll post back when I find out.

Oh, one other thing, would people be interested in a daily driving 'spending' thread?

Okay, the vegetable oil thing is only for DIESEL vehicles. So I didn't look past that to the price. If anyone is interested, I googled "convert car run vegetable oil." HTH somebody out there!

Originally posted by cmu
I may start a clothes line again (even though my HOA might not approve)

I hope you do put up a clothesline. I think in this kind of period, the types of restrictions that housing authorities place on people that force them into using energy unnecessarily are ridiculous. Go for it!

My ac is set at 80 tonight instead of 78 like it useually is. I generally kick it up to 82 durring the day, but I think I will kick it up to 84 tomorrow. The animals should be able to handle that :)

I just cancelled some services, (cable, long distance phone, pest control, and switched to a smaller trash bin) all saving us $141 a month!

Between the gas prices, and the cc companies increasing their minimum payments, we need to be ready.

We are also ready to cut our entertainment budget and clothes budget. (which isn't really that much to begin with)

I'm also planning on a much smaller Christmas budget.

Tami

I switched my Netflix and went from $17.99/month to $14.99...not a lot,but it's some. I'm just not totally ready to drop it altogether.I may even go to the $9.99 next month.
That and eating out once a week is our only entertainment.

We got a notice where our cable bill is going up.We just have the basic digital,internet (which is the same as dial up $19.95/month) and Steve has the sports package. I'll bring up this weekend about dropping that....We'll see how that goes over lol

Actually, we're in an odd position - or at least different from many people out there. Our household income just almost tripled in the last two weeks (DH landed a job and I got a new job with a raise - our household income went from 35K per year to 98.5K per year). So we really aren't taking drastic measures because of gas prices.

One thing we are doing in replacing the battery in DH's SUV tomorrow, and when I start my new job on the 12th, DH will be driving my car (small compact with good milage, he has a 60 mile round trip commute) and I'll be driving his SUV (lousy milage, but my commute is only 10 miles round trip). We have also examined the laundry situation. Up to now, we've been doing laundry at my in-laws since here its $3 a load. But with gas prices at $3 a gallon, and it takes approx. 2 gallons of gas round trip to their house - it make more sense to do most of the laundry here.

Thanks for all of the driving trips - I have been trying to drive to conserve gas, no A/C unless necessary, keeping to the speed limit and 55 whenever possible and I have noticed a difference.

I pulled some money from savings to stock up on can goods from Aldi before the prices start going up and to cut the number of trips to the store. I've been combining my trips so I only have to get out a few days instead of every day. I'll be making cheaper meals and making more from scratch. I've been selling a few things here & there.

Originally posted by Telephus44
Actually, we're in an odd position - or at least different from many people out there. Our household income just almost tripled in the last two weeks (DH landed a job and I got a new job with a raise - our household income went from 35K per year to 98.5K per year).



Sara--That is wonderful news!!! :hugz:



I did buy some meat today.A local store had ribeyes for $3.99/lb and boneless pork chops for $1.19/pound. I got 5 packs of 2 of the steaks and 1 pack of four of the chops,because I'm pretty sure I have some in the freezers. In all reality,we could live off my stockpile for around 6-7 months with only buying milk,bread,fresh fruits and veggies.

I have 2 deep freezers that are stuffed!! Plus the fridge freezer is nearly full,and I have some food from what I canned and froze last year. I really need to check it out and write down exactly what I have.