Need ideas on how to make it on a tight budget

**arunkel** · 06-17-2008, 06:17 PM

Our budget is so tight that it squeaks. Anything extra is out of the question and any emergency would kill us financially right now. How do you make it when there is nothing? We do not qualify for help, but things are so tight that there isnt even much for groceries which are going up in price.

**itsahumanzoo** · 06-17-2008, 06:32 PM

You could look up if there are any food banks in your area. Usually they're done through a church or a non-profit organization, and they don't check out your finances. They are just happy to help someone in need.

Also you could cut it down to the bare essentials. No TV, no internet. Use the library for free internet, movies, books and entertainment.

Sell things you have around the house for extra cash. Pick up odd jobs to get extra cash that way.

It's never fun, but sometimes we just have to do what we have to do.

**angelbumpkin** · 06-17-2008, 06:41 PM

I would also advise not eatting out or driving unless you really have too. Depending on where you live some of the food pantries in Ohio also give toiltries out.

**shoiji** · 06-17-2008, 06:41 PM

I would second the food bank idea. They are there to help people. Hope everything works out for you.

**sunshine** · 06-17-2008, 10:28 PM

Is this a temporary issue? or a long term problem? For instance, my finances are going to take a hit soon, as I'll be off work 8-16 weeks for multiple surgeries. That's a temporary problem though, and in a few weeks we'll be back to normal (God willing). Many years ago, my husband was diagnosed with ALS and is now permanently disabled. That's a long term problem. The approaches are different.

For the temporary issue -- can you cut back on anything for a while? Cut out meat for several meals a week? Talk to your creditors about the possibility of paying only the interest, or no payment temporarily? Etc.

For long term issue- you have to get bare bones. . . cut out any nonessentials - no extras on the phone, no cable TV, no gym memberships, no subscriptions, no eating out, eating only simple and frugal meals - splurges only for special occasions, take on a second or third job, sell plasma, etc. Do whatever it takes to get the situation where you have a little breathing room.

**sunshine** · 06-17-2008, 10:28 PM

Is this a temporary issue? or a long term problem? For instance, my finances are going to take a hit soon, as I'll be off work 8-16 weeks for multiple surgeries. That's a temporary problem though, and in a few weeks we'll be back to normal (God willing). Many years ago, my husband was diagnosed with ALS and is now permanently disabled. That's a long term problem. The approaches are different.

For the temporary issue -- can you cut back on anything for a while? Cut out meat for several meals a week? Talk to your creditors about the possibility of paying only the interest, or no payment temporarily? Etc.

For long term issue- you have to get bare bones. . . cut out any nonessentials - no extras on the phone, no cable TV, no gym memberships, no subscriptions, no eating out, eating only simple and frugal meals - splurges only for special occasions, take on a second or third job, sell plasma, etc. Do whatever it takes to get the situation where you have a little breathing room.

**jamie79** · 06-17-2008, 11:20 PM

I agree with the food pantry. Have a yard sale. Pick up a side job delivering pizzas or something along that line. Dont buy anything you do not need.

**MTS04** · 06-17-2008, 11:49 PM

Have you listed out all of your expenses?

Sometimes there are things that can be trimmed to help create that cushion.

List each expense:
Phone
cable/satellite
electric
mortgage/rent
cc's
gas
internet

see which things you can cut out or reduce. If you live in a city or more urban area, look into public trans. See if you can carpool instead of driving everywhere.
It's summer, so try to wash and hang dry your laundry.
these are just a few things that I can think of.

**Karla** · 06-18-2008, 03:10 AM

Great advice..I'd check into all of these options you can do. Maybe babysit for some neighbors for extra cash. I hope it gets better for you soon.

**Siebrie** · 06-18-2008, 03:57 AM

And do remember to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Sunshine on my skin always makes me feel better, and I come up with better solutions to problems.

**Hucky** · 06-18-2008, 04:37 AM

There is a really good post around here, will see if I can find the link...

**prftstrngr** · 06-18-2008, 06:29 AM

Use your coupons when you do buy groceries. If you collect points see if any can be redeemed for free stuff or money off.

**larabelle** · 06-18-2008, 07:43 AM

I have nothing more to add...so just sending you a hug!!

**Natalie** · 06-18-2008, 08:59 AM

Body wash, shampoo, conditioner... I thin them out. You have two bottles of a product, when one's gone, put half of the next one in the old bottle, then put water to about half of the remaining space, and mix well. Granted, with soapy stuff like shampoo, you'll need to let the bubble settle, so I usually do the mixing when I'm just out of the shower (after the last shower), so it can wait a day to settle before using it again.

**Susanscraps** · 06-18-2008, 09:22 AM

I wash everything in cold water (except whites), cut down on washing time if your washing machine is able to, use HALF of the detergent, and hang some things out to dry (I'm still working on that one). Unplug anything that is not in use, and pay close attention to lights/tvs being on and not being used/watched. Shut off the water when brushing your teeth/cut down on shower times.
Do you have a bakery/bread store outlet nearby? Great prices on bread. Shop a farmer's market instead of the grocery store (cheaper and fresher)
Good luck to you...I hope things ease up for you!
Do you belong to MyPoints? Easy way to get gift cards for just clicking on emails...though it does take a while to accumulate.