Costs Are UP

**JanieD** · 10-13-2009, 05:17 PM

What can we do? Should we just accept that we are spending more & getting less? This seems to conflict with being frugal. Maybe we can get a better deal, but time is often a limited resource like money. Have you saved by switching companies or by "shopping around"? Did it require a lot of time or effort? Did it seem like a great deal, but you got burned?

We can also do without some things & use less of others. However, some costs are unavoidable & you can't switch companies easily if you're in a contract or its a utility. Even if we can offset (delay) the increase for a few months or a year, we often get less for our dollar. Seems impossible to avoid the price increases. Any thoughts or ways to see this in a positive light? Sure I can rework the budget, but there is concern that at some point the money just won't stretch far enough. Please share your thoughts.

**diana1096** · 10-13-2009, 06:42 PM

The way that we are dealing with it is by going bare. We have the cheapest car insurance, no cable, a home phone and the cheapest internet. We wouldn't even have internet but my kids do cyber schooling so it's a must and much cheaper than renting a movie or game once a week.
We have two vehicles and only drive one so that we are not wasting gas where we don't need to. The kids take the bus when they need to go somewhere we're not heading. It's cheaper for them since they are students.
We eat out once a month if that. Most of our meals are for eating not enjoyment. Since my husband refuses to go without meat our food bill is higher than what it would be if we only ate meat once or twice a week compared to all week.
We have a household of 9 and I spend about $300 on food per month. Some months more but that's the average.

**Jessesbride** · 10-13-2009, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by diana1096

The way that we are dealing with it is by going bare. We have the cheapest car insurance, no cable, a home phone and the cheapest internet. We wouldn't even have internet but my kids do cyber schooling so it's a must and much cheaper than renting a movie or game once a week.
We have two vehicles and only drive one so that we are not wasting gas where we don't need to. The kids take the bus when they need to go somewhere we're not heading. It's cheaper for them since they are students.
We eat out once a month if that. Most of our meals are for eating not enjoyment. Since my husband refuses to go without meat our food bill is higher than what it would be if we only ate meat once or twice a week compared to all week.
We have a household of 9 and I spend about $300 on food per month. Some months more but that's the average.

I'm impressed! $300/mo on food! WOW! YOU ROCK!

**pollypurebred39** · 10-13-2009, 08:29 PM

Yep, just like Diana said, going bare. My son also cyber schools so not having internet is not an option. Cheapest service of all types, no cable, no TV except VCR/DVD or Hulu. Shop at salvage stores, thrift stores, shop clearances. Bottom line is our income is not going up, it's been decreasing. Less people tipping well or at all so raising how much we spend is not an option.

That said, I can get name brand and often organic products at the salvage store, Thrift stores often have new brand name clothing with the tags still attached, Churches often have family movie nights or dinners, museums have free days, I've gotten great Christmas gifts on clearance and it's sparked my creativity not only in gifts, or crafts, but in the kitchen...There's always a perk to the frugal lifestyle. Although, I understand it growing wearisome at times.

**missmanny** · 10-13-2009, 09:28 PM

I have found that oportunities to cut my costs in certain places have fallen into my lap so to speak.

I agree that we lead busy lives and when I notice the price of something going up it ticks me off and I am sure that I could do better but am generally unable to find the time to do proper research.

Just the other day I was emailed an offer for a fee free bank account with a bank that I have a high interest savings account with - but my general account was with another intitution.

Once I compared my other every day account with what they were offering I was able to make the switch saving myself about $28 per month in bank fees.

Every now and then I become aware of other cost savings for other bills and adjust where I can for example with electricity. As an example we switched our telephone plan to a "naked" ADSL plan where we don't pay for telephone line rental, sure it means that we can only make telephone calls when the internet and power are on but for us that is ok and we are reaping savings there - probably about $60 per month.

**craftypam** · 10-13-2009, 10:25 PM

My bank decided to raise the amount in my account to keep checking free. I changed banks. My ds charge card decided to raise his interest 5%. I received a paper in with my credit union statement that interest is 9% Fixed! with no transfer fees. He changed banks. When groceries went up; I quit buying so many snacks, they aren't good for you anyway. There are some things like JanieD stated that you have no choice; like utilities; but on other things you can. I never just regular grocery shop. I have gotten to the point that I only buy what is on sale. Regular grocery shopping (especially with today's prices) can really bust your food budget. (When I say regular grocery shop I mean going every week and just picking up whatever you need.

**Grainlady** · 10-14-2009, 09:52 AM

Being frugal is about using what you have wisely, not necessarily just about being a tightwad - nor about being rich, poor, or something in between. Wealthy people can be frugal, just as poor people can be spend-a-holics.

I don't think you can show me any time in my 56-years where we didn't experience economic hard-times periodically where we were spending more and getting less. The economy is like a roller coaster ride. Interest rates on home loans in the late 1970's through the 1980's were double-digit when we purchased our first home, not the low interest rates of today...

What we all have to consider are how our wants and needs have changed, and when it comes to tight budgets we all have to reconcile what's a need, and what's a want. When we were first married we didn't have a phone because we couldn't afford it, only had one vehicle for many years, didn't have a TV for many years and only had ONE TV the entire time our kids were still at home. And no cable - we got 3 channels. Books (from the library) were our chief form of entertainment.

You have to be vigilant to changes and control everything you possibly can. If we spend money on something, we always try to figure out if we can buy it cheaper. I call the insurance companies, utility company, phone, etc. at least once a year and see if we can change something to get costs down. CHANGE may including going to another company, paying yearly instead of monthly, cutting the type of service, etc.... But those are things we can control.

As an example of poor money management, our former neighbors paid the phone company monthly charges for their ancient phones to the tune of hundreds of dollars over the 30-years they had lived in their home. They didn't realize they could buy a phone for $5 to replace it, rather than paying the phone company for those out-dated phones they were using.

Being frugal isn't about NOT spending money, it's about spending money wisely. We paid $534 for a Sun Cloud Infrared Heater in 2005 which has dropped our winter utilities by nearly 50%. The savings on the utilities the first winter paid for the Sun Cloud. We've made many purchases like that over the years for things that saved more money over time than the initial investment - grain mill, rain barrels, quality tools, quality shoes/boots (I'm wearing winter boots that are 33-years old), Solar Ovens....

**Sassyclass** · 10-14-2009, 11:24 AM

I dropped the inside wire maintenance on our landline. We have been paying almost $7 a month for over 9 years and have never needed them to work inside the house. That is $756 we have just thrown away in the last nine years. If we need inside work then and only then will I pay for it. Same with DirecTv. I shop grocery sales, with coupons, and stockpile as much as possible. We eat out less than we were. We question every purchase, do we want it or do we need it. People survived the Great Depression thankfully and we will survive this economy. To me it's a game and as far as I'm concerned they won't win. I don't need a big screen tv, cell phones, Ipods, newest and best applinaces, a brand new car, all the crap the advertisers throw at us. I need shelter, food, medicine, and transportation to and from work, heat, water, and electricity. The rest is negotiable. I could dare I say it, go without the computer if it came down to it. I mailed payments in before I could do it again, but I would miss this forum!!!!

Cat

**JanieD** · 10-14-2009, 04:58 PM

Wow diana1096, $300 a month for groceries for 9, AMAZING! Like craftypam, I tend to avoid what I would call regular grocery shopping where I buy what we're out. Its stock up on sale items we use & buy the basics most weeks. Then we "menu plan" from what we have in the cabinets & freezer. I need to do better in this area, but its a work in progress.

I've also discovered thrift stores & love the like new items I find. I'm able to update my wardrobe & replace worn items for very little money. Occasional I consignment shop, but tend to find what I need/want at the thrift stores for less. Instead of depriving myself, I try to stretch my fun money (which is much less now) to afford the things I love like books.

I am content NOT having a new car, cell phone, big screen tv, cable & such. What's getting me down is the constant rate increases with insurance, taxes & utilities. Higher bills are just a reality with these. It sort of wears you down after awhile. You begin to wonder if you're looking at things the wrong way.

I've considered dropping the inside wire maintenance on our landline phone for awhile. However, we had a problem back this Spring & I've decided to keep it for now. Plus, no cell phone to fall back on. May decide to save (use elsewhere) my $84 a year if we need to go a more "bare budget". I can think of several other things like this that we could cut... hopefully it won't be necessary.

**Preston** · 10-14-2009, 06:26 PM

It's tough and it seems hard, but looking at the rates of consumption and easy credit I think a lot of people have been living above their means and not even coming close to realizing it. We have chopped things down significantly in the past couple years and actually now I am starting to let go a little bit. We lived without our own internet, were able to go down to one car, went vegetarian, and quit renting movies instead the library became our 'video store.' But when we cut everything down I started to hit my breaking point where I had the 'urge to splurge.'

I finally got our own internet instead of sharing with the neighbors. This costs us an extra $30 a month, and we are going into our first winter as homeowners. I got an advertisement for a local gym of $15/month (I think per person) today and I am seriously considering it as we are both out of shape and I noticed that our grocery bill went DOWN when we were getting regular exercise. It's month to month so we can cancel it but for $360 for the whole year I don't know. but a few years ago the same gym wanted $50/month for membership and I said 'hell no!'

I keep a list of things that we could get by without, in a priority list. So if things get tight I just start hatcheting those things away.

**savvy_sniper** · 10-14-2009, 06:35 PM

Our grocery bill has actually gone down because my stockpile is in great shape! I am now to the point that I only buy the loss leaders, deals I find at the grocery salvage store, etc.

I also cook almost complete from scratch now. That saves a lot of money.

We just changed electricity providers. Our rate went DOWN .115 cents/kwh. I also locked into the rate for FIVE years. I don't think the price of electricity will be going down during that time. So hopefully it will be a GREAT deal further down the line.

We will be getting rid of the land line and drop down to basic cable. I have my inventory organized so well that I will be able to get rid of my storage unit.

All of this should save us about $200 a month. I am also going to shop our truck/motorcyle/homeowners insurance.

You have to keep on looking for ways to save money and lower your bills.

**sabrelvssammy** · 10-14-2009, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by savvy_sniper

All of this should save us about $200 a month. I am also going to shop our truck/motorcyle/homeowners insurance.

You have to keep on looking for ways to save money and lower your bills.

I have been hearing how you should check with your insurance company about a reduction in homeowner rates because of the loss of value that so many homes have been hit with....i have it on my to-do list for tomorrow to contact my agent and quiz him about this...i know a few friends that have already gotten rate reductions.... its worth a shot....!

**Jessesbride** · 10-18-2009, 11:04 AM

I don't know what to tell ya hun, as most of our bills/groceries etc, have definitely changed for the better. The only 2 that have changed to being more is our OG&E (electric) & our Sprint bill ~ the first a new house & we've all gotten lazy about turning off what we aren't using & the 2nd ~ we went to at&t to do the iphones & switched right back b/c the service SUCKED!!! We are talking dropped calls with EVERY call.. no matter where you were & we had to suck it up & pay what we do or go somewhere else w/horrid service... we chose to just pay for what we need & leave it at that. I guess it depends on your lifestyle & what is important for you. We use paper towels occassionally & when we do buy them, I usually buy them on sale w/coupon. They actually last a while around here. Pick & choose what you will spend $$$ on & what you won't.

Kim

**shoiji** · 10-18-2009, 12:36 PM

I do find the hunt for a good bargain fun. If I didn't then the whole frugal thing would get depressing at times.

My income limits how much I can spend. Seems it always has. Waiting for a good sale, clearance, thirft store find, makes it very rewarding when I do buy something. Especially something that is expensive and saved for.

I do know that now that I am older I have purchased many things that makes my life easier. Things like the breadmachine, good pot and pans, good silverware and glasses, good sturdy furniture, etc. When I was young and starting out I had only a few items many cardboard, to furnish my place. It took about fifteen years to get my place looking like it does now. Many times scoring at a yardsale. I was very particular to the condition, style, and type of wood, I was buying for my place.

I did cut ties with my satelite provider. I did cost me $70 to brake the contract, however I save in the long run. Staying with the service would have cost more. I am very happy with the basic cable service I have now. Only $17. Any other shows I can pretty much watch on the computer. Even movies. Also have a friend where we will let each other watch different movies we have or read old magazines.

Patience and knowing what you want will help you get through any rough patch. It also helps to take a step back and realize all that you do have. And to really embrace that. Working at the food pantry really did open my eyes to all that I have.

Also being on frugal village helps alot. Especially with all the advice and support that you recieve. Here is a great hint I learned when I first joined this site. Shop around your house, you will probably find something you bought and completely forgot about, in a closet, under a bed. I forgot about some incense I purchased, sample beauty supplies, material for cat toys, etc.

**kittykatstrong** · 11-12-2009, 01:22 AM

For me it is right now about Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make Do and Do Without. I need a black tank top for my ever expanding belly but the red one I own will just have to work till I can find one at a thift store. I made my own pumpkin puree from pumpkins my SIL bought but never cut up for halloween.