made in usa: blog 
made in usa's blog
are you looking at household budget cuts?
Published Oct 10, 2008Views: 468
Lately, I've been looking at where I can cut back at on my monthly expenses. The price of gasoline has been regularily leaving me short-changed by the end of the week. I have to deposit a certain amount from my paycheck into my checking account every week just to pay bills. What's left has been divided into spending money and savings. But what I was putting into savings in the past is now going into my gas tank. So I am now unable to save any money that's accessible. I still contribute into my 401K, and I say that in hopes it doesn't go bye-bye with the stock market's downfall.
So now, what have I considered doing away with to lower my monthly living expenses? I may very well decide tomorrow to go to Time Warner Cable's office and discontinue my digital cable service and go back to basic cable. That new HDTV I recently bought as a self-given house-warming gift to myself may have to loose it's high definition signal for now, along with some of those channels I never watch. That should save me a mere $25/mo.
Another way I've tried to save money is to turn off the lights in a room when I walk out of it. Last month my electric bill was $44. I also take short showers and conserve as much water as I can. My water bill last month was only $16. My phone service is limited to one phone...my cell phone. I did away with a landline years ago. So utilities are well groomed, especially if I reduce my Time Warner bill.
Now where else can I save to offset this vicious economy? Any suggestions? Are you, or have you, made any changes in your spending habits? Please share.
Reader's suggestions:
Car pooling anyone? http://www.sharetheridenc.com/
Can't cook? Neither can I. But there is hope... http://allrecipes.com/Search/Recipes-Advanced.aspx
Installing a water heater timer? Check out this website... http://www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03oct06k.cfm
UPDATE: Due to the high volume of response to this blog, I suggest you read ALL of the comments posted. We have a GOLO Army within that will prepare you for battle against these hard financial times we are currently facing...with a touch of humor in-between. Posted are some excellent money-saving tips, some I've never thought of and have never seen before. And when I say some, I mean A LOT! Thanks to all who contributed. You all are very, very clever!!!!
Filed under: Financial Planning
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