In This Economy, what are you cutting back on or refuse to cut back on?

Question

Times are tough for most. List what you have cut back on in order to save money. Also, list what you refuse to cut back on.

I have cut back on the way I shop for food. I look for things on sale or store brands vs. just buying any product I grab.

I have not cut back on items for my horses. I like to spend a lot on them such as nutrients and grooming supplies. They are what makes me happy.

Thanks for your replies!

Answer 1

First, I cut out my online music membership. I also stopped my Netflix subscription. Let my mom take over payments on my car and drove her paid off car (this also saved on car insurance). I even had to move in with mom for a few months to get bills caught up (I couldn't afford rent anymore).

Fortunately, things are looking back up. I have netflix and this saves on fewer instore rentals (I get about 20 or more rentals a month for $18.35). I bundled my phone, internet, tv to save money. I drive much less (which is why I moved into town) to save on gas. I live in AL and medicaid pays for gas to doctors appointments, so I try to schedule my appointments on the same days as my child's.

Answer 2

This is an AWESOME question and I hope it gets lots of responses.

We have cut back on lawn care (I do it all and save about $3600 per year!), eating out - we have not been to a sit-down type restaurant in 2008 and only hit the $1 menu on rare occasion, unnecessary entertainment like movies, and we have eliminated our expensive cable options. In March I planted 4 rotating gardens with tomatoes, potatoes, three kinds of squash, cucumbers, peppers, onions, peanuts, salad greens, cabbage, swiss chard,  green beans, and peas. As those plants finish producing we have new ones started. I went from

Fortunately we only have one car payment but our utility bills, insurance costs, etc., have gone up. Not to mention gasoline has doubled in the same time. We make our own bread, pizza dough (I can make an 18" supreme for less than $3), we buy bulk meat and grill it in large quantities. There are no more $8 cigars and top shelf martinis. We have cut back spending nearly 30% per year in the last 12 months.

We only buy milk, dairy and household essentials. We even make our own glass cleaner, floor cleaner and carpet cleaner from scratch ... hmmm, I should do a frugal living website! Believe it or not we just ordered 6 laying hens - keep in mind I'm a "city boy" but I just happen to live in town with 1.65 acres.

I refuse to cut back on quality so store brands aren't the answer for me. I know the difference between "cheapness" and "value". You would probably be amazed at how "rich" we look (huge house - 8 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 2 full kitchens, theatre, game room, etc - 9000 square feet) and how "rich" we are not. Fortunately I had the foresight 4 years ago to plant several peach trees, plum trees, blueberry bushes, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, grapes and apples. We are still overloaded on fruit and vegetables.

I also have survival training and we have fresh greens every day that most people would spray with weedkiller or otherwise destroy. Wild violets are sweeter and have more vitamin C than any other green. They are EXCELLENT just right out of the yard!

Answer 3

Must say I am cutting back on everything. Not necessarily because of the economy though. I have finally grown up and realized I need to work harder on my finances. despite all the increases in prices, over the last year I have been able to devote more to savings than ever before. I go to town less (I live in a rural area 30 miles from the closest city,) I shop smarter for food, and necessities, I shop clearance for clothes and shoes, I clip coupons, and have reduced or eliminated services that are luxury such as satellite and telephone plans.

Answer 4

My horse died, so I am looking for a cheap replacement. I actually found a free one, but may even pass it up for now.

I now limit my driving and try to scehule trips that involve multiple stops.

I now try to eat only twice a day.

Answer 5

Well, first off I try to prevent back and forth driving...I do my errands in an order so I drive less.  I also try to get to work before the rush hour, and leave while it's the start of rush hour to avoid the stop and go traffic.  That saves me on gas...I'm filling up every 6 days as opposed to every 4 now.

I also buy grocery items on sale, or the store brand.  

I cut back my target trips and make a list, and it takes some disipline, but I only buy what is on the list.

I haven't cut back on getting my nails done.  I also still like to go out to the bar with friends at HH, I just drink slower and cut out the shots.