Some of our financial problems are due to the economy: some of it is due to Randall not working for almost a year due to his health problems. Some of the things I've done to cut back and help our budget are as follows:
I've been making meals that will stretch further - such as soups, casserole, stews, etc. We used to go out to eat about once a week after doing our shopping & running errands, but can't afford doing that much anymore. I'll usually buy a frozen pizza or something similar now as a "treat" for when we get home because by the time we get done doing what has to be done I don't feel like cooking anything due to my own health issues. Sometimes we'll get something at Sub Way because it's cheaper. I've pretty much given up on having my English toffee cappuccino that I like to have in the morning, and instead of drinking Pepsi, I drink more water now (which is better for me, anyway). I still drink both, but in moderation. I haven't given up my V-8 yet: I need the nutrition that I get from it. I've also cut back on the many vitamins & supplements I normally take, from every day to every other day.
I've cut back on the amount of shampoo, soap, toothpaste & mouthwash, and cleaning supplies that I normally use.
We used to take "mini vacations" once in awhile, but haven't done that in a long time now (the last time being when my son came to visit and we went to Galveston). As a substitute just to get out of the house for awhile we would go for a drive somewhere, but now with the cost of gas going up so high again, we've had to cut back on that, too.
I've cut back on how many long-distance calls I make, and had some extra services removed from the phone service. The cable will be the next thing to go if push comes to shove. I won't have the internet disconnected unless it's a dire situation, as that's my main source of communication now.
I've readjusted the thermostat for the heat & a/c to save on energy costs.
The furkids are still eating well enough, as I refuse to let them suffer in any unnecessary way. I have cut back on the amount of canned food that they get however, and also their "treats". I've also had to cut back on vet visits. I used to try and take them in at least once a year for their check-ups, but now I only take them in if they get sick or if I notice something wrong: Thankfully, I haven't had to omit the Interferon treatments yet for my FIP cats. There's been a few times where I had to use a credit card - which I try to avoid doing as much as possible - to pay for vet care. When they all got sick back in September, I had to run a bill because we just didn't have all that extra money. I don't like owing anyone anything and always try paying the bills on time, but I had no choice in the matter: their lives were more important. Thankfully, I have a vet that let me run a bill - bless her sweet heart.
That's all that I can think of for now. I'm sure there's more that I've forgotten.
How has the economy affected y'all?
I've been making meals that will stretch further - such as soups, casserole, stews, etc. We used to go out to eat about once a week after doing our shopping & running errands, but can't afford doing that much anymore. I'll usually buy a frozen pizza or something similar now as a "treat" for when we get home because by the time we get done doing what has to be done I don't feel like cooking anything due to my own health issues. Sometimes we'll get something at Sub Way because it's cheaper. I've pretty much given up on having my English toffee cappuccino that I like to have in the morning, and instead of drinking Pepsi, I drink more water now (which is better for me, anyway). I still drink both, but in moderation. I haven't given up my V-8 yet: I need the nutrition that I get from it. I've also cut back on the many vitamins & supplements I normally take, from every day to every other day.
I've cut back on the amount of shampoo, soap, toothpaste & mouthwash, and cleaning supplies that I normally use.
We used to take "mini vacations" once in awhile, but haven't done that in a long time now (the last time being when my son came to visit and we went to Galveston). As a substitute just to get out of the house for awhile we would go for a drive somewhere, but now with the cost of gas going up so high again, we've had to cut back on that, too.
I've cut back on how many long-distance calls I make, and had some extra services removed from the phone service. The cable will be the next thing to go if push comes to shove. I won't have the internet disconnected unless it's a dire situation, as that's my main source of communication now.
I've readjusted the thermostat for the heat & a/c to save on energy costs.
The furkids are still eating well enough, as I refuse to let them suffer in any unnecessary way. I have cut back on the amount of canned food that they get however, and also their "treats". I've also had to cut back on vet visits. I used to try and take them in at least once a year for their check-ups, but now I only take them in if they get sick or if I notice something wrong: Thankfully, I haven't had to omit the Interferon treatments yet for my FIP cats. There's been a few times where I had to use a credit card - which I try to avoid doing as much as possible - to pay for vet care. When they all got sick back in September, I had to run a bill because we just didn't have all that extra money. I don't like owing anyone anything and always try paying the bills on time, but I had no choice in the matter: their lives were more important. Thankfully, I have a vet that let me run a bill - bless her sweet heart.
That's all that I can think of for now. I'm sure there's more that I've forgotten.
How has the economy affected y'all?