Cutting back on?

[crazycanuck]

Next year since i'm returning to uni part time, i think we'll be cutting back on basic junk. Tis all a bit fuzzy at the moment but we can handle it when it comes..

[Crankin]

Nothing, except we postponed our Italy trip until 2010. Looking to do something in eastern Canada where we can drive to and take our own bikes.

[NoNo]

Over the past few years I've cut out internet, driving to work (thanks to a move closer to the office), reduced my tv package, and actually make lists when I go to the grocery store. When I know what it is I plan on making for the week, it really cuts down on random purchases. I've always been a brown-bagger. In school the other kids would have sandwiches and I'd break out a thermos of hot soup Never had a land line, didn't see the need for it when I had a cell phone. We used to make coffee in the office, but there were three people and only two of us were buying supplies Last month I decided I'd had enough of that and broke out my big thermos and I carry it in from home now. Last week I put that plastic stuff over the windows to keep drafts out, and I've noticed a difference. Granted, I only keep the thermostat at 60, but it just feels like the chill has been taken out. Other than completely cutting out cable, I'm not sure where else I can cut back. Even still, it's going to be tough getting the bills paid this winter.

[ridebikeme]

WEll, I'm like the rest of you in terms of cutting back... I only use the landline for the internet, and use dial up for that... slow but it works. Long Distance calls are made on my cell phone, and I'm on a family plan with that. The cable tv is gone, generally only watch movies anyway.I heat with wood, so no dependence on foreign oil, in fact, have been cutting some of my own wood as well... a little less to pay others for it. Go to the grocery store with lists, which obviously cuts down on impulse items and eating out. And last but not least, cutting back on some of my bike related items... do I really need it? Is it something that I simply just want? And more than likley, will plant a garden this year as well...

[Aggie_Ama]

I trimmed our cable as much as DH would let me. He bike commutes or we carpool which means we drive our truck only 1-2 days a week. This frees it up from maintenance as regularly. We still take it out of town but only if we can do it on a tank of gas or less. Right now we can afford that luxury since gas is down to $1.69!

We no longer buy sodas for the house because 12 packs went up to $4/pack. Seemed like it was no longer worth it. I buy him premium beer but he usually only enjoys one a night and not every night so it lasts a couple weeks.

I let his grandma trim my hair. She is a retired beautician and although she doesn't do a world class salon job my hair is long and straight so why pay $40+ to have it done at a salon? I would pay her but she is on hard times and feels like it is the only thing she can give back. I have tried fitfully to pay her something!

We haven't had a land line since moving to the area in May 2005. We piggyback on my parents cell plan making it cheaper for everyone.

[beccaB]

Grew my hair shoulder length instead pixie-cut so I wouldn't have to get it cut every month.
Drink micro-brew only on weekends, it was making me fluffy anyway. Sorry folks, can't cut back on the quality of beer, just the quantity!
Combine errands to only make one trip.
Use store coffee in the morning and save the Gevalia for special occasions.
Not eating out very often, especially since our state legislature did not pass the no-smoking in restaurants bill.

[Aggie_Ama]

Not eating out very often, especially since our state legislature did not pass the no-smoking in restaurants bill.

YUCK!! Ours is done at a local level and we do not go to the towns where we have to chose smoking or non. It is 6 miles to a Chili's with a smoking section but 15 to the one that is completely non-smoking. We only eat Chili's every 3 or so months and you can bet we drive to the non-smoking one.

What I hate is patio dining is still smoking in Austin and my local town. Hello when I am down wind I still have to breath that crud and I do not like it!!

[tulip]

I bought a house that reduced my living expenses considerably--my mortgage is hundreds of dollars less than my rent was. I am using some savings for the renovation, but that's better than an equity line with interest that would increase my monthly expenses. I don't have any commute, and I don't eat out often. The one thing new that I've done is work up a budget and I'm doing pretty well sticking to it each month. I've also stopped using my credit card--only debit and cash. It's too easy to overspend with a credit card (for me).