Comments on: Drastic Frugality: When There’s More Month Than Money

By: Saver Queen

Saver Queen — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:06:36 +0000

These are all definitely great tips, and like Craig said, it doesn't matter if they're not all original - they are classic and they work. Besides, your message is important: there are always ways we can cut back when we really need to, even though it's hard. When you think about what you really need to get by on to live, it's pretty simple. But there are lots of ways to have fun for free, and sometimes it's actually fun to use creativity to trim back. Loved this post. Saver Queen´s last blog post..Finding in-store coupons

By: momstheword

momstheword — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:55:09 +0000

We start cutting things out like you said. No eating out, no unnecessary trips. We only buy what we need, no luxuries. Many years ago my husband was out of work for a year, and we really had to buckle down and get serious about frugality. Cloth napkins, rags instead of papertowels, no pop or chips, no olives.....just what was necessary. I even stopped using stain remover and used "goop" instead. I admit we have veered away from some of that (like paper napkins) but we are going back on our financial "diet" so I am loving these comments! momstheword´s last blog post..

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:00:34 +0000

Ugh! We are having one of those months. I think everyone has an expensive month with things like insurance premiums, annual expenses, etc. Ours just happens to be December. Combine that with Christmas, which no matter how I budget for always ends up costing just a little more than I had anticipated, and there you have it...the next month is lean. And I try to account for all my December expenses throughout the year, but I didn't know the dogs would have worms or that our insurance premium would go up (for no reason I can find). Needless to say, January - typically a tough month for everyone - is now even harder. There was more month than money about two weeks ago. No lie. So we have just been hunkering down and really watching every penny. For us, I find that keeping an eagle eye on our spending is sometimes enough to get us through. It is amazing how much needless spending we do even when we think we are being frugal. A candy bar at the checkout lane which grocery shopping. A cup of coffee with a friend. A dollar here, a dollar there, but those dollars add up. I know that for a lot of people, these little dollar expenses never happen because there are better with their finances than I, but it never ceases to amaze me...just when I think we have cut everything out and are getting by on the bare minimum, there us always someplace to cut a little further! Kelly´s last blog post..musings...

By: Jennifer Clark

Jennifer Clark — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:25:42 +0000

I think many of us feel your pain, Kelly! We cancel events, outings, & eating out. We raid the pantry and make it all stretch by adding rice or pasta. I don't toss ANY left overs. If nothing else, it's remade into something "new" so the fam will eat it! Add enough cheese to something and it's amazing how fast the kids scarf it down! Aside from rice, beans, and biscuits, we make do with whatever's here. A blessing about living so far from the city-I generally have about a month's worth of freezer and pantry items on hand so by the time things get SUPER TIGHT, a paycheck has come in to cover the cost of that week's necessities. Then we start building things back up! Another thing, I take on a few extra hours at the store to help give us a boost-sometimes the only answer is to bring more $$ into the budget! Jennifer Clark´s last blog post..Easy Room Decor Ideas-Girly Edition

By: Kristy @ Master Your

Kristy @ Master Your — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:05:52 +0000

I hate months where they're are more days than money! It stresses me out, so I try to avoid them when possible. But, some things I do, just to add to your list:

- Eat lots of PB&J (bread is cheap!)

- Use only 1/3 of the dryer sheet per load. It does the job just fine.

- Leftover potlucks. Those friends who want to go out, I decline and invite over for games and leftover potluck. One leftover dish required per guest. These are usually pretty funny, too.

I'm sure there are other things I do, but these were the first that sprang to mind. Great post, though!

Kristy @ Master Your Card´s last blog post..When To Use Your Emergency Fund

By: mama koala

mama koala — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:49:58 +0000

Great tips. The saying "no" and scouring the pantry have been a couple we've been doing lately. I've also been looking into limiting the cell phone plan, but am having trouble taking that plunge. mama koala´s last blog post..Great Idea--Family Interviews!

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:59:58 +0000

They don't need to be original because they are true and they work. Especially with groceries. A lot of times you can make food last longer, have more leftovers. Also, people tend to have more in cabinets than they need. I'm sure if you go through your dry goods, there are beans, pasta, rice, etc that could be used to last out a week and to save on grocery shopping. Craig´s last blog post..Welcome Our Newest Intern To BudgetPulse

By: Carol

Carol — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:30:44 +0000

Very good post. I'm reminded of my Depression-era mother, who still routinely dilutes her liquid laundry soap after all these years. There is a lot that we can learn from that generation.

By: ursula

ursula — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:29:27 +0000

wow! just before reading your blog, i had been checking my bank account and yikes! another month when there's more month than money for this family……i'm not going to the grocery store and we are going to have a few nights of soup dinners, eggs and beans for dinner…….forego the meat maybe?

By: Sarah H.

Sarah H. — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:52:31 +0000

Great post! I think all your tips are very creative and helpful. And it's good you didn't mention anything about charging for things by credit card and then paying later…debt danger!!

Sarah H.´s last blog post..Transform a room in less than 10 seconds