Smart Spending

By Stressed

November 13, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

aspirin and a really cold, Coca-Cola

By Richard Roma

November 13, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

my heroin

By ccs

November 13, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

We’ve cut back on eating out, buying clothes, and lots of other things. We just can’t live without our TiVo subscription!

By RM

November 13, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

We’ve cut back on eating out, buying non-essentials. But the TiVo stays, even if we have to turn the heat off this winter. It is mom’s only indulgence that the whole family can enjoy.

By MM

November 13, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I can live without almost anything but I can’t live without Jesus.

By TnT's mom

November 13, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

I agree with keeping cable or dish. If you have no money to go out, at least you can watch something decent at home.

By lovelyliz

November 13, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

I can live without cable and a landline phone. I need a high speed connnection because of work. My cell is prepaided and costs me less than $25 per month. I always price check groceries and usually end up buying the store brands. At work I drink out of the water fountain. Two years ago I was going to the movies at least once a month. Now with matinee prices higher than what were regular prices just that short time ago, I am lucky to go to a theatre more than 6 times in an entire year.

I even had to let go of some prescriptions.

By clyde

November 13, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

I’ve pared all expenses to the bone.The last luxury is this computer and it will go if necessary.House insurance is next on the list to go.We have more than sufficient income to survive the coming downturn but cutting all expenses as we have only helps our situation.Consumers need to spend to boost the economy,but don’t count on any help from this quarter.

By Stan

November 13, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

For me it’s cable (so I can watch my NASCAR races and shows, and Food TV) TIVO or Dish = beer…mmmm beer

By Hellinahandbasket

November 13, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Nice to know that we all can do without things but that we are required to pay for the bailout so the AIG exec’s can enjoy a nice week at the spa. The big three automakers are on our ‘gift giving’.

By juanita

November 13, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

I have cut out concerts. I skip meals, don’t eat as often. I’ve stop the pedicures/manicures (do my own). I haven’t bought any clothes in months. I’ve stop sending get well/sympathy cards as often. I was sending out over 20 cards a month to the sick/shut in. I had to stop.(stamps went up). I can not live without water, lights, and a place to stay, so I make sure those things are paid.

By Sagegirl

November 13, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Toilet paper

By JJ

November 13, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

I must have my DVR. The computer is useless and serves as a dust magnet at my house, unless my daughter uses it. I very rarely use it at home, I’m on one all day long at work.

And I will not give up my pedicures. It’s my only indulgence.

By frugal

November 13, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Things that have been given up include: Cable , cell phone, garbage pickup, newspaper, parking fee at work, mammogram, dental, vet visits, dog treats, eating out,

Instead we : watch tv over internet, recycle almost everything, read paper online, take city transit, postpone yearly exams, buy dog meds from canada, pack lunches, eat at home, extend hair cuts and changed to less expensive stylist, shop at goodwill

Sounds boring, but I will not give up Coca-Cola!!

By woody

November 13, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Shirley Franklin

By mystery poster

November 13, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Can’t give up that $29 a month gym membership. Working out reduces stress and keeps me grounded. Especially with winter coming, it’s not as easy to get a workout outside.

Tried to get rid of the cable, but when I called to cancel they offered me a really good deal for a year, with free HBO. It’s marked on my calendar when the year is up so I will cancel it then.

By Sugar

November 13, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Frugal The one thing in your post you should really hang onto is your health. Get that mammogram!!!! NEVER put your health off. Take care of yourself.

By RealityKing

November 13, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Americans have become soft. We are spoiled rotten, and now a pale color of yellow. Selfish and self-absorbed to the point that we can no longer even see the ease at which we could lose our freedoms…, including the pursuit of happiness.

So eat, drink and be merry Cheapo. We’ll all be joining you soon on our current path to progressive socialism.

By Luv2Talk

November 13, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

My cell phone, the Internet and my daily $1 McDonald’s sweet tea with lemon:-).

By Yep

November 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

It’s obvious that all of you are conservatives. I hear that most of the Dems are looking forward to buying a new Lexus once Obama takes your money to pay for other’s mortgages, credit card bills and the household expenses we are cutting to survive.

By ITs over

November 13, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

With Obama’s upcoming dictatorship, I dont know why anyone is giving up anything. Pretty soon we’ll all be working to support each other, especially those that decide not to work, they too will be sharing the wealth. Once universal healthcare kicks in, we wont have to worry about anything….right? We wont be paying for healthcare, but I guarantee we’ll make up for it with gas going up to $10/gallon like it is in every other socialist country.

Things I gave up on…..dates, unless he picks me up. I wont drive more than 20 minutes to meet someone for a date. No more am I meeting guys half way or going to Marietta or the city for events. If I have to cross county lines, its too far. Gave up on mani/pedi’s….and traveling. I used to jump on fare sales to the west coast…flew to Vegas 6 times last year and 8 times the year before.

Can’t give up….DVR….cell phone….or health insurance. Even if we go to a socialist universal healthcare system, I’ll stay with a private company to make sure I get what I need when I need it and not go on a 6 month waiting list. Good way to control population though…that way you’ll have people waiting 6 months for a heart by-pass..they will just die off waiting for their number to get called.

By Bruthaman

November 13, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

“”ITs over “” If its gonna be that bad why do you even hang around? Find the nearest bridge and jump….

By steve

November 13, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Ma Bell was first to go. I’ve got a cell phone. Thermostat now set to 62 during day, 65 once I get home, I’m putting on extra layers. Shut off vents and close the doors of the guest room & dining room unless I’ve got company/entertaining. Cut back the heat on the hot H2O heater and bought an insulator for it (since it’s located in the garage). Gym membership is gone, I’ve bought a used weight machine that will have paid for itself after 3 months of no gym membership. The gasoline prices had pretty much changed my driving habits, so I just try to stay with those new guidelines (multiple errands in one outing). Bought one of those scissor-stlye drying racks, so I don’t have as much to put in the dryer.

By Sean

November 13, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

STARBUCKS

By Tuff Times

November 13, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

We have cut out eating out, gym memberships, mani/pedi, dental cleanings, no pets to the vet. The last movie we saw was Indiana Jones. We increased our deductible on car insurance. Cut the heater way back and have lots of blankets to stay warm. Keeping the DVR and cable as long as we can. I’m thankful we still have our home, but that could change after the first of the year.

Also, the family will be informed that we aren’t going to exchange gifts at Christmas. When times were tough in the past I would just use credit cards and charge it all, not this year! We just don’t have a way to pay it off.

By mr. cheapskatin'

November 14, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the observations, all. (Well, most of ya.) I wouldn’t mind dumping my landline phone but it’s bundled with cable TV and Internet. As for gym membership, that’s a tough one. I used to jog on the streets but can’t anymore. I’ve been cutting back for years on holiday gifts, spending instead on needy families. My loved ones can expect very little this time because I’m unwilling to pull back on charitable stuff

By snow

November 14, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

$4.00 lattes, $10 movie tix, fast food, higher than 15% tips, buying anything not on sale, christmast cards, unnecessary trips…..I will try to use cash and no credit cards, establish a limit and stick by it…and i will haggle on everything…..

By Georgia Republicans- For MARTIN ---U.S. SENATE

November 14, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

The richest person is the one who needs the -LEAST.