Unless no one's mentioned it - It doesn't appear that anyone here has lost their job as a result of the recession... but I think everyone's making different choices as consumers because of it. So what are you doing differently? Buying the store brand? Buying the cheap toilet paper? Putting off a big purchase and saving the money instead? I'm curious.
I FINALLY saw a segment on CNN this morning about the great deals you can find shopping at thrift stores - something I've been doing for years and years... but I still haven't heard any solid advice for people about saving money, growing food, or even any useful info about what might be coming down the pike in the next few months.
Personally, I'm making christmas gifts this year rather than buying them - or I'm buying gifts under $10 in my neighborhood shops to try and help my local business community. I'm also abstaining from our office "holiday luncheon" that we each have to spend about $70 to attend. Not that I was really dying to spend money to eat with people I see everyday, anyway... but it's just an example.
Anyway - your thoughts? What are you doing to save or to be more smart with your money?
Moschino Cheap & Chic
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Proenza Schouler
Hey yester!
Well my hubby and I have personally not been afected at all by the recession. Its actually been better this year than last. But my husband works in Affordable Housing which there is always a need for.
To answer your question although we've been doing better I've seen people around loose their job and waste their money and its really scary! So what we've been doing is just saving and not spending at all!
Presents only for the kids and to others the kids make them something.
I scrapbook so I made all my christmas cards myself. Saved me $20 since I always buy the nice ones!
Instead of my hubby and I buying things that we want (like a new bracelet..ring maybe) we buy things we need and want.
Also we tend to buy summer clothes now which saves us money in the long sun since its so cheap right now!
oh yea one more thing
I go to www.retailmenot.com and www.dealtaker.com
I never buy anything online full price thanks to these sites!
1For me I am saving more and spending less. I am not buying gifts this year, I decided in March to sponsor a family so I have been saving since May seriously to help them have the best Christmas they can. I haven't really be doing anything different, it was difficult for me last year and it's difficult again this year. I just stick to a budget, cook everything,bring breakfast, lunch, and snacks to work, shop limited for things I need like household items (tissue, soap, etc), and use the items that I do splurge on sparsely.
Can any policy,however high minded, be moral if it leads to widespread corruption,imprisons so many,has so racist an effect,destroys our inner cities,wreaks havoc on misguided & vulnerable individuals and brings death and destruction to foreign countries?
2I'm planning far more than I used to - a chunk of my bonus is going on stocking the house with necessities and things that usually spark quick trips to whichever store is easiest at the moment (light bulbs, kitch utensils etc.) because they always seem to end up costing more than I expected. We've cut way down on food out: cooking and baking at home. I've taken inventory of clothing and plan to hit after Christmas sales to make sure everyone has what they need for next year - just in case the sh*t hits the fan.
I'm also looking at what I can do at the office-I work for a fairly pricy tax lawyer and he is doing fine, but he's already tense and if clients stop paying or if he has to lower his fee, he'll freak (I know this about him, he's a big freaker). We probably will be fine, but again in case the sh*t hits the fan, I'm figuring ways to save money here however I can.
I'm trying to not cut back on Christmas too much, so as not to scare my daughter.
3I save a lot by bringing lunch rather than buying it. We don't eat out much, but eat really well at home. Stocking up on pantry items when they are on sale, really saves a lot. Shopping at discount Grocery stores. I also use Coupons, and Bonus Points to save money. Thrift Stores have a lot of great deals for New or almost new clothes, decor, etc.. and recycling and re-using is great too!!!
4Less eating out. I'm making baked goods for everyone this Christmas. Less booze.
I'm also trying to be better to myself. I've been buying better quality food, because even though it costs more money it fills me up more and is healthier for me. So while I can afford it I'm trying to eat well. I'm also actually going to get health insurance this year. I've been getting by on my good looks for too long.
I'm on a waiting list for VA coverage. It may take a while but at least I've started the
process.
Besides that I've been staying home more. I want to start crafting again. I used to make teddy bears and cross-stitch/embroider pillows and such. Being creative can be very therapeutic. It's also a great time to start reading more.
5harmony, i want a teddy bear!
glad to hear youre getting health insurance. i know there's also group plans through acting unions... you've probably already looked into that though, and i'll bet the VA plans are free for you which would be ideal. but it's just a thought.
6It's hard to think of specific things, but we've definitely been staying in more, buying and cooking our own food (anyway, it's more fun for me because I love to cook), using coupons and looking for sales, and cutting out unnecessary expenses like new clothes, DVDs, and stuff.
The only entertainment-type things I can't go without are books, and luckily for me there's a used bookstore a block down the street where I can get books for $1 - $2 each.
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