So, normally I don't worry about money, but lately with the down turn (note I resisted the urge to say recession) in the economy combined with a baby on the way and a really rough financial year I am starting to worry. My going back to work isn't an option (four in daycare - I can't do anything that would make that kind of money!). We switched over somethings in the house to be more efficent, so I save $50 on the electric bill this month. Today I listed some things on Ebay that I had been putting off but now I am wondering what else to do...I am loosing sleep. I don't want to start that downward spiral of debt, worry and loss.

All the little things are adding up - as it is DH's work cut his pay Jan 1 and said that due to hard times there would be no increases this year - so we stopped saving anything other than the match amount on his 401K.

So - there is my rant...and a plee to win the lotto :-)

I am just curious, what do you think - what are you doing? I was going to cancel the paper (we only get Sunday) but I think I end up saving more having it because I use the coupons.

To help on our energy bills, we try and use the washing machine at night...when power is cheaper.

To save with money, we don't eat out much...maybe once every six weeks.

To save on grocery shopping, we use coupons for groceries and also for prescription refills.

To save on gas money, we try to drive all errands in a certain order...in order of distance so that we aren't using more gas.

I am sure that we are doing more so help with money, but that is what I can think of right now.

__________________
Think about helping out with cancer...
Join the Relay for Life

Right now cutting back is the only answer. The answer for the whole country of course would be to lower the interest rate say to about 3%. Now that would trigger an upturn for sure!

Other than cutting back and looking for extra ways to make a few $$$ I don't know. I have been going through the house selling all the stuff we don't want on craigslist. It's easier than having a yard sale. You can also advertise dog walking, house cleaining etc in your area.

The good thing is that it can't last forever. Normally when these things turn around there is an extreme turn around so it might not help a lot but keep in mind this too shall pass.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Dh hasn't had a raise in 4 years so we have learned to live with it. Granted, he gets a nice paycheck BUT it does not go near as far as it used too and our expenses are higher due to rising costs of everything. We have a pretty energy efficient house so we save a lot there but here are things we do to keep costs down

keep curtains pulled shut at night and open if it's sunny to warm the house. We keep the winter temp at 67 and the summer temp at 77 to save energy.

I buy in bulk on items I use everyday. I buy lots of stuff on Amazon like rice, toilet paper...stuff like that. It's normally cheaper than the local store and I don't have to drive down there to get it.

I am trying to build up my online business as best as I can. With shipping rates rising, customers want a better deal to compensate for shipping but all prices are rising. I am trying to find new things to sell and/or customize my products to fit a better niche. So far...knock on wood...it's doing okay.

I buy several things at the dollar store: gift bags, easter basket stuff but never food or dental care (too scary)

I stay home more. I used to go out and drive around the mall, etc. I stay at home a lot more with gas higher.

With kids your age, I used to do consignment stores or yard sales to buy clothes (unless I got them on sale for cheaper which was often). A toddler doesn't care if their jeans or new or not (or at least they shouldn't).

Reuse what you can: clothes for kids, clothes swap in the neighborhood perhaps?

Find free things to do: we go to wine tastings every Saturday which are free, art shows downtown once a month (free plus many of the galleries have food and/or drink), free concerts downtown and at library...

good luck!

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

Thanks for the ideas...

We don't buy clothing for the kids or me new (DH we do, since he is a businessman). We also get alot of hand me down type clothing.,.so that really helps. I really only buy underwear, socks etc. My DH is pretty ill so we have thousands in medical costs each year (after insurance) - and there isn't much we can do about that. Since the housing market is so bad selling our house (that we have had only 2 1/2 years) isn't a good idea. I am just getting really nervous that if we are just making it now - what do we do later - I guess I would rather see what I can do now to help then in two years loose everything for lack of a plan.

Cut out or cut back on cable TV, cellphone and internet expenses. Plan meals in advance buying groceries in one trip instead of several times a week. Shop around to see if your auto and home insurance premiums can be found cheaper. Don't run the water while brushing your teeth. Run the dishwasher only when full, the same goes for the clothes washer. Change your driving habits, no jack rabbit stops or starts. Don't sit and let the engine idle for too long at a time such as at the bank or fast food drive through. Park it and go in.

If you heat your home with oil, shop around for the best prices. Sometimes unions offer deals if you belong.
--Now I didn't want to change oil companies, but I wanted a better price, so I told them I was shopping around. They did not at first want to lower my prices, but later that day another salesperson called and significantly lowered the price (the cap on how much I will pay for oil, I locked in a price for the next year, and glad I did, oil just shot up again).
Even when she offered me a good price, I said "Is that the best you can do?" And she lowered it again!
Keep driving at it.....I ended up with a better price than my sister because I kept asking!


--Also some car insurance give a discount if you pay in one lump rather than monthly. If it is significant enough and you can do it, do it.....you may not be able to gain as much interest in a bank account than the interest they might charge you....you have to do the math.
--Also if you can raise the deductible or drop collision ---- only if the car is significantly old (ours are) then do that.....
--Also make sure you and your husband take defensive driving if in your state it gives you a discount.

---Cell phones, see where you can save there. We have NO TEXTING on our phones. We don't do it, don't need it and don't want the added expense.

As far as doing things with the kids:

---Libraries are an amazing resource. When the kids were little we went there every other day. There were plenty of free kids programs as well as books, videos, audio tapes, some even have puzzles and toys.
----We even spent alot of time there on hot days because we only had one bedroom air conditioner at the time and saved money on using it.

---Town/County events. We went to every free puppet show, theatre in the park show, concerts, craft programs, fireworks, outdoor movies, etc...... everything that is listed in the towns and county offered for free. (I know it's not offered in every area, but look for them.)

I got to be known among my friends as the queen of free events.

---Local Churches. They offer many good free or inexpensive programs for the kids (and adults as well). There is usually weekly kids clubs (every church gives it a different name whether it is Pioneer Club, etc., way cheaper than Scouting and nothing to sell). There are summer Vacation Bible School programs...you can have the kids go to several. They might even have different play groups or scrapbooking or couponing groups or clothes exchanges....check them out.

----Coupons/coupons/coupons! Our library even had a box where we could exchange coupons freely. I also joined coupon trains to send and receive coupons. Join a variety of coupon boards. I saved thousands that year my husband was out of work. It took alot of time to store and catalog the coupons but I considered it my part-time job just from home!

----Check out Goodwill.... you said you do well with the kids clothes, but buy DH clothes new. When my DS started his job I got several next to new and even new with tags items at Goodwill that he uses for work. It depends on your local thrift stores however whether they are great or not. My DD loves the ones in PA, here in NY they are just ok.

Good luck. I've been there, probably will be there again. I know what it's like. When things were very bad I had to even resort to dumpster diving for extra coupons and hunting parks and my local area for bottles and cans to recycle for cash. That is extreme, I am sure that won't happen to you. But as a wife and mom, you gotta do what you gotta do and just roll with the flow!

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I didn't realize that power companies had different rates for residential customers for using power at certain times anymore. We have just been on a meter for as long as I can remember. Are there certain areas that still do that? It seems like it would make sense for more to do that with all the efforts to save power.

A lot of people are feeling the crunch, I noticed this week that a bunch of my SAHM friends have started to go back to work.

I think for us the biggest savings compared to other comsuners comes from groceries. I plan EVERY meal out and we never go out for dinner or get take out any more. I have emergency pizzas in the freezer for when I don't feel like cooking and that only costs us $10 for the 4 of us. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Plan your menu and stick to your list.

Sell things on Ebay like you are doing, and you would be SURPRISED at what sells! (Ex: unwanted formula checks get 80% of the value, so sign up with every brand and sign your MIL and any other close inlaws up too! If you can use them great, if not get money to buy the ones you can use) Check everything from your used clothing to books, toys, etc. Even if you don't use the money you make right away and you let it sit in your Paypal account for a rainy day, at least you'll feel better knowing it's there.

Another big tip is STAY HOME! I can't believe the money I save but not going anywhere or having to fill the car or heaven forbid the truck up with gas.Pregnant with 3 kids might keep you there anyway?!

There is no harm asking for diapers as baby gifts either, people can certainly understand that.

You are not alone, there are a lot of thrifty people here.

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

I want to find out about the power being cheaper at night too. That would be great. But hey, I am in the same boat with you!! I have a new baby (well , 17 months , but new to me..) and 2 daughters trying to go to college. I am tripping out on finances big time, trying to figure out if refinancing would help or not, I have a million things racing thru my mind at any given moment. One thing I have found out for sure- I love going to Target and getting deals! But, I also end up getting other stuff. And GAS to get there. I have found that for me, I save alot of money just by staying at home. Also, when I'm out , I tend to go thru fast food drive thrus. Bad for my budget and girlish figure. I really want to find out how to get started selling things on Ebay. I don't even know where to start. Come on yall, keep the ideas coming!!!

A few other things came to mind. My area has a consignment sale twice a year ( Feb. for Spring and Summer clothes, Aug. for Fall and Winter). Last month I made $384 on it just by reselling my baby's clothes and baby items, which most of them had been bought there for a great price to begin with. I have expensive taste for clothes but not the budget to buy them new! So I buy most, if not all, his clothes there, then turn around and sell them when he outgrows them. I even bought his comforter set there. So you could buy your kids stuff there, and then resell it. You can also sell teenagers clothes, also toys, anyhting that would pertain to a child. I am also a nut about turning out lights, ceiling fans, etc. when they aren't being used. I have also started trying to combine loads of clothes when I dry them . I wash 2 loads, hang what I can on hangers to hang up to dry, then drying the smaller load. I put the babys blankets over chairs to dry at night, and they are usually dry by morning. I know these are small things, but with my budget, every cent counts. Also, when I am off I always cook dinner, and there are always leftovers, and that is what I take for lunch to work. Watch your grocery store ads, and only buy meats that are on sale, and stock up on them. I know alot of people are anti WalMart, but I have to use them. I get produce ads out of the paper, and price match them at Walmart I get 10 lbs. of potatos that are regularly $4.99 , for .99 to $1.50. Thats alot of meals. Also celery for .69, bellpeppers for .33, carrots .50 a lb. Fruit galore, for next to nothing. Recently a store that is nowhere near me had bags of shredded cheese for .99 , 8 oz. bag. I bought 6. They freeze well. Use ads for your produce and fruit, sales for your meats, and coupons for anything and everything else. Target will also let you use one of their coupons combined with a manufacturers coupon for diapers and wipes. I stay stocked up on Pampers and Huggies for super cheap. Baby wash and lotion too. I've went crazy now, and made myself look like a loon, just trying to help. I know where you're at , sista.

Tell me this. why are you pumping out bambinos if you cannot afford to raise them properly?

We bought the CFC (compact flourescent) lightbulbs... inexpensive at Costco as I believe the electric company helps subsidize the cost? Anyway, our power usage has gone down noticeably from a year ago. Even more than using the drier less. They paid for themselves in the first month alone... I have 100 watt in lamps next to reading areas and 60 watt elsewhere in the house... The bulbs are curly and cute too.

Our power company has an 'equalizer' program so at least, our electric payment is the same each month; no surprises at $80 a month summer/winter. Easier for budgeting.

Analyze each of your monthly expenses and see where cutting can be done (ie utilities, cell/landline phones, gas usage, groceries/eating out, etc.). Prioritize and eliminate as possible.


Others above have offered some great suggestions... I think times are tough for a lot of folks right now. So sad to see.

A note to having the kids, since it was asked I will go to the bait and answer....

My husband has a very good job. He is manager of North America for his company. He makes very good money and is under contract. That being said we thought his income was "safe". Then in Jan. the company (that makes home building products) started to have trouble. They are one of the largest (in the top 500) companies in the world. They started by saying he had earned and would be paid his 2007 bonus on the January check as we planned, then went to some of it will be paid then and we will pay the rest when we can to 5% will be paid in April, the rest when we get around to it (which I believe by contract could e up to 5 years). This is allowed by the contract if certain things happen, and they did. His bonus is 25-40% of his pay. That was all unpredictable to us.

Additionally it wasn't until recently we found out about my husbands desiese and only in January that the drug costs all skyrocketed when he was put on treatment.

So pay went down, drugs went up in January, all after we were very pregnant.

Other than high speed internet (which we need for DH's work) and very basic cable we don't have many luxuries. I don't have a cell phone, DH's is provided by his company. Our expenses come from nessisity...DH drives 1 hour to work and that eats gas (because we can not afford a million dollar house closer to his work). We have a baby on formula and two in diapers. I am not asking for "help" from anyone - simply ideas. I like alot of the ideas presented on this thread - and I think even if you have money to spare that there are ideas that will work for you.

We are making it on our own - we don't have much debt (I still have some student loans etc.). We own both of our cars in full. I am simply stating that with another blow like the ones that we have had (which is hard not to think might happen in this economy) we will have to make drastic changes. We are not living badly now. My kids are all well taken care of and love their lives. Not everything with them is materialistic...for fun there are times that we go to multi service and help out with community drives or meals on wheels. We are faithful to church and attend and help with activities there. I firmly belive if we had a million dollars I would still use hand me down or consignment clothing - when it is in good shape there is no reason not to - even if you look at it from a point of recycling.

So a short answer - I have had all of my kids because they were sent to me and I love them dearly. We have planned for them, saved for them, loved them and hopefully we are raising them to be good people who give back someday. Circumstances have changed some of our plans, but that does not make us bad people. I am not sitting on government resources having another kid to get more money...I am simply trying to have my dream, the American dream.

WOW...wasn't expecting this

__________________
Think about helping out with cancer...
Join the Relay for Life

While I sent you a PM about this I still think this needs to be said here in public. PROUDUSAMAMA is only a TROLL and should be ignored totally. Any and ALL comments by this person are offensive, bizarre and the only purpose is to cause trouble. I don't believe any one else would agree with their comment. You were asking for help, and many responded. You don't have to defend yourself. Ignore the troll and focus on the vast majority on this board that are kind, helpful and want to band together to save money, become better people and to vent, lol!

__________________

My Coupons *ignore*feature:

http://www.mycoupons.com/boards/profile.php?do=editlist

I ride the bus to work and this morning when I saw gas was $3.45 realised my $2.20 and 3 hours travel time (to and from) is worth the savings.

I have lowered the number of stops/stores that I shop at. I think long and hard before I buy that extra box of cereal.

Because finances were so tight I gave up cable and my local phone. Once I move I'll be able to get the dsl connection without the local phone service.

I will be recycling because I want to save the enviroment but I also get a discount on my water/trash bill.

We don't eat out as much.

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Laura
Please visit my blog
http://mylifeinlaurasworld.blogspot.com/

Like Rose said, do not defend yourself to anyone, much less that ridiculous nonsense! All she ( or it) tries to do is stir up trouble. I am like you, I could win the powerball lottery tomorrow, and I would still keep on doing my little moneysaving things like I do now. Oh, like someone else mentioned, I have switched out most of my lightbulbs for the cfl ones. Also, my ac filters are the allergy kind that you wash out and dry, then reuse. So see, these things are not only good for our budget, but the environment as well! You are going to be fine, you sound like a great Mom and a smart cookie to boot!

Not meaning to cause a ruckus, be offensive, or to go off topic too much, but I really think that you should put more value in your time than you are. Either that, or find a productive use of the 3 hours - that's 15 hours a week!

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

So far, we have a lot of great ideas! Good job, girls! As far as electricity being cheaper during off hours, I'd suggest calling your power company and asking them. I believe ours goes down after 8 PM, but that might vary by companies. I know you said you had basic cable, but I agree with another poster about ditching cable completely. Although we have cable now, we didn't have it for about 7 years while the kids were growing up. They turned out just fine.

I agree about eating out and driving through. That really adds up fast. Also, buying bottled or fountain drinks is really expensive.

I babysat when my kids were young. It does tie you down a little, but sure helps take the edge off money problems.

To save $$ in our house, we've done a number of things to save money:

1. Go to Sam's Club and stock up on bulk items
2. Have a garden in the summer and freeze and can for the winter months and enjoy the produce in the summertime
3. Called Direct TV and asked them what kind of 'deals' they can give me because we've been a loyal and longtime customer. The rep gave me $10/month off my bill for a year and 3 months free of HBO, Showtime and another one (I can't remember!)
4. Use the dishwasher and dryer at night (saves electricity)
5. In the summer, hang out heavy items (like DH's work clothes) or comforters to dry instead of using the dryer
6. Make homemade soups and desserts instead of buying them and freeze them
7. Make homemade dinners and freeze leftovers
8. Stock up on meats when they're on sale
9. Buy the new energy lightbulbs (the prices have gone down now)
10. Sell on E-Bay
11. Have a yard sale (did that last spring and made $$)
12. Use coupons!
13. Send off for the freebies from the freebies board. I'm surprised at what I get! It's wonderful!
14. Join MyPoints and get points and send off for my free gift cards.
15. Join survey groups that offer cash or gift cards for surveys. I don't waste my time on the ones that give me a sweepstakes entry
16. I always give the washing machine an extra spin cycle to take away more water and then put in a dry towel in the dryer to soak up moisture
17. We usually don't eat out now unless we have a gift card or coupon

I know I have more but I just can't think of them right now.

well utilize the internet since you have it lots of freebies & survey sights & coupons especially for babies

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mom of 3 greats girls

These are all great ideas. I've been using some of them since I became a SAHM last year and some are new to me, so thanks to all of the posters and thanks to the OP. I have a question, though, to see if anyone has heard of this. I had heard about a surge protector type device that actually doesn't allow any power to get through. Supposedly, this device costs around $35.00 and can save about 20% of your electric bill? Now, this is something I just read about while waiting for a doctor's appointment and I should have taken the mag with me, but I didn't. It said that computers draw an enormous of electricity whether they are in use or not. What do ya'll think? Anyone heard of it?

Kim

For computers, Tv's, DVD players etc just use a regular surge protector and turn it off when the items are not in use. Unplug small appliances in your kitchen when not in use. A lot of things use energy when they are technically turned off. I bought a lot of surge protectors at Target when they went to 75 and 90% off at Christmas. Also make sure to unplug things like your cellphone chargers or any battery chargers.

Try Ecostrip Power Bar Coming to North America : TreeHugger (comments are more useful than the main article) and Amazon.com: Energy Saving Smart Strip With Autoswitching Technology and Fax/Modem Surge Protection #LCG4: Home Improvement

I'm pretty good with Google, but had trouble finding those. They're all I can think of that really meets that description, and even then, they're not dead-on.

It might sound funny but you can save money by buying the most expensive premium gasoline. It is higher in octane and I have found that by paying an extra 20 cents a gallon for my 16 gallon tank costs me only $3.20 more but I get between 50-80 (depending on whether town or highway)extra miles per tank so that is an extra 50-80 miles for the price of less than one gallon.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I have never heard of that! I'll have to tell DH to try it and see what happens! He's good with his mileage, I always forget to write it down.

__________________
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

Look at your cars owner manual for the right octane gas to put in. Otherwise you might do more damage to your cars motor (rings, etc).

SaraBeth,

Some people ONLY post nasty things!

I am sorry that they were so rude.

Shirley

My manual recommends 87 octane.

Also adding... CONGRATS on the baby!

Thanks so much! I think that is pretty close to what I saw. I ordered one from Amazon and will give it a shot.

Also, smurf, thanks for the idea of ordering TP and that type of item from Amazon. Quite frankly, I never would have thought of it - didn't realize that type of item would qualify for free shipping. The prices were competitive, so I ordered some of that, too! I'd definitely be interested in knowing what you order from there.

Thanks, ladies!!!

Kim

I have been through recessions before. As most of us do on this site, you just have to watch your money. Sales, yardsales, coupons all help. There was one Christmas that all 7 of my brothers and sisters, their spouses, and my dad were all out of work. We had a very happy Christmas because everyone did something. I gave everyone bags of groceries that I had got free or almost free. We ended up moving to another state for work. It was the best thing that could have happened. My kids got a great education. Three years ago, my dh got sick. He got on disability to find he then had prostate cancer. For about 8 months, we lived on my salary. We made it and have adjusted the way we live. We have had a lot of practice. You will make it through.

I have never heard of a computer drawing energy when it's not turned on unless it's in sleep or hibernate mode. I understand about a TV drawing energy, that is what gives the instant on. I don't know of chargers drawing energy if there's not something plugged into them.
I don't believe you can damage a cars engine by putting in a higher octane gasoline. Whereas you can damage the engine by using a lower octane when a higher octane is recommended.

That information came from a shop that rebuild one of our dump trucks. The guy said the motors in vehicle are designed and tested to be used with certain octane gas and certain type of oils. He suggested only using what is written in your owners manual.
I was only trying to point out that sometimes what you think saves money in the long run MIGHT cost you more.

Here is a link Federal Trade Commission Protecting American's Consumer
The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline

Some things that are recommended for better gas mileage are:
Top 10 Tips for Improving Your Fuel Economy

1."Follow the Recommended Maintenance
A vehicle that is well maintained means it will operate with greater efficiency. This not only improves your overall vehicle performance, but it will improve your fuel economy as well. Fouled spark plugs, a dirty air filter or clogged fuel filter will all affect your fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), replacing a clogged air filter can increase your mileage by 10 percent, while replacing an oxygen sensor could result in an improvement as high as 40 percent. Proper maintenance also means using the right octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the recommended types for your vehicle will give you optimum fuel economy — and can save you money as well. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's recommendations and have maintenance performed regularly by a dealer or reputable mechanic."

2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Chargers, and other appliances plugged in but not in use, draw power. It is certainly less than when in use, but it adds up. This is often referred to as 'phantom power usage'. If you touch your phone chargers when they are plugged in, you'll feel the heat generated by the electricity.

Our power company recommends plugging chargers, computers, etc. into power strips. When you turn the power strip switch off, there is no power drawn.

HTH.