March 04, 2012

In these frugal days...

I have been thinking a lot about what I need, what I want and what I can't live without.  By necessity, I have been hit by frugality in 2012, being off work, I am living on savings and some unemployment insurance right now.  Money is tight and budgets have to be tightened.

So I've done a little soul searching to determine what I can live without.  The list isn't very extensive but I can give up most formal entertainment - concerts, CDs, DVDs, movies, travel, meals out, etc.  I can't give up reading but I'm happy to give up buying books, and borrow from the library or friends.  I can mostly give up magazines too as your lovely blogs replace that need.

I'm having trouble giving up shopping but am trying to be thrifty there.  I can give up drinking alcohol and fancy dinners out.  I don't know if you have Wag Jag in your area but I've been buying ones from restaurants and entertainment for half price.  I bought $100 at my local butcher shop for $50.  I paid $22 to get $50 at my beauty salon and I have enough for my next 3 haircuts including gifts I have received.  I am extremely limiting clothing purchases.  I'm trying to lose some weight so I can fit it into the smaller clothes in my closet.

I can't however give up my hair app'ts, I can't give up my Honda CRV that isn't paid for yet, I can't give up my internet connection (what would I do without you) and I can't give up my Fruits and Passion (the only bubble bath I am not allergic to)...


I also couldn`t live without fresh flowers although I buy them less and I couldn`t live without Lore, who keeps my house spic and span although she only comes 50% of the time now.


I found I can cut here and there and stretch a dollar but what I truly can`t live without are my family and friends, including all my blogging friends

Have a nice evening...

Julie

2 comments:

  1. Most of the people I know are doing the same thing. After two years of working with less income I've found I'm getting very good at living within my means. I've discovered that there were many things I could do without and I don't feel like I'm being deprived of anything. Family and friends, food on the table and a roof over my head, these are the must haves. Projects to work on and books to read are next on my list. Anything more is just icing on the cake. Enjoy your day.

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  2. Such a sweet, sweet post with a touch of humor. We could truly all live without a lot of the things we think are necessary. Lately, I've been doing clothes shopping at Goodwill. If only I didn't wear size Large, I could find so many cute things for $2-$4. It amazes me the good quality clothing hanging in those places. Takes more time to find things, but always worth it. So nice to meet you ~ newest follower.
    Cindy

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