Need ideas for saving on the basics...
SITUATION:
- I have been out of work since late October.
- Significant Other has had income cut by >25%
WHAT WE ARE DOING WELL WITH:
- Renting: Locked into a reasonable lease until the end of the year. Our apt is less than 1,000 sq/ft.
- Utility bills: Replaced all lightbulbs with compact flourescents, minimizing use of washer/dryer and dishwasher. Delaying use of A/C as long as possible (but will not last into the summer in our climate) Thinking about "efficiency" at all times.
- Clothing: Several of us women fluctuate in size but have similar tastes. We pack our unwanted clothes/shoes/accessories in a suitcase, meet at a friend's house for drinks and swap. Whatever doesn't find a home is sent to charity. This also has been a great way to downsize/simplify which feels good too.
WHAT I WOULD LIKE IDEAS FOR:
- Food: This is one of our biggest expenses!! We don't eat out, limit convenience foods, limit junk foods, etc. Fresh fruit and dairy is expensive.
- Medical: I buy my own insurance which is very expensive, plus doesn't cover my medical needs - large co-pay/deductibles. I have some issues that are becoming more urgent as I keep delaying my appointments.
- Cars: Watching maintenance costs closely, but have a car that needs some help (tires/brakes/etc). If not worked on *soon*, will have to be parked. There is no access to public transportation from where we live (eliminated due to agency budget cuts).
What do you think?
This article was actually pretty good:
http://www.aflcio.org/issues/jobseconomy/unemployment/checklist/food.cfm
I have also cut everything down to the bare bones and understand where you are coming from.
I can speak on two points:
Food: You are right, every time I go to the store, things seem more expensive. Especially produce. For regular purchases, I have started using coupons. If you are good about planning around the coupons you have, you can actually save some money. Do you have any farmers markets? Sometimes they are "for show" and overprice everything. But at real ones (that arent mean for tourists) are often cheaper than the grocery store.
Car: If possible, ditch the car and get a scooter. I find that everything goes wrong on a car as soon as you have no steady income. Breaks, transmission, etc.. My car worked fine until I couldnt pay for repairs. I know a scooter sounds scary - but three people I know have done this and are very happy. Low maintenance costs, great fuel efficiency.
Hope these suggestions help a little.
If you can find a Chinese or a Korean vegetable store, their prices are always way lower. I don't know how they do it, but it may be that their produce is purchased nearer to its expiration, but still good!
I'm sold.