What did you cut back on to adjust to a single income?

supermom2008 · October 2011

I'm still in the early stages of divorce. I'm trying to be frugal about everything but wondering what you conmpromised on and what were some things (luxuries) that you still treat yourself to? I'm cutting cable (I don't even watch TV, what a waste of money), reducing my trash service to a smaller size ( we don't generate that much trash anymore), buying a new thermostat that I actually know how to program (so I'm not wasting money heating a house that is unoccupied!), cutting back on eating out. trying to think of other things...

BMenz · October 2011

I have no luxuries. None. All of my money and the money I get from support goes all to bills.

lilhotcandie69 · October 2011

I gave up tanning. I gave up eating out. I gave up shopping....but most of this I gave up when I gave birth.

Mominator · October 2011

I refinanced my car, switched car insurance, cut back on cell plan, cut back on cable, trimmed my grocery budget........I did a lot of other small things too. Oh, if your work offers it, utilize FSA, it will reduce your taxable income.

blissfullyignorant · October 2011

I stopped eating out, cut back on my cell phone, asked all the companies I use if they offer discounts for anything, reduced my car insurance maximums (but kept it high enough so that it everything would be paid for in case of an emergency), stopped buying prepackaged foods, started buying used more (I get all of my and DS clothes and shoes used, etc.). I use coupons where ever possible and buy groceries depending on what is on sale that week.

I also called my Internet company and asked for a discount. They gave me about $10 off. My cell phone company gives me a 20% discount for working a government job. My utility companies take a $5 fee off my bill if I sign up for automatic payments.

It's still tight but those things definitely helped.

achase123 · October 2011

I use mint.com. It's a great way to track where your money goes. I had to cut out shopping on a whim. I have a budget each month so I can really see where it all is going. I don't get coffee every morning like I used to. I also have a wood stove so that helps with heat in the winter. I have an energy bill plan where I only use my major appliances in the off hours (between 6 and 6 and on the weekends).

gmginny · October 2011

I gave up my Mercedes, drive a Jeep now but it's paid for!

I also gave up my personal trainer and gym membership. Trying to exercise with DVDs instead.

Gave up my home phone line, just have a cell phone now.

Trying to save money at the grocery store by buying cheaper meats and having meatless meals. I used to spend a ton of money on fish and shrimp.

Also, cut way back on eating out, Starbucks, etc

CPA04 · October 2011

I also use mint.com. It is nice to see where it all goes, especially trends month over month.

In addition, I refinanced my house, cancelled cable, try to avoid parking in parking ramps at work, don't get take out, buy Starbucks, eat fast food, or anything like that. I buy bday/xmas gifts when I find things on sale and throughout the year instead of all at once. I buy LO's diapers in bulk and his clothes at the end of the season clearance sales for the following year and they become part of his xmas/bday gifts.

I did all these things before, the only thing that changed was that I cancelled cable. I'm cheap. Stick out tongue

CPA04 · October 2011

BMenz:

I have no luxuries. None. All of my money and the money I get from support goes all to bills.

I feel this way most of the time. I really want to get to a point where I don't fear those pesky overdraft fees 2 days before payday. Onward and upward!

BMenz · October 2011

CPA04:
BMenz:

I have no luxuries. None. All of my money and the money I get from support goes all to bills.

I feel this way most of the time. I really want to get to a point where I don't fear those pesky overdraft fees 2 days before payday. Onward and upward!

Agreed!!!

PrincessFiona9 · October 2011

CPA04:
BMenz:

I have no luxuries. None. All of my money and the money I get from support goes all to bills.

I feel this way most of the time. I really want to get to a point where I don't fear those pesky overdraft fees 2 days before payday. Onward and upward!

Hear hear! I'm in this camp.

I moved in with my parents so I'm now only paying rent, not cable, utilities and about half of the money I used to spend on groceries. I also live closer to my work now so I buy less gas. I used my tax refund to pay off the small amount I owed on my car so I wouldn't have anymore car payments and lowered my insurance to minimum requirements. I also got on WIC and DD has dual coverage with Medicaid now, so I don't pay anything out of pocket for *her* medical expenses.