apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

we are definitely cutting back on meals out.
we also just moved, and are trying to buy all furniture 2nd hand...

meals and electricity.
i'm cooking at home more and cutting back on the electricity. i'm usually very aware of my energy use but lately i've slipped and kept lights on and items plugged in needlessly (and wastefully). plus, i was in australia for two months and during that time my subletter went crazy with the air conditioner and my bills were massive!

Cut down on a house keeper! don't make me laugh!

We are trying to eat out less, no more Starbucks, bring lunch to work, makeing grocery shopping trips more efficient by planning meals.

With rent-control, downsizing the apartment is not feasable unless I move out of town.

My cutbacks would be in my vacations (from two vacations a year to one, or from suites to lesser accommodations), reducing how much I dine out/order out, reducing my decorating expenses, and reducing how much I spend on clothing.

as of now, it's been pretty much business as usual for us so far, except for the desire to eat out less for health reasons. that being said, we went for many long months on one income at the beginning of last year & the first thing to go was eating out in all forms -- dinner when we were too lazy too cook, work lunches out, the at-least-daily coffee drinks... and we cut way, way back on food & drinks-based socializing with friends. also, pretty much any optional purchases (clothes, house decor, vacations, etc) were put on hold.

in so doing, we were able to avoid giving up our twice-a-month house cleaners, which continue to help to preserve our happy marriage ;-)

I have been drinking the office coffee instead of running out to the local Starbucks. I've also been buying store brands at my local supermarket. Cutting back on eating out and bring my lunch into the office. Stop checking out ebay...I'm way too tempted to bid on stuff I don't really need, but want really bad.

giving up the starbucks is a big one!
smarter grocery shopping too - poverty happens to be a great chance to diet!
clothing was one of the first things i cut out of my budget when i began grad school ...
and since i refuse to cut my decorating budget to zero, i use Craigslist to facilitate my "one in, one out" system. when i really want something new, i find something to get rid of and use the money from one to buy the other.

Living in Canada, and more specifically in prosperous Alberta, our economy isn't affecting our budget as much as it is for Americans. However, I believe that living within your means and not overspending is just a good philosphy in general.

We've restructured our household budget by cutting our Takeout meals to once or twice a month. As well as thoroughly planning our grocery shopping and other variable household expenses.
We save all our receipts and record our personal spending once a month to see if we're coming out on top.

Putting all of your spending (in all areas of your life) under a spotlight once a month really helps you notice where costs can be cut down.
Just recently I realised that I've been spending $5 a day on coffee when there is perfectly fine coffee for free in my office. I stopped getting off the bus early inorder to pick up a cuppa joe and instead I fill my thermal mug at work and add in my favourite flavourings (hot chocolate for mochas!). These small savings really add up over the term of a month. It's great to see progress when cutting costs. Especially when the quality of life isn't compromised.

I don't have much fat to trim, but always bringing my lunch is a start. I'm going to cancel Netflix and just rely on the library. I'm even thinking of canceling my internet connection at home. That's a big one since I'm so dependent on it, but that's part of the problem. Most nights I come home and have lots of things I need to/want to do, and instead I spend two hours surfing the Internet.

My best friend and I are on a challenge to save $$$ by brown-bagging our lunch. I live in San Francisco and walk to work, but he's in Minneapolis so I encourage him to carpool or use public transportation. So far, this month we've each saved about $200. I've also stopped my workday Starbucks and drink tea instead. That's really helped out.

At home, we signed up for basic cable which has saved quite a bit. We've also put ourselves on a self-imposed "lockdown" on travel until August 2009. Small steps for now, but hopefully they'll pay off.

Neither one of us has lost our jobs so we haven't changed anything. We live way below our means.

Just a few years ago when were we both in grad school, though, we weren't making much. We still ate all organic foods, had great cheese and wine, and managed to go to Italy and Belgium. We just didn't buy anything except for food and once in a while a new pair of pants or something.

tivo was the first thing to go, then it was a little less gas, a little less food, a little less electricity and water. Can't wait until it's a little less heat...

My blockuster delivery might have to go soon too.

Our cutting down recently hasn't necessarily been due to the economy - we just needed to cut down in an attempt to get out of debt!

We canceled our DirecTV, internet and Netflix. We cook at home all the time, and I bring lunch to work. I try to watch little things like turning off lights and anything we're not using as well.

Starbucks is a tough one for us too - we live on it. Haha. Instead of getting it daily, I might have a latte once or twice a week, and drink the (yucky) office coffee instead.

As a researcher in socioeconomics, we've been waiting for this melt down for 2 yrs. We sold off the majority or our things on ebay and craiglist, moved within 2 miles of our jobs so we can bike or walk, quit eating out and our food bill is down to 300 mo for 2 people. By doing all this we managed to save $1500 a month. It's been a wild ride.

no more sushi night :(
I cry

I'm trying not to visit Starbucks as often, and if I do I'll get a simple coffee rather than an expensive latte. I'm bringing lunch to work more often, trying not to eat out as often, and have sold some items on E-Bay for extra cash. Unfortunately most of the E-Bay proceeds ended up going back to E-Bay in listing costs and other items.

I'm not doing too bad currently. It's sad to watch my retirement savings melt away, and I almost died when I saw a small container of yogurt for over $2 in the grocery store yesterday, but I'm a good bargain hunter. College taught me one thing and that was how to live on practically no money.

erika in seattle: don't cut out your internet service at home. you'll be miserable and in this day and age, you'll probably find yourself needing it desperately for something or other. instead, just discipline yourself and surf less (ha! i'm one to talk).

Looks like Starbucks is in for trouble.

Eating out has been cut way back for sure, and now we are trying to cut our food bill by eating more beans/grains etc and less meat -- but the meat we do buy now is organic (I figure if I am only eating beef once/week, it's going to be the good stuff). Last week I did all my shopping at Whole Foods and Aldi -- what a contrast! Has helped cut costs, though, while still keep quality at an acceptable level.

late fees

Frugal yesterday, frugal today, frugal tomorrow.

I'm moving into a bigger apt with a bigger rent so I've gotten alot of the craigslist free or cheap stuff to help furnish. I am cutting back on taking a taxi to work, less sleep but I will save $60/week. I'm planning on doing more dinner party, movie/game nights at home with friends instead of going out so much to help cut costs and also make the most of why I'm spending more money on rent.

We went down to a one income household last year, when I had twins, so there's not much more fat to trim.

But, I am still looking for ways to save more. I've switched to cloth diapers that I wash myself, hang laundry to dry, and buy in bulk and locally to cut back on our food bills. Luckily we live in the country outside of NYC, where pick-your-own farms are all around us. We're also planning to plant a garden and fruit trees on our property next spring to increase our self-sufficiency.

it's so interesting how eating out is one of the first things to go-- i believe for most people eating out is a luxury, so we cut back on luxuries. It's hard to cut back on bills (try to use less cell minutes? less electricity? less water? all these things are good to do no matter what, but how much does it truly help with the monthly bill?)
what things do we have that we have to keep, no matter what the economy is doing? good quality food? tivo, for some?

Pretty much the same as above. I don't necessarily cut things out completely, but prefer to limit.

Starbucks only once a week. Eating out only once a week (if at all). Coupon cutting and driving less. Definitely canceling extraneous things like Blockbuster online, and opting for free movie rentals from the library.

I also just ask for deals. Try calling your cable company, and very nicely explaining you can't afford your current rate. If you get a friendly one, they'll put you into a lower rate, or offer you a special package offer for "new customers". They don't want to lose your business, and it never hurts to ask (and ask again, or again)...

I moved out recently and i've made a huge turnaround. Living with my parents, I had minimal bills. I ate out almost daily in one form or another, drove into work daily, could spend a thousand bucks in a matter of minutes on clothes. Now... I take the bus - went from 4 tank fillups a month to 1, eat out maybe once a week and spend onlyh about 80 bucks a month on food, been wearing the same 2 pairs of jeans for a year, take 10 minute showers rather than my usual 20 minutes of sleep showering and have learned to walk in the dark and have no internet or cable. Crazy thing is, is that I don't mind it all that much. I am getting the internet this week- and cable if I get a promotion --- maybe. I have also grown accustomed to having a growling stomach.

If I don't have a specific purpose for shopping, I no longer go just to "browse".
It's made a huge difference.

My husband and I are already pretty bare bones. We watched a program on TV recently about ways to cut your expenses and just laughed the whole time because they had tips about ways to lower your monthly beauty salon bills, and to brown bag your lunch more often.

The brown bag is the only lunch there is, almost without exception and there *is* no salon budget.

One thing that has changed is that we shop at the discount supermarkets instead of the regular ones. Forget Whole Foods or anything like that.

Less wine (or less expensive wine!)

more cooking at home & more freezing stuff cooked at home

Fewer event tix (theater, concerts, etc)

Less weekend getaway travel

cut clothes shopping (amazing if I don't go into the stores I don't buy stuff!)
drive the speed limit to save gas (mpg jumped from 32 to 39!)
very little meat and alchohol on the grocery list
netflix, gardening and DIY home projects = all the entertainment we need.

biggie for the upcoming season: our family is re-evaluating Christmas and agreeing to limit and/or eliminate most of the gift giving and replace it with more family events.

I'm with Carla Marie! I work on Park Avenue South---two blocks from Lower 5th Avenue---and I have banned myself from crossing Broadway. And I am trying to bring my lunch because I recently discovered I was spending around $200 a week on breakfast/lunch/dinner eating out...ridiculous! Especially b/c that is such an easy thing to cut back on

I'm cutting back on Starbucks. It's kinda hard since it kinda became second nature to me. But I recently discovered cold-brewed iced coffee and LOVE it, so that's helping.

All of my other cut backs are currently being affected by the fact that I just moved. Bringing lunch to work is kinda hard when I don't actually have any food in my apartment. It's also hard to cook meals at home. I should probably go grocery shopping. :)
But the move has shortened my commute to work (from 45-60 minute drive to a 10-15 minute drive), so I should be saving on gas.

I'm also gonna "rough it" a while an not have cable or satellite tv since I don't have a TV (didn't feel like lugging the 20" CRT, so I gave it to my friend who's moving into my old place), but I will have internet though.

No new fall wardrobe so far, and trying to cut down on eating out. We've been having people over instead of all going out, but that seems to be more because our friends are poorer than us...

Like others, making coffee at home in the a.m., and bringing lunch to work. Also, when I find something I want to purchase, scouring the internet for the best deal (looking at both price and shipping costs) before buying. Needed a new raincoat and saw one I liked in the Bloomingdales catalog for $199 - found it on Overstock.com for $100 less :-)

One way I cut back is simply to spend more time at home -- that cuts down on my gas usage. I call it the hermit's saving plan.

Thought of a couple more changes we've made. We're eating more vegetarian style meals and/or cooking with poultry thighs instead of breasts, or pork shoulder isntead of tenderloin. For example, I've got two great recipes for orange chicken and beer-braised pork that cook up in a crock pot.

And every non-essential gets a "do I REALLY need this?" gut check before I buy.

why are people wasting their money at starbucks?? get a french press (around $20) and brew your own fair-trade coffee. it's cheaper and tastier, not to mention lighter on your conscience.

I'm working hard to limit coffee out/work lunches to no more than 2 per week. It is challenging because I work long hours and have to walk to the supermarket, but I'm slowly getting there.

I've also tried to eliminate clothes, furniture, and book shopping trips. I definitely have fewer impulse buys. It helps working out in the sticks, too.

I rely on Hulu for movies and shows. It isn't perfect, but I don't pay for cable or movie rentals, or library late fees.

i'm cooking at lot more at home and since i'm vegetarian, i know how to make yummy cheap meals so i save on the cost of meat. after mint.com told me how much i'm spending at restaurants, i've REALLY cut back on eating out.

the one major cutback was getting my dogs groomed monthly ($80) so i went and bought some clippers ($30) and thought, this isn't so hard and it's slightly hilarious to see what i can do with my poodle/italian greyhound. so now i groom them both in my tub.

at my house, my thermostat stays at 80 during the day and luckily it stays pretty cool in there. i'm also air drying a lot of clothes instead of using my dryer. luckily my landlord pays for water so i don't have to worry about that bill.

my necessities that i don't cut back on: dog pet insurance, organic animal food, fruit, and gas.

It's interesting to see how people are cutting back. I'm a Canadian but my husband and I lived off one income for most of this past year however once I got a job, he lost his as his company went into crisis mode. It's been a welcomed change, though it has it's challenges and we've always been hard at work saving money but the first thing we did was to cut the cable (even basic!) and we got the cheapest cell phone plan possible opting to E-mail wherever possible and we cooked at home a lot more and had friends over to make meals together.

Despite the crisis, it's nice to see how we get "back to our roots" when crisis happens and we enjoy the little things like game nights (as EastVillageAmy was saying) and company for dinner. Maybe we need a little push in the right direction.

Avoid late fees -- credit cards mainly, but even those library fees add up

Frozen/Canned instead of fresh produce -- since I can't/don't remember to use what I buy, it just goes to waste

Not buying as many snacks/junk food

No impulse/therapeutic shopping. No browsing stores/eBay/Craigslist unless I have something specific to buy.

I rarely go to Coffee Bean/Starbucks anymore. But when I do, it'll be at like Barnes & Noble so I can browse magazines.

I don't wear makeup everyday. Not even my beloved lip gloss!

I use mainly drugstore brands now instead of splurging on Kiehl's and Shiseido. Sniff... : (

I make cards, instead of buying

I try not to go to the movies, unless it's like Batman or something. I actually watch quite a bit of DVD's, so I love my Netflix. I was surprised so many people have said they're getting rid of it.

I still go to music shows, but I won't get any drinks.

I hang dry my clothes.

i can't believe all the people that have been throwing their money away at starbucks. i agree with a previous poster... starbucks might be in trouble!

i only recently became comfortable enough with the idea that i could afford cable and highspeed internet. to me THOSE are luxuries, and i'm going to hold onto them for awhile. i'll have to cut back on social expenses...like drinking and eating out.

Recreational shopping is a terrible, terrible habit, and it's been hard, but I've almost entirely cut it out of my life over the last year. I have found that shopping online, and then putting things on my Amazon wish-list or saving URL's in my "I Want That" folder, but not actually buying them, kind of satisfies the shopping urge. [I guess this is like chewing gum when you want to smoke. Not nearly as good, but it'll tide you over during a craving.]

I've also given up my monthly pedicures (which I miss terribly), cut down to the basic $8/month cable, and implemented a ton of energy-saving habits and gadgets (air-drying clothes, CFLs, programmed thermostat, etc.). However, I went on a debt diet back in February - stopped using credit altogether - and started paring back my budget back then.

You Starbucks addicts... I'm just bewildered. Do they put crack in that stuff or what? I don't get it.

Coffee is a hard one for me. I can make coffee at home, but I really enjoy meeting the regulars at the coffee shop in the morning.

I've saved a lot over the years (art school doesnt pay for itself) by being incredibly frugal - I ate mac n cheese until I was 27 - then my metabolism slowed down. Aside from the dining out/travel expenses peopel quoted above my three biggies are:

1. Bargain shop, but be aware of quality. Sometimes more expensive things will last 10x as long as cheap things.
2. Know how to build/fix/repair things yourself. This saves a TON of money around the house.
3. Understand the difference between NEED and WANT.

Quick example of all 3:

I NEEDED a coffee table. Didnt WANT a cheap ikea piece- so I decided to MAKE my own. The local woodshop quoted me 200$ for a slab of walnut. I found a similar size on eBay for $60 (including shipping). A little sanding and a 30$ set of legs and I've got a beautiful table that will last me for years.

It's weird, because while the economy is tanking, I'm feeling less stressed budget-wise. I got a roommate and am now saving more than $100 per month on the rent. We're planning out meals together, and I only have to cook half the time, so I'm more likely to make something with cheap ingredients that takes a little longer to do than heat up pre-packaged food. And I don't buy decor-things I don't need anymore, because anything for the shared areas of our apartment is a joint decision.

Of course, my savings took a hit from moving expenses, so I'm trying to trim some fat to replenish that. So far I've stopped buying soda and drink mixes in favor of making my own iced tea. A box of 200 plain tea bags costs about $2! I've stopped buying bagged salad mix and am getting more vitamins from canned or frozen veggies. I've limited fall clothes shopping to a couple of basic purchases at H&M. I've limited purchased lunches to once a week and capped the price at $4. I use my french press instead of buying coffee.

we make and bring our own coffee in travel mugs
my husband cycles to/from work, i walk
no buying lunches - we brown bag it
staying in for dinner instead of going out
taking turns with friends hosting potlucks for our dinner parties
meal planning before grocery shopping - no buying anything not on the list
buying second-hand instead of new (ie - craigslist)
downloading shows off internet = no cable to pay for
no spontaneous shopping and when we do go out to window shop, we don't bring debit cards or credit cards with us
swapping dvd's with friends
saving up for stuff we want instead of buying on credit and then paying interest on top of the purchase price
funny thing is - we're still really content and have an active social life!
we don't really look at it as trimming back so much as eliminating wasteful spending. we put quite a bit into savings every month now..... which means we can splurge for our 10th anniversary next year!!! greece here we come!!

I'm really not feeling the crunch too much, New York is really expensive all the time so I refuse to stress.

Biggest expense right now is a $200 a month electricity bill (mostly due to an evil, energy sucking, noisy-ass airconditioner) When that drops back to $60 a month in the winter, I will be in great spirits.

However, my big plan to save cash this winter is to purchase a crock-pot (my mom might even give me one) and make lots of stew-y goodness and home made biscuts. And average of less than $2 per meal and so yummy. Also, saves a lot of time since it can cook during the day (although it uses electricity, I am sure summer level of usage will not be reached)

I am not a good example because I refuse to stop going to theatre, renting and buying films or going to the movies. I love these things. But I also have banned myself from purchasing alcohol from a bar. That saves me hundreds over my fellow early-20-somethings.

The key is, you have to be happy with your choices. If losing TiVo costs you your sanity, don't do it! Also, big thing to consider, do you really need a cell phone AND a land line? I know its only $30 or something a month, but consider if that is the best use for it?

As a full time college student, I've had to live on a meager amount of money for a few years now. Now that I've graduated and moved into full time employment I've been able to save more money than ever before. The economy crash actually has really yet to affect me terribly. I just live how I've lived for the past few years and I put all the extra money that I wasn't making before into a separate savings account. Of course besides rent I really don't have any bills to pay and I try to never use my credit cards.

OUR SITUATION - a very very young couple of first home buyers in an expensive city, with reasonable paying jobs

OUR SOLUTION - overtime whenever we get the chance. 2 ply no brand name toilet paper. cheapest shampoo and conditioner of all time 1L of either $2.50 no name brand of course. make every bottle of detergent and face wash and every bar of soap go as far as possible. use a push powered old school lawn mower. don't buy clothes unless they are on sale. sweep the floors instead of vacuuming. have lights out nights where we watch tv or play games sitting in the dark with candles... romantic lol. we do still go out to parties and to bars and play pool with friends etc, have fun whenever we want. BUT we know that we have a limit on the cash we can spend while we are out.

OUR PLAN - we're well on our way to our dream of paying off our home by the time we are 25, and buying at least 3 rental properties by the time we are 30. :) Property tycoon! Ha ha ha!

I'm amazed at the Starbucks thing too...

I reserve Starbucks for special occassions - Maybe once a month - and drink lots of water (from the tap, but filtered) and tea, both at home and in the office.

-99 Cent Store
-$1 section at Target
-Make my own lattes
-Brown bag it
-Only fill up my gas tank 3/4 full
-Clothes from thrift stores(who knew thrift stores had sales too? yeah!)
-Sharing internet access with next door neighbor to split costs(wireless router)
-Only use air conditioner in extreme emergencies
-Wash my own car once every 4-5 months at my apt
-New low cost bulbs
-Water filter on kitchen sink/use refillable water bottle
-Exercise at the parks or beach instead of gym membership
-Very little eating out
-If I do eat out, only eat half and save the other half for lunch the next day
-Netflix instead of movie complex
-Sign up for low income utilites program
-Do as much via candlelight or just go to bed early
-Unplug everything when not in use, except the fridge
-No home phone, just cell
-Charge my iPod and cell via car adapter instead of electricity
-Buy in bulk, share with friends
-Repurpose furniture instead of buying new
-Use baking soda to make cat litter go a little further

:)

I have to drive more than an hour to get to the nearest Starbucks. We have a great local coffee shop, but only hit it maybe once a week, mostly on Friday nights when they have live music. Otherwise, we make coffee at home. Just like cooking at home, I prefer being able to control the ingredients.

We can't cut back on electricity very much -- he's just been put on 24-hr oxygen, which uses house current, and lack of AC sent him to the hospital once before.

We've cut back drastically on gasoline. DRASTICALLY. Some weeks we only leave the house on the days he has dialysis (Tues/Thurs/Sat).

I'd love to cut back on our satellite TV, but he wants the entire movie package. Have to pick and choose your battles.

Cooking at home saves lots of money.

I'm with the other posters who don't have a lot of fat in their budget to begin with. I went on a crisis budget five years ago after being laid off and didn't return to spending once my income improved -- which was good, because now we're back on one income, with bf's illness.

Interesting that no one is cutting back on things like caller ID, call waiting, their $$$ phone data plan, their iPod plan... Those monthly charges add up too. I keep a barebones land line for emergencies, which costs $20. A friend pays $60 for hers, which is nuts.

And, in lieu of Netflix, use the public library.

Dunkin Donuts, the "affordable" Starbucks will go for lots of folks too. And watch for problems at Whole Foods.

I save a lot of money and have a really secure job and an affordable apartment that is paid off - and this still have me freaked out. Maybe I'll work until I die - it is inflation that concerns me as much as the current situation.

The ONLY luxury we've maintaned in my household are the pets! and we love that luxury all month long!!! :)

Also, I'm in the process of convincing my fiancee that cable is a luxury we can live without, but he's not giving in at all. :P

I got rid of a desktop computer which sucks power all day in one location and changed to laptops that we carry around.

I plan on buying(from goodwill) a bike to get groceries since I love the freshest fruits and veggies from the grocery store.

We made a budget more then a year ago because we wanted to know where the money went. I would advise anyone to do the same, if you need to cut back or not. This way you can really pinpoint areas where you can easily safe money. As we did this a while ago we don't really need to cut back on anything and don't go out for dinner much anyway. I'd rather buy good quality groceries and cook at home.

"1. Bargain shop, but be aware of quality. Sometimes more expensive things will last 10x as long as cheap things."

Totally agree with this! - don't bargain shop for the sake of it if the quality means that the item will fall apart!

If I did/had all the things that people above have said they are cutting out I'd be bankrupt already!

We ditched cable last year (we still get Netflix and have a DVR, so we almost always have something to watch anyways, especially with 4 local PBS stations), and downgraded our "family" cell phone plan to the one with the fewest minutes (which is still tons more than we will ever need, but we don't have a home phone so it's still the cheapest option).

The library is really great for reviewing "hobby books" (I like all sorts of crafting and cooking) before purchasing - it has really cut down on needless purchases. Thrift stores have been a great source of cheap clothing and really inexpensive fabric.

My local craft stores (Creative Sewing Center, specifically) are a great place to learn something new for very cheap ($15/class!). Community Ed resources are great for this too (especially if you need to learn how to dance for a wedding, or want to try pottery, or...).

Despite living in the suburbs and working downtown, I still manage to use about a tank of gas a month, because I take public transportation, both to work and to school, which involves a lot of time sitting, reading a book, but it's relaxing. Plus I save on parking fees.

All that said, I feel like we've definitely done our part to boost the economy, since we've been doing a lot of work on our house trying to get it sold. New blinds, new carpeting, new window panes, etc.

I'm getting a roommate after 9 years of living alone. This will be a major adjustment, but I moved into a two bedroom co-op six months ago and at the time I looked at it as insurance. The two bedroom is only $100 more than my previous one bedroom and I can rent out the other room for more than half of my monthly expenses and it will still be a good deal for the renter.

Here's how I live on less than half my take home pay (saving the rest for travel, retirement and my daughter's education):
1. Trim the monthly costs---dial up internet at 4.95/month is pretty speedy now---even with all the great photos on apartmenttherapy. (Savings: 400/year) Skip the cable.
2. Get all books from the library--not the store. (Savings: at least 1000/year--I read a lot)
3. Get two for one coupons for eating out. Even our great restaurants do this through coupon books kids sell.
4. (Almost) never pay retail for clothes. They go on sale so quickly.
5. Use the 30 day list: If I want to buy somthing other than food or house supplies, I write it down. If I still want it in 30 days, I can buy it. (Funny how often the desire wanes. I even resisted the anthorpologie astrid chair.)
6. Don't buy anything on credit except your graduate school, your first home and your first car. After that pay cash.
7. Find inexpensive entertainment you love--for me: ballroom dancing and bicycling.
Things I'm not willing to cut back on: my daughter's extracurricular activities, good hair cuts, cleaning help 2X a month, really good food and travel.
Dee

I'll probably get crucified for this, but since so many people are talking about giving up starbucks and someone mentioned dunkin donuts, I have to say that if you really want to grab a coffee while you're out (because I do agree a french press at home is the way to go, plus you feel all luxurious and european) try mcdonalds. It's good coffee and it's cheap. I had it once when I was at home depot and I was surprised. Plus it's only about $1.

Really expensive wine - often the house wine is great! New car - definitely not an option this year! Going to the library for books.

I cut down on a LOT and it's still not enough....

1. No more horseback riding - it was costing too much in gas and money for each session. I really miss it too, this was my 'me' time.

2. Cut down on therapy (every three weeks instead of every two)

3. No more dinners out. No lunch, no dinner, no starbucks.

4. Make coffee at home.

5. I can't recall the last time I bought clothes.

6. No going anywhere - gas is too expensive.

We're also selling our house (it's too far out there for us to make it work) and looking for an apartment in a walkable community.

for one i stopped buying bottled water and water for the water dispenser. downgrading on my cell phone. stopped eating out, (this is hard to do especially on payday fridays).i unplugged all electrical things not using and even some we do use we just have to get used to plugging in. meals i try to make enough so hubby can take for lunch. trying not to go out unless totally have to. buying in thrift shops for decorating and tring to get unusual furniture and put my talent to work for profit, by reupholstering and reselling. shorter showers. we are really trying.
antonietta

dropped the NY Times, the Economist, cook much more often at home using two chickens to last a week, make bread (it's easy!), make yogurt (it's VERY easy), sew a few things, do projects at home, rent a movie once in a while, cut out TIVO, cut out premium cable, unplug appliances when not in use, TURN OFF computer at night (not just sleep), with thermostat at 63 degrees (its already/always cold here in No. Calif), wear sweaters and socks inside, walk a lot more, fewer haircuts, use SKYPE for long distance calls, sell on eBay/Craigslist; rethink driving at all. etc etc. Kit

also....take showers at the gym....really!

Last year I got a part-time job, 30 hrs a week. Since my full-time job is commission-based and the economy isn't helping, I've given up the following :

* Netflix
* Meals Out
* Comedy Clubs 2x/month
* Gifts for friends/family
* Spur of the moment dinner out with friends
* Food - I eat no more than 2x day
* CD's

Not a coffee drinker so Starbucks isn't an issue and since I work at home for my fulltime job, eat lunch in 5 days a week or else I skip lunch. Don't buy clothes/makeup or anything splurge-y and will give up a planned vacation home for Turkey Day.

Luckily I have little debt and my mortgage is less than what my friends pay to rent. Things could be a lot worse.

I hope it doesn't go that way, tho.

And if it does? I'll try to fit in a 3rd job and sell off some stuff on Craigslist. Had several roommates in the past...that would be a last resort this time around.

Clearly, Starbucks is going to be a big loser in this new economic reality. So glad I sold my stock years ago.

I used to go to Starbucks 2-3 times a week for the frappachinos (around $5.00). I have since discovered the large hazelnut iced coffee at McDonald's. It has a lot more in it (the large is huge) and is only $2.09.

I stopped eating out/going bar-hopping, canceled my Weight Watchers membership, have only bare-bones cable (local channels only), got a cheaper long-distance plan for my home phone, stopped shopping except for food and necessities, make coffee/tea at home, unplug electronics at home to save on utilities. I'm considering getting rid of cable, internet, and Netflix.

I'm trying to cut my natural gas and electricity use by 20% this year. I started this in January before the economy really tanked. I'm trying to do it without ditching every appliance I currently own. I'm just trying to use them smarter like finding out the the short wash setting on my dishwasher did the same job as the regular setting on a full load of dishes. I also sealed air leaks and drafts in my condo, put a blanket on the hot water heater, unplugged items when not in use (saved big with that one!), took the default settings on my programmable thermostate down a tic (and didn't really notice heat/cool wise) and slowly switched over to CFLs when the regular bulbs burned out. It wasn't hard and best of all it's working.

Long term I've always tried save what I can here and there so I can satisify my decorating habits by paying for items with cash, not credit. I've also tried to remake what I've got into something I want/need. Maybe one day, my dream will come true and one of my projects will be featured on AP. One can dream.

Wow - lots of frugal folks posting here. My two cents:

- Canceled cell phone.
- Canceled cable.
- Take bus to/from work (7 miles one way)
- Also run/bike to work once a week
- I've cut down on Starbucks but haven't outright stopped it. It's one of my few vices so I don't stress about that too much.
- Cook at home instead of going out, of course
- No more clothes shopping. At least until 2009. As it is, I wear the same 10 outfits day in and out, so why do I need more clothes?
- Christmas gift budget is $100 max. That includes decorations and wrapping, y'all.
- Run in fewer races (registration costs $$$).
- I only drive a couple of times a month, so I'm already pretty frugal gas-wise. But now I won't drive more than 10 miles unless I really have to. For most errands, I can walk (e.g. grocery store, bank, etc.).

Forgot to add:

- Canceled online coaching (I'm a long-distance runner)
- Won't pay more than $25 for a haircut. I'm vain. But not THAT vain.
- Cut waaay back on housekeeping
- Take 5-minute showers instead of 10 minute ones. I do this not b/c of cost but b/c I hate wasting water - especially now that I live in a drought-ridden state.

I cut out monthly trips to my hairstylist to have my hair cut and dyed. Right before I did it, my stylist sent me a note thanking me for being one of her "best" customers! The guilt was horrible, because I know she's struggling, too. However, my haircut now costs me $10 and my hair color costs $10 - $12, depending on the deal I get on the hair color. I was spending $140 plus tips at the hairstylist!

I feel sad everyone is cutting down at Starbucks because it is fun to get together with friends, but I always felt that their coffee tasted burnt, so I was never a heavy consumer. I am a sucker for their bottled Frappuccinos, though. I am avoiding those not just because of the cost but also because of the unbridled calories. I cut out bottled water and now just fill a Tupperware pitcher with ice cubes and tap water and keep it chilled in the fridge.

I don't eat out at night but I do eat sushi during the day a few times a week to break up the monotony of work. However, I added up the calories and realized you can overdo it even with sushi and cut back on my order, saving a few extra dollars each time I order.

I gave up on most cuts of meat a long time ago. Unfortunately, fish is getting more prohibitive, too. At night, I just eat vegetarian. I eat steak when I am someone's guest and they're serving it!

I'm not using my Y membership and though it's inexpensive, I will probably give it up. I feel conflicted about that because regular exercise is so important for the heart.

I have basic cable TV and a dial-up internet service. I am torn with indecision about whether to get a package with cable TV, a cable internet hook up, and a telephone hook up tied in; or to drop the cable TV and straighten out my telephone plan to a cheaper plan.

My DVD is not hooked up, so I never rent movies.

I try to limit my gas consumption to two tanks a month. I'm lucky; I've got an efficient, paid-off car!

I never buy clothes, except when I am really pushed to do so. I've got two pairs of shoes, my winter shoes and my summer shoes! I'm not sure I'm projecting the right image at work, though.

Every now and then I buy something special for the apartment. Last month it was two lidded baskets for recent mail. The month before that it was a 50's style elliptical glass dish to hold fruit.

Cosmetics and moisturizers are strictly from recommended brands at the grocery or drug store! I look at the luxe skin creams and cosmetics in the department stores with longing, but those days are over. Shampoo and conditioners are trial sizes from the supermarket. I find that one sample size bottle of shampoo and one sample size bottle of conditioner last me a month, and they're good quality.

Frankly, I don't know who is shopping for cosmetics and moisturizers at the department stores any more. The quality is definitely better, but if you get to know the less expensive brands, you can make judicious replacements. Read what the make up artists are using in their shots! Often, they rely on the less expensive brands.

To the person who is only filling up her gasoline tank 3/4 full, you are not saving anything. Gasoline is used more slowly from a full tank than from one that is less full. Get it filled up, and if you only want to spend so much, fill it up again when it gets half empty. You'll do better by yourself.

I've also given up eating, at least for the time being. Going to wait for my body to start consuming my fat before I eat again. And then will only eat crackers.

Less Starbucks/Caribou.
Less lunches out - more leftovers from home.
Less clothes shopping.
Less dry cleaning. More hand washing.
More investment in stuff to cook at home.
Less movies out.
More thought about use of gas for local trips.
More library! Less Borders.
No gym membership at present (we have recently moved and haven't found a good one yet, either).
More growing hair out, less trims (for me only).
More in-store brands.
More making/recycling/re-purposing household items.
More "do we really need this?"
More looking at catalogs and stores and not buying.
More economizing on non-local trips (carpooling, cheaper hotels, etc.)

Less fun? Sometimes! More creativity? Definitely.

- Cut down to a lower cell phone plan. We weren't even CLOSE to using all the minutes on the old one.
- I keep the house around 55/60 degrees all winter. A bit higher if it gets REALLY cold.
- About a month ago, I put in a power strip for the tv, dvd, vcr and 2 gaming sytems. It is always off unless I am watching tv. The gaming systems only get used every other weekend when hubby is home. The savings on that alone have been huge.
- Cut way back on eating out and coffee.
- Being way more aware of my groceries. When something big like coffee or olive oil has about two weeks left on it, it goes on my "on sale" list. I have also been looking a lot closer at my grocery fliers. One pound packs of butter never drop below $2.15 as the sale price, but the half pounds very regularly go on sale for $.99.

no car, no cable, no house phone, no coffee addictions (what is that about, anyway? starbucks ain't that great...). eating LOTS of cold cereal, learning to perfect my sewing skills to make things around the house to keep it cheery. no going out to bars, no drinking, no going out to restaurants(maybe once a month), NO movie theatres... it helps a lot that my boyfriend is so frugal that this stuff isn't really THAT hard to manage anyway, haha.

Coffee at home using my Bialetti--the best.

No gym membership--more long walks with dogs.

At least 1-2 days a week without driving anywhere.

Biggest change: smaller house--half the size of the old one--meaning half the bills for utilities, cleaning, etc. and MUCH stuff sold on Craigslist!

I would like to remind people, though, when you do spend money, BUY LOCAL whenever you can (even if it costs a bit more).

Not only just buy local but by made in the USA. I went online and googled made in the usa. There are websites that organize it for you. There are lots of things that I am thinking about changing to when I need to buy them. keeping jobs in the usa is good for everyone's economy.

I take the bus.
Our car gets 40mpg.
we keep the heat down.
I like the candle idea.
trying to cancel our land line but then I need a cell phone that works over wireless internet. There are no cell towers where I live. I am only 30 minutes from Boulder, Colorado. Landscape what I gonna do! So for now, I have a land line and a cell.
compare prices at stores.
eat less. drink less.
don't have cable. would find it difficult to give up internet.
Discipline myself to do yoga at my house instead of a class.
Sell and give away stuff that is just crowding my life.
Will try using the library more for movies and books.
said to say goodbye to clothes. Although, I realized that I *actually* need another coat now that the Colorado winter is upon us.