Oh No, Where Do We Turn Now? Part 2

In my last post (part 1), I put 3 suggestions of how to change your lifestyle in order to meet the challenges of the economic downturn. I have some more that will make up this current post. I will probably even have more in future posts, so stay tuned.

So lets get started....

Suggestion #4 Save Energy, Gas, and Water

Besides your food budget, your utility budget is probably the most adjustable area you have in your overall financial picture. Like your food budget, this is based solely on your behavior. Ways to do this are: drive slower, make sure your tires are properly inflated, and your engine is properly tuned. In the house, turn of lights when not in use, when in use use compact florescent bulbs, hang clothes on a clothesline instead of using the dryer, open windows instead of using the air conditioning, turn down the temperature on the water heater, and weather proof your home. To save water, do not let it constantly run while shaving or brushing teeth, take showers instead of tub baths (and make sure to have a low flow shower head.), and make sure any leaks get fixed as soon as possible. (Even the smallest leak can waste a substantial amount of water over time.

Suggestion #5 Shop at Thrift Stores, and Yard Sales.

On one hand, this is the source of some of the greatest deals around, and on the other embarrasses a lot of people. Second hand never hurt anyone. There is no need to be embarrassed about buying second hand, you know you are doing the right thing by being frugal. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Many a person has been embarrassed right to the poor house. Don't be one of them.

Suggestion #6 Clean Cheaper

You don't need all the expensive spray cleaners in the chemical section of the supermarket to get your house clean. All you really need is washing powder, borax, baking soda, vinegar, ammonia, bleach, and a vegetable oil based soap (such as Murphy's oil soap). There is much information available about mixing these things to get various homemade cleaners. One warning, even though I know you have heard it many of times before: Always use ammonia in a well ventilated area, and never, ever, ever, under any circumstances mix ammonia and bleach. This will end badly.

Suggestion #7 Do It Yourself

Yes, I said it. Do it yourself. Mow your own lawn, clean your own car, mop your own floor, do whatever repairs are needed that match your skill level, and tools available. If you do it yourself you don't have to pay someone else, and that adds up to big savings. There is plenty of information for various DIY projects online, and in books at your local library.