What are you cutting back on during furloughs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The reason you are drawing negative reactions is that you come off as spoiled and entitled in your post. There are many people who are still recovering from the recession who don't have the luxuries that you lament that you *might* have to give up and you are claiming "woe is me." People don't feel empathy or want to give you positive feedback because you basically take your luxuries for granted. You epitomize what the have-nots hate about the haves.

We are cutting back on eating out, entertainment and are being a little more frugal with shopping.

+1. Sorry OP, but you did not present yourself well. Cancel the cleaner, stop eating out, eat less meat, buy in bulk.

[Anonymous]

If your child is closer to preschool age and you are considering a program that offers full day care for 2 year olds then I would consider this option.

If the furloughs are expected to go throughout the year then you may want to seek a new nanny share where you are only getting care 4 days a week. One of my neighbors just made this adjustment and found a share partner who also just needs 4 days a week. This is a huge savings and a good time to look for a new nanny as many are told in August that they are no longer needed for Sept.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The furlough pay cuts will seriously eat into our down payment savings (we are renters). It is tempting not to make any lifestyle changes since technically we can afford it, but at the least I feel we should cancel the cleaners ($240/mo). DH is the one who will be home and he plans to get done the grocery shopping and cooking for the week. This would clear up wknd time for me to clean. I don't think we can cut our nannys's pay since we are in a share, although that would be the biggest savings. What temporary changes are you all making? Please don't chime in with the celebrations/traffic hurrahs. DH is highly specialized and works way harder for the government for the same pay as he did in private industry.

OP, I recommend you have the cleaners come once a month for a deep cleaning. It will be worth it. You can do weekly upkeep but it really makes a difference having someone come in a scrub the place. BTDT.

[Anonymous]

Savings.

[Anonymous]

Those knocking the OP come across as bitter. Seriously, the fact that there are people struggling to make ends meet have nothing to do with the OP. Why even bring them up?

[Anonymous]

Nothing yet. We set up a "Furlough Fund" 3 years ago.

[Anonymous]

OP, you are federal workers who live with a DD or DS in a rental and you took a pay cut. DH has to do the cleaning and you say he works really hard. Anybody who hates on you is just a jerk.

[Anonymous]

I think 240/ month in cleaning is totally wasteful if you are renters.... but my DH really wants a cleaner and I just can't get with the expense.

[Anonymous]

Dont listen to the crap OP...

[Anonymous]

Cut work in the office at least 20%.