Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do your own housework, yard work, haircuts, car wash.

WTH? Are you insane? Is that even legal?

Ringing in 2024 with a great laugh. Happy New Year PP!

Going out to eat, streaming subscriptions, Starbucks, homeowners insurance, car insurance, carrying a balance on your credit cards. Look into all those to cut costs.

Stop ordering soda at restaurants, get an appetizer or dessert but not both. There are lots of way to cut cost but still enjoy a meal out once in a while. No impulse buying. Only buy what’s on your grocery list.

I switched from Verizon to Mint. My monthy unlimited bill went from $190/month to $30/month for two phones. No difference in service.

Actually, it is a different service. Mint uses the T-mobile network and operates at a lower QCI level (i.e. traffic is deprioritized). If you are (for example) at a crowded event, with many mobile phone users on the T-mobile network, you will get worse (and potentially no) service. This may or may not be an issue for you, but the quality of service is not the same with MVNOs as it is with the actual network operators (Verizon, AT&T, and T-mobile).

Anonymous wrote: Cut out childcare.

Only cut childcare if your partner doesn’t plan to go back to work or if you absolutely cannot make ends meet otherwise. If you do, it may act as a barrier to going back (you can’t always get back into the same or even a good childcare situation once you’re out). And the working partner may end up absorbing a good amount of the childcare brunt. Not to mention, it’s “work” to land that next job, start a business, or whatever your partner decides is next.

Anonymous wrote:Take inventory of your kitchen cabinets and freezer and meal plan around what you already have in-house. We are trying a low-spend January and that is one of the better tips I've read.

This and raid bathrooms for toiletries. It’s amazing how little I can buy when I really bold myself to it. Just literally don’t shop at all and don’t buy anything unless you absolutely have to (very specific groceries, tampons, dog food, etc.)

Not sure I understand the need to cut back? Layoffs are awesome. They almost always are accompanied by some sort of garden leave and/or severance. Just land a new job that pays the same or better prior to the end of your garden leave and you’re good to go. What’s the issue?

DH was laid off in July 2023 and continued to receive full benefits and compensation through October 2023. Furthermore received a $100K severance (3 months salary) in October. Meanwhile, DH was already sporting a new job in mid-August that paid 15% more than he was making at his previous job.

So, yeah, getting laid off is awesome. DH can’t wait until he is lucky enough have it happen again. OP, is your DH even trying to get a new job or is he just some kind of dud?!?

Sew your own clothes, buy a couple cows and pigs, raise chickens, plant a garden, go deer hunting, go fishing,

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do your own housework, yard work, haircuts, car wash.

WTH? Are you insane? Is that even legal?

😂

I switched from Verizon to Mint. My monthy unlimited bill went from $190/month to $30/month for two phones. No difference in service.

If you are on your partner’s health insurance, refill any prescriptions and have any med appointments before you have to go on COBRA.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do your own housework, yard work, haircuts, car wash.

WTH? Are you insane? Is that even legal?

PP here. We do these things at night so we don’t get caught. But yeah, it may not be worth the risk for some on DCUM.

I love this space so much.

Anonymous wrote:

Take inventory of your kitchen cabinets and freezer and meal plan around what you already have in-house. We are trying a low-spend January and that is one of the better tips I've read.

How does that reduce expenses, though? I get that, using food that you have and not replacing it will help temporarily with cash flow, but you'll eventually need to replenish that stock, right?

I could probably make 2 weeks of meals out of the stuff that’s kicking around my pantry, it would save me significantly in those 2 weeks and clear out space for me to shop Costco or bulk sales and be more intentional about what I buy.

When I had no job for about 8 weeks I didn’t let myself use a credit card except for gas. I made myself use debit or cash. It’s easy to overspend when it’s on a credit card.

My spouse is in a different job and they went on strike for 6 weeks a few years ago. They delivered pizza for papa John’s in the evenings when I was home.

Check your drawers for gift cards. I always find ones Ive forgotten I had. Also sign up for apps at restaurants or grocery stores and check for promos or coupons through the apps. Meal plan based around these savings. You could also check around for items to sell, kids clothes, electronics, kitchen stuff, look at ebay or craigslist for ideas. Its not going to make you rich but may put a little extra in your pockets to avoid taking out of savings.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do your own housework, yard work, haircuts, car wash.

WTH? Are you insane? Is that even legal?

PP here. We do these things at night so we don’t get caught. But yeah, it may not be worth the risk for some on DCUM.