Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I applied for social security just so I could share it with 4 family members. An extra $300 a month for groceries and or gas makes everyone feel secure. And I'll do it until they all get back on solid ground or I die.
It literally keeps me up at night thinking about everyone struggling. Not just our family. I wish I had a lot of money to help anyone needing.
that's so kind of you
Anonymous wrote:I started using bar soap for the shower. It is cheaper and it has the bonus of being way better for the environment than big plastic shower gel things.
Stopped wasting money on seltzer water.
We cut out beef. Benefits for the environment too.
Going an extra week between color at the salon.
Stopped getting pedicures this time of year. Wont go back until May.
Stopped buying new clothes for me and my husband. My kid is growing but I budget $100 a month for her.
We cut out apple TV, HBO, and peacock. We have Hulu and netflix.
I walk or metro when I can. It helps me get in more steps, I get fresh air and pay less in gas and parking.
Anonymous wrote:
No, I may be pregnant, which is probably the most expensive change I can make for the long-term.
However, my husband and I have BTDT with a decade of a very frugal life:
- buying food only when it's on sale, and buying as minimally packaged and processed as possible, since usually it's cheaper.
- cooking from scratch and using up all leftovers.
- wasting as little as possible generally.
- not heating as much in winter or cooling as much in summer (we still do that, actually: 64 in winter and 76 in summer, but it goes up to 80+ in the bedrooms).
- no immediately consumable entertainment like cinemas, restaurants, beauty appointments. We watch movies on our computer screen with Amazon Prime, since we are Amazon Prime customers. We haven't had cable ever.
- shopping for furniture at estate sales/IKEA, and for clothes in thrift shops like Value Village (although it takes time and effort).
- no expensive kid activities or stuff.
Anonymous wrote:I applied for social security just so I could share it with 4 family members. An extra $300 a month for groceries and or gas makes everyone feel secure. And I'll do it until they all get back on solid ground or I die.
It literally keeps me up at night thinking about everyone struggling. Not just our family. I wish I had a lot of money to help anyone needing.
Anonymous wrote:I've also cut my cable bill, now save $130 a month. I only use the free apps on my TV but I plan on having an antenna installed so I can get the free local channels.
Good luck to you OP.
Anonymous wrote:Open an Ally money market account. It's earning four percent right now. Auto transfer as much as you can from your main checking and interest will accrue.
Google Fi for your mobile phone plan could be a good switch if you have a non apple phone.
Meal plan and prep as much as you possibly can.
Join your local Buy Nothing Project for great ways to get food, clothes even gifts.
Think about getting a lucrative side hustle. There are a lot of them out there so find one that fits for you.