I agree with the library thing. I’ve been going there a lot more. We’ve also started using my car to go places as a family, even though it is a lot smaller than my husband’s truck, so it makes the ride slightly more cramped, it get much better gas mileage. We’ve also replaced all of our light bulbs with efficiency bulbs as well and Matt drives his motorcycle, rather than his truck to work whenever possible.

Had this discussion with the bride last night. It has now reached the point that we have to make changes. She’s trying to find someone a carpool from Marion to Florence. We both agreed to out lunch only one day per week. She’s looking for employment in Marion. It cost a day of work for her to drive plus, like us, she’s on 4 days. We took a look at what we could do without. Things like the cell phones. Only problem it cost $200.00 per line to opt out of the contract. Plus she damn near fainted at the notion of not having one. Second was the Direct TV. We decided against because of our son. He’s home for summer and it wouldn’t be fair to him. Third. I reluctantly considered cancelling our life insurance for now. I’ve done it yet but it’s a real possiblity. Last. Cutting back or stopping 401K contributions. I’ve done none of the above yet but it’s certainly a contingency plan.

Have you tried just scaling back you cell phone plan or your satellite bill. We’ve looked into that too. Also, rather than cutting your 401k contributions completely, cut them back to only what your employer matches until you feel you’re in a better place financially. This recession, or whatever people are calling it this week, is hitting everyone hard.

About the only thing different that we have done would be getting the new vehicle for my wife..taking her from 19 miles per gallon to 35 miles per gallon..

We have never really spent unwisely in the past..and have always done all of our running about town by-weekly and combined it all where it is just one trip..

We have never left the A/C going all day..as we live on a shaded property and it is plenty cool enough with the windows open and a fan running..

All of the upgrades we did to the house are now paying off..new shingles..siding..insulation..but that was all done before prices went through the roof..

The package we have with Direct TV is basic..neither of us really have time to watch movie channels all day and night..

Even with the big bucks..we have never lived that lifestyle to it’s full potential..

We have hung out at home since the day we got married 10 years ago..we eat out very little..there is just the two of us and the animals..so the grocery bill isnt over the top anyway..

80 year olds prolly get out more than we do..but we aint complaining..we’re happy..the bills are paid..and we aint really feeling the pinch everyone else is as the moment..

But if that day should come..we will adapt like everyone else I suppose..

Like Wolf and his wife, my husband and I don’t go out much. We usually only go to the movies if it’s something we really want to see. And most movies don’t call my name. I’m really looking forward to the next Pixar movie, “WallE.” Other than that, we might go to a matinee showing of one of two of the summer movies. Buying books was my biggest splurge. But I’m just as happy going to the library. I don’t mind requesting a book and waiting for my turn to check it out.