Middle-Class Struggle: What Can You Do Without?

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Mr. Struggle and I are living on approximately  50% less income since he lost his full-time job.  Although we have always lived pretty frugally, we are sorting through our priorities and finding that we are able to live without some of the things we previously viewed as necessities, or at least make do with much less.   I thought I’d make a list of the things we no longer buy, and try to tally up the savings from each.   Feel free to add your suggestions in the comment section below.

1)       Cutting off daily newspaper  ($14 per month)

2)       Cutting off Netflix DVD delivery ($7.99 per month)

3)       Switched to store-brand laundry detergent ($3 per month)

4)       Switched to cheaper bath soap ($2 per month)

5)       Fewer haircuts ($15 per month)

6)       Skipped the annual replacement of socks, underwear and T-shirts during back-to-school shopping (saving $24)

7)       No more bottled water ($4.00 per month---I didn’t buy much of it before)

8)       Cheaper dogfood ($7.00 per month)

9)       Buying fewer groceries ($50 per month, appx.)