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.)

Eating Our Paycheck

Friday, March 25, 2011

Well, we have definitely blown our budget on going out to eat this month.  On Wednesday night, we met some out-of-town relatives at a restaurant half-way between our homes.  It was a nice visit, but the bill ran a little higher than we expected.  Even with a coupon I found online, dinner for two was still $45, including tip.  Tonight is the Eagle Scout banquet, which will be enjoyable and one of those milestone events you really shouldn’t miss.  It’s funny how  going out twice in one week makes you want to continue the practice--- an expensive habit to allow yourself to adopt.  I guess I won’t be paying off Visa this week, either, unless our state tax refund shows up. 

Income      $169.54 part-time paycheck

Expenses:  $ 36.92 class supplies/Struggle, Jr.

                      53.93 groceries and personal care

                      55.00 1/2 graduation fees

The food bill has been a lot higher this month, but it was spring break and two of the kids were

Medical Insurance

March 11, 2011

I didn’t sleep well last night.  I woke up before dawn, so angry I couldn’t go back to sleep.  I had dreamed I was at the doctor’s office with my son.  He was sick and the doctor was admitting him to the hospital.  Instead of asking  “What’s wrong with my son?” or “Is he going to be alright?” I asked the doctor “How much will this cost?”  What a sad, demented state of affairs.

I spent the morning researching supplemental health insurance policies.  I knew they existed for Medicare recipients, but didn’t realize they were available to the general public.  I’m going to be investigating and comparing a few policies in the next few weeks and will decide whether to go that route. 

During my research, I also found out that as of 2010, small businesses were allowed to claim a 35% tax credit for insurance premiums paid on behalf of employees.  So Obama’s plan gives small businesses a tax credit, but didn’t tell them they had to provide a decent plan.  In other words, the little guy got screwed again.  Thanks a lot for nothing!

Today we get the weekly part-time earnings, but the house payment will be deducted, too, so most of the deposit will be gone as soon as it arrives.  Back to the spending fast.

Carried balance:  $935.25

            Income:      163.94

            Balance: $1099.19

            

         Expenses: $1087.25 mortgage

                                   7.28  personal care

                  Balance: $4.66

The personal care listed above was a hair highlighting kit, so I could do my hair in case I get a job interview.  My highlights are growing out and looking pretty ratty.  Years ago, I would pay $60 to have this done professionally, but don’t feel we can afford that luxury today. 

Mr. Struggle has made sacrifices, too, by doing more car maintenance himself, such as learning how to change the oil. 

What have you given up in the name of economy?

Little Luxuries

February, 18, 2011

Part-time paycheck: $163.94 (weekly)

Expenditures:              $70.50 household/personal care/food

                                        10.00 haircut (with coupon)

                                        41.80 gasoline

                                        27.63 groceries

                                          8.53 shirt laundry

                                          4.06 frozen pizza               

I realize professional shirt laundry is an unnecessary expense, but we don’t have shirts done frequently, as I do launder Mr. Struggle’s daily work shirts.   The ones we send out are dress shirts for church and other “social occasions.”  The laundry only charges 88c each,  and is en route to the part-time job.  Just a little luxury that I consider well worth the price.  What are little luxuries have you kept in your life?