Let's face it. This economy has 'adjusted' a lot of our lifestyles in America.

We can't live 'above our means' as easily as we used to be able to. And actually THAT is a very good thing.

I KNOW I've adjusted. I was outta control for a long time. I have a closet, make that two .. to prove it. Plus I actually USE my kitchen to cook now. We ate out, and I'm not talking fast food here, probably 4+ times a week.

It hasn't just been losing my job that affected that ratio of income:outgo.

I've learned to live within and even below our means. And on unemployment, which is 1/3 of what I made in my corporate job, that is saying a LOT.

Like my youngest son has said "when you get a job Mom, we're gonna be bankin" ..

He's right. But I'm STILL gonna live below my means. It's the right thing to do.



So .. have you made adjustments?

More importantly .. you plannin to make those adjustments permanent?

Angel is one of the most frugal people I know and me, well I never have cooked much. She is having a good influence on me. In fact if I suggest going out and getting something, she goes into the kitchen and makes it.

I still tend to spend too much money, but she doesn't say anything because if I need some extra, I just make a phone call to Maryland and make a wire transfer from my bank there. It may take another year or so, but I'll get to where I can be frugal as well!

I know right? It's HARD to change a lifestyle of spending .. I feeeeeel ur pain dude!




Glad Angel's a good influence. We all need that in our lives. Yep yep.

I am finding I actually ENJOY cooking again. Course bein outta work I actually have the TIME and ENERGY to cook dinner.

I would be much more frugal if it wasn't for my teenage daughter who demands the best of everthing and Peccy who cannot stop buying shoes and cannot stay out of fast food restaurants...I make mulch better bugers and chili cheese fries and chicken strips than he can get out...but I guess he is addicted to the "actually going out and getting it" ....good that only goes for food HA!


...and Fade...wverytime I see that sweet little baby I wanna cry...makes my arms ache to hold a little one again

Awwww I just had her in my arms a second ago! She is just absolutely beautiful. I couldn't love her anymore than I do.

UH OH! ...........lol I dun kno nuffin bout no babies ma'am!

ADDNOTE: I haven't bought a new pair of shoes in 5 months!

Definitely reduced my materialism even more, not that I was completely materialistic ever. I do not shop unless I need something. I try to go out once and get everything done in the most economical driving pattern. I was plastic cups, forks and container and reuse as long as it does not hold raw meats. If I do buy something it is on sale. I do not eat out alot, and take let overs to remakes meals.

Definitely reduced my materialism even more, not that I was completely materialistic ever. I do not shop unless I need something. I try to go out once and get everything done in the most economical driving pattern. I was plastic cups, forks and container and reuse as long as it does not hold raw meats. If I do buy something it is on sale. I do not eat out alot, and take left overs to remakes meals.

For those like me who had a life change that caused them to not be able to work, living beneath their means is an understatement.

When I got sick with the MS, I stopped being able to have cable, netflix, less fresh fruit and veges, going out to eat, going out period, etc...

So I guess the recession for those like me isn't that much different. I do feel for all the people who have been suffering and will continue to suffer until the recession lets up.

I learned VERY young ...

On the streets at 15, put myself through High School, College, Trade Schools amd took myself around the world ...

ALL on a shoestring ... I can roll on a dime ...

In my 20s, I ran my clinic 8 months of the year, closed it and went camping on all the National Forests' rivers for 4 months of the year ...

The hardest thing is being on a shoestring w/ a young child ... Hate it!

I just can't seem to stack for her University; I'm praying and hoping ...

also gardening

Hey I feel your pain on the shoes Peccy. You don't wanna ask how many dozens of pairs I own ..

Well nice thing is you may not have to. One of my kids has already gone thru University education .. not on ONE dime of mine btw. There is a lot of $$ out there for those who have less, or are raising children on their own. I know. I've done it.

I've never been well off, just lived above my means. And my kids have done with out the extras just fine. Actually it's built a lot of character in them

Actually altho I have 2 closets full .. I hate shopping. I know exactly what I want when I go in, find exactly that, but you don't wanna know what I come out with in quality WOOT!!

always buy on sale too

Well I have surely learned to budget my money for sure since I was laid off. Took a pay cut of at least $200 a week. I have learned to cut back on a lot of stuff since then but funny how I still have enough to live on anyway..... For sure when I go back to work I'm going to put that extra money to better use....

Thanx, Judy ... ... That is SO much more encouraging than you will EVER know ...

Much appreciation for those good words in season!

I would that a home, land, health and education be everyone's humanly birth right (rite!) ... ALL of us!

I've been very blessed. I've actually been making more money, and we're getting a bonus for last QT. Work is very stable. In fact, they just hired a bunch of new people.

My mom has been laid off and is still looking for work, it's been over a year. I've been helping her out.

Eventually things will pickup, but it's rough all over the world, not just in the U.S.

I have learned to adjust to a more frugal life style since I got laid off,No more bars, buy in bulk and watch DVDS U havent watched in awhile!! It has made me appreciate what I have and how fortunate I am to have it, I am Blessed with all I have and appreciate it every day!!

Oh most definitely. Very global.

Got rid of cable tv, got rid of netflix, got rid of the gym, stopped shopping, less restaurants, and as much as possible goes into savings and I'm really trying to NOT get fired!