Showing posts with label cutting back. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cutting back. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Are You Cutting Back?

Lots of people aren't spending as much as they used to. I guess that's part of the reason the economy isn't bouncing back. Another part is that people don't seem to have money to spend. Or, is it that they realize they were overspending before, and now after hearing all the warnings, they're afraid to shop?

I know I'm not spending as much as before. One reason is the DH is semi-retired, so not as much money is coming in. Another reason is much of what money I have left after paying bills goes toward my writing related expenses.

What about you? Are you spending as much as before? Are you Cutting Back? When you do shop, what kind of items do you buy? Please share.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Cutting Back

Thanksgiving is over. The Christmas Season began with Black Friday as people waited in line at ungodly hours for bargains.

With hubbie working part time, we're now paying real money for his insurance. Not as many dollars are coming in as going out. Also, his 401 k is way down, and I have no idea how much money is left in my profit sharing plan. I may not know for months.

Every year we send out Christmas cards. This year I'll try something a little different. I'm sending out poscards ordered from Vistaprint where I downloaded a photo from the local park, and one of Rascal. At least this way we'll save on postage.

Fortunately, the nieces and nephews are now of a convenient older age, so they've all been added to the Christmas grab bag, and we won't have as much to worry about for presents. However, I just realized today I'd missed one nephew's birthday on November 23, we've got hubby's step-mom's birthday on December 9, plus brother and sister-in-law birthdays also in December. Then there are special friends to buy for. In other words, Christmas will still be a bit costly, but with the help of credit cards and careful planning, we should make it through all right.

I've already decided to check my closet and dresser for sweaters I bought last year to make sure I wear them. It's so much more tempting to buy new, but I think I'll be more practical this year. That's not only for everyday wear, but also for Christmas. This year I will get my Christmas sweatshirts and sweaters out early and wear them and not wonder afterwards why I didn't remember I had them.

What about you? Are you cutting back this season? Or maybe you've never sent out cards or done individual presents. What are your thoughts and plans?