Reevaluate Your Cost of Living: Getting By in a Poor Economy

Reevaluate everything around you, especially the cost of living. There is no doubt that things will get a bit tougher before they get better. The rumor is that oil may go to $200 a barrel. Some individuals are starting to sell their gas guzzlers and SUVs. Food is going up in cost. The travel industry is in dire straights. Even Las Vegas is crying the blues. You know it's bad when the House is trying to pass a housing package to help out homeowners. There are NO quick fixes. Still, there are things that you can do and consider to help yourself out.

Reevaluate your cost of living. This means taking a good hard look at your habits and finances. Let's start with the obvious. Gasoline rationing. 1. Combine your trips. 2. Don't go unless you have to. 3. Start walking more or using a bike. 4. Use the vehicle that doesn't burn much gas. 5. Carpool 6. If you vacation, do it closer to home or forget about it for this year. 7. Mow your grass a little shorter.

Gardening. If you haven't started one, do so. You can save at the market on veggies by doing this. Even if it is a small one. Speaking of gardening, let's talk about flowers and shrubs. They have become very costly. Try growing your own instead of buying the plants. Cut back on what you plant. This will also save on water expenses. If you don't have a garden, instead of going to a store, think about buying from local farmers are going to the 'farmers market" nearby. You can usually get great savings.

Electricity. You don't need lights during the daylight hours. If you use air conditioning set it higher. Open windows and use electric fans. Turn off the radio and television if you aren't using them. Cut back on usage during peak times of the day. I know that this is tough to do for some but, it can be done.

Medicine. Go to a generic type of medicine if at all possible. Talk to your doctor first though. Keep up with doctor and dentist visits. this could head off major problems. Besides your health is very important.