I'm combating
this crazy inflation simply by being less of a consumer. Spending less money on non essentials enables
me to better afford the higher rates on my utilities, increases in taxes and,
in general, the things I truly need like groceries.
Bartering,
trading and accepting items offered for free is another way I'm acquiring non
essential items as well as using gift cards and asking for certain things I'd
like to have as gifts on special occasions.
My girls have given me gift cards and bestowed me with plants and shrubs
quite a bit this year in order for me to finally
have the yard of my dreams. My next door neighbor shared some of her
sedums with me and I've acquired rocks
and gravel from people who were only
too happy to have someone haul them off for them.
Gravel for FREE off of Facebook Marketplace |
I'm rationing a
lot of our essential items, in particular food and fuel. Don't worry, I'm getting plenty to eat, but
overeating is not something I'm keen on right now. I'm paying attention to portion sizes,
cooking simple basic meals and doing what I can to make my food supply last as
long as possible. We even planted a small garden.
Vegetable Lo Mein
We only eat two meals a day with meat in just one of those meals
I'm also strictly
sticking to my $100 a month grocery budget (I am still feeding two people on a regular basis) and if I can
spend less each month, so much the better.
I have a $25 gasoline budget and even though that doesn't get much at
the moment it's working for me right now.
I'm careful with how many trips in the car or truck I take and I make
each trip count so I'm efficient with my fuel consumption. If I can walk or ride my bike instead of
driving I do it.
I keep my grocery shopping pretty minimal
Right now I
don't go shopping (except for food and landscaping project supplies), eat out
very little and don't pay for entertainment.
If something breaks I try to fix it.
I try to use what I already have so I don't have to buy extra things
unnecessarily. I watch whatever is
offered free on online streaming, I listen
to music and watch DVDs I already have. A
monthly trip to the library provides me with additional media as well as books
at no charge. If I get bored I go
outside, work in my yard or take a walk.
I'm just keeping it really simple.
What are some things you are doing to combat inflation?
I need to do better. Looks like you’re doing great keeping the course.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying my best. Some days are harder than others though. ;)
Delete