Here is are great article on how Americans are changing their "spending habits.

" http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D921N71G0&show_article=1-

Here are some of the things that we have started doing around our home:

#1- I am trying to limit my weekly gas budget of $50.00 to $25.00. That would be a half of a tank instead of a full one. It means going out less. (I'm a natural Homebody anyway so it doesn't bother me.) That would save us $100 a month. That's a good thing.

#2- I am working on cutting the grocery bill too. No more colas and pre packaged meals. I make most  of our meals from scratch and am working on only stocking up on sale items each week. Stocking up has really helped. I have actually been able to keep my grocery bill at about $35 per week (food only.) for a family of 5 for about a month now.

#3- Lowering the temp.on the air conditioning thermostat. (kids hate this one) I keep the temp. set at 85 degrees during the day using a fan in the living room to keep the air circulating. We don't use the air at night. Only fans.

#4-I am wanting to cut the cable. Hubby and kids are DEAD set against this one. It would save us another $50.00 per month. If hubby's hours go down any more, cable goes down too!

#5- I have changed plans on my cell phone. I was spending $55 a  month and am now spending $28 a month.

It doesn't seem like much, but I know that every bit counts.  How are you all making changes in  your homes to STRETCH  your Hubby's hard earned money?

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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Posted by morningsunshine

I haven't made any changes recently.
I started when we moved "to the boonies" (as my sister says). we take one "city" trip (25 min drive) a week for piano lessons and groceries. We also do a Sunday trip to "town" (5-10 min drive) for church every sunday.
About 6 months ago, I changes our grocery shopping to every 2 weeks instead of every week. at first I was spending double my weekly budget, so nothing changed, but slowly I got to the point where I was spending the same for 2 weeks as I was for 1.
I started (again when we moved here) to get a years supply of basics - grains, beans, etc. To get the most effectiveness out of these, I have started using them now to get our bodies used to these whole foods. that has helped.
but in the last few weeks, 2 months, the only thing I have changed is canceling a 10 hr trip to northern Idaho to visit family.

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Posted by gabbie427

I have definately started changing our spending habits as well. We are doing ok, but with gas prices going higher, and groceries, as well most everything, we have to.

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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Posted by Jonash2004

It's hard to see the changes because I'm at the hight of canning/freezing season. So my budget was greatly impacted by the $72 worth of sweet corn I bought to freeze this past week, and the $35 of blackberries, for example.

I take $125 a week for everything, diapers, food, clothes for the boys, whatever. Often, in the winter, I'm able to save $50+ of that, but not in the summer.

Recently dh went on a cash-only budget and now we encourage each other to stick to our weekly amount. He says he feels like he's spending more, but actually it's slashed our spending. We made our entire savings goal for the first time in 4yrs of marriage and that's with car insurance this month (instead of next like we thought) and a $215 unexpected expense!

We are very excited needless to say!

Also I'm trying to cook beans & cornbread once a week, and just eat out of the freezer and garden. It's hard. I just got over some rough morning sickness but every little bit helps.

~Ashley~

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