My budget for 2008 just went under a MAJOR revamp. The avg. 3% raises we have gotten for >17 years did NOT come on our last 2 paychecks. Who know if/when they might? AND health insurance went up 2%, Rx co-pays went up 6-20%, gas is up....?, groceries/personal care/household stuff is up 10-20%. Has anyone heard of real estate taxes, home owners insurance, auto insurance actually going DOWN?
Thus I have cut my grocery/house supply/personal care budget $5/week. Personal spending allowance $5/week (no clothes, manicures/pedicures, no food/wine treats/coffee treats/snack foods/work vending machine treats), and my fun budget in half so no full meals out, theater, concerts. I have turned down my water heater, thermostat (and it was at 58 at night and 62 when I am at home), I only "flush" in the am before I leave for work and pm befoe bed (reduce water usage). I NEVER (30+ years)run less than full loads in my washer or dishwasher. I already have CFL bulbs ( and have for MANY years) in all my on more than 5 minutes 1x/day fixtures.
And they wonder why we are headed if not already in a recession!!!!
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