[pennywise]

you are asking very good questions and this is how we learn, from each other. See, the name of the game is NOT how much can I spend, but how much can I keep. That is the challenge. My water heater is gas. Gas has always been cheaper than electric until recently. Again we are using cold water for everything with one shower per person per week and daily wash ups in the sink (my dad did that; I forgot until now - you know those depression grandparents and their children!). Oh, on that, talk to elders all you can and learn how they survived in the depression. I have always worked with the elderly population! Next, I learned at 20 (I am 50). I was a welfare mom then and now I am what would be considered wealthy but I do not think so. I am still very very very frugal. I just changed phone companies for $11 a month savings (pennies add to dollars). The range/stove is gas but with the gas increase I went to Kmart and bought a "hot plate" and cook on that or use the microwave, crock pot, etc. These are much cheaper ways of cooking. Please stop to think about your cooking habits. Cooking can be very expensive, but if you analyze it you will be able to cut. Steamed veggies in the micro takes one minute (put water in bowl with veggies and put a lid on it). The fridge and freezer are plugged in all the time; however, last summer I vacuumed under the coils. I pulled it out and did a good under cleaning. The fridge last summer was running too much and after that it decreased a bit. I swear the key is unplug the radio, etc when not in use. I started that after reading an article in the Wall Street JOurnal "Phantom electricty". While things are plugged in they are pulling energy. Must be true because I swear my bill is never over $28 per month. The microwave; put these things on an extension cord that makes it easier to plug and unplug. This is my families habit now. I have a spouse and 10 year old daughter and two cats. We are in Michigan. I am a daytrader so I was eons ahead of all the rest on the economy - read, read, read- read financial stuff too. educate yourself. I save more money on my spouses salary alone than when I work, I look for savings and I do save. Right now, stay out of the stores, when you go, go with cash - AND the name of the game is how much of the cash can you take home and put in the cookie jar - this is how grandma did it. Okay, I really hope this helps you. You can be very comfortable and still save alot of money. REad, read, and read. Go to your local library and scan the books on saving to; this is where I learned alot. Learn how a bank works, learn formulas for CDs and loans and put them on your computer. Once you see how the interest is adding up you will not borrow. Do not buy unless you can pay for it. Good luck and continue with the questions. I am so very happy to teach others. Remember the key is: PENNIES ADD TO DOLLARS SO YOU WANT TO SAVE PENNIES WHEREVER YOU CAN. Oh, and I fought my spouse for years and I won, he NOW gets it and supports me - remember some of you my complaints last summer. He is on board now. Fight your spouse if you have too, threaten divorce or whatever you have to, the spending has to stop. Bless you.