[Win $250 giftcard] Are you cutting your budget?

[cpaige]

Cutting back has been a major necessity for me. I am unemployed and was denied my unemployment, so I really have cut back on everything. Going out is no longer an option, I have people come here. Grocery shopping is done only with coupons and if the item is on sale. With the job market the way that it is, those of us who are unemployed have no idea when a job will come through, so pinching every single cent is something that MUST be done. I can't even think about Christmas, b/c I just cry. I really could use this card.

[moonmaiden]

It's hard to, but we ARE cutting back on spending. We don't drive anywhere unless we have to and combine trips when possible. We cancelled our DirecTV satellite subscription recently, but luckily I won a one-year Netflix subscription this year -and- last year I won a HD tiVo with lifetime subscription We don't shop or buy anything unless we really have to. We "try" to live beneath our means while we watch alot of others continue to live above theirs.

[dianewyatt]

We've been cutting back and are continuing to do so - using less gas by consolidating trips (even tho the price of gas has dropped); trying store brands of foods; not buying any clothes unless necessary (my younger son did not get any new school clothes this year); postponing any household projects. We're paying down debt as quickly as possible.

[hippiegarden]

It's easy to be motivated to eat at home if you stop to think about it. Most cooks behind those partitions in a restaurant are young men. How many young men do you know are concerned about hand washing hygiene?? I'm still reminding my husband of 30 years to wash his hands! My sister-in-law, who does not cook and eats out at least one meal a day, has had serious food poisoning three times, each time tests showed the "bug" was from human feces! Sorry to gross you out, but it needs to be said.

[peaspod]

Yes gas prices are falling, but for how long? Instead of going back to my big SUV i will keep driving my small compact car and put the money i save back for when gas prices go back up. I have cut back so much on everything as it is now. i have been using more coupons driving less not eating out, turning out the lights more etc. Hopefully things will pick up in the new year? Pea

[jewell]

Our family is cutting back, not only because times are tough but also because we are buying a house. I have started couponing to the max and CVS'ing I've found that this relaly cuts our grocery budget and our toiletries etc.
We have also pledged to not eat out for lunch until after we pay our first house payment. This weekend I bought 4 cans of Progresso soups (8 lunches) at Wallgreens for $1! Cutting that budget anywhere helps a lot!
We also cleaned out the office and the closet and listed items for sale on craigs list, to help with extra expenses durring the move.

I'm glad to see American's cutting back and making the most of their $$ and Cents!

[antshe1]

I have always used coupons and shopped the sales for food, clothing but have begun to get tips from blogs such as this and others. I have learned so much and SAVED so much with the help of others. I don't remember the last time I bought anything without a coupon (doubled or tripled, thank you). There are blogs out there that have given tips, recipes, all sorts of knowledge. I am spending less and eating better!

[boognish1]

I have virtually eliminated dining out from my budget. I brown-bag it for lunch everyday and seldom go out for dinner. The best part is that I appreciate and enjoy dining out so much more now that it's a treat.

[FrugalNYC]

I used some coupons on vitamins I needed to buy. Used double coupon, since it was buy one get one free. Didn't know if they would take it, but they did. Using coupons is a great way to save on stuff you already buy. Joining CVS's cashback or other similar membership rewards can help with your discounts.

[troyte]

yes, I am cutting back by conserving as best I can ie Lowering the thermostat, driving less, eating at home, using coupons and buying store brands.