Inflation: Things We Can Change - Page 2

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@scatcat wrote:
I agree with @software we're not changing anything. We don't live paycheck to paycheck, hate the word budget, so maybe I have no business answering.

But I will say especially after the last 2 years (my DD and good friend are nurses) we aren't guaranteed tomorrow (of course this was true pre "big C"). So if I want name brand cereal, I'm buying it.

What's the saying? You can't take it with you

Actually you can take it with you. Spend a few years in a nursing home at least and people like my family can take it with them.

And yes, you are very blessed not to have to cut back now. Enjoy.

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

I buy my meats, detergents and paper products at Costco. In a regular grocery store I also look at items I might be interested in and once I look at the price I decide if I really want or need it enough to spend the money. Lots of times it a no. Clothes dryers might be a big energy hog but in my subdivision we are not allowed to have clothes lines. Even though we could hang laundry outside any day of the year. Plus I don't like the way clothes feel after drying outside. So that's not gonna happen. I just pay more attention to what I'm buying and not buying junk. Unless I really want a treat then I will buy that occasional bag of chips or whatever. I also use a crockpot a bit more but I don't like to make to much because I tend to get sick of leftovers. I think just thinking about what you buy and if you really need it enough to justify the price is probably the best anyone can do.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I grew up pinching pennies, improvising, and am on a first name basis with twins Cheap and Frugal! I don't waste money, overspend, and all I know about extravagant is how to spell it.

My husband and I worked hard to be where we are today. We live very simple lives, and when it comes to our satellite TV package and our food, we stick with what we like.

ValuSkr · ‎03-15-2014

There are some good ideas here. My contribution:

Buy store brands, aka private label. They should be less expensive than brand-names because (1) there is no middleman and (2) they don't have to support advertising and marketing.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

That might help to stretch a person's budget, it's not going to slow down inflation. Sure, we are playing a little more for many things, especially groceries. But we don't have to change our shopping habits.

Duckncover · ‎07-16-2021

The only thing we are doing without is stuff I can't find anywhere, like 8" paper plates. I'll be going to the grocery store in a couple of hours...and will buy blueberries since they are on sale for a good price. They just got the Driscoll strawberries in last week, so I bought those. I buy my paper products and many other things at Costco, so when I do have to go to the grocery store it isn't for very many things.

Dazlin · ‎03-14-2010

Every trip to the supermarkets im seeing an increase in prices, practically on just about everything. As much as I hate Walmart, I've been shopping there for most items, other than meats. Ill then sometimes go to Aldi for produce, it's been very fresh, and quite reasonable. Meats are another stop...either my favorite butcher, or publix, but I try to find sales. I'm not on a budget, but im not getting ripped off if I can find the same items much, much cheaper. Yes, it's a hassle, and im making several stops...but it makes me feel like I'm doing a good a deed, and not being wasteful. My food bills are still verrry high...could be easily over $300 a week...but that includes detergents, toiletries, some beer and wine. We are 4 people here, which includes my 2 yr old grandson, so there's an added expense. But prices are getting out of control, if you ask me. I'm trying to stock up on all paper goods, and detergents, or anything non food, only because they're out of so much, or when it comes in, the price has jumped. It's tough times these days.

I just want to share one more thing...I like Pepperidge farm butter bread...publix sells it here for $4.89... I found the same bread at a store called Perrines for $1.45, just as fresh! So this is another stop ill occasionally do and freeze the bread...thats over $3.00 difference...absolutely ridiculous what's going on.

yamma024 · ‎08-21-2017

When items are on sale that you use regularly, buy enough of those items to get you until they are on sale again. I don't pay full price for very many items, except for milk. My grandchildren think I have a store in my basement. I'm well stocked.

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

Regarding inflation, there is so much that is out of our control! I mean we all need the same basic things --- housing, utilities, food, cars, insurance, gasoline, etc. A lot of these things, it's pretty hard to get cheaper. I grew up in a very poor household, so having to watch pennies and get less and buying cheaper and second hand was just a way of life. As an adult, I had my period of splurging for a bit but I got over that pretty fast! I always watch for sales, buy generic when I can, try not to waste water or electric, keep thermostat not exactly where I'd like it, but where we can live, etc. I'm not high maintenance at all. Do basically all my own beauty treatments with the exception of an occasional hair trim and brow tinting. That's it! Extravance is not in my vocabulary.

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin