@smoochy
I understand what it's like to try and economize and to try and budget more. However, it sounds like you are being very restrictive and cutting out so many things which you enjoy. DH and I try to watch, we really do, but at the moment, we have had discussions saying --- we are both 74 and not in the greatest heaalth. So, we do want to have a few things that we enjoy! We can't do most of the things for fun like we used to, so mostly we stay at home and watch t.v. Even though our cable bill is much higher than we would like, we pay it because this is what we do for entertainment. We only go out to dinner or breakfast occasionally. I would say respectfully, please don't restrict yourself so much that you cut off everything that you enjoy and that makes your life happier.
A couple of things which might help and these are things which you might already do. If you get a daily newspaper, discontinue it. We did this and we really don't miss it. The paper was getting very expensive and truthfully is was getting to be a very poor printed object. Instead we watch news on t.v. and look things up on the internet.
If you have expensive cable, maybe switch to a firestick or something similar.
So that you have an outing to look forward to, go out for breakfast or lunch once a month.
For things to do, your local library should have a calendar with free events or things which cost very little.
For groceries, if you haven't tried them previously, shop at Aldi's. We do save a lot on fruits, veges, dairy, etc.
See if ARP or something like that can offer any cheaper rates on your car insurance.
When I was trying to cut costs earlier on, I started coloring my hair at home. Much cheaper! Now, I don't color at all but that's just a personal choice.
Instead of getting some basic beauty items are more expensive places, I shop for them at sally's, target, walmart, drugstores, dollar stores.
I shop at places like ollie's, big lots, rural king, dollar tree, etc. for all kinds of things like seasonal decorating items, books, cards, food items, snacks or all kinds, paper products, laundry and cleaning supplies, grooming proucts, etc.
Another thing I do is, instead of taking my car out for just one errand, I save as many errands up as I can and do them all on one trip. Making a list of what you need and where you need to go - and then sticking to it, is very helpful.
Maybe these are all basic things, but they really help!!
I think you're very smart to dio what you're doing.
"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin
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