Bloggy Giveaway: $15 Starbucks Gift Card & Land’s End Fleece

What I’m doing to survive the economic crisis? First and foremost, I’m not panicking (in fact, I increased the percentage of my salary that goes to my 401K) and I’m keeping my sense of humor. As my grandfather always said, “This, too, shall pass.” We have been through economic crises before, and we’ll go through them again, no doubt.

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I am scouring coupons and websites to find the best deals on groceries……

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Oooohhh,Land’s End.

One way that I am saving money right now is related to Christmas. Our budget is really tight, and with out son in school now, we have that additional teacher gift going on, and he has two new teachers.

My mom gave me some beautiful yarn that she got at an estate sale during the summer. I’ve taught our 3 year old basic crochet stitches (at his request), and he is making (with my help) scarves for all his teachers and day care providers. He will also be in the kitchen this year helping me make tins of cookies as well.

The other thing that I am doing this year is for him. His birthday is a couple of weeks after Christmas, so having to do double duty with gifts would really take a bite out of the budget.

Our bedtime ritual is for me to create a story about him and the adventures he goes on. I am typing these stories up (there are about 10) on some nice paper, and an artist friend of mine is going to do some simple pencil illustrations to go along with them. I’m going to have the book bound, so that he has his own personalized story collection written by Mom.

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Ha, this is easy… I am reading one of your other blog posts for the Nov Menu! Being organized essentially saves money and time. I look to wonderful moms like you that have it all together.

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I am doing several things to survive the economic crisis.

I have switched to a corn burner to heat my house – much less expensive than fuel oil.

I live on a farm and only go into town once a week – I make all my appointments on the same day and shop that day as well.

I support Angel Food Ministries and order several of their food packages from one of our local churches. It’s priced low and is good food!

I shop yard sales and have found some fantastic older greeting cards for next to nothing. I send mail to friends and family – instead of always driving to see them. They love it!

I shop local. I don’t drive to the Wal-mart. I support the local businesses that have the same products and much better customer service!

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Instead of panicking we have decided to be smart now and not wait for a crisis. That means stockpiling things on good deals/freebies, saving as much as we can, and keep on networking with other frugal ‘n thrifty bloggers for inspiration and great ideas!

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We are putting our faith in God.

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I’m making a more concerted effort to plan meals, so I can avoid last minute eating-out trips. With both of us working full-time, this isn’t always the easiest!

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I can totally picture myself in that snuggling fleece! Well, for the economic crisis we’re sticking to our budget. We take out a certain amount of cash each Friday for the upcoming week for food, groceries, fun money, etc. and don’t spend more than that. To stretch it a bit I get the coupons from Sunday’s paper and shop the sales for what we’re going to eat that week. Not really creative but it works and we’re not worried a bit!

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Great giveaway, I’ll have to share this with my readers tomorrow!

-Heather
Freebies 4 Mom

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Hi Amy, just reporting that I can leave a comment here!

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one thing? wow – I’m trying to do several…. I’m using coupons and sales ALL the time, and scheduling my travel to cut down on gas expenses by making less trips and more things done in one trip. Also – we’re buying more in bulk (for cheaper) on staples, and freezing them in individual serving packages.

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To survive the economic crisis – trusting is the steadfast love of a steadfast God. Really, I think I just keep taking a deep breath, and praying that God would provide for us.

Practically, we are eating more simple meals. Trying to get two meals out of what would be one – using all the leftovers to come up with another meal etc.

Also, I started making our own baby food. At first I shyed away from this – but with a blender it is really very easy and the baby likes it too!

Staying at home too. Less gas, less money spent, more fun at home. It is a beautiful time of year to be outdoors in the afternoon with the kids.

cooperfamilytn@gmail.com

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testing comments

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I’ve been putting a huge chunk of my weekly pay away in savings. Have to have something to fall back on!

Great giveaway. It looks so warm and cozy!

jamieATohhowlovelyDOTnet

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I’m hoping to save some money this year by making almost all homemade Christmas gifts. And we’re giving ourselves strict limits for gifts this year. Only 3 gifts per kid. We’re also trying to eat less meat during our weekly suppers to save on our grocery budget.

Speaking of saving money on Christmas I could use both of these as gifts for loved ones. Though I’d be tempted to keep the fleece for myself. Thanks for the chance to win!

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To survive the economic crisis, I am listening to Dave Ramsey, couponing, cutting our budget to bare minimums, selling things I can do without, etc.

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I am food shopping online…peapod. When I shop online I spend 1/2 as much as when I go to the store. Cuts down on impulse buying. I can also use my coupons and the $10 delivery fee is well worth the $100 I save each week!
Susan Epstein, Parent Coach
http://www.parentingpowers.com

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I’m using coupons and shopping sales more and more. I’ve learned to shop at CVS and Walgreens to get many items for free or cheap. Using the extra care bucks at CVS I also buy things that I need that I can’t get for free.

As it gets cold, I hope to minimize heat use since it’s gas. Thankfully we don’t get much winter here, but it can get cold. We’ll wear layers and use electric blankets at night to keep our heat turned down low.

I’m also finding ways to reuse things. For example, I’m washing baggies to use as many times as possible. My mom used to do that and as a kid I hated washing them. Once I reached adult hood I started just throwing them away. Now I’m realizing how much money I can save by reusing them.

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Coffee and a fleece. Great items.
Thankfully we have savings, so just trying to find good deals on groceries and items that we need.
dmfitzpatrick16@rangers.nwosu.edu

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Operating on a cash only basis – no checkbook, no plastic. After the bills are paid (w/checks), hubby and I agree on an amount of cash to withdraw from the ATM and we use that for all expenses. We find that we THINK about our choices more than if we write a check. There’s something about parting with the actual green stuff that makes it harder.

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We’re just striving to continue our frugal lifestyle, pay close attention to the budget, and work hard to save up for those big necessary expenditures. Oh, and contintue to give the same as before, too… that can be faith stretching.

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We’re cutting back on travel and staying home for the holidays instead of driving or flying half way across the country to see our families.

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Lots of walking instead of driving.

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Great giveaway! I shop the sales at CVS/Walgreens/Rite Aid as they are all within 8 miles of my house and I drive by them regularly. Certain items (hair care, dental care, facial products) I will only purchase if they are fifty cents or less if not FREE!! I shop for other items at a thrift store and “shop” my own closet and storage areas before buying something… it’s easy to overlook something you already have!

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I’ve been using and adding to my food storage. I’ve also been using coupons and have been trying to cut back my spending where ever I can. I walk more, and stay home more.
I’m going to start making soap and laundry detergent. More so because I’ve always wanted to try, but I guess that helps with the bills too!

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We are doing the same as we always have…couponing like crazy and searching for the best deals and prices. We are also finding more ways to spend time within our home, therefore conserving gas. Spontaneous trips to Target are few these days. We’ve also greatly decreased our Christmas budget and we are excited about focusing more on the season instead of pricey gifts.

Thanks for the giveaway!
jodimbrewer(at)hotmail(dot)com

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What am I doing? I’ve been making lists and budgets and STICKING TO THEM. Also? I’ve been delegating presents to family members. (The boys have November birthdays followed by Christmas season.) In the past where I would have said, “Oh, whatever,” I have delegated things like pajamas, clothes and affordable gifts to different people. Also, HOLLA at Craigslist!

(Entering this contest as a way to save some money by winning it as a gift for my Mom for Christmas! She’d love the Vivid Plum!)

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1 thing? I gave up my Starbucks habit…this will help! HA! Just kidding, we don’t even have a Starbucks within 30 minutes of here! Anyway, the 1 thing I am doing to survive the economic crisis is to be responsible with our electricity and gas usage. Unplugging things when not in use, etc. Every little bit helps! Thanks for all you do!

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We have been carpooling a lot more to work. Building our savings and paying off debts!

I have my eye on the vivid plum fleece!

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we are continuing to trust that God will provide for our needs! of course, we are being extra wise w/ our money, using coupons and continuing to eat homecooked meals in stead of eating out.

~eunice
rsmile2u (at) dejazzd (dot) com

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I’m finally trying to learn to play the drugstore game per Money Saving Mom. I’m also following your stockpiling plan!

I have envelope in the kitchen that says “extra cash”. We watch our pennies and at the end of the week all our cash goes into the envelope and then directly to the savings account (on top of our normally monthly savings).

Just trying to stay ahead! (But coffee or a fleece would feel so much better!).

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We’re driving less, eating more store brand foods, and loving coupons!!

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great giveaway!!!!

I’m learning to be more frugal – couponing, deal seeking, and working on “going back to the basics” with cooking from scratch and cleaning with what our ancestors did way before the man made chemicals took over. I try to go “GREEN” with anything I possibly can and always try to find more than one use for an item(s). So far, so good and my family and I are already reeping the benefits of saving! Horrah for women like you who give us blogs like this – teach us oh wise grasshopper.

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Well, that CVSing that started as a hobby has served me well during this crunch time! The grocery price hike hasn’t really hurt us too much because we save so much anyways! Also , we aren’t going to panic as others have mentioned. Maybe I’m just ignorant and don’t understand the depth of the economy crisis, but I know that its not where my hope is.

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Trusting that God is in control which completely removes all anxiety. Being wise stewards of His resources–specicially with our electricity. Hanging clothes more instead of using the dryer. Using clothes to keep warm to minimize the use of our furnace. I know, these are not “new” ideas—just being very diligent about our output and cheering each month when we see a decrease in our total electric usage!

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I’m really thinking about my purchases before I buy, planning more for gifts and holidays, and checking the classifieds.

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Well…we’re trying our best to cut costs, collect coupons, and read helpful and informative blogs like this one.
But more than anything, we’re trusting in God to get us through. The economy goes through it’s ups and downs, but at least we always have the Lord.

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Essentially, we’re just not being hasty. We aren’t panicking, but we’re also being cautious. Instead of buying a new house and/or car this fall/winter, we’re putting off major purchases until at least spring, to see how this all settles out.

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GREAT IDEAS!!! I have been shopping early and often for deals on christmas gifts. We have also tailored our christmas budget to maximize on thoughtful gifts and not quantity of gifts. This is different for us as we like to lavish gifts on loved ones. We are going smaller but more creative and thoughtful. Also wearing warmer clothes in the house and keeping the thermostat down. And not eating out as often. More home cooking and actually using the leftovers.

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We’re refinancing our home to pay off all other debt so that our mortgage is our only debt. It will reduce our monthly bills by about $500 a month.

We also just joined Sam’s Club. With the price book I’ve already been keeping, I can see what items are cheaper at Sam’s and which of those we use enough of to make use of the large sizes they sell.

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Our strategy is to continue, with renewed fervor, our less is more philosophy. Stock up on on sale groceries, thrift first if something is needed, try to be creative with what we have and make do with we already own. This whole situation drives home for me the need for smarter and generally less consumerism in our culture!

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I’m trying to ignore it Really, the drop in gas prices this month will probably save us about $200… more than enough to make up for any increase in grocery prices. Plus I took an inventory of our food/cleaning products stash and found out that I have too much of everything. So no real need for shopping for non-perishable stuff. That helps too

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Oh my! Great prizes!

A couple of ways I’m saving money is menu planning and couponing which I’ve always been doing but I think that counts! I’m also spending less on ‘things’, meaning I’m not buying silly little things that add up over time!

Have a wonderful day Amy!

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

[Reply]

I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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I have several ways that we are saving money in our household. In April our household went to one income and gained a mouth to feed, so I started searching for money saving ideas a couple months before this happened and believe it or not, we live just as good as we did with two incomes! Here are just a few of the ways that I keep our budget under control:

First, I clip coupons and I match them up to sales so that I get my groceries and household supplies for little to nothing. On average I save around $100 a week doing this. For a long time I did not realize that you do not have to buy the exact item shown on the coupons. As long as the first numbers on the bar code matches on the coupon and the product, you can use it! For example, I had a $3 off coupon for the Scrubbing Bubbles starter kit but the bar code numbers matched up with the refils so I got a pack of refils for $.19 instead of $3.19.
Second, we also make 2 trips a week out to the grocery store, bank, etc. One trip I drive and the next trip my mother drives. We also cook all our meals together and eat together (I live beside my mother) and since we have 9 people on the property it is easier to buy in bulk and it is always easier to cook for a group!
Third, is that we eat all but 1 meal a week at home. It is much easier to log on to The Food Network, check out new receipes and cook at home than it is to load up 9 people, pay for gas in 2 cars and go out to eat. Since 1 of the 9 people is a toddler, eating at home is just easier.
Fourth, I watch for freebies, giveaways, etc. on-line. I am a MyPoints member and I earn points just for looking at emails and then I redeem the points for gift cards. I am also a Bzz Agent and I get to try products for free and get great coupons for those items as well and all I have to do is tell people about the products are report how I spread the word.
Fifth, I use Craigslist, Ebay and Consignment stores before I look to buy things new. Especially with little ones, they go threw things so fast that buying new is just ridiculous. My children wear 90% Gymboree and Childrens Place and I spend about 75% less than if I bought their clothes in the stores. I pay about 75% less for their toys as well.
Finally, for Christmas, I start shopping the day after Christmas. I make my Christmas list for the next year and keep it in my wallet. Thru out the year I watch sales and buy things when they are at their cheapest. Once I buy something for someone, I check off their name and write what I got them on my list and usually I end up being finished with Christmas shopping by September of each year and save a fortunate by doing it this way.

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Fun Giveaway!

We’re doing a bunch of stuff:

-cooking from the pantry, freezer, and the remnants of our garden.

-shopping at the thrift store for bargain kids’ clothes, great-quality toys, etc.

-cleaning out my closet and making cute new outfits rather than buying new stuff.

-combining errands.

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Amy,

Warm drinks and cute, cozy fleece? I’m in!

We’ve trimmed our budget in a couple places, and will be scaling back on Christmas gifts for each other.

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Trusting God, trying to stay home more, live simply…cook simple meals, drive less. Cut back where-ever we can. Lots of things we think we need are really just luxuries!

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Such fantastic prizes! Right now, I hardly ever leave the house or drive anywhere- saving lots on gas, and I make lots of homemade meals with plenty of leftovers for quick lunches so we are never tempted to order out or stop at the drive thru! I’ve also been making my own lattes at home instead of the temptation of Starbucks (so that gift card would be much appreciated!) : )

Steph

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right this minute i’m not turning on my heat. it’s about 65 in the house; not bad with a fleece on but also a little chilly for my tastes. i’m hoping to hold out until nov. 1. it’s a small move, but every bit counts.

i also use a lot of coupons and try to use as little gas as possible.

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Great giveaway! What are we doing? Hmm…we’ve skimped down out non-essential items and trips out to eat. That’s not very creative though…my husband and I snuggle in bed more to save on heat!

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To help with the crisis we are cutting back on our eating out and our fun money. Instead we have been saving the money for when things get worse or when they get better to have a little fun trip.

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This is a great giveaway!

Our family has been trying to eat out less, make more home cooked meals and not shop without a careful, thought out plan that includes sales and coupons.

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Great giveaway! One thing we are doing to survive the economic crisis is putting more money into our emergency savings. We’ve dug around in the attic and basement for stuff we can sell, I’ve done some babysitting, and any extra funds go into our savings in case the worst case scenario comes true.

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Nice giveaway! We’re getting through the crisis by trying to avoid not-needed shopping. No more spur of the moment target trips for me!

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I definitely stick to my coupon routine, buying only things on sale and mapping out my coupon trip before I go into a store.
But mainly, we’ve decided that we have faith that God is going to provide for us. And we take the advice of our financial advisors that say we’re young enough that we need to not panic and move our money because we’ll have the time to recoup the loss in our investments if we wait it out.
And we’re taking advantage of the low prices of stocks/investments and buying up what we can afford!
(And I enter givewaways, of course!)
saw99a (at) yahoo (dot) com

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Well… it sure isnt easy in this day and age. But, we sure have to keep on trying. Extras at this point are non existent, we work very diligentley to determine wants from needs. Right now the needs win, but i am making a list of the wants for Christmas gifts.

Boy and i sure need, i mean want that fleece!! and Starbucks would make a great stocking stuffer for my hubby!!
Barbara

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I prepare my lunch at home, buy store brands, check garage sales for toys, go to the library instead of buying books or DVD’s…

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We are trying to eat at home more often. I am really struggling with this one. It’s hard when you get used to something.

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We're going out less.

Also, we're going family camping more instead of to spendy B&B;'s when we want to get away for a weekend.

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Coupon cutting, looking for freebies, driving less, and just really trusting in our Lord to get us through.

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We are not panicking and generally paying attention to prices of regular things we buy. For a specific, I made hot chocolate mix for my daughter’s birthday party over the weekend.

Thanks for the prizes!

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Shopping on Ebay! have already started looking for clothes for my girls on there and just bought a $30 pair of jeans for $5.28. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Thanks for the chance!

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To help with the crisis, I am grocery shopping in my pantry and only taking enough money to the grocery store to buy the perishables that I need to complete meals. I am always amazed at how long I can go on what I have! Menu planning is also a great money saver for me!
Thanks for having a giveaway! So much fun!

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I really found ways to use what I had at home to make other things…I had lots of flannel scraps left over from making pj pants one year and I made them into wipes and wash clothes for my daughter. I also took some of those scraps and micro fiber towels and made some fitted diapers for her.I then did not have to buy as many of the pocket diapers.

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For holiday gifts I’ve been making jams and jellies.

I’ve been making sure that I am turning off lights, power strips or unplugging things which has cut ~40 from our electric bill. I am also retraining my husband slowly but surely to turn off lights etc when not in use. Showing him the electric bills has helped.

As for heat this winter, we live in an 1892 house so no insulation. Our heat bills aren’t outrageous considering this but we can do better. I am adding curtains in front of several doors to help with drafts and keeping heat in. I am caulking everything that can be caulked. I am also going to add some heavier curtains on the front windows. Also, getting my dh out of the habit of wearing only a tee shirt in the house and having the heat on accordingly. It is winter and being dressed for winter is not a bad thing indoors. He has improved but like all of us there is room for improvement.

Going to thrift stores for kids clothes and toys. Keeping a needs list in my purse so I don’t spend money on something dd doesn’t need.

Otherwise not panicking even though I am not working at the moment and dh job just barely covers our monthly expenses. I have found that by keeping calm and focusing on the positive. I am able to manage our budget and expenses. If I start to panic about money then it seems to start flying out the door.

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I just recently signed up for the Grocery Game. It saves me 1/2 of my grocery bill! Its amazing…Wonderful giveaway! Thanks for the chance to enter!

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I have started clipping coupons (yes, I am new to this), I am using my crockpot at least once a week to maximise cheap cuts of meat, I am trying to drive less and walk more, I am relying on the generosity of friends hand-me-downs to clothe my daughter!

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We buy in bulk and “ration” things out to save money and use things efficiently. Works well for us!

readingtoknow (at) gmail (dot) com

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My husband and I eat dinner with our parents every Monday. Each family brings at least one dish, so no one cooks a full meal. We all take home leftovers most Mondays. It’s also a fun way to catch up with everyone.

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Not doing too much different. Cutting coupons, budgeting monthly, and ensuring that we save a little extra cash in savings, just in case.

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What have I done to survive this crisis??

I’ve given up my favorite social hour… eating out during my lunch break with my friends.

It’s amazing how much more I have available when I buy a little bit of lunch meat, a loaf of bread and some fruits and vegetables to snack on … instead of spending around 10 bucks a day on a lunch.

Plus with it getting so cold outside … that fleece and some hot coffee can help me stay warm and not use so much heat in my apartment!

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surviving the economic crisis at the holidays – i’m turning to the inner creative self that’s been waiting to be released in the age of internet shopping and impulse purchases, a majority of my Christmas presents are being homemade this year! what a fun way it is to give some extra love to all my long-distance friends and family straight from our hearts.

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We actually have been in our own economic crisis for the last year. We are on the Dave Ramsey Plan and stick to a cash/envelope system. I grocery shop with an army of coupons, hardly ever eat out, make homemade gifts, and look for fun free things to do with my husband on dates and for family time. Actually, life has been alot more meaningful the last year. How did that happen? God Bless!

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Right now I am not really panicking about the economic crisis. Of course it is a bit scary and I am trying to do my part. First and foremost, I am trying to make sure that if we need or want something that I first look for it used. I have been talking more with friends and family about trading out items. I have also been looking more on craigslist for some of those items that we have a need for. Right now, I am pregnant with #3 and all of my maternity clothes are gone to various peoples who borrowed them a couple of years ago–none have resurfaced! I am shopping for secondhand maternity clothes online and at garage sales. I think I am doing pretty well.
The other thing we’re doing is living on a cash budget each month. We try to live by the envelope system, and most months, that seems to work well for us.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I would love either the pink or brown sherpa fleece–they look so cozy!

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What am I doing? Simple, I read blogs like yours and then follow the advice. I am a law student, so I don’t have a lot of extra time. Your blog, and others, really helps me save a lot of money! Thanks for all you’re doing!

Christina
kidspastorchc (at) yahoo (dot) com

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Just one thing? I am sticking to our budget and the plan we already had in place (thanks be to God!).

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What a great giveaway! Let’s see…we are using coupons/matching them to sales, menu planning and cooking lots of meals at home, cloth diapering (I love it!), and trying to think “out of the box” for presents and celebrations. Your blog is a great one for many of these things. Thanks!

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Oooo…. what a TREAT this would be to win!! I have trimmed $20+ per week on my grocery bill by leaving the kids in the free ‘kids club’ at the grocery store and by being more dedicated to couponing, checking online and in the papers for coupons that match my list. I plan ahead better so we eat at home for almost all our meals (instead of take-out), and I make one trip each week to get and do ’stuff’. Less trips out mean less opportunities for impulse buying. It’s working well for saving and hasn’t reduced our happiness, so it’s a new way for me. And blogs like yours give me great ideas and inspiration for living with less. I’ve learned so much and made lots of changes that make life easier all around. Thanks so much, Amy!!

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Yay for the give aways!

About the economic crisis… well, we aren’t panicking, but we are trying to be smart. I’m trying to make a menu and stick to it (this fell away when I had a baby 7 months ago, but I’m back to it the last couple months). When I do that, there is less grocery shopping, less impulse buying, and less eating out. Also, I’m freezing-ahead the casseroles that I make, so that dinner at home is cheap and easy in future weeks…and a full freezer runs better.

I’ve started making baby food at home. Simple and cheap. I want to feed her organic food, and it is so much cheaper to make your own than buy the jars.

Probably the main thing we’re doing is to keep looking for and doing little side jobs that come up. I’m a SAHM, but coordinate weddings sometimes at our church for a small fee. I was thinking about stopping this work for a bit – it was getting rather stressful with the baby. However, those fees add up! We decided to make some stress-reducing adjustments, but keep up the work. My husband is a computer geek, and he has looked for freelance work on craigslist. Neither of those are huge commitments, but provide just a nice bit of extra money in our free time.

Thanks!

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We’re freezing garden produce!

nettacow at yahoo dot com

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I have cut my spending dramatically. Started using coupons, and no more eating out!

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I am taking all the free stuff I got with coupons and putting them into gift baskets to raffle off at the craft fair my town is doing. I’ve also received a breadmaker for free and have started to really get into baking cookies and such to sell at boyfriend’s work once a week around their lunch break hours(with permission from the higher ups of course)

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I’m using more coupons and shopping less often.

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I hope I’m saving money!!

I have the thermostat in the house turned way down.

I’ve rented out my guest house and taken a roommate.

I keep shopping to minimum trying to stop at the grocery store only once each week.

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First we are trying to look for as many sales as possible! =-) I have talked to my other friends with kids and instead of buying gifts for each other we have decided to make gifts! For example my friend sews fun blankets and I make iron on onsies. Costs alot less and is more fun for everyone. A personalized gift is so nice to give and receive.

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We’re making sure not to use the heat if we can avoid it. We can always add more clothes if necessary. We live in TN so we won’t get as cold in the winter as we did when we lived in OH and IN.

I’m watching gas very closely. Even though the price has come down I am still combining trips and avoiding going very far from the apartment. I try to stay on this side of town to save on gas.

We’re just getting an Aldi and when it opens I am going to be so excited! It’s almost finished so that’s another way I’ll be working to watch our money.

My husband is on disability so we’ve been watching on money for awhile. I work part time and then have started with a direct sales company as well. Both of those have helped quite a bit.

We’ll also be spending very little for Christmas. I will limit it to $20-30 per child (three children). Hopefully we’ll have that much to spend but we’ll just have to see.

Hope that helps!
God bless,
Amanda
jesusluvsu2005 at gmail dot com

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We are doing a number of things to cut the budget. With the weather turning cold we use wood to heat the house. We have also decided to start following the Dave Ramsey plan. Starting November 1 I am using cash only at the grocery store, meal planning and no eating out. We also plan our trips so we can accomplish more w/ less gas.

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We are just trying to cut costs anyway we can, driving less, couponing more, turning off lights. . .
Katherine
kccuties(at)gmail(dot)com

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We are using cloth diapers, trying not to make so many trips into town, and having at least one “meatless” dinner a week to cut down on costs

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well, the main thing I’m doing to to survive this economic crisis, is breathing one moment at a time without my husband who left a week ago for Texas because that’s where work is for his field.

We’ve never been apart in 11 years and this week (it’s only the first of 6 weeks) has been emotional and hard…

I am homeschooling/SAHM and I clip my coupons..I only shop once a week and I don’t go anywhere on days I don’t have to..I try to plan outings/groceries, etc. for the same day…or library on the same day as ballet. At least these things make me feel better about how I’m handling this economy! But, primarily, I just trust that God is in control!

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I am turning off the TV. It keeps me from getting so worked up and it means that I am exposed to fewer ads (meaning I get the gimmees less often). Also, I am instituting a designated errand day each week–I don’t go shopping except on that day. I spend less because I am in the stores less.

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Along with homeschooling my 4 grade school age children I am taking care of my 2-year-old cousin. We need the money and we are providing a loving home and family environment for her while her parents work. So it’s a win-win situation, right?

Also, selling things at consignment stores, shopping at thrift stores for Christmas gifts for my children (yes books are just as good used!), staying home more and keeping track of how much gas we are using/saving, doing the coupon/CVS/Walgreen/rebate thing really seriously, making more foods from scratch. And spending more time gaining inspiration for thriftiness from your blog and others like it, also re-reading “The Tightwad Gazette”.

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We are staying home more. I joke that it costs me $50 just to leave my house. I am couponing more, but only buying things we truly need. I am also looking forward to a more handmade Christmas.

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we are rethinking gift giving for Christmas…giving to charities instead of useless things for others.
mom2maria at hotmail

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what a fun giveaway. In these tough times we are using LOTS of coupons and eating out less. We are scouring sale ads and browsing the internet for the best deals

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My husband and I are continuing to pay down debt. So far, the credit cards are DONE! We have nearly paid off both cars as well, and then on to the student loans.

Getting and staying out of debt is key to surviving this crisis!

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We are shopping at the farm stands for seasonal, local veggies. It is cheaper AND fresher!

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My husband just got laid off today, so now we’re looking for more ways to survive! All these tips are really helpful. Today we’re going to sit down and go through all our bills and see what we can cut. Also, we’ll continue to use coupons to save on groceries, though I’ll probably start cutting “luxury” items, like chocolate milk mix.

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I’m shopping less, and using coupons more.

steague16@hotmail.com

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buying clothes for the kids and myself and the hub and thrift stores. Shopping discount all the way for groceries and trying to limit if not eliminate fast food.

Not really creative but I want that gift card

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Awesome giveaway! I am coupon shopping and trying new things to save money. I am cutting dryer sheets in half – and they work just as good as using a whole sheet! So I get twice as many sheets in a box!

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To be honest, we’ve been verrry money-tight in our family for a few years. To be extra-careful is…par for the course for me.

BUT we have added a few features: 1) husband carpools to work, because we only have one car and we drive it less often. 2) drive the speed limit all the time, because it’s THE LAW and because GOING SLOWER SAVES GASOLINE. 3) I meal-plan more strictly now, because it saves money in the long run. I know what I need to buy, I make a list, and I stick to the list.

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Keeping up our “frugal” living (although I have come to learn that I’m not as frugal as most). We are making a lot more homemade snacks instead of store bought. I’m also switching to homemade cleaners once the ones I currently have run out. Tomorrow I head to the thrift store to look for some new work clothes instead of paying A LOT more elsewhere.

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I created an incentive to keep my children on course with our electric bill. I budget $150. Each month they keep the bill at $120 or lower they each get to pocket $1 of the savings(I have 4 kids so that is $4). Having a stake in the bill ensures that they turn off lights when not in rooms and they unplug cords from outlets when unneeded.

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I plan a monthly menu, schedule our errands on one or two days during the week, cook meals from scratch, and stay home with our son. To be honest, not much has changed for us, as we have been working toward living a more frugal lifestyle anyway. But, we are definitely more dedicated to doing so lately. )

Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway!

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I belong to a local moms group with alot of kids. So one way I’m saving $$ is by making birthday presents for the kids. I bought some silicone alphabet letter and number molds from http://www.lets-explore.net and I am making crayons for the kids. It takes about 2 24 packs of crayons (which I bought on sale for $.22)to make the alphabet.

We eat alot of chicken, so I’m also buying chicken in bulk at Alberston’s when it’s on sale. 2 Weeks ago I got it on sale for $1.66 a pound. It does need to be cleaned, but I figure that’s cake work when I am saving $4-$5 a pound. Then I just freeze them in bags of two and we are good to go…

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We are keeping the television off and focusing on our kids. Less scary news for us (we can check news on-line) and less advertising inundating our kids. Plus no cable bill.

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I’m a sahm of two and what I’m doing right now to try to save money is I go grocery shopping and clothes shopping alone! It’s amazing what I save without the kids tagging along asking for toys, candy, cereals and other expensive snacks!

Thanks!
Dawn S.
striblin@yahoo.com

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I haven’t changed my habits too much, but one thing I’m doing is saving for a new car BEFORE buying said new car. Should my husband lose his job, we don’t want to get ourselves into a situation of one income and a new car payment. Plus, the thrill of being able to basically pay cash for a new car will feel *really* good (several months from now).

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Oh yeah one other way we are saving on $$. My daughters first b-day was in Aug…friends and family were sooooo generous and we had so many gifts. We put some away in the closet and she will get to unwrap those for Christmas. (Prob won’t work with older kids, but the younger ones don’t know the difference)

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We have been on a tight budget for a few years, but this year has been strained. My husband has been promised no layoffs through the end of the year. So…aside from the ‘normal’ couponing, I am making our Christmas gifts this year, along with shopping the Goodwill Blue Hangar – basically, a Goodwill outlet. I got a Dooney and Bourke purse for my mother in law for (drum roll please…) $3! Yes, THREE DOLLARS! The tip on the Restaurant.com promotion allowed me to get my husband’s office party present for $2!

Danielle
momasaves@gmail.com

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I shop all year for Christmas, clip coupons, and have a no-drive day 1 day per week.

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I decided to break out my sewing machine and hem my own pants! I have six new pairs (had to buy them — maternity pants) and saved $12.50 per pair by hemming them myself!

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My husband bought a bike and rides it to school the majority of the week. We are also trying to eat meals that are less expensive.

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We are not panicking, but we are eating at home more!

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I decided to break out my sewing machine and hem my own pants! I have six new pairs (had to buy them — maternity pants) and saved $12.50 per pair by hemming them myself!

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This economic crisis can get so overwhelming! I price compare grocery circulars. Instead of going to movies, we’re watching tv. Instead of buying books, we’re going to the library (for books and dvds). We’re also trying to remember even though we’re struggling, others have it worse and plan on serving thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter this year instead of spending the money to make our own dinner. utgal2004 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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I am trying to be mindful of our spending and have really cut back to the essentials. We eat at home almost exclusively and buy more in bulk. A free Lands End fleece would be great!

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At this very moment, I am cutting electric costs by wearing extra layers, a blanket around my legs and not turning on the heat, even though it is under 50 outside.

We also clip coupons and try to join as my panels as possible to help give opinions in exchange for products or gift cards, to help with our budget.

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I’m honestly not doing too much different. Surviving as a graduate student doesn’t give you a lot of cash to throw around or save whether the economy’s good or not!

Thanks!

captain_lisaad (at) yahoo (dot) com

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Thanks for the giveaway.

I am cooking more from what I have in my pantry. I also make sure to match coupons with sales.

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Great giveaway! It is so cold here today and I could really use a Starbuck’s and nice cozy jacket to keep warm. Anyway, we have always watched what we spend, but have been even more vigilant of it now. The thing I have changed the most is to consolidate any errands I have to run.

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I’m so chilly today that I keep entering the warm looking giveaways like yours! That’s because I’m saving money by turning down the heat to help survive the economic crisis. Brrrrr!!!

themommyspot(at)gmail(dot)com

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We are couponing like never before!!

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Being on a grad student family budget, we have already cut many corners. We are currently trying to keep our heat as low as possible so we are walking around the house bundled up in sweatshirts and slippers. Its going to be a LONG winter.

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To save money I plan on making a few things for Christmas presents. A tutu for each of my girls and one for the dolly of course! I also plan to make some diapers and a crocheted blanket for my daughter’s new dolly. My kids are 1 and 3 so I know they won’t mind a bit! thanks for the giveaway!

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Well, thanks to advice from your site, I have been meal planning and shopping with coupons. I’ve also taken to shopping at Walgreen’s using their coupons and sales and my coupons. Also, I’ve taken to finding things around the house that just don’t need to be plugged in and I’m turning off power cords at night or when we’re not in that room. I’ve already seen an improvement in my grocery bill this month and I’m hoping to cut it down even more next month. Thanks!

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I have started to become more hardcore about couponing and we are eating out less.

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Right now, we are combining all errands to one trip that we accomplish together…unless it’s on the way to somewhere. We are also eating out less and less too!

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Starting in November we are changing over to the cash system, sticking to our budget for christmas, and planning on paying off our van in 2009.

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We are fortunate to have a flex-fuel vehicle and limit our trips. We also find some pretty local stay-cations.

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I’m entering contests in order to win great fleeces! I’m also making a big effort to not waste- food, gas, electricity. Thanks for hosting a great giveaway!

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So many little things. But the big one is to keep our money in our 401k and to keep adding to it. This crisis will take time to fix but it won’t last forever. Stocks go back up.

I have given up my car during the week. I walk our 4 year old to preschool and back each day(about 3/4 of a mile one way). I also walk the dog in the morning for 1.5 miles. So now, I can give up that Y membership too. Maybe once a week, due to rain or having to run an errand that can’t wait, I drive. Otherwise I pile it all up for Sat. where I get it all done at once.

I save all the vegetable scraps from peels and cut off ends. I boil them when I have a bowl’s worth. Then I give a couple big handsfuls to the dog and cut her dry food in half. I did this in the beginning to help her lose weight.-something the vet recommended. Hooray! It worked and a bonus to this is that I have to buy dog food less.

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Cooking more. UGH! and back to my coupons in which I have been slack in using.

…and reading your blog for inspiration!

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I am menu planning and spending carefully at the grocery store. WE limit our trips to and from town by planning out our weeks activities and trying to logically fit all the run-around stuff into what we’ve already got planned. I realize these are simple things, but we are just getting started.

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lowering the temp on the heat.

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We are doing many things already mentioned. Eating at home more, planning our meals and eating the leftovers, coordinating shopping trips and appts so we head out less, coupons, watching for sales/deals to stock up, garage sales, craigslist.

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I don’t go anywhere without my coupon stash and I try hard to combine errands as much as possible. Got the ole rabbit ears on the TV. Don’t look at the 401K, think long term!
Janet

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We are using our wood stove, and cutting back on eating out!

leslierose at gmail dot com

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Using lots of coupons and trying to determine (really!) if I just want it or need it.

dstone728@aol.com

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I am using coupons, dusted off my bread machine and making my own bread, I only buy meat when on sale and have at least 2 vegetarian meals a week & I depend on CVS for HBA items.

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We are pinching our grocery budget more, and eating out less. Not exciting, but it’s all we can do on an already thrifty family budget!

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One way we are surviving this economic crisis is by using coupons for nearly everything we purchase.

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We do a “cash only” budget for food and household supplies. It is so easy to go overboard while shopping for just a few things!

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keeping the heat turned down and spending time with family

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I have set strict spending limits for Christmas this year. Particularly when it comes to kids in my family, who get so much anyway. I have found some perfect kid gifts in the Target $1 bins!

Thanks for the giveaway!

trace at styleklutz dot com

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Lots of things! Being frugal, shopping frugal, REALLY distinguishing between wants and needs, even if it’s a small purchase. The one I hate the most – carpooling. It’s so NOT convenient

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Well, I recently had to quit my job because I moved, so since my husband and I are on one income, I try to shop sales for groceries and make sure my trips out count.

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I’m going to be watching out a lot with spending come the holidays. Since I do a lot of online shopping anyway, I always make sure I don’t buy ANYTHING online without first searching for a coupon code somewhere. I find them more than half the time, and it definitely adds up to save a lot of money. We have also been trying not to eat out – if I don’t have time during the week to cook but find that I have time on weekends, I double recipes and freeze one for another time or pre-cook meals ahead of time. That has helped a lot – every time we don’t eat out, we definitely save some money.

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To survive, I’m just not opening my retirement and education acct notices when they come in the mail. Why panic? I have thirty years for it to improve! Otherwise, I’m continuing my couponing and stockpiling, CVS shopping, and other dealmaking to get by on a small income.

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Well I’m trying to limit my errands to town to one day to save on gas. Not always easy but I’m working on it

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One thing we’re doing in this economic situation: make the kids carpool! If they want to visit friends/go somewhere with friends, we expect them to find a way to share the transportation. We’re happy to drive ONE way, and pick up a friend or 2, if someone else’s parent will drive the other way. Everyone saves time and gas.

Thanks for hosting this contest–and the other comments have been really educational. We can all learn from each other on ways to save money.

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I am trying to WIN as much as I can on BLOGGY GIVEAWAYS!! =)

Seriously, my purse strings have gotten really tight, no impulse buying. Less driving, no snack foods, conserve. Thinking more about where my money goes!

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I am just trying to cut back on the extras in life that can be done without & using more coupons than I have before. Also doing more activities at home rather than using the extra gas to go out to places.

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We’re struggling! I use coupons, buy only necessities, don’t eat out and no luxuries. I also think it’s good to be opptimistic and look for ways to add to your income. I’m job hunting too!

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I continue to practice my frugal ways during this ecomonic slump, and thank God for the blessings he continues to bestow on us.

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Other than the fact that our personal “economic crisis” hit us about a year ago… we haven’t changed much. Oh, well, we are getting rid of the mini-van and bought a used fuel efficient car. So I guess that counts

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we are spending a LOT of time at the library!

the kids think it’s a fun place to play, it gets us out of the house, and we get to entertain ourselves with books, for free

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I’m bargain shopping more then ever…coupon clipping, sale watching, and just trying to spend less all around.

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Not creative really, but we live in a town that has not been affected too much by the down turn in the economy. Our housing prices were never inflated so they didn’t fall. Now that gas prices are falling, people here seem to be doing pretty well.

I’m always trying to make the best of our income though. We car pool, I plan menus, shop with coupons, we drive used vehicles… Every little bit helps.

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We have really cut back on eating out and my husband has started carpooling.

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I have become the queen of kid clothes consignments. I started to consign clothes and I have found amazing sales to buy clothes for the next size up.

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My husband and I have started a “contest” each month to see who has the most spending money left – it’s been a lot of fun and the competition has drastically reduced both of our spending on the little daily stuff (coffee, snacks, clearance stuff, etc.)

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Trying to make myself indispensable at work so I’ll weather the next round of layoffs.

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We are praying daily for contentment in what we ALREADY have! I mean what else can we do…we are doing the best we can by saving on groceries and only driving somewhere when it is necessary (and mapping out our driving to get all our errands done in the most efficient way). Just one more reason, I don’t click on any e-mails from clothing stores (say Old Navy – It’s my favorite) It is my downfall. The less I see, the less I want, want, want!

Thanks for the GREAT give-away!

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I clip coupons, look for rebates, and buy in bulk when I can!

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Prayer is the first thing. But honestly, I’m actually even looking for a different job to supplement our income.

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I am starting to do “investment cooking”, also known as “feed the freezer” cooking. When I cook something we all like, I’ll double or triple the recipe and freeze the extras. Since I try to buy most of groceries on sale, this saves us money and my time!

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We are wearinglots of sweaters, heating withth woodstove, cutting LOTS of coupons (I an hosting a giveaway to a coupon site!) and just general tightening our belts!

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Clipping coupons, making lists and sticking to them. Buying only what we need.

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We are tightening our belt, like a lot of people. I am using the internet to locate better deals/coupons/freebies.
This year I have started Christmas shopping early . . when I see a good deal I get it. (as long as I have a recipient in mind)

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Shopping with coupns and only buying what I need.

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We are cutting all expenses that we can.

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I’m trying to cut down my grocery bill more and use up items that have been in my cupboard for way too long. I made six recipes of baking last week without having to buy a single ingredient!

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I’ve really liked reading all of the comments.

We have stopped eating out to save money, we’re not buying anything frivolous or unnecessary. We’ve also made a decision to cut back on Christmas–we’re getting a Wii, something the whole family can enjoy, rather than individual gifts.
parcelhome at comcast dot net

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Honestly we’re not really doing much. My husband was off work for a few months and we’re just getting back on track now that he’s found a new job. So we’re just living day by day the best we can.

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first thing we are doing is remaining calm. We put our stocks into a money market. We are cutting cost where we dont need it. such as being able to shop for clothes and only buying whats needed for winter. we are carpooling to save on gas. and making sure we get the best deals at the grocery store. all things to keep saving money. when we do get good savings we put the money we would have spent into our savings account.

aschrader85(@)gmail(.)com

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We’re making a point of eating vegetarian dinners at least twice a week. It’s better for our health and saves us a little on the grocery bill, too!

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One thing I’m doing that has shown the best results are to sell my stockpiled items (shampoo, toothpaste, etc) at garage sales! We were able to pay for a new grill and are now able to pay for our trip to Mexico next year just from doing this

Thanks for the great giveaway!
katiellloyd at yahoo(dot)com!

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I am making my own laundry detergent!

http://ultimatemoneyblog.com/laundry-detergent-recipe-how-to-make-your-own-laundry-detergent

It works great!!

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First and foremost, I am tryingto maintain a positive attitude and look at as a challenge!

With Christmas coming, I have been onthe lookout for little freebies and inexpensive items that can be assembled into a fun basket…ie pet lover’s basket, coffee lovers basket, etc.

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Less dinners out – which sometimes means cereal for dinner when I don’t feel like cooking.

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I plan on making a lot of, if not all, of the gifts we will be giving for Christmas this year. I only run errands on the days that I take my son into town for MDO. I’m also about to turn this house upside down and list everything possible on ebay and craigslist to get it out of here and earn some extra money for Christmas as well.

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Besides couponing and doing lots of rebates, I’m also trying to use the dryer less.

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I’m enjoying *being* with my family rather than *doing* stuff with my family, like shopping and going to events.

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Oh my goodness! You have the best giveaways! Enter me……please!

Okay, i am doing all of our usual cutting back and using less stuff……but I just have started scouring archives here at your site to see what other things you have written that I have missed and could use to help my family during this stressful time!

Blessings!!!!!

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You might think we’re crazy, but we’re not doing much of anything. In fact, my husband is taking an unpaid leave of absence from his job to go back to school. With everything crazy right now, we’re actually getting a great interest rate on the student loans.

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Hi,
We are taking one day at a time. We are definately staying home more and playing board games together as a family. Also, I am teaching my kids to be thankful for the things we do have. Even though times are tough right now, I remind them that at least we have the money to buy_____. And when the gas prices were so high, I let them hear me thanking God that we had the gas and had the money to buy it.
Enjoy your day.
Jodi

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#1: trying my best to stay calm!
#2: Not splurging on my starbucks treats (this giveaway would be the perfect treat!)
#3: planning better so I can do errands all the same time, instead of going out 4 times in one week
#4: Saving, Saving, and SAVING!

amyandjeffmartinez{at}yahoo{dot}com

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We just started using on-line coupon so that we can double coupons again! It helped us save an extra 7 bucks teh other day at the supermarket!

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I would love to win! We have been trying to save as much as possible and find weird ways to cut the budget like by using old butter wrappers to grease my pans instead of buying PAM… you said you wanted creative!

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For starters, my husband and I have begun carpooling to work. It means I’m stuck here all day, so no running errands or going out to lunch (another way to save money), but it’s worth it. We have a very long commute, and we are spending half as much on gas.

Also, I am using the Entertainment book (entertainment.com) for discounts to a lot of places.

And, last, I will be making as many Christmas gifts as I can this year.

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we went back to using the envelope cash system. works pretty well for us.

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We have been trying to really limit our eating out and I make our dinners more often. We’ve also been trying to eat more vegetarian just because it gets so expensive to eat meat and I think it’s healthier to not eat quite as much.

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I’ve been meal planning instead of wandering around the grocery store. This week I only had to buy an onion, a loaf of Italian Bread, and some ground turkey, and I have enough food in my pantry and freezer to make dinners all week! Just simply by being aware of what foods I already have, I can try to utilize all the things I have already spent my hard earned bucks on!

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I’m lucky to be a student right now, so I’m protected from the worst of things I think. I’m trying to do little things to save or even earn a little extra pocket money. For instance, I participate in psychological studies (an easy $15 or so for maybe half an hour of your time). I’m also thinking of selling some knitting in order to enable me to buy more yarn!

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Yeeesh, I’m not doing anything to survive, but I’m sure I can come up with a creative idea to get that pull over and coffee. Yum!

- I put instructions on my blog for making your own card organizers/ perpetual calendars for xmas gifts. Does that count?

- ummmm. Unplug appliances. We use extension chords and plug them all in there. Then one pull unplugs the whole bunch.

- cook healthy! More water, veggies, and fruit, and fresh items will cost less, AND be better for your health.

I know, boring. Can I have the sweater, please?

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Great giveaways – thanks .

Well, this year for Christmas I;m going to give out home-made food baskets to the family instead of buying something. I just bottled some pepper jelly last week. This summer I also made some berry jams. I will be adding a bottle of each with some crackers and homemade cookies in a pretty basket and that will be it. We’ve also become very conscious of our driving habits and try to combine trips.

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We are trying not to go out to eat as much as we have been. And I should probably stay away from Target for a while.

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What a generous giveaway! As for weathering the economic crisis, I’m eating at home much more and making lots of veggie soups. Lentils are cheap and make great dishes.

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what a great giveaway! we are reducing our driving trips by walking, carpooling and combining errands. we have also cut out a lot of pre packaged snacks and are making our own yogurt, granola, and bread which helps a little.

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One thing I’m doing is making meal plans based on the grocery ads that we receive.

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The one thing I’m doing that is working for me is just not shopping. If I don’t need it? I don’t buy it. I can’t buy it since I have no money– but I’m no longer putting it on the credit cards! So… no shopping, no credit cards= my ’solution.’

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we are being better about doing the things we always do – carefully combining trips, shopping sales and coupons, doing without, making it ourselves….

But this Christmas we are doing things smaller and more meaningful. I made some presents, and we are focusing on what people need, not just want.

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I can just see myself in the light coral pink.. Wow great giveaway & lots of good tips!

1. working any/all overtime offered at my job and using it to pay down debt.

Other things that really add up: using coupons on double coupon days, cooking/baking more from scratch (just learned how to make bread – thanks Amy), shopping rummage sales, turning down the heat, selling unused items, not eating out, not buying paper products & using the library.

nandjdonabarATyahooDOTcom

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I trying not to use any credit cards-just debit. Clipping tons of coupons & trying to remember to use them!
I'm reselling my sons clothes on EBay and then buying new & used ones off of Ebay.
Enter me in the great giveaway!

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Ways I’m saving money would be by giving homemade gifts (card sets, post-it note holders, photo wallets, tile note holders, tile coasters, etc. We also refinanced on our home (we were able to get 1% lower and it was a good time for us to do this, not good for everyone right now though). I’m using cloth diapers on my 4 month old. I try to ask myself if I really need something before I purchase things. I’m also meal planning and trying to save on energy by unplugging appliances and keeping the heat down. I’m going to go back and read through the comments to get other ideas. gentzkelly at hotmail dot com

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We’ve been really limiting our driving to save on gas, and we buy some of our groceries from Angel Food Ministries.

david_colleen@mei.net

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With the economy these days, I think it is important for us all to be conscious and thoughtful about what we do. In my family we have started clipping coupons and watching the weekly specials at the grocery stores. I have made it a game to save more than I spend every time I go to the store. So far, I have been successful.
In relation to the giveaway for Starbucks, I used to go to Starbuck at least once a week, now I make my own coffee and save a fortune! It is amazing how those flavored coffee creamers taste almost as good as Starbuck. (but not quite!)
I am also, and have always been very careful about shopping sales, especially for clothes. I take my children’s clothes to a local consignment store, and then with the money I make from taking them there, I buy their new clothes. Just a few weeks ago I bought eight Gymboree outfits for my daughter and only spent $35.

Finally, for Christmas this year, my parents, my sister’s family and my family are all participating in a “recycled” Christmas. Everything we give to each other this year has to be homemade or used. We can shop ebay, consignment stores or pawn shops. I am scanning all of my mother’s family photos (that were unorganized in a hat box) and creating scrapbooks for her. My daughter is getting a refurbished ipod from the apple website. If you are a bit creative, it is amazing what you can do.

If you make it fun, saving money doesn’t seem as such a chore, but more of a game. It also makes you feel good about what you’ve done to help the environment and your family.

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ThanX for a chance to enter your Starbucks/Lands End giveaway! One thing I’m doing during this economic roller-coaster is staying away from Starbucks ~ unless I happen to have a gift card! I love a good Mocha, but it can be an eXpensive habit. When cravings for a special treat hit, I like to browse copycat recipes online for yummy knock-off treats to brew or bake myself.

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We’re just trying to cut back our expenses in the same way we’ve been for the past year- coupons, drugstore games, thinking before we buy, etc.

We have been trying to be a bit more resourceful with Christmas shopping this year though… lots of creativity and clearance racks!

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Trying to use more coupons and using CLOTH NAPKINS!!

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I’m entering an AWFUL LOT of giveaways, hoping to win a gift for my mom for Christmas.

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I use a Diva Cup and sew my own cloth pads, so my period costs me $0. (It’s not as gross as it sounds–really!) I am on my period right now and I wish I could curl up in some fleece and drink some coffee!

the_other_alice_(at)yahoo.com

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We completed the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course in the spring. We have been doing it for several months. My husband got laid off, his last day is in two weeks. So, our most recent efforts to survive have involved trimming the budget everywhere. I am now a big fan of the dollar store for birthday gifts. I make my own waffles and freeze them, instead of buying them. I just bought cloth napkins, which is green and in the long run will save money. Cash only is our motto and it has led to tremendous savings.

Thanks for the giveaway.

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You don't even know how much I've cut back my spending! I haven't bought a luxury item in forever, I just buy the necessities. And I only shop the sales for the groceries & toiletries that I DO buy. It's amazing learning to get by with less! (We used to eat out about 3 times a week-now it's down to once every 3 months-if that!)

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Our heat is turned down very low. It’s only pretty chilly at night, so we do warm jammies and extra blankets.

I’ve been making most things from scratch. Baking muffins, etc. makes for handy snacks and helps us not eat out.

I shop with coupons and sales to get things as cheap or free as we can.

I’m not doing the drug store game right now except to roll over ECBs or get things that are $0 oop. Our stockpile looks so great, why spend to add to it?

We are making christmas presents this year instead of buying new things. Most of the “new” things for the kids and each other probably won’t be new!

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I’m saving money by NOT shopping Lands’ End as much as I’d like to!
Great giveaway!

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I am reading frugal blogs and doing CVS shopping as well as just cutting back to help get through this time.

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We are stepping up the couponing – checking the brand sites of every product we regularly buy for additional savings. We’re sticking closer to home, rather than regular trips to our “big city” that’s more than an hour away. And we’re teaching our kids to be thankful for what we have rather than looking for the newer and better – because that’s what they (hopefully) see in us.

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One way we are trying to survive is plan meals, use leftovers for lunches the next day, clip coupons, buy store brands, and stockpile.

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Instead of buying things I can get for free, I go for the free stuff.

faked_sugartone at hotmail.com

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I was all set to tell you my favorite drink at Starbucks

We are eating out less, coordinating our errands to reduce the gas we use, and we’re planning to make many of the Christmas gifts we will be giving this year.

Great giveaway!!
Steph

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Don’t panic! Combine your errands to save gas. Eat out less. Go to the library! Enjoy your family at home with game night! Enter me!!

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I’m trying to cut back on my bargain buys. I love buying stuff on clearance, but there comes a point where you just don’t need things just because they’re cheap. I end up saving about $10-$15 a month. It’s not huge, but every little bit helps.

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http://www.angelfoodministries.com

If you eat food you qualify to purchase $70 of food for $30. They are located ALL OVER THE USA. You pay $30 at beginning of month and at end pick up your food. They list what is each months food.

It has helped me.

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I am on a spending lockdown, I only buy what I have to when I can get the best price! Its actually nice not to spend!

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I did all of our Christmas shopping on clearance racks (Yep, did, as in…I’m done , and I am setting targets for gift giving based on “worth” of the item instead of what I actually paid. (This helps make it more even since it’s hard to find certain things on deep discount clearance and others it’s easy to find.) The discount helps us spend less this Christmas while still giving nice gifts to our loved ones.

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I am being better about eating at home!

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Make sure people know when you are looking for something.

In the past month, we ALMOST bought a car with lower mileage than our family car (we were at 170,000 and looking at about $1000 in repairs) for $2500, but then we were offered another similar lower mileage car for $1000, that we ended up paying $750 for because of a small repair we need to get done (not urgent).

We also have let everyone know that if they ever have a still working clothes dryer we are looking for a better dryer than ours (it squeaks constantly while running and takes forever to dry). Hubby spent part of the evening working on installing a hand me down clothes dryer.

If we hadn’t let people know, the dryer probably would have been removed by the appliance store.

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We are budgeting and trying our best to do cash envelopes.

I *heart* lands end!

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homemade christmas for family.

for the kids
something you want, something you need, something to play with, something to read. and that’s it.

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I grocery shop every two weeks. I line dry as many clothes as humanly possible. My daughter knows that if “it’s not on sale, we don’t buy it.” We don’t make one trip, we make many trips in one. We have cut back immensely on Christmas. I will be making my daughter things out of materials that I have.

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I grocery shop every two weeks. I line dry as many clothes as humanly possible. My daughter knows that if “it’s not on sale, we don’t buy it.” We don’t make one trip, we make many trips in one. We have cut back immensely on Christmas. I will be making my daughter things out of materials that I have.

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I have always been somewhat frugal, so we are just continuing to do so. Not spending, cooking from scratch, making do with less.

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I gave up cable and using the clothes dryer. Instead, we’re getting videos from the library and drying clothes outside on the line.

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Trying to make as many things as I can from scratch. Using what I have rather than buying new (this applies to food too – I want to use what I have in my cupboards rather than just running to the store.)
junglewife(at)gmail(dot)com

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I am learning how to save bits of leftovers and veggies to make soups!

Thank you so much for this great chance to win! chattyhousewife(at)gmail.com

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I clip coupons and just try not to worry about it!
katiekarr at gmail dot com

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We are buying gas at Costco. They are usually 10 cents cheaper than regular stations and that savings alone pays for our membership and then saves us at least another $50.
We also get baking soda and vinegar from Costco and use them in homemade cleaning supplies instead of buying them.
For any of you making food type Christmas gifts this year – the Costco near us carries a 2 pound bag of yeast that they sell for like $3. It would be great for making homemade cinnamon rolls or other goodies as gifts…
I also would use either of the giveaways as a christmas gift
Nothing like giving away a giveaway!

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We are shopping in bulk for groceries because it’s cheaper that way also using e-bay and outlets online for clothes!

ellybean@connected2christ.com

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We are going to bed earlier now. Not only are we getting more sleep, we’re using less electricity (not burning lights all night). And, we’re carpooling…saves a load on gas bills! My husband has a 40 minute commute, but he only drives twice a week now because of the carpool group!

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I would love to win one of these — it makes me feel a little warmer just thinking of them!

As far as something that we’re doing with the economic crisis, we are trying our best to pay cash for everything for Christmas this year.

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To survive the economic crisis, I am asking myself before every purchase, “Should I really buy this, is it worth it?” We are eating at home more and I’m trying to cook some cheaper meals a few times a night. Finally I am going through all of the bills and call around to see if I can lower them a little.
Thanks for the giveaway!
ndigmon(at)yahoo(dot)com

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We’ve always been thrifty around our house, but we’re making all of our trips into town (which is about a 20 mile trip) count, and using our coupons! That’s made a big savings!
flowers7886 at yahoo dot com

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I’m really trying to conserve in the way of groceries… our local Kroger has days that they mark produce, meat, and dairy down, so I shop then. I’ve also been trying to go the old fashioned route and use EVERYTHING. (lots of meal recreations going on over here!)
I’ve also been buying all my kids clothes (and a large amount of mine) at a Goodwill Clearance Center where everything’s $0.99/lb. It takes a lot of digging, but there’s good stuff to be found!

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I learned how to make my own fabric softener. That really saves $$$.

Thank you for participating.

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In order to SURVIVE the economic crisis- I take it one day at a time. In order to DEAL with the economic crisis- we are cutting down on non-essentials (eating in more, renting movies etc).

oreo89 [at] gmail [dot] com

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One of the things I’m doing to weather the storm is to keep the thermostat low this winter. So this would be a great prize. I’m also reviewing my budget more often and more honestly (was I really so pressed for time I needed to grab some fastfood last night?) to try and save a bit more here and there.

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I am couponing like crazy, sharing deals with others in my coupon circle, cutting my thermostat back at nite and adding more blankets and just trying to save everywhere I can.

Mary

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Neat-O giveaway!

I am saving a surprising amount of money by packing my own sack lunches for college instead of buying lunches at the food courts. And it tastes better, too!

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I have registered on Kroger's website. I put P&G; coupons directly on my Kroger card, then make my lists online based on their sales flyers. Thanks!

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I am using up some of the food in the cabinets and only stocking up on cheaper items. I am cooking and baking from scratch and eating smaller portions, too.

My biggest savings is that I no longer own a car and use a car sharing service and public transit. This is one time living in an urban area can save $.

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Well…hubby has been laid off since June…so we know firsthand how hard times are right now! We have eliminated eating out and I have cut back on our grocery bill by not buying junk and pop…and we are spending more time at home playing games and watching movies!
Thank you for the chance to win these great prizes!

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Stopped buying vegetables to absorb the increased gas prices. No, just kidding. By that, I mean exchanged exotic vegetables for carrots and bananas. And also, I freeze a lot of food instead of letting certain things that I eat EVERY WEEK go to waste because I couldn’t eat them all.

Also, since the weather turned cooler, I’ve eschewed climate control in favor of opening windows–it makes my apartment feel nice and, best of all, it’s free.

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I’ve been playing The Drugstore Game for the last six months or so. It’s been such an eye-opening experience to discover that although I thought I was a pretty good bargain hunter and frugal shopper, I was an absolute amateur compared to what some people were accomplishing. I’m not quite that adept, but I’m spending a fraction of what I used to.

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I am finally going through and selling off all those baby clothes and other things that I was going to sell “someday”.

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To survive the economic crisis we are not getting all worked up! We are praying over our home & finances as a couple every day and we are being better stewards of our money (couponing, shopping sales, not buying much that is not absolutely necessary, making fewer unnecessary trips even to nearby places…) and of course RIGHT NOW I am blog hopping around this fabulous bloggy carnival! ty so much for the chance to win!!!

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When I go to a restaurant now, I eat half the meal and take the other half home, which has the advantage that I save money and don’t overeat at the same time.

fawkesthefenix at hotmail

(I won’t be able to check my email until Monday afternoon, I won’t be mad if this means you can’t choose me.)

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My hubby and I definitely trying not to panic. Even though we have lost $ (retirement), we know that it will build back up again. We are trying to not make rash financial decisions and I have been trying to coupon and save money on grocery and monthly expenses. We needed to buy winter clothes for our girls so I went to a children’s resale shop and found GAP jeans for my oldest girls for $8!!!! Great giveaway – thanks for offering!
~Tanya
the4moyers(at)msn(dot)com

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Drinking more water…spending less on pop and milk and juice, etc.

Deborah
dbstout{at}juno{dot}com

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I am trying to save any money that is left over in my checking account and putting it into a savings account. Also, trying to cut down on spending on things not important, like fast food and other stuff like that. Praying helps too.

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That’s funny. I don’t see it as a crisis yet. People are still eating out, driving huge SUVs and shopping for Christmas. A real crisis would involve our not being able to afford food or paying the electric bill. We’re no where near the Depression, but people being the way they are only look at what they can’t have now and think that they’re in a bad state. (This coming from a woman who was laid off in July and just started a new job in October. I know what a crunch is, but I still say we’re more blessed in this country than in any other.)

We’re pretty conservative with our spending, but I would have to say that one thing we do to help save money is we sold our house and moved into a cheaper one. It’s not smaller, but it is older. We enjoy not having as much to pay for it, that’s for sure!

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I’m making everyones Christmas presents this year.

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I am not shopping for food 1 week a month, and am instead using up what’s in my pantry, fridge, and freezer. Thanks for this nice giveaway. cdziuba@aol.com

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One thing I’m doing is using coupons a lot more and I recently bought an espresso machine to help me cut down on going to Starbucks, but this would be great when I’m not at home!

sundaygirl at gmail dot com

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I’m making tote bags for Christmas presents.

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My husband also lost his job in August so we were cutting back during the summer. We eat less meat, use cloth napkins and rags instead of paper towels and cut back our Xmas budget.

hetz-junk(at)hotmail(dot)com

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Each Sunday I spend an hour or so at hotcouponworld.com. There are forums for all stores, with the deals/freebies there each week. I get a lot for a low price thanks to the wisdom there!
sjbraun at hotmail dot com

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I am new to ‘couponing’ but have started shopping at multiple stores to take advantage of the best deals at each store.
krissie122@aol.com

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We are spending less by entertaining ourselves around the house — watching old movies on cable, making our own pizza instead of ordering out, rolling around the floor with our twins, readings books, etc. When we do go out we’re frugal. We visit the public library (free), visit the playground at the park (free), eat donuts at Krispy Kreme (a necessary splurge!).

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I would have to say that I’m sticking to my budget more, especially when it comes to groceries(!) and I’m find all of these great blog sites that offer ideas, too.
Thanks for the great giveaways and good luck to everyone!

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To save on our electric bill, I have turned down the thermostat and have started hanging laundry out on the clothes line.

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Resisting the urge to eat out and making sure our pantry is ALWAYS stocked with yummy cheap quick meals so that we are NEVER tempted to break down and order a pizza or run through the drive thru!!

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One way I am trying to watch money is by conserving on gas… only going somewhere when I absolutely need to, and started utilizing our corner store a lot more since it is in walking distance!
mandalyn927@yahoo.com

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We have stopped spending on unnecessary things.

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We’re just trying to be smart with our purchases. Nothing “exciting” lol

TerraLJones (@) gmail (dot) com

Thanks!

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I go to town less often to save gas (and if I dont go to town I dont spend money!)

We also use firewood for our winter heat.

sj3girls AT hotmail DOT com

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Taking surveys for money, selling my old books for money, and coupons coupons coupons.

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We’ve been clipping coupons and shopping on double coupon day. We’ve been cutting back on eating out and making more economic casseroles that we can freeze. And no more coffees and lattes while I am out with the baby. I now have a water bottle that I fill from the tap and bring with me.
pokeybear1@nyc.rr.com

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I try to only buy the veggies that I KNOW we’ll eat in the next 3-4 days. That way we’re not wasting money on rotten/unused food!

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Listening to the experts about our investments. It’s hard to see a loss on our 401K but they say long term investments should stay put so we are going to wait it out.

One of our huge expenses was eating out so we cut way back and started eating at home.

I’ve been couponing and matching them up with sales to create a stockpile. By using this method I haven’t done any major grocery shopping in about a month. I’m able to use items I have on hand and just buy basics (mostly milk) weekly.

I’m a CVS’er so I’ve been setting aside certain items to give away during the holidays.

And the biggest thing I’m doing is staying away from the mall. Especially the shoe stores. If I don’t see, I can’t buy it.

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To survive this economic crisis we are scouring our closets and listing everything on eBay that we haven’t used in the last year. I was able to make $500 the other month, which helped make the mortgage payment.

Susan Rodriguez
yosemitehikers@yahoo.com

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Thanks for such a cozy giveaway! Love it!

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I am using coupons and signing up for freebies. I also use the INternet to do more “comparison shopping” for everything from skincare to crockpots.

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To survive the crisis, I’ll be going back to work part time!

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Someone else mentioned not panicking and we are trying that method as well. In addition, we have upped our 401K contribution since my husband’s employer upped their matching dollars. This is also our first Christmas with a youngster (she was only 2 weeks old last year at Christmas) so we are now looking at a Birthday and Christmas back to back. We hit our local book fair for discount books. I’m also checking consignment stores for toys to stash and give and we’ve purchased a couple large lots of gently used clothes on Ebay. Kids grow so fast already, I hate paying big money for something that will last mere months.

I’m also checking blogs and sites for coupons and discounts. Since I’m not working anymore (stay at home mom), my husband is thoroughly impressed at how I save money with coupons!

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Wow… what a great giveaway!! The three things we are doing to survive these difficult times are

1- Putting our Faith in God- we are part of an unshakable kingdom, so as the world is shaking, we are steady- standing on THE Rock.

2- Quickly learning about coupons, and rebates, and freebies from some really great websites and blogs.

3- We have begun to switch to a cash-only way of living. We keep only enough in the bank to keep our accounts open, but we are using cash for (almost) everything else.

Thanks again for this great giveaway!!

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We’ve given up meat. It was a decision primarily based on our concerns about the treatment of animals and health , but it’s also saving a lot of money. We’re eating more beans, which are so much less expensive than meat. It also means we eat out a lot less often.

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I am trying my best to survive in these times!
First, I am “using” my friends in different ways, tag-teaming taking trips around town, using their Costco memberships, bartering childcare for manicures and hair services, trading coupons, etc. These things have been extremely helpful.

I also have become more deliberate on using my points-earning credit cards (and then immediately paying them off to avoid fees). I use the gift cards from these things as my treats for books, starbucks, etc.

For heating, I have not yet put my heat on in Ohio because of using an electric blanket and pinning blankets around my windows to help with drafts. My electric bill went down $25 in October because of not needing to use my heat or air. I’m trying my best to not have to put on the heat and save some cash!

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I am learning how to better sew and knit so I can make, and not buy more gifts. I also found a local produce and dairy market where a lot of the produce is about 33 percent less than the local grocery stores. I just head there unless I need to buy more than the basics.

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This a great giveaway; thanks!

I’ve started doing a lot of car-pooling, even when it’s ‘inconvenient’ to do so- I usually find that extra time spent with friends in the car ends up being really fun!

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1. Trusting God as our provider first and foremost and being content with what He so graciously has provided.

2. Combining sale prices with matching coupons for GIGANTIC savings on grocery and household items.

3. Always combining trips. I took a few minutes of time at the beginning of this month to put our appointments on the calendar. Then I called to cancel a doctor’s appointment that really wasn’t necessary, reschedule a dentist appointment, and I scheduled a doctor’s appointment the same day as another appointment. I am sure I saved more than $50 just buy a few phone calls and rescheduling appointments. (I have also tried to get all appointments on my cell phone calendar. That way I can schedule appointments better while I am away from our family calendar.)

4. We bought a Christmas present for each of our 7 children in September using Register Rewards earned by buying cough syrup at Walgreens. (The price was REALLY good with the coupons…the Register Rewards were just a huge bonus from God!)

5. Blogging about my bargains nd reading at other money saving blogs that I find.

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Well, I’m doing several things to survive. Probably the most unique thing would be that I’ve figured out a way to make my own version of the Clorox Bleach Pen. (one of my favorite cleaning products!) I put bleach in a clean, label less baby food jar. Then I use a fine paint brush for small spots and a larger brush for bigger stains. It works great!
I’m also baking my own bread instead of buying it and using powdered milk for all of my baking. It works great and you can’t taste the difference.

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Compared to a large portion of the world, as Americans we are incredibly wealthy, even in a “crisis.” I consider myself richly blessed by God. But I have always been a penny-pincher. One thing my husband and I do is put many of our expenses on a credit card and pay it off at the end of every month. We get a cash back reward, and by the end of the year, I have enough to go Christmas shopping for free! It is great!!

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I am surviving by checking out websites like yours, and getting some really great ideas! I never realized how much money I could save with coupons! My last trip to the grocery store I saved $70!! I have become much more aware of what I am spending.

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We’re eating more rice and beans, less meat.

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Clipping coupons like a crazy woman!

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My husband and I are not driving as much nor are we eating out much. I try to plan my meals and do things to use what I have and not buy,
peggie dot loden at gmail dot com

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We’re eating less meat, using Angel Food boxes to get the meat that we do eat, and trying to eat ourselves out of house and home before we restock.

Thanks for the opportunity!

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Our biggest focus during the crisis is not spending money we don’t need to. I plan our menus and use as much of everything as I can. For example the other night I roasted a chicken in the oven and made gravy with some of the drippings. I also refrigerated the rest of the drippings, skimmed off the fat and froze it to add to stock or even rice as a flavor boost. The remaining gravy will also be frozen to be tossed into soup at some point. The carcass will be turned into stock along with some vegetable ends I’ve frozen. I try to stretch our food dollar as far as possible and even little things really, really help.

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the things im doing…only a couple things come to mind,im temporarily disabled for the time being so its rather hard for me and my fiancee..she works hard at walmart but still we only make enough to get by so for one thing she drives to work instead of me driving her and using twice the gas….and then theres coupons coupons coupons…whatever it takes to survive you know

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Well, of course I am using coupons and getting great deals on items I buy thanks to blogs like these! We’re just working hard to pay off our loans as quickly as possible, so if something were to happen, our monthly expenses would be managaeable. I am also not panicking as I believe that God is in control of everything!

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We have been buying a lot of generics and they’re actually pretty good.

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I am really stocking up on good sales. I am driving a lot less- letting some deals go because of the time or cost to get there. I am not buying anything unneeded- put of remodeling projects and just finishing what I already have supplies to do. We are trying to increase our emergency fund as much as we can, but to me having a supply of groceries, cleaning and toiletry products is part of that emergency fund. I am also buying up clothes for the kids up to one size ahead at garage sale and thrift stores or clearance sales- only basic/ classic pieces that will always be in style- things I can layer like camp buttondown shirts and polos and tees/henleys.

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Being better organized with my coupons and by doing so I am finding alot of great bargains. I also have always planned meals and shopped with a list. Thanks for the chance at this great giveaway!

jackiesnews64@yahoo.com

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I am doing a combination of things…maximizing freebies at Walgreens and Rite-Aids to create “cosmetic” bags for my daughters friends for Christmas…all items have to cost less than 50cents after rebate etc…I am also carefully freezing leftover veggies( even small amounts) in ziplocs and adding them to soups etc. each week in the crockpot- last night we had a beef stew in the crockpot all made up of freezer leftovers…steak from a japanese hibachi restaurant meal…carrots from a “freebie” offfer at Target….celery ..etcetc…
I also work very had to donate to our local food pantry by obtaining freebie food items with coupons and samples…

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We are going to do the Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Just takes discipline! Anybody can save/cut corners if they get serious about it! Thanks for the giveaway.

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Hi First I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your website and We are cutting back by not eating out but maybe once a month and when we do we use a coupon. I look for a day through all the ad’s in the paper and most of the time I have had coupons for most every item that I go to the store to buy if we don’t need it I am not buying it and we have cut down with how many places we go.
Have a good day!
Kelly Bryan Bryan45@bellsouth.net

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I’m saving money by using coupons for anything I can. Scouring the web for free events for the kids and family to do. Also trying to bless others by using our surplus to help the people that are really struggling to have the basics. I have plenty from CVS

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we are cutting coupons and dh is riding he bike to work. i have been using allrecipes.com to find ideas for dinner. you can tell them what food you have at home and they come up with recipes for you.

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I have cut out going out to lunch and now take my lunch to work every day. I track every expenditure! And I’ve adjusted the thermostats at home to conserve that way as well.
monicaworkman@hotmail.com

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I'm pretty calm about the economy…not changing how I do anything really. I was frugal before & that is continuing. I've just recently started "couponing", and lately I've been doing a lot of mega-batch cooking & freezing (to get ready for a new baby). We already share a car, shop thrift stores, and line dry as much as we can.

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We’ve cut back on eating out big time. We’ve also been limiting our use of the heat/a.c. We’ve been using every coupon we can get our hands on. Finally, we’ve been using our bikes when we can!

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To survive I use a ton of coupons!!! Plus, I’m always looking for a deal. As for Christmas, I’m using the money that I have made doing surveys over the year.

Thanks.

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Turn off lights, turn down h20 heater, combine trips, carpool, clip coupons, use half the meat in recipes(really you won’t miss it!) Try new more inexpensive recipes, get household stuff free (THANK YOU MONEYSAVINGMOM!!!!) And anything else I can think of, the good news? Living frugally is great for the environment as well!

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1) We rarely dine out anymore- you would not believe how much money you can save just from eating at home!

2) We have a wood-burning furnace, so we do not have to pay the high costs of heating this winter.

3) I use craigslist more and more each day… why spend the money and buy new when you can get nice used things for way cheaper!

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I’m timing my showers to keep them around 3 minutes! I’ve got it down!

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What a nice prize!

To help our family save and survive during this economic crisis, I’m being sure to plan ahead for everything. I never make a shopping trip without a list and always check to see if the items I need are on sale and if I have a coupon. We plan our outings with our children, keeping in mind distance (to save on gas) and do our best to look for free or low cost community activities.

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i am stockpiling and using coupons combined with sales to get the best deals. i love starbucks!!!!!!

michellelamutt at hotmail dot com

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Using lots of coupons and banking away all those little checks for reimbursements and rebates. It’s adding up!

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i am cashing in my points on credit cards and redeeming for gift cards for gifts for chirstmas. People get what they want and i’m not spending additional money for gifts!!

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I’ve started planning two weeks of meals instead of just one and it’s cutting down on my grocery costs. I also scored a deep freeze at a garage sale and we stock up on items when they’re on sale.

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We are cutting back where we can. . . carpooling, making grocery lists for the necessary items, monitoring gas with planning daily trips, eating at home instead of dining out.

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We are using space heaters and plastic on our windows to help us through the high price of propane.

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I have cut back on errands, and cable services. Heat is set lower, and Hand Knits rule.
For Christmas, I am making hand knit gifts for most, and baking for others. Lots of biscotti, and cookies. I started canning this past spring to make gift baskets up for teachers. Baskets were picked up at thrift shops or yard sales. I have hand made liners and made soap to go in them. This year is all about the personal touch for me. Not to panic, and to be creative in my gifts.

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We have no more credit cards – cash only!

Marianne
mjackson(at)wwhgd(dot)com
http://www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com
http://crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com/

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Putting more trust in God and praying in thanksgiving for all that we do have. We are definitely using coupons more and not eating out as much.
rbjj32825@lycos.com

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I started couponing back in Feb. so I have a nice stockpile to tide us over if anything was to happen. Other than that, I try to have just one day for errands, the older put their activities(martial arts and dance) on hold until January, Christmas will be scaled back this year, and we will be making more presents.

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I’m going without a car. My sister and I share. Shopping sales, taking time to consider my purchases and that I really need them.

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Thankfully we don’t have any bills except normal things (electric, phone, mortgage). So that helps.

We rarely go out to eat. Once a month at best and we don’t order take out either.

We are eating a lot of pasta and using a lot of coupons.

I’ll be making as many gifts this year as possible.

We won’t be spending as much. We are focusing on quality rather then quantity this year.

I use my car hardly at all to save on gas.

It’s hard on everyone. Hopefully it will be over soon.

Thanks for the fabulous giveaway!

HunnyV “at” Optonline “dot” net

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Our family is lucky that we live in the South and the colder weather hasnt hit us hard yet!! But in this economic crisis, we have not run our air conditioner or heat since August, we walk with our kids every morning to school instead of driving the car, and have learned to only buy things that we actually need!!

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Thanks for requesting this as a post. I’m sure I’ll get lots of great ideas when I go through everyone’s comments.

I’m surviving the economic crisis by participating in activities within our home. Having friends over for a potluck-style meal and board games makes dinner and entertainment inexpensive for everyone involved!

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hmmm…I’ve tried to be more organized, plan my meals and grocery store visits, and I’ve also been cleaning out closets and donating outgrown and/or unused items to those who need and will love and appreciate them.

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I have doing a million things, most importantly sticking to a budget! We have completely cut out our wasteful spending, I cut coupons, plan meals weekly, and sell everything I can get my hands on on ebay!

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I have looked at my finances and am doing a “Debt snowball” paying down debt, ridding myself of credit card debt and actually starting a budget. I have started an online business for extra income as well.
Thank you,
Patti

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I’m requesting lots of free samples online–every little bit helps!

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I am buying only things we NEED.

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What I am doing to survive this crisis is watching everything that I am doing. Watching the amount of food I make for dinner so we don’t waste, being particular when shopping, just trying to make sure we only buy stuff we need. And last but not least, just take things one day at a time.

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Well one thing (that your fleece will help with!) is that we’re keeping our heat down low, and putting on socks and blankets while we’re home, to save on our natural gas bill.

We’re also (even though gas prices have come down) driving our little sedan more than our truck, even though the truck is more comfortable to drive, the Civic gets twice the gas mileage!

And, we found a used deep freezer on Craigslist, so I’ve been stockpiling when there’s a good price on chicken or pork or beef!

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Coupons, coupons and more coupons. That is what I am doing to survive. I started searching the internet in search of coupons and anything free I can get my hands on. I have come across some really great websites such as this one. I also save on my grocery bill by cooking large meals and freezing leftovers or later during the week. No one in my family seems to mind having the same thing twice a week as long as it is something they like.

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My husband has been unemployed for 7 months and has only found part time work with awful pay. So, I have been selling stuff at consignment sales and used bookstores. We are getting rid of stuff so we can move to a smaller, cheaper apartment, and getting money at the same time! Last week, I made almost $400 at a consignment sale and over $200 by taking our cds and DVDs to a used bookstore.

I hope I win! augustgirl01 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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I’m doing this …. looking for the deals, clipping the coupons, hoping to win some fun things to give as gifts (or gift myself, and signing up for samples… and trying not to spend anytime in those places that make me want to buy stuff (you know the m word)

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I’ve been shopping at yard sales! You wouldn’t believe the great finds that are out there. Last Friday, I got brand new, in their original boxes, 4 candle gift sets for a total of $10. That’s 4 gifts for a total of $2.50 each. Perfect for teachers Christmas gifts. Joanne ~~ glamourgirljoanne@yahoo.com

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I live alone and often don’t get to my leftovers before they go bad. To reduce the waste, I share meals with my friend. We take turns cooking for each other. It costs less in the long run and doesn’t leave as much leftover.

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I’ve always clipped a few coupons here and there, but I’m trying to be much more of a couponer and waiting for a sale to get a REALLY good deal.

I’m working on menu planning and only buying what I need.

For gifts – we are looking at what we need, rather than what we want

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I clip coupons, look for freebies and also shop sales and the grocery store. My family also spends a lot of time at home having fun together!!

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We have made a lot of changes in our habits to help us survive the economic crisis. Bundling the errands means less trips out and less driving. Meal planning and definitely more coupon shopping. We are also going meatless for a lot of our meals!

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I have started clipping more and more coupons, watching the sales papers and stopped watching the news. Also for upcoming Christmas gifts, most everyone is getting a jar of homemade apple or grape jelly. I picked the grapes off my sisters vine and picked 3 5-gallon buckets of apples. Along with that, they will get a crocheted dish closh. I feel that personalized gifts from the heart mean the most and are much less expensive.

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Well, like everyone else I have taken a few steps in order to overcome this crisis.

First, we are not using our credit cards!! I actually took them out of my wallet to avoid temptation.
Dinning out has been reduced to 1 a month thing at the most maybe even less, I miss it but I can live without it, and I’m saving on babysitting expenses by creating a “babysitters club” with my friends where one takes care of some elses kids and they in return take care of theirs the following week.
We are trying to use only one car to save on gas, and when grocery shopping I use discount coupons, and try not to splurge in treats I really don’t need.

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I am canning! I just learned how to water-bath can and I’m canning local produce and whatever’s cheap at the store to preserve for winter, when money will likely run tighter than usual for my family. It helps me do something fun and creative to get my mind off my financial worries while helping with food security for the future.

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I am doing meal planning and shopping the sales for christmas. Having a list and sticking to it is helping us cut down spending.

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I’m going back to basics and cooking from scratch. Did a bunch of canning this summer and hope to continue on this path.

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I started to use your web site after seeing it on TV. I have saved a lot of money with the coupons I get with the free samples. I also cook on my grill to save money rather then the stove which heats up my home and makes my AC work twice as hard saved $30 on my last bill. Marquita Cape Coral Fl…Butterflywingsms

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Lots of coupons are being used, buying generic brands of food, shopping sales.

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Our family is making almost every meal at home which includes packing lunches everyday for my husband as well! We are also finding great tips on money saving blogs like this one! One of the best tips I’ve found yet that most poeple don’t know is to unplug appliances you aren’t using. They still use energy when they are off. It works, try it!!

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We are having car trouble after car trouble. To cut down on costs we are visiting a car salvage place called pullapart. you go to this like junk yard and find cars like yours and pull off the parts you need. Much cheaper than buying new parts from the dealer. Just takes a little bit of hard work and you leave with the blackest hands from all the dirt and grease. That’s part of the fun though.

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Well, we’re doing lots of things to help survive the economy right now, but the biggest thing we’re doing to help us through the Christmas season is that we’re only giving kid gifts in our family, including our extended family, and we’re being ultra-conservative with those gifts!

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Yea!!! Lands End.
I am surviving this crisis by not panicking and just taking one day at a time. We will get through it.

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Well, we have to fill prescriptions any way and I have found lots of “fill your prescription here for $40 free” coupons that I use. I have so far received $240 for free from CVS, Rite aid, Publix and Kroger. If you ask most stores do accept competitor coupons, so you don’t have to run all around town. I have used these to purchase groceries to cleaning supplies. This little bit sure has added up and come in handy. We basically get $40 dollars for getting the medicines we are in need of any way! Can’t beat that! LOL *I hove one that I am going to use today as well, so make that $280!
annmariemark@Hotmail.com

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Ironically I quit working in June which led us to make many drastic changes financially as my husband is a teacher – so the budget was already tight. We're not panicking, spending more time as a family & having a great time, & http://www.supercook.com has been great for meal planning (just add ingredients you have & recipes pop up – how cool is that?!). And desperately trying to figure out how to make chai tea latte that tastes just like Starbucks.

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First off, we’re praying. Not only for us, but for our country, it’s leaders, and our friends and family.
I am also couponing like crazy! But instead of just seeing how much I’ve saved, I’m taking that amount and putting it in a savings account. (Really shows what I’m doing!)
We have also begun Financial Peace University at our church.

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I started canning food for the first time this fall. I went to the local farmer’s market for my produce.

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Well, we have to fill prescriptions any way and I have found lots of “fill your prescription here for $40 free” coupons that I use. I have so far received $240 for free from CVS, Rite aid, Publix and Kroger. If you ask most stores do accept competitor coupons, so you don’t have to run all around town. I have used these to purchase groceries to cleaning supplies. This little bit sure has added up and come in handy. We basically get $40 dollars for getting the medicines we are in need of any way! Can’t beat that! LOL annmariemark@hotmail.com

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No matter what the economy I try to live within my means. I try to be careful and pay cash.

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My husband and i are packing lunches for ourselves as well as our daughter instead of buying. We are also buying more store brands and using more coupons. We are using only one car to save on gas and walking more.

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I haven’t turned on my heat yet and it was 26 (Farenheit) this morning. Last year my gas bills were horrible. I am hoping to keep them down this winter.
yorichent at yahoo dot com

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We are working very hard to stay within our budget in categories that we can actually really do something about like grocery shopping and eating out. I’m using coupons and getting freebies and anything else I can do to save money in those areas but still give my family healthy and exciting meals.

tfisher83 AT myexcel DOT com

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We have started to tighten up our spending. We only buy what we NEED when we do our grocery shopping, we try to find and use coupons, and we have also started using the Angel Food Ministries to get a bulk amount of meat for a lot less money. We are also trying to get ahead of some of our debt by selling some of the items we have just sitting in storage that we are no longer using.

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We are doing a few things to survive. I search the internet everyday for great deals and coupons.

We have a fireplace and a friend of ours has a place in the mountains where a ton of trees have fallen over so he has brought us a lot of fire wood.

Also we have cut down to the essensial like canceling cable and the home phone (because we have cell phones). And even cut the cell minutes back.

My kids and I ride the bus everywhere that we can’t walk too.

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we r doing alot!! My hubby is car pooling,we r not eating out as much. we r doing a lot of family things at home

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I am driving a lot less. I am shopping less.

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I save money by staying home more often, keeping the heat down more than usual, reading all those great blogs out there. Thank you.

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Well, we’ve been in our own economic crisis for the last 6 months since we have only had my part time income coming in, so it’s more of the same for us. Coupons, limiting spending, spending time together without spending money, limiting driving and walking as much as we can and continuing to put money away in diverse savings/investments opportunities that are very low risk. As far as Christmas, I stockpiled gifts for our son when Target had their great clearance prices on toys this summer. While it will be a scaled back Christmas I think it will be just as enjoyable for our son. Plus, I’m challenging myself to fill stockings with freebies only, so no cost there. I think I’m almost there already.

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We’ve been doing a few things to save money and get by. My husband sold his truck and bought a motorcycle and it’s REALLY helped. I also usually buy store brand products when I can and try not to use too much unnecessary electricity.
emilymouliere at yahoo dot com

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I’m not only surviving the economic crisis; I think we have an even bigger crisis at-hand: the environment!

I am saving money AND gas by choosing to walk ANYWHERE if I’m not in a hurry. This means bundling up my toddler and two month old baby, strapping them into our jogging stroller (which was gifted to us by friends upon the birth of the baby), and taking a good long walk. The grocery store is about a half mile away, and believe it or not, we used to actually DRIVE there!

I also unplug most appliances when I can, I live in the dark most of the time, and I have even been seen picking up loose change off the ground. If someone else didn’t care enough to pick it up, I will!

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I discovered something wonderful at Target that is saving me money…They do not like to have products on their shelf long or have older packaging so they mark the price down and put them on their clearance end caps. I have gotten all kinds of things marked down this way, buy one get one free, etc including toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, vitamins, etc. The items are not expired or anything just different packaging or older promotions like shampoo with extra 25% off free, or buy shampoo get free conditioner sample attached. Recently I stocked up on our beloved Dove bar soap. I usually pay about $10 for 8 bars of soap. I found it marked down on an end cap on clearance for $5.41 for 8 bars plus a free 7oz body wash. I bought several of these and we are stocked up on soap for quite awhile!

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I am clipping coupons and I found this great webite called FREEBIES 4 MOM

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Walk. Not only does it get us out of the house and exercising, but it’s a good way to enjoy our family, enjoy nature, entertain us and get us hungry for eating whatever (no longer my hubby’s need for the local thai restaurant we were frequenting at least once a week). It’s been nice, actually. Next to go will hopefully be cable!

lkziegler[at]gmail.com

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What I am doing to survive this economic crisis is to find ways to save our money. MY husband and I are going through all our bills and expenses to see where we can cut corners. Look at the things we need and the things that we don’t. Also, I am cutting every coupon and shopping at every sale possible. With Christmas right around the corner we are already budgeting and buying presents so we are not waiting until the last minute and end up over spending.

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Hi I’m a stay at home mom and before things got tight I was spending money rather carelessly . I didn’t research anything but now that things are tight .I’ve learned a few things -for groceries my first stop now is the dollar stores at least two.I activly look for deals or specials. If I can find it in the dollars stores I won’t need to buy it at the national chain.
At clothes stores I check first the sales racks,I sell my daughters gently used clothes at a resale place. I shop at all types at thrift stores you can find great deals and items.I check for coupons and sales adds I keep those handy in a small envelope in my purse.I scour the internet- that has turned me on to sites.I have never heard before.I’ve learned to do crafts at home for gifts. I’ve learned that you can make your dollar stretch if you try .No more wasting money,I try to maximize every dollar for all my family needs.

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I made myself a budget of $200.00 a month for groceries, and we stick to it! It is fun to use coupons, and find the best deals!

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We buy ALL of our groceries at Aldi now! And we never eat out anymore!

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I am cutting coupons & looking for coupons and free stuff on the internet. Also cutting bills at home. Shopping at thrift stores & yard sale.

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Great giveaway for the cold weather!!
I am saving money by clipping coupons and using Freecycle to share my used items and get the things I need.

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Things are very tough during this economic crisis that we are having to deal with. It is especially hard being a single mom with one income. I needed to find a better solution for making my money stretch even further.

First, I started walking to and from work. It is a struggle because I am exhausted by the end of the day. However, the $50 a week in gas I used to spend is put into the bank account, rather than the gas tank.

Second, I combine all my shopping into one trip. I located a Super Walmart and Sam's Club within a mile of each other, so I get what I need and I don't have to run into 9 stores.

Third, my kids are 8 and 4 and don't really understand what is going on. So rather than splurging on items in the toy store, we take a trip to our local Barnes & Nobles (within walking distance) and they enjoy a story (free) and then I allow them to pick out a book under $10. This allows them to search for deals and they usually get more than one book. I recommend getting a membership from B&N; as you save 10%as well.

The last thing I do to economize is to turn off lights that I don't use. I unplug the appliances that aren't needed to be on 24 hours a day. We watch one TV rather than each having their own shows on.

It is a struggle, but in the end we have become a tighter family and we work together to make our home feel like a home.

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I survive by returning to my stingy Med-school days. My husband JUST graduated (so we’re not being paid like doctors!!!) and I find myself walking to nearby locations, carpooling, re-inventing leftovers, buying staples on sale, WITH coupons, recycling and ashing in on that, entertaining at home instead of going out, and saving all of my pocket change in a big jar for emergencies…..

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I’ve always tried to shop frugally for food, but now, I’m REALLY stocking up on meat when it’s on sale. My downstairs extra freezer is currently full of chicken, pork chops and ground beef!

thanks for the giveaway!

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We’re simply hanging out more at home so that we’re not tempted to spend money we don’t have.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

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We are really having to adapt to get through this economic crisis as my husband is in the car industry and he is really feeling the crunch at work. So, to help alleviate the financial burden, I have been very diligent with coupon clipping and meal planning for the family. And, we live in an older house that has a very large detached 2 car garage. And while we do have two cars, we decided to rent out one half of the garage to someone for six months. That extra income every month has really helped out. And, no matter how difficult things get, God always provides.

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Well, I’m new to reading money saving blogs. I saw this offer on Freebies 4 Mom and a friend of mine told me about the Money Saving Mom.

To help with our budget during this economic crisis, I’ve been shopping at ALDI’s (love that place!), clipping coupons, staying home more (to save on gas), and incorporating Dave Ramsey principles into our budget.

Also, I asked a friend who sells her children’s used clothing on eBay or to consignment shops if she would be willing to sell some to me for my daughter. She agreed and allowed me to buy 5 outfits for $5 each! That included two Hartstrings outfits, a Gymboree outfit, a beautiful Christmas dress for church, and a Gymboree winter coat, mittens and hat!!! All that to say, I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Thank you for your blog. I’m looking forward to reading more.

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I am still using my coupons but I am also reducing the number of trips to the grocery store. I am becoming more organized and working on only getting what i need not just because it is on sale.

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I’m keeping the heat down to lower our electric bills

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What I started doing is using coupons, and taking advantage of my groceries coinstar machine. I would never use it before but in times like these it’s a godsend. I have a big jar where I put all the family’s spare change and in two weeks we cash in abuot $60.00. Who would have thought? I put my family on a budget and it really works!

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i cook from scratch, including stews and soup stocks. leftovers become casseroles or soup fixins. baked potato night once a week.

we seldom go out to eat…maybe once every couple of months. it’s a luxury that’s not for recession times.

oh, and i make my own curtains from fabric…WAY cheaper.

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We aren’t doing anything different, except possible trying not to waste gas, but we’ve really always done that.

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We have been following the Dave Ramsey advise for a while now and we are doing great.

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I am using more coupons and buying more off brands.

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we are watching everything we spend money on and cutting back on things that we really don’t need and also looking fro deals everywher we go..

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I am reading blogs! I just started doing this and I am amazed at all the savings I have found. Now I dedicate a percentage of my time for reading blogs like this one to keep our costs down. jesshand at hotmail dot com.

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We are eating out less often and driving less.

I clip coupons and match them to our local stores sale circulars.

I don’t buy anything unless I need it.

I now buy less expensive brands.

I am more aware of where my money is going.

Thank you!

janetfaye at (gmail) (dot) com

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To help my family get this economic crisis, I am clipping and USING coupons, using the coupons at the stores with the best deals and getting items that we actually USE. I have cut way down on the amount of driving that I do. Also, whenever I shop online, I am sure to shop through a rebate website like Ebates or Mr. Rebates. Every little bit helps!

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Remember that attitude is everything! This can be a great time to find learn- how to sew, cook my own bread, have FREE fun with the kiddos, potluck with friends instead of goingout, and on and on. And if it means we work longer before retirement- be grateful for my husband’s good job and our good health- no price on that!

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I am using lots of hand-me-downs for my 7 month old and buying most of the rest of his gear through craigslist or ebay. Also, I am trying to be aware of how much harder other families have it and passing things down and donating everything I can. Helps me clean out the clutter while doing a good deed!

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What I am doing to try to survive the economic crisis is dry most of my clothes outside rather than use the clothes dryer.

Susie
happygarden1001@yahoo.com

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We live in Houston, where the economical crisis was made worse by a little storm called IKE. We survived with minimal damage, but it has caused a huge financial burden on everyone we know. One of the major ways we are cutting back is in the amount of driving we’re doing and the amount of gas we’re buying. We aren’t driving across town just for the fun of it and wasting a ton of gas in the process. We are carpooling as often as we can with family and friends. We’re squishing into the backseat, sqeezing one more person in the middle and laughing about it. It may not be the comfort we are used to, but it’s turning out to be a lot more fun!

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Im putting my faith and trust in God. I’ve gone back to clipping coupons. I’m filling out sample requests for free samples, comparing prices, shopping at resale shops, garage sales, doing just about anything to save a buck. We are eating at home more instead of eating out so much. This is bringing our family closer together too.

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first this site is new to me and I have received many freebies along with coupons in the mail lately it’s been so exciting. I have been saving alot more at the grocery store with clipping and printing coupons, even after this crisis it will just stay as habit for me. It feels GREAT to save. I have also been discussing with my family the real difference between NEED and WANT, and it is definately working.

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Stay calm! I’m a financial advisor and find one of the fastest ways the budget gets blown is people overreact to scary situation (hello we are there) and splurge outside their budgets as a way to feel better when the world around them feels crazy. Take a breath before you buy anything. It’ll save you more than you can imagine.

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I am giving more homemade Christmas gifts this year.

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first this site is new to me and I have received many freebies along with coupons in the mail lately it’s been so exciting. I have been saving alot more at the grocery store with clipping and printing coupons, even after this crisis it will just stay as habit for me. It feels GREAT to save. I have also been discussing with my family the real difference between NEED and WANT, and it is definately working.

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What I’m doing to survive the economic crisis is tuning into this wonderful website for as much information and free samples, as all of us know, every little bit helps!

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Let’s see – I was pretty ‘thrifty’ before the crisis but I’ve even gotten WORSE now (my husband says where I use to be able to squeeze 2 cents out of every penny I’m trying to do .4 now!

The biggest thing that I am doing though is really rethinking everything! When I make my grocery list I ONLY buy what is needed at that time, unless it’s a bogo and I have two coupons then, if it’s something that we use it’s probably worth adding to my stockpile. I’m menu planning more so that helps with grocery planning. The final grocery thing I’ve done is to buy a gift card at the two stores we are going to. When the money is gone, well, that’s it. It’s really helped me ‘ration’ the money that we do have towards groceries – plus I’ve not been ‘tempted’!

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we have been doing LOTS of couponing to save money, also i just started the CVS card with the money back deals so that saves a lot too. we minimize the gas we use. I usually take the car out once a week for shopping and once a week for church and thats it so that we don’t go through so much gas. I also started a work at home business so that we can make extra money as well and so i can still be home with the baby during the day.

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Coupons, coupons, coupons… (THere’s so many online!!!_

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Great giveaway! I heard about it through Freebies4Mom! As for what I’m doing to survive the economic crisis… I’ve started doing more research on being frugal. I purchased a small space heater and am trying to survive on that rather than running our central heating unit in the home. I’ve also started clipping coupons and am only buying items that are on sale. For the holidays all of my gifts this year will be handmade. I’m going to make gifts in a jar, altered pictures frames, I have even thought about putting together coupon books for my friends and family of those coupons that I don’t use that I know they will use. I’m also going to be offering services as gifts like babysitting, house cleaning and errand running.

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I thought your question was funny because it went along with your giveaway for me…I have cut way back on my trips to Starbucks and I’m reading blogs about how to save on groceries, household items, etc. I would love to win your giveaway, so I could make a few trips to Starbucks!!! Thanks. creativeboarder@yahoo.com

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I am scouring the internet and blogs like yours for good tips on getting freebies and saving money.

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Well as a law income Mommy, first I am collecting as many coupons as I can, This year things would have to be different, since things are so bad in economy, I will collect coupons, do a lot of baking, and start using coupons as much as I can to start Christmas shopping early this year so I could be able to have a few things for at least the kids. Most likely a lot of home made stuff made for the children, lots of goodies, and when I get coupons I will make a goody bag for my Older daugther. And the home things for the grandchildren.

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What are we doing to survive the economis crisis? As the Mommy ;o) , I am using lots more coupons, trying to run errands all on one day to conserve gas, and it’s been so much fun finding free/inexpensive things to do as a family for entertainment! We have become HUGE fans of our local library – which is a wonderful source of books, magazines, movies, games and it’s just a fun place to go to get the kids out of the house! )

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coupons, coupons and more coupons!

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I’m entering giveaways to see if I can win any Christmas gifts.

Really we’ve been trying to cut back more on our food budget. I just started ordering from AngelFood Ministries and that has been very helpful.

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Economic Crisis solution? Pray! AND be more diligent in using coupons.

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well i am a stay home mom i dont go shoppping like i used to now i go maybe 1x a week and i am making my daughters halloween costumes this year.

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To save money, we have switched to cloth diapers. We still use some disposable, but it’s been over a month since I’ve bought diapers!

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Some of the things we’ve been doing to save money right now are: not driving as much (finding things to do close to home – our zoo membership has been a lifesaver this past summer), second-guessing frivilous purchases (do we really need this, or is it just because we want it), coupon clipping (finding what days are double coupon days at our grocery store), eating at home more (it’s healthier anyway). When we go to the grocery store, I’ve been doing little things like buying jarred applesauce instead of individual containers, looking at the price per ounce or unit price. I’ve also been buying things second-hand more often. Indoor Peddler’s Malls and Flea Markets have been great places to buy little, special toys for my two year old son. (He doesn’t know they aren’t always new…) I think I could go on, but these are a few things we are doing to cut corners when we can…. =)

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I am using coupons and making my christmas gifts this year instead of going out and making big purchases that would put me more in the hole…..
scottpamela@ymail.com

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To survive, I am really focusing on what things I really need, and what things I just buy because I am at the store and I want them!Conscientious shopping!

And wow, that fleece sure looks warm!

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we are cutting down on our errands- grouping them together all at once and we also do the gas station visa so we get money back when we buy gas

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We’re walking my daughter to school, using my rewards from survey websites for christmas gifts, and trying to get my 2 year old out of diapers.

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I am cooking more from scratch when I have time and freezing it so that I have a healthy meal available on those nights when time is at a premium.

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I am only going out shopping once a week and making a list of what’s on sale and what coupons i have to find the best deals and making sure i eat before i go. I also am trying to make items for christmas instead of purchasing.

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One thing we are doing to survive the economic crisis is to win giveaways. Just kidding. For Christmas presents we have decided to give everyone in our family a topic like “favorite vacation” or “favorite childhood memory” and having everyone write about it. Then we just make copies for each family and put them in our own books. Great way to keep family history, personal gifts, and little expense.

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In order to save money during this time, I’m using as much out of our pantry at home instead of buying things at the store. I’ve learned how to make some creative meals and it is a fun challenge to see how much I can use from our home. It sure saves a lot!

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Mine is boring! I am stocking up when things are on sale, and trying to avoid shopping when I feel like spending money!

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I work in the home building industry and my income has been greatly affected by the crisis, plus my partner started going to school full time this semester and only working part-time. Our household income is about 2/3 of what it was this time last year, so we have gotten very creative from food to entertainment.
We have had “eat through the pantry” weeks, where we do just that, eat what we have in the cupboards and freezer. It makes for some interesting combinations, like pasta with black beans, but it saves money and uses existing resources. I have always used some coupons, but now I am coupon-crazy and always have an organizer in my purse.
For Christmas we are making almost all of our gifts — we went apple picking, spent $10 on a bushel and I have made apple lemon marmalade, apple butter and a relish. I will be making a few other things. We will wind up spending about what we would spend on one or two people on our entire families.
Belts are tightening, but in a way it is making us closer.

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I have really been looking at new ways to save. Especially since Christmas is around the corner.
Coupons are my new best friend. I have been able to save at least $20 a week just with my coupons plus the savings in the store.
I have also been looking at ways to have fun with the kids without going out to expensive places. Making homeade play dough and going to the farmer’s market and picking up pumpkins to carve were last weekend’s activities. They were so much fun and cost about $5 for the whole weekend.
I have been trading toys with some of the moms in my playgroup recently too. Instead of going out and buying new ones when the kids are bored we just swap them out. It keeps them entertained and saves my money.

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I had already started learning how to best use my coupons earlier in the year — so that has helped a lot! But now, instead of enjoying the luxury of going out to eat after church, we are packing a picnic lunch and making it more of an event for our family (and we don’t have to worry about how loud the kids are!).
Donna

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One thing I am doing differently this year, is stockpiling food. I buy when things are on sale, so that I have about 3 months of food in my cupboard at a time. For fresh produce, I have also started shopping at a local farmer’s market. I can get the healthy food my family eats at a lower price that way!

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I am learning how to coupon! And we also managed to sell our apartment at the last possible moment before the housing market collapsed, and used that money to rid ourselves of all debt and relocate to a cheap area.

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Well, I was already quite cheap to say the least…. now I am trying to avoid making ANY purchase, even if it is under $1. If I already have it, there is no reason to get more! This has resulted in not driving as much, so we are walking, riding bikes, and well, taking time to “smell the roses” and it has been very nice!

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I’m currently not freaking now – Just saving more and spending less.. Driving less, walking more, with the rain starting that one is out – Just wait, things will get better! great giveaway thanks for the chance!

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We NEVER (I repeat NEVER) eat out…it is soo expensive, even to go to like an Applebees or somewhere totally casual, by the time you get out of there (even for a lunch for a fam. of 3 -we have an infant that doesn’t eat..), it’s easily over 30.00. The last time we went out to eat was in March last spring -I was hungry and went into labor that night..didn’t feel like cooking!- It told my husband, I can almost buy a week’s worth of groceries for that much money! Also, I’m buying hams and turkeys as they are on sale because my husband likes lunchmeat sandwiches (which is really not tasty after it’s been processed, and priced really high too) and slicing them really thin for lunches. The biggest thing for us is to buy food when it is on sale, so that you always have something to make for dinner.
I would LOVE to win this giveaway! Can’t remember the last time I had a starbucks coffee!!

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I am using coupons like crazy. Trying to buy nice things “free” with coupons to make gift baskets for my children’s teachers.

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Thanks for the offer!
We’ve been cutting coupons and searching for freebies online through all the wonderful blogs out there. I am also getting better at weekly meal planning. It’s much cheaper than trying to decide what to eat at the grocery store every few days.

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Hi. To save money we are cutting out take-out. Although we are very money-conscious (I always clip and use coupons, we shop around for deals when something is deemed a neccesity) we were still getting take-out dinners once or twice per week. With my husband working overtime each week and me working full and part-time jobs, we found it too easy to order out. It makes a huge difference to save on that expense. Now I have turned to crockpot cooking to both save us money and help us eat healthier. Yes, it requires extra planning and time in the morning, but it’s worth it! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

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Lately, my largest “hemorrage” of money seems to be at the grocery store. I’ve decided first off to return to a cash only budgeted amount. It is so easy for me to walk in and plan for $40 purchase and walk out having spent 2x’s that. I am also using coupons for basics (utilizing sales and coupons together) such as tp, toothpaste, shampoo…etc.
Lord willing, my dilagence will pay off!

Blessings,

Kath

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To survive the economic crisis, we are attempting to use more items in our pantry, rather than running to the grocery every week.

Erin

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Not eating out, cooking at home. We went and bought portable heaters for this winter. Looking for sales and having garage sales and getting rid of things we don’t need. Doing things ourselves like repair and yard work around the house. But we still need to do more I can see more areas where we can cut back

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I have begun being more serious about my spending habits, using coupons and watching for sales. No more eating out!

gitrecca (at) gmail (dot) com

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Well, on top of the economic issues, I have also been laid off, so we have to be VERY creative. We gave up all of the extras and limit eating out to one time per week. I’ve clipped tons of coupons and shop all the sales. I’ve already hit clearence table for Christmas Gifts – in fact I started this last year and put them in my gift closet. You get GREAT deals on expensive items this way.

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I’m using lots of coupons, making 90% of our meals, breads, treats and such from scratch, combining errands in one trip to save gas.

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The gas company has had 2 rate increases in my area this year, so I weatherproofed my house with hair dryer plastic on the windows, and I’ll keep my thermostat at 64 when I’m home and wear a sweater or hoodie to keep warm. Fleece and coffee sure will help. THanks for the great giveaway.

3oink63moo484 (at) gmail(.)com

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I have been laid off from work so we are working off 1/2 our normal income! We are not wasting food – we are making sure to eat leftovers rather than letting them rot in the frig. I have been shopping for our clothes at Goodwill and on Ebay. I am really watching the clearance racks for deals for Christmas!

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Well, I shop sales ads and combine with coupons to save on groceries. And we condense our trips since we live so far from town to save on gas. Every little bit helps! Thanks for such a great giveaway!
give_me_a_latte at yahoo

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I'm living on a budget, living in a basement and working hard to become 100& debt free.

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The fleece looks amazing! To survive the economic crisis, I’m just really paying attention to where my dollars go. I’m trying to maintain the same lifestyle but am just looking at the costs a little more closely than I did before!

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My simple answer to saving money is I force myself to consciously think about each purchase. After I pick it up at the store, I sit it back down and stop and think about whether it is really a necessity or not.

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We’ve cut back on eating out, and when we do eat out it is only at locally owned places.

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We cut back on paper products, it sounds minor but with a slobby husband, a lazy me, no dishwasher and two boys we used a lot of paper plates, napkins, cups, utensils, etc. Now we just use towles, washcloths for sponges when I do the dishes, we also make a ton of our own homemade cleaners, vinegar and baking soda can do just about anything!

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My family has been shopping at aldi’s to save money on food. We hardly get out anymore due to gas prices. I try to fill out for freebies on the net. I purchased a bunch of my daughters school clothes from yard sales. Some of the clothes I bought for my daughter looked like they never been worn. Plus stuff I win in contest are going for Christmas presents since money is so tight for my family.

samsakara@twcny.rr.com

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Hello, I am doing the same thing that I have done for the most part of my life to survive this economic crisis. I only shop sales, use coupons, and only shop on my way home (or to) work. I always carry a cooler in my car for this reason. I check the computer for the lowest gas prices in town. My husband says that he must be married to the most frugal woman in the world, but he states that he is not complaining.

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I’m clipping coupons, looking at ads, and leaving my money where it is. Time heals all wounds – even when it comes to the stock market!

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There's a few things we are doing…

~I am buying my meat at a local butcher who offers large package deals.

~I'm using coupons and going to the grocery store on buy 1 get 1 free days.

~I've also been trying out store brand items lately and have switched over to them for many things. However, certain things I just cannot get store brand… like toilet paper & coffee.

~My kids have been calling me the "Electricity Cop" because I'm constantly going through the house making sure nothing (lights, TV, etc.) is on without good reason. For example, lights on in the kids room during the day…. open the shades kids! Sunlight is free! lol.

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Since I was laid off from my automotive manufacturing job, and my daughter had a baby 4 months ago I have been the primary caretaker of my granddaughter. I also have done all meal planning shopping and coupon clipping. All shopping is done one day a week coordinated with doctor appointments and so forth. I was just offered a job on a different shift as my daughter so that i can continue to provide daycare as well as make all baby food

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I’ve been clipping coupons!
twinzmama23@yahoo.com

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I don't spend. I am at home mom with my 16 mos old daughter. I try to work with friends who have children the same age and we share clothes, toys and keep eachother updated on all coupons for groceries and clothes. We have playdates at eachothers houses and have themes to keep the children learning. We have music, art and just play. We have lots of fun without spending or driving too far. I also learned that many grocery stores have more sales on Thursday – Saturday. I also give to goodwill or others in need when we are done with all items., like pay it forward. My daughter is happy and I am just happy to be home with my daughter. I worked for several years and it took many years to have my daughter, so I try to appreciate the time spent together and not focus on what we cannot do or what we cannot buy. No more keeping up with the jones's. :>

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We are doing several things. We shop local as often as possible. I am making the majority of our Christmas gifts for friends and family. I started working part time to help with the family expenses. We eat more vegetarian based meals to save on food costs. We are a one car family.

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What am I doing to help my family survive this crisis? I have started collecting coupons and organizing them according to expiration dates. I then get a grocery list started with coupons that i have and i plan meals that use those certain coupons for that week! After doing this a few times, I have found that you can make a meal for a family of four for pennies on the dollar. Also, i started unplugging small appliances from the wall after i have used them (e.g. coffee maker, toaster, lamps), it is amazing that such an effortless action can cut down your energy bill by so much!

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I feed my family of 5 on $100 or less a week. Here’s my secret: I buy only 2 meats per week but make them work for 6/7 meals. A Roast Chicken will provide for 3 meals. Roast Chicken on Day 1, Chicken Soup on Day 2, then Chicken Salad Sandwiches on Day 3. Roast Beef on Day 1. Stew on Day 2. Sliced Roast Beef over green w/ blue cheese and red onion on Day 3. You get the picture. Also, buy large econ. size bag of rice instead of buying boxed seasoned rice. Same goes for potatoes. One last way I save: I make pasta fagioli (beans, potatoes and pasta flavored w/ garlic other herbs) at least once a week. It’s a perfect protein and costs pennies per serving. And, of course, buy only on sale or w/ coupons.

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I am trying to menu plan, so that I don’t waste diapers, and when I drive make sure I have more than one place to go, so I don’t waste gas.

amytarnold(at)gmail.com

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A couple of ways I am saving during this economic crisis is I quit my job to stay home with my little ones because daycare was taking my whole paycheck. For groceries, I usually buy stuff on sale, coupon clip, and plan meal ahead of time and turn the leftovers into different meals.Our recreational activities are playing outside, having a movie night with movies we already own, and weekly we go to library one day for story time. So we basically use no gas. Husband has a company vehicle and he works for cable company so our cable phone internet is slashed to 30.00 a month. For halloween, we are recycling old costumes and turning them into new ones. Our 401k is also intact because moving it would of hurt us and the economy more. So times are tough but they arent bad just need to penny pinch alittle bit and stretch things out to last longer.

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We are eating out less, planning meals with more bang for my buck and using more coupons! Less driving also.

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This Christmas my siblings and our significant others have drawn names, so we only have to purchase 1 gift versus 6 gifts this year.

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I love Lands End clothes!!

We are saving by, not running our furnace. we use a wood stove instead. We also save on grocceries by using less meat in recipes, more beans and grains. We also cut out drinking anything but water, we use powdered milk in baking and cooking, I grocery shop with only items for a specific menu

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I am trying to cut back on our grocery bill and making myself not use credit cards. Overall, I am just trying my best to live as frugal as possible and with God’s help, I hope I will find the strenght too.

sarah B.
allenandsally(at)hotmail(dot)com

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Coupons! Coupons! Coupons! Groceries, pet supplies, haircuts, fast food, anything and everything.

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I am making more things from scratch including granola bars which is significantly cheaper than buying the gluten free ones I need for my son. I am also new to coupon shopping which has become a necessity.

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We gave up a gym membership and opted to walk the dogs more – they love it

Also, we've been bundling up more instead of turning on the heat, using coupons from online & the sunday paper, and giving baked goods for gifts.

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I feed my family of 5 on less than $100 or less per week. Here’s my secret: Buy only 2 meats per week but make them last 6/7 meals. A Roast Chicken can provide for 3 meals. Day 1: Roast Chicken/Day 2: Chicken Soup/Day 3: Chicken salad sandwiches, etc. I also buy econ. size bags of rice/potatoes and season myself. I also make pasta fagioli (beans, potaoes/pasta flavored w/ garlic and other herbs) at least once a week. It’s a perfect protein and it costs pennies per serving. I also buy whatevers on sale or w/ coupons – Always!

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Saving all of my change and packing my sons lunch. As well as trying to find lots of coupons.

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I’ve had my eye on that fleece for awhile. And I love Starbucks, so naturally I would love to win!

To help with the economic crunch I am trying to consciously buy less. Consider more, “Do I really need this? Will it just be clutter?” It’s amazing what we fritter away on little things here and there.

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Reaching for the slippers and sweaters before turning on the heat. A new Land’s End sweater and a Starbuck’s latte would be quite cozy, I think

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I am planning my trips out, using coupons matched with e-coupons, using coupons for everything, keeping up with sales, reading blogs daily, signing up for freebies and praying!

kroberts81@hotmail.com

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I watch the sales ads and if the sale is good I try to stock pile. I always take my ads to Walmart the honor most ads and it saves trips to other stores and do it on not just food but movies and so on as long as the price is noticeable.

With Christmas coming we set a limit on how much to spend on the adults and drew names and just buy for the kids. We have four kids so we also set to just get a few gifts and just give them some gist cards so they can go buy what they wanted.

I watch everything close lights and heat. I am always making lights are off and I turn the haet down when we are not home and at night because we are under the covers so it not cold. I only turn it down to 65 than turn it up first thing in morning to 68.

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This year we have opted to not buy gifts for the adults in our family. Instead we are concentrating on the kids and saving us some money.

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To survive the crisis, we have totally changed our driving habits, to save on gas! I drive at 50 MPH, even though speed limit is 55, and at stop lights I put the car into neutral. It’s amazing how much gas you save by just slowing down. I know it makes people mad, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I also am switching to cloth diapers for my twins, and I save anything and everything I can to make other things, for example, I save plastic bags, cut them into strips to make “plarn”, and crochet with it, to make bags and rugs…same with old tshirts.

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We have a lot of meat in our freezer (my inlaws send it to us), and we have been making meals using the meat. Creating a meal plan each week and trying to use ingredients we already have in the cabinets or fridge. Also, having a list when shopping definitely helps me.

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I’m trying to make most or at least part of all my gifts for the holiday season!

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First of all we are trusting God to supply our needs. Other than that I think menu planning is essential to saving money on food. I usually plan to make the leftovers into another meal. Not buying organic food. Walking to the grocery store.

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i am trying to only buy the things i really need! not want. i also clip coupons and read all the blogs for deals, i love you guys!!!

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Hi,
we are a military family so fortunately we have the proviledge to get our groceries on base, for a lot less than other grocery stores. With me currently not working and 2 small children, we have to twist every dime. I am not getting any financial support from the government, because the state i currently live in doesnt acknowledge military relocations being a reason to quit your job, so its getting very difficult right now.

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I look for half price item at the store and for manager special. I also buy food in bulk and shop once a month and for my wash load I use half the cap size so when the bottle said 52 loads I get 104 loads

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Well, the best thing we did was be mostly out of debt (with some savings) before this happened. Yeah, our 401ks have taken hits over the past few weeks, but we can afford our current house and almost single-income lifestyle. We’re trying to be better about not eating out, and, of course, are watching our gas mileage, but really we’re not doing too much at this point because we’ve been living within our means for a long time now.

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We haven’t changed a whole lot. We live fairly frugally anyway, other than that my husband insists on cable television! I’m hoping we’ll be a little more cautious during the holidays because I have a HUGE family and lots of present to buy. I need to get crafting, I guess!

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What we do to save money is: Grow our own fruits and veggies. They are so costly at the store. I also cook in large amounts and freeze half. That way we can get more meals out of it. Also on those special occasions when we eat out, my hubbie and I share an entree. That way we don’t 1. Over eat and 2. The bill is a lot less.

One way I save money as a school teacher is by making crafts out of things we use. For our halloween craft we are making mummies out of waterbottles.

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Money is tight right now. I have been using many coupons and stretching my dollars at discount food stores. Staying away from the name brands unless the coupons bring it down the below brand. Another way is if I can make it myself, i don’t buy prepared meals. I use to run to the store every other day. with Gas prices being so much I have opted for going into town only once a week. Also My husband uses my car that is better on gas milage to go to work and leaves me with his gas guzzler truck incase there is an emergency.

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We are recording all monies spent to track where it all goes and to see what can be cut back and cut out. We are also eating at home more with lots of crock pot meals, soups and casseroles. Anything that can stretch the dollar a litter further.

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My husband and I have been on the Dave Ramsey plan for over a year now, so we really haven’t had a moment of panic over this economic crisis. We have a manageable mortgage payment and most of our bills are paid off. It’s been nice to not have to feel like we need to “weather the storm.”

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I am getting hooked on freebies for moms and other resources. COUPONS!! You ladys have helped me out tremendously. Instead of xmas presents this year for relatives we are baking goodies!!

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Thanks. This is a nice giveaway.

I am buying more of my daughter’s clothes second hand. We have been going to the consignment shop to get everything from a Halloween costume to hats for the winter ahead.

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I’m asking myself, “Do I REALLY need this?” about everything I buy. Also remembering “Be still and know that I am God.”

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What a fabulous giveaway! I love it. One thing we’re doing to “tighten the belt” is making use of the local library. We check out books and CD’s, but we’ve also gotten free museum and zoo passes. They even have a big coupon bin to go through. It’s a gold mine!

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I am using coupons, doing all my errands in one trip, and canned produce from my garden.

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We have stopped eating out and are staying home most of the time. Thanks for the chance to win!

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I am using coupons wherever possible, and eliminating all waste I can.

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I am planning our family meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) for a two week stretch and then shopping at Sam's Club to buy in bulk. We're also canceling our cable tv (not a necessity right?).

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I buy things on sale and only things I really need. I love ebates! Coupons and eating out less… learning how to cook.

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I am trying to be better organized. I have started meal planning. I save money when I buy groceries for planned meals rather than daily. I also decided to check out your great website after I saw it on television. You have so many great offers. I love it! Thanks.

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Well, this is what I am doing: I do not panick!! What else can we do?? I always wanted to work from home, so almost 1 year ago, I took an online Medical Transcription course and now work from home at night when my kids are in bed. This way I have all the time I need for my kids and do not waste expansive gas on going to work and back home.

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We’ve started to eat out less and cut LOTS more coupons. It’s my new mission…to live a frugal life! I also enter blog contests in hopes of winning some stuff that I can pass along for Christmas gifts! m_huston(at)hotmail(dot)com

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We can’t afford new windows so we put plastic all over the old windows and once we used the blow dryer to shrink them you could not tell at all. We also have blanket on the back of every couch and chair so we can bundle up on the cold nights. The pellet stove is working and we pre bought our oil to help save. Now if only I had a really warm Fleese and a cup of starbucks to help keep me warm…..

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We’ll I lost my job a little before crisis ht, then SURPRISE!!! found out I’m pregnant…We’ panicked and went through really rough time because my husband couldn’t find a job, I started selling candy apples just to make enough for food. Luckily it only lasted a couple of months and now my husband has a job, we still make barely enough for rent and bills. So we don’t eat out, I clip coupons, sell candy apples, cookies, cupcakes…pretty much anything I can make. Out little boy is due in Feb. and my husband is making the crib himself.

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I am trying to make use of things I already have, rather than buy new.

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I am cutting back on frivolous shopping. I am sticking to my list and budget and going through my closets for stuff I haven’t worn in ages.

Count me in the giveaway please. Thank you

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I’m spending a lot more on-line looking for deals and freebies, and spending more time planning meals based on the sales and coupons. And I’ve had to cut out my beloved Starbucks runs – so I’d really LOVE the Starbucks gift card!! Thanks so much!!

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I started to really “coupon” because of the economic crisis- I want to be like one of those people who can get $100 worth of groceries for $10!!

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Every day we are all together as a family is fabulous!! and everyday we make it a game to find all kinds of things we like about our current situation—4 months ago my husband had two heart attacks and two surgeries and a month later our house burnt down in the northern cal. wildfires—so the economic issues right now seem relativley small in comparison–

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what am I doing?? Cutting back on everything!!! I use to have to cook seperate meals for my husbnd because he is Cuban and only eats cuban food…but now we have to cook one meal that we both like. There isn’t anymore going out to eat….shopping…going on dates…as many trips to visit his family every month…and our number one thing…we save our spare change and after go to a coin star and cash it in. It really adds up and helps out.

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Great giveaway!

We’ve been evaluating our bills to decide which expense could be cut if necessary. I’ve also been putting more effort into couponing since that is an easy way to save money.

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First I got a part time job, I was staying home with my daugther. My husband and I are also a single car family, making it work with car pooling. We also try to share meals with my family, keeping costs down on wasted food.

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Instead of eating out I go through some great recipes on Foodnetwork.com and make a nice dinner for the husband and I. I make it a two course meal. My husband loves it, and we save money instead of eating out.

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Starbucks and fleece…so warm and yummy! My husband and I have not changed much because we have always led a frugal lifestyle. However, he recently lost his job, so we’ve been thinking of ways to cut back. He plans to haul away our trash instead of paying someone to do it. We are dropping cable and switching to Direct TV. We’ll just try to hold on to our money a little tighter and we should be ok since we plan to stay our normal frugal selves!

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I love land’s end!

We’re staying home alot more… less temptation to spend. I’m also looking for more and more things I can make from scratch. Basic, but it works!

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Stop spending money on DVD rentals, magazine subscriptions, buying CD’s, books and audio books…join your local public library…it’s FREE. Most libraries will allow you to reserve online.

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Like so many of you, we are also being resourceful! We are blessed with understanding children who don’t ask for much. We as a family have been cooking dinner and most of that from scratch instead of premade items. My children love homemade biscuits now and much prefer them to store bought. We find things we can do together cheap if not free and we have been having a wonderful time. I was allowed to change my work schedule to four 10 hour days since I have such a long commute (an hour each way atleast depending on traffic). We don’t use our dryer, we air dry everything. We have not yet turned out heat on and that has been hard since it is so cool in the house in the mornings, but that’s ok. We scaled back on our DirecTv subscription and we only have basic channels now. We cancelled our home phone service since we both have cell phones and you can get DSL internet without home phone now we just got rid of it. We have turned into avid Freecycle.org users. It is a wonderful group that is available all over and everyone recycles their unwanted items to those that might be in search of such an item (we just got a free piano from that group that someone no longer wanted and our 8 yr. old needed)! There are so many things we have been doing and we have decided we will continue to do so even when we do have more money!!

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I am checking all stores for the best prices and using coupons more than ever before. Also buying in bulk. Thnnks so much for this opportunity.
Joanie

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I’m making my frugal grandparents who surived the Great Depression proud! I’m roasting a chicken or buying a rotisserie at the store for my family for dinner. After it appears that we’ve stripped the bird, I’m making chicken stock and getting every bit of meat off the bones. I turn the stock and meat into chicken soup and even chicken pot pie!

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We are eating simple meals, sticking to a menu, trying not to eat out very often, clipping coupons, and I’m looking at websites like yours to find fun ways to save money!

I’d love to enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte while wearing a Sherpa fleece!

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Praying alot!, cutting coupons and joining the coupon craze like no bodies business and trying to win free stuff that I don’t have to buy later on!!!
Sonia

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I’m riding through this economic crisis by being even more frugal thatn I was before. I just started looking on your and others money saving sights in the past 6 months and am really learning alot. I look for deals, clip coupons like crazy and get a ton of stuff for free or almost free. I am spending less but getting a lot more. I also grew my own vegetable garden to get us through the winter and I buy almost all of my kids clothes on sale or at resale shops (I also have a dear friend who gives me her kids hand me downs). I have to say that times are hard, but I have learned how to get more bang for my buck!
bcrad03@yahoo.com

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I follow my family around and turn off the lights behind them. I also dry my clothes in front of the wood stove. This has made or electric bill go down over $30 per month!

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One of my money conscious efforts include printing coupons on the front and back of sheets of paper to save paper.

Another way is using cold water (instead of hot) to rinse my dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

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I have increased my coupon usage, plan my shopping better, and cut back on things we don’t need. We don’t eat out as much. I’m finding great new cheap and easy recipes. And we are doing things a lot simpler now. We go for walks, go to parks, pack picnic lunches and just enjoying being a family.

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I’m sitting here right now with home-done dye on my hair. Wish me luck!

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A local gas station does a Sunday gas sale so I try to wait until Sunday to buy gas.

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In order to survive economic instability, I’m just trying to keep a cool head about it. This to shall pass, and hopefully we won’t be any worse for the wear!

Great giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

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My wonderful DH actually saw this coming back at the beginning of the year. So we put ourselves on a budget (little by little) and now we are spending less but seem to have more. Its amazing how much money we seemed to “lose” each month by not knowing exactly where it was going. We’ve even paid off all but one of those dreaded credit cards, cut them up and threw them away. Now, if we can’t pay cash we don’t need it!
Thanks for the chance to win your great giveaway!
proudyaya04 {at} yahoo {dot} com

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We are combining trips and carpooling with neigbors!
Thanks for such a fun giveaway!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

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Our family is searching for free local things to do on the weekends. We love to go to the movies and bowl, but we need to make some sacrafices. So we have family movies at home and game night with everyone else that is trying to conserve.

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I have been couponing a lot more than I used to and getting a lot of stuff from CVS and Walgreens for free.

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Well, this isn’t very creative and I can’t say I’d recommend it, but it IS what we are doing…. we are living with my husband’s parents. Yep, that’ll save you a few bucks.
Shayna

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Such a fun giveaway!

I am learning to to use coupons and store sales together to maximize my savings.
We purchased a Dining Book and all of our dining meals are buy one get one free!
I take advantage of store rewards programs (ie, milk cards, punch cards, etc)
I am learning how to leave the keys on the table and walk if it’s possible. Sure, it’s getting a bit chilly out, but we’ve got jackets and hats!
I have rediscovered the Goodwill! I have found so many name brand items in great condition for less than $5.
I am learning how to be resourceful. When I see something in a store that I like I say to myself, “how can I make this?”
Lastly, as a former retail nut that is now a stay-at-home mom I am learning to say No to myself. This has probably been the hardest thing, but I have to stop and ask “Do we really need this right now?” and 99% of the time the answer is no.

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We are driving less, stretching the food we eat, but the biggest help has been cutting down what I buy online. I love to shop the sales and auctions online and I get drawn in to all of their ads they send me. Once I get to their aite, I am hooked! What I started doing is todelete all of the emails from the big companies without reading them! That has made a dramatic difference. When I need something, I visit the smaller businesses online where you get the best service. I have saved a lot of money by avoiding the auctions too.

hrbeck_98 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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This giveaway is perfect!
I’ve been couponing much more than usual, taking advantage of free items and sale items to stock up! I’m planning on using some of these items as gifts this Christmas too!
karenmartindale(at)hotmail(dot)com

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My husband and I haven’t freaked out b/c we know the Lord is in control and He has always provided for us… We’re also asking ourselves the following question regarding every potential purchase: “Is this truly a “need” or just a “want”? ~ Haley Julian, haleyjulian79@yahoo.com

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I’m getting a second job! YIKES!

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wow the economy???
first, i price match just about everything! we’ve always been savers. but i think it’s more today. i think before i shop…

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I am watching sales fliers and matching up coupons for deals. We have also been limiting and combining trips to save gas. We will also be limiting our Xmas a little. Great giveaway!

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We are trying to limit extra driving to save on gas and sticking to our budget. We’re also planning our meals and eating home.
I love the plum color.

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I’m trying not to let it bother me. But every time I have to spend a dollar, I rethink – is it want or need? That purse I liked – want, not need. That bread however, need. So, just being cautious and careful with spending what we have, since what we’ve saved (in 401ks) is disappearing rapidly.

Thanks for this great giveaway!
callmeabookworm AT gmail DOT com

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Love this giveaway!
I’ve been couponing more, stocking up on sale/free items, and using these items to create unique Christmas baskets for friends.
karenmartindale at hotmail dot com

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Wow, I could really use this…I don’t have any money right now and in order to afford textbooks I’m having to cut corners. This year, that means no winter coat as my old one wore out. I’m having to get clothes from yard sales but no one seems to be selling winter coats!

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I am cutting coupons a lot more and always looking for a bargain. I have started reading money-saving blogs.

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Not shopping, first and foremost. After that — recycling and upcycling all our clothing instead of buying new.

Thanks always — xox

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I have lost my job and am now doing all I can to help my husband out by trying to earn money online by answering surveys, looking for a job and finding any and all coupons i can along with freebies. I LOVE FREEBIES

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Me and my family are shopping at thrift stores and second hand stores. I also found a cookbook my mother in law had that was back from the Great Depression and had frugal recipes and ideas that I am using in my cooking to make my budget go farther, and we are having “stay-cations”…spending more time around the house and doing things closer to home instead of spending hundreds of dollars going out of state. And I have started to crochet blankets and am learning to sew my own clothes!

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We are driving less. We have figured out ways to entertain ourselves at home and we are only using one car as a family. Thanks for the chance!

evolvingmommy[at]gmail[dot]com

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I go to garage sales all summer and get things we’ll need for our lil man…who DOESNT love getting adorable outfits for next to nothing?? And my sisters and I share clothes with each other! (Something we hated when we lived at home….totally different when we’re all married and on our own I guess!)

mariajoY@hotmail.com

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We are downsizing to a smaller home to cut our mortgage payment down by about $500 a month so we can pay for increased health insurance costs and groceries. We’ve also started driving a lot less, we take advantage of what we have in our small town rather than wanting to drive to a different restraunt or store.

Thanks for offering it!

princesslimey (at) gmail (dot) com

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To save money I have been looking for outings that don’t take much (if any money). I still want my family to have fun experiences together so we have been doing things like going to parks, water falls, $3 movies, etc.

Also I have been clipping coupons and really trying to only buy things that are on sale.

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I am saving money by not buying my one big weakness….Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey!

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Living one day at a time but wisly. I say my pleases in the morning and my thank yous at night. Just working daily with what is thrown our way is what I work with then in the moment. And being a true survivor. Married 20 years to a man that takes great care of his family and deals with the sit down of the bill folder . We are doing just fine. Thanks freebies !!!

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We do alot of coupons with sales, and we stock up. We freeze extras. We also are making baby food. We have actually been able to reduce our budget (food, hygene items, cleaners, etc) from $250 a week to $80 a week. This week I spend $35! That now includes Pampers diapers, and lots of milk for a family of 6.

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We are trying to be better at grocery shopping by making a list of things we need for the meals we make and only shopping twice a month, instead of a few times a week – it’s saving us money!
byubabe14 at yahoo dot com

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What I am Doing to survive the enconomic crisis? I am recycling cans and saving the money to make my own homemade christmas gifts.

Carmelacarpio@yahoo.com

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we buy local foods. we don’t have to pay for packaging and shipping and we are eating healthier. this is just one of the ways we are saving money. as a student i could really use my starbucks fix!

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One thing that we are doing to survive the economic crisis is cutting down on our driving. My husband has recently started commuting to work with his boss, saving us having to fill up our car with gas one day a week. We also try and stock up on items so we only have to go to the grocery store a couple of times a month, since it is a bit of a drive to get there.

michelle at northofthe49 dot com

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Wow, there are lots of comments already, but I am going to try to win too! This is an awesome giveaway. The fleece would be great to wear to our windy bus stop. One thing I am doing is limiting myself to one gourmet coffee per month. Instead of visiting Starbucks or Biggby, I am buying General Foods International Coffee from Meijer. For a treat I like to add a scoop of coffee or peppermint stick ice cream and top it off with some Ready Whip. Yum! A Starbucks gift card would be an awesome treat right now!

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I’m shopping more at Aldi’s and checking frugal money saving blogs like yours for ways to save and sometimes get things for free! Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
-Kimberly Turner, NC
knchock (at) yahoo (dot) com

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Well, I will tell you that my husband and kids think that I have fallen off the deep end!!! What am I doing to survive the crisis??? If we aren’t in a room of the house, lights out! The furnace is not set as warm as usual, we don’t leave our water running while brushing teeth and doing dishes anymore…hey, when you are spending over $1000 a month just for fuel, you gotta cut back somewhere!!! No more weekend runs to Wally world for toys and goodies…and I joined the grocery game and several other sights to start saving money on groceries with coupons…I have so many coupons right now that I am swimming in them…but when you can walk out of a store having saved $125 and have a cart and a half of groceries (name brand) for under $100, I say it’s worth it…

Kara

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We are sharing meals with our neighbors. This way we are cooking healthy meals and enjoying each other’s company. We are sharing money-saving ideas and carpooling to the grocery store.

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I would ADORE a Lands’ End Fleece. It would help keep me warm because, although we live in NE Wisconsin, we haven’t yet turned on the heat. It’s in the low 40s (during the day) this week and our house dipped down to only 60 degrees yesterday. It’s survivable, with 2 sweaters and a flannel shirt on…..And it’s saving us money! It’s a competition between DH and me: Whoever turns on the heat “loses.” Neither of likes to lose (even though there’s no actual reward other than being able to say you won) so we will wait until we just can’t stand it anymore (or out daughter starts to complain. Since she runs around barefoot we doubt she’ll crack first).

I don’t watch my GMail account, so if I win, my real email is paulukon at yahoo

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Oh the benefit of having kids with toys! Let me explain. Times economically are tough for us, and having a huge family, I am going to be frugal this year. All X-mas gifts are homemade. I am making cook books from binders I bought at Staples for 1 cent, filler pages, I got at Target for 10 cents (all after school started), and my own recipes. Either family recipes or printable recipes from the Food Network that our my families favorites. I am attached to that a homemade pot holder from one of my daughters toys that she makes pot holders with. What a great gift, especially with it being homemade and for people to enjoy year round! Plus, the cost will be minimal other than the time I put into it.

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I am using angel food ministries and share colorado to cut down on food costs. I am also learning to cook from scratch, the cookies are much better than store bought.

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I am trying to meal plan every week. As long as I plan out the meals in advance and shop for the week we do really good staying at home for meals.
Thanks also to great blogs/websites like yours that give great savings advice. Really helpful.

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Oo, I love the brown fleece.

We have cut out Friday night dinners. If we get a treat, it is dollar menu at McDonalds. Also, we’re considering cancelling our cable and watching the shows that really care about on the internet. That would save $50 a month and cut down on pointless tv vegging!

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What an awesome giveaway! Who could resist fleece and coffee? Not me!

I am being a lot more diligent about clipping coupons, trying to buy ony the things we really need, not the things we just want. We also invested in an upright freezer and a foodsaver system so we can buy in bulk and freeze the excess. So far it’s been working great and we have quite the “stockpile” of food.

We’ve also started looking at other avenues for clothing and household items we need like secondhand stores, freecycle and friends/family. You’d be surprised what you can find and what others are willing to get rid of!

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What HAVEN’T we done to overcome the economic crisis?! For starters, we’re moving into a much smaller place in a few months. Renting a home is a luxury, and a family of 4 can survive just fine in something much cheaper!

We’ve lessened our trips to Starbucks…hence the interest in the giveaway

I take a weekly trip to my favorite thrift stores and clearance racks. I not only shop for us, but I keep my eye out for bargains that could profit me on Ebay. Between the unused items at our house and the gems I find at thrift stores, I can bring in a few hundred dollars a month on Ebay! My husband loves taking the daily trips to the post office because he knows that’s more money in the bank!

I’ve learned how to stretch a chicken breast so far you hear the chicken scream. It’s amazing how many different meals I can create with only one chicken breast!

And, of course, I find all of the sale item/coupon combos of the week and stock up on items we always need, like toothpaste, toilet paper, and Diet Coke

I’m a stay-at-home mom of 2 young kids still in diapers, and I feel like it’s my responsibility to make the money that my husband works so hard for go as far as it can…and we’re doing everything we can to accomplish just that. But above all, we’ve always trusted that God would provide for all of our needs. And He always has.

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Well I am a stay at home mom. I have been trying to save $$ by not buying pricy meals having the good ol fashioned ones like shepards pie and american chop suey etc. And my husband has been car pooling to work to save gas. Its a tough time but we just are greatful for what we have and pray everyday.

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I am using the public library for books and dvds, and not buying any new books (and not renting movies at the store!)

It’s definitely adding up little by little!

Thanks for the giveaway!
foxsquirrelrabbit(at)gmail(dot)com

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My husband and I are going to start buying our meats from the butcher shop. Surprisingly, it’s cheaper then getting it in bulk at Sam’s Club and you know the meat is local.

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The last time I used a credit card was July 06, 2007. We are still paying them off.
I shop at the second hand stores and am a member of freecycle.org were people swap and give away things they don’t want/need anymore. I’ve gotten great books, and clothes that way!

We have some fruie trees herb bushes. I started a compost to enrich the trees, it’s working great and it doesn’t stink!
We also do the regular stuff like turn off lights, and appliances. We have had no cable since last year as well, there is nothing on anyway. Our only splurg is fast internet
We do still contribute to our 401Ks and put a small stash into savings because our main focus is to pay off the credit card!!
Thank you so much for all the great ideas!!

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Right now I am reading every blog out there with free stuff, clipping and printing coupons and watching for great deals. The best thing I did though so far was organize my coupons by putting them in a photo album. I had an old photo album that the pictures just slide right in (not the one with the sticky pages) and has three pictures to a page. I separated all of my coupons by name, like all the campbells soups I put in one picture slot so I could easily see what coupons where there. I also put tabs on the ends of select pages separating household goods, canned goods, pet supplies, and so on. Now I don’t have to sort through a coupon organizer with 50 different coupons in one slot. I can easily see what I have right through the pages of my book. Thanks for this blog and the contest.

Angela

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My son goes to preschool across the city to a suburb and it takes about 20 minutes to drive their, I used to take the kids to the mall to play or just go to this store or that one to get out of the house, so now I have been saving all of my errands for the days we go to preschool, I also cut coupons and check all of the blogs for sales to coincide with them to save extra!

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I’ve been busy planning my meals, and rifling through my cupboard, using more of what I have on hand to make dinner. I’ve also become super vigilant with coupons.

tebayc at yahoo dot com

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i am clipping coupons and trying to only buy what I really need not want.

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I am a frugal shopper. i plan my menu around what I have and around what’s on sale and what I have coupons for. I double and triple coupons. I also shop the drug stores for there monthly free items through mail in rebate. This Christmas I will be baking cookies and making jam for presents.

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As much as I dont want to burn wood, we are going to burn all the wood we have outside and probably get a wood stove.

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I have been using a coupons (I am pretty new to it but I’m already hooked), making more meals at home, doing things with the kids that are free, and just being very careful with what we spend our money on.

conkitto@aol.com

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I am buying stocks in my 401k 2 for 1 now! so I am getting as much as I can right now.

and we are eating at home as much as possible. and I am using Vinegar as my only cleaner and as my fabric softener and I make my own laundry soap now too.
thanks for the chance!

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I have become the coupon queen and the crockpot queen. I always freeze leftovers for another nights meal.

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Like others have mentioned, I’m trying to make a better effort at meal planning. It works really well when I convince myself to do it! Also, trying to stay home more or at least combine trips to save on gas. Searching out more coupons, rebates, freebies. tbarfield123@msn.com

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I drive less (even though gas prices are going down). I buy more generic or store brands. I stay away from items I don’t really need.

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using coupons, carpooling, packing lunches instead of buying, selling items on craigslist….we do as much as we can in the ‘little’ things in hopes that they will add up to bigger savings.

i would LOVE to win this contest!

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Spending less!!! We’re actually hoping to be able to buy our first house soon…

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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When I was little, we used to have dinner at my grandmother’s every other weekend. Everyone brought their fave dish. Now I bring the family together at my house for the potluck. Instead of a one course meal, we have a buffet line of wonderful food for everyone!

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I am clipping extra coupons and stocking up on stuff while it’s on sale to have a diverse selection in my pantry.

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I use MANY coupons and try to drive the car that’s most economical on gas.

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I’ve been driving less, and carefully planning errands to do them all at once without backtracking.

I’ve also been operating on a cash-only basis (no cards, no checks). I tend to be more thoughtful about my purchases when I part with cash, than when using a debit card.

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Wow, with either give-away, I’d be warm — inside or out!

The deal with the current economical situation, we are trying to quickly payoff our car loan. This is our only debt outside our mortgage, so by Feb. 09 (or earlier), we will be debt free!!

Melissa at donaldandmelissa@gmail.com
Recession is the worst time to be in debt. If you lose your job, you will lose your possessions.

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I’m doing a lot to survive the economic meltdown. I started turning off the power strip to the computer and printer so I don’t waste phantom electricity. I’ve also started to unplug the tv. I reduce the number of light bulbs used in the fan light or the bathroom mirror light because it’s bright enough with just two bulbs instead of four. I’ve started catching rain water to water my non-veggie plants. I also installed a timer for my water heater so it’s turned off while I’m at work. I’m definitely using more coupons. We don’t run the water while we wash our hair and bodies. I know this sounds kind of icky, but we also save on flushing the toilet by waiting until everyone has gone in the morning or at night before bed. I also started vermicomposting with worms.

There’s more that we’re doing, but this is all I can think of at the moment.

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We live on a very strict budget and I always use coupons to shop. I quit buying things according to recipes and switched to buying what was on sale. Now after I buy it, I decide what to make with it.
Thanks for the giveaway!

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Meal planning, couponing and making more from scratch.
Getting books, magazines and DVDs from the library.
Talking to friends about swapping magazines, books and DVDs.
Going out for coffee date instead of dinner.
Making friends cookies and giving pretty little post it note pad that was a super deal.
Darla.Leatherman@uscm.org

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I’m scouring the web looking for simple, home-made projects that I can supplement my already purchased Christmas gifts with! (All were bought for a steal of course!)

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Hello! Two wonderful prizes that you are offering. I haven’t had to change too much before and after the economy changed! I always use a lot of coupons and try to conserve gas in my van. I only shop for clothes for our family when they are greatly reduced.
One major thing we have changed is eating out much less! Please enter me in your delightful giveaway drawings.
Many thanks…..Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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To save on oil, we wear extra layers and keep thermostat down to 68/day and 55/when we go to bed. Using coupons that get doubled, not buying junk foods (we’re eating healthier), combine all errands to once per week to save gas, planning to give home baked goodies for Christmas.

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We’ve put our moving plans on hold for now and cut out “extras” so the Starbucks card would be a nice treat:)

rcfsmf[at]yahoo[dot]com

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This economic crisis has been very difficult for our family of 4. With only my husbands income, we have had to live on a very strict budget. We stretch our dollar by cooking all of our meals at home. I have learned to shop smart from blogs like this. I only look for the best deals at the grocery store and use coupons for just about everything I purchase. We rarely spend any money on unnecessary items and have cut back on driving to save gas. We do averything we can just to put food on the table for our kids.

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To survive this economic crisis…I am doing a little more work when it comes to looking for the best deals with grocery shopping. A little internet research before you head out can save lots of money! You can definitely find great coupons online as well as the Sunday paper and even in the junk mail we all get.
Thanks!

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I’m trying to be a smart shopper: using coupons and rebates to reduce the cost of groceries and household items. And trying to win a giveaway someday!

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Just trusting that God will bring us through it!

butter3295(at)msn(dot)com

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We’re focusing on cutting down on things we don’t need to spend money on, especially extra gas and eating out!

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Great giveaways! Pick me, LOL!

What we are NOT doing is panicking. We are NOT selling our investments, and continuing our usual frugal ways. For our biggest savings, we cook at home from scratch!

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To help our family our small business has been taking as many extra jobs as the weather will allow. We’ve been working like crazy but it’s helped keep our finances stable.
lisalmg (at) ktis (dot) net

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We are definitely using hand me downs more. I have 3 boys so that helps! My friends & I also trade good playclothes that our kids can't fit in anymore. It's a great way to save money but still make sure your kids are looking good, even in these uncertain economic times.

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We are definitely using hand me downs more. I have 3 boys so that helps! My friends & I also trade good playclothes that our kids can't fit in anymore. It's a great way to save money but still make sure your kids are looking good, even in these uncertain economic times.

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We are definitely using hand me downs more. I have 3 boys so that helps! My friends & I also trade good playclothes that our kids can't fit in anymore. It's a great way to save money but still make sure your kids are looking good, even in these uncertain economic times.

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We are definitely using hand me downs more. I have 3 boys so that helps! My frie