Cheap, Inexpensive Living (a/k/a You Don't Need That!)

We are now living in a time of rapidly increasing costs. Gas prices are skyrocketing, and taking everything else with them. Your SUV looks SO very cool in the driveway – but not as cool when you have to fill that beast up with $4.00 per gallon regular unleaded.

So, how CAN you live cheaply and inexpensively? Well, you have to employ the principle of “I don’t need that” into your daily vocabulary (But, say it to yourself, not out loud, lest you unnerve those nearby …).

Sounds easy, right? Well, it’s not. Our basic culture is one of consumption. We absolutely NEED tissue with aloe vera, and paper towels that allow us to select a special size, and fabric softener, and diapers that grip and fit and never EVER leak, and the latest and greatest electronic gadgets, the newest and most expensive clothing and cologne, not to mention the best washing machine ever (because the washing machine judges are going to come by and rate us on how cool we are) and, well, we don’t want our friends to think that we’re poor, or broke, or otherwise not financially sound.

Well, that’s how I thought. Until I left my husband. Oh, and then, of course, he didn’t immediately pay child support for our three kids, or the utility bills that were still in my name. Let’s not even MENTION the fact that I had to go and buy a car in my own name. I’m sure that you aren’t interested in that – BUT needless to say, that was me. I gave the impression to the world that I was financially sound (didn’t want people to feel sorry for me, right?) but that was the FARTHEST thing from the truth. I was financially, on the verge of bankruptcy (but I couldn’t file, well, because that costs money too – funny how life works …). Oh, and I made too much money to get state assistance for childcare, but DEFINITELY not enough to support three kids and my established way of living.

So, I changed. And here are a few ways how:

First, I eliminated everything that was disposable and could be replaced by something that was reuseable. Papertowels were replaced with commercial kitchen towels (the plain ordinary white ones) and I used cloth diapers (ew, and yes).

Second, I eliminated everything that I used purely for “smell” purposes. Electric plug in the wall scents, once used up, were not repurchased. I no longer use fabric softener or dryer sheets – I find that my detergent smells just fine. I don’t buy fancy shower gel (that’s right, I use bar soap) or air freshener (the biggest rip-off ever).

Third, I started washing clothes once a week. This eliminated the need to have multiples of bed linens (you only need two sets per bed), towels (again, two sets per family member), underwear (suggested ten per family member) and I think you get the picture. I stopped buying more of everything and started washing what I had. Novel concept, I know. Oh, and I stopped using hot water to wash my clothes and just used cold. In today’s market, the detergent cleans the clothes, not the temperature. If anything, hot water “sets” the stain. For extremely soiled clothing, I pre-soak in cold water overnight.

Fourth, ammonia is my friend. I can clean with it, and it doesn’t discolor (like bleach might) and its supercheap. Yay!

Fifth, I only grocery shop twice per month. This has allowed me to use what I have. I tended to buy things, and then either re-buy, or not use what I had, which was costly as food eventually expires. And, I try to only buy things that are on sale, reduced or on clearance. I freeze bread, all meat, milk (thaw in frig, shake and use), and of course, leftovers.

Sixth, there is no sweeter phrase in the English language than “hand me down”. I get hand-me downs from friends who have older kids. I use what I want and give to the goodwill what I don’t. What that means? Well, I get great clothes for FREE. And what’s better than free? (other than being rich and not needing hand me downs) NOTHING! I still buy a few items for the kids (like underwear or clothes not covered by hand me downs), however, that’s always at the end of the season when the stores are turning over their inventory for the upcoming season. Sweet.

Anyway, I say all of that to say this – it’s REALLY important to look around your house and your lifestyle to determine what you don’t need. Living with less doesn’t mean living in unhappiness and squalor, but it does mean making changes to meet your daily needs in the most economical way possible. You don’t need most of the items that you currently have. So switch out that gas guzzler, buy florescent lights, use the thermostat less and finally, stop worrying about what people think. They don’t have to live your life. If you are stressed out about money, and need to find ways to cut corners to eliminate worries, then just do it. You’ll be so much happier in the long run. I am.