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Hubby and I went from $50k combined income before taxes to $28k single income before taxes, and we're still making it. (note, this wasn't due to loss of job, however, I went to school full time and he's just starting school full-time. We'll both be in school for the next 2+ years as well)
Cable---well, we originally had Digital cable. $50 a month. FUCK THAT. Went to basic (no prem. channels) for $35 a month. Felt that even though it's enjoyable watching Real World, we didn't NEED it. So we cut the cable. Now we have "expanded basic" for $10 a month---which is locals, discovery, cspan, and weatherchannel basically. Sometimes it gets really boring, but most of the time I don't even think about it. 300 channels means 300 channels of shit to choose from. We find ourselves reading and *gasp* talking more.
Internet---well, I can't do without my cable internet, so that stays.
To pay for the $50 internet bill, though, we got rid of our cellphone and now just have the landline. Got rid of CallerID, call waiting---all that extra jazz that we never even used.
Getting rid of the cell and cable cut us about $80 a month.
Never thought about getting rid of the animals (I have fish and cats, too).
Go on a cleaning spree around your house. If you've not used it or thought about it in 6 months, chances are you're not going to use it or think about it ever (Exception being highly personal things, family heirlooms, etc). Have a grarage sale. Even if you get $5 for a coffee-table that cost $400, if you don't have the room or the desire to keep the thing, why not get rid of it?
Check out your grocery bill---see what you can cut out. Do you have the option of going to Costco to buy certain things?
At costco, we get Chicken, some veggies (like lettuce & stuff) and Saran-Wrap, Ziploc Baggies and Alum. Foil. 1000 ziploc baggies is about $7 at Costco---similar Target brand would be about $10 for the same amount. Same with Saran Wrap. We got the Super-Duper Restaurant-Quality saran wrap literally about a year ago, and still have over 3/4 of the roll left. Only paid $4 for it. $4 of Saran at the store woul dhave been LONG GONE. Same with Alum. Foil.
Bulk up where you can.
How much do you get take-out or to-go? If it's routine, cut it out! Make it for special occasions. Try buying cheaper beer, or a box of wine instead of a 12-pack.
PM me if you want more $$ tips. Again---we only make $28k for the 2 of us BEFORE TAXES, but we're able to save about $10k a year for savings.... :)
Good luck, and hang in there! Seriously
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