August 30th, 2009
I used to be able to save money each month for a rainy day, but now I’m spending every cent on my living expenses. The biggest price increase has been cable, power, clothing, and food. I’m no longer shocked at the price hikes in the grocery store or department store. I never thought I’d see the day when it’s cheaper to buy something at a department store clearance rack then a thrift store. It used to be I could buy some nice shirts and bottoms for my daughter for fewer than ten dollars. Now, I’m lucky to find a shirt for five dollars with tears and stains on it. I’ve yet to find the justification for such high prices on clothing that’s given to them for free. I understand overhead expenses, but it’s cheaper to buy from a department store clearance rack. The grocery store is no different with the price hikes. Just this week the price of boneless skinless chicken breast went up fifty cents a bag. It doesn’t sound like a lot of money, but every cent counts when you’re living on a tight budget. Next time they go on special I’ll buy several bags to put in my new freezer. The extra cost of the chicken could have gone into my daughter’s college fund or to save for a rainy day. I’m no longer shocked at the price hikes; it used to be my mouth would drop at the prices. I’ve had to cash out my savings just to survive which I had put away to buy a new car or van in the future. It’s not been an easy year where money is concerned.I’ve seen the cd rates fall on my mother’s savings too so she’s not been able to help us. Things have been up and down so much going to have movie with my daughter requires check my expenses over and over. I’ll be so glad when prices go down and I can afford to enjoy some of the simpler enjoyments in life.
Filed under Misc | Comments (8)
cable, not a necessity. cancel it. half the time, you do it and the cable company forgets to turn it off. especially if you have cable through the same company.
just a money saving thought…
I feel it too.
I work full time, so does hubby. Our daughter also just started college. We now have three people going three different directions every morning, and until last week only two cars.
Cars, books, fees, mortgage, utilities, extras all add up!
I hate talking politics, but in our world, what took decades to get here, might take years to get better. Sometimes I am grateful to struggle now, than when I am too old to work!
This is so true. My husband has been unemployed since the start of the year, so every penny really counts here as well. I despise having to say no to my kids because of the lack of money
Hopefully the economy will swing around soon. My fingers are crossed!!
I agree with you. It seems like every time I turn around, something is more expensive, but then it drops to a ridiculously low price because they didn’t sell any for a month ahead of time. I wish they would just keep it at a reasonable price, and have regular sales.
Vicki,
I totally agree with you about the prices, make it reasonable then you don’t have to worry about losing sales, let alone stock investors.
CC
Dianne,
Sorry to hear about your husband. All too often when things get bad they get really bad. So many people are out of work and the jobs that are available are ones some people cannot do because of a disability, so they’re left out in the rain. I hope things get better.
CC
Kimmy,
You’ve got a point that you’d rather struggle today rather then when your too old to work. Oh, that’s got to be tough with 2 cars for 3 different directions.
CC
Randolph,
LOL, I’ve heard that in the past.
CC