One thing that this recession and the rising prices of gas has done to me lately is to have turned me into a sort of hermit. I’ve really been extra conscious of going anywhere that involves driving or spending money.
I’ve been making fewer trips to the grocery store. I used to have an elaborate system for checking sales with coupons every week. But now, even with coupons, the prices are pretty high. The loss leaders aren’t as impressive anymore, and products that I could usually get for free or at a really low cost are now not worth the trip. Instead, I have been relying more on using a price book and buying things that I know are always good bargains, such as a whole frozen turkey, or buying things that are staples. I also buy things that tend to have longer shelf lives (and are surpassingly the least expensive items in the store), such as dry beans instead of canned. I’ll buy five dozen eggs at a time. I’ve been contemplating shopping for groceries online, but then I would miss out on the clearance racks.
I visit the library less often, although I am reading more. Now, I tend to request books online and renew them online rather than making multiple trips to the library. With the exception of taking out videos, I can visit the library only once every six weeks and still have plenty of free stuff to read.
We have even been visiting the local park less, and taking advantage of our own backyard and neighborhood more. We had a great time yesterday going for a family walk around the neighborhood. We certainly have enough toys and nature at home to keep us occupied.
One day a week, we do get out, to eat at a family restaurant, run some errands or have a visit with friends, but that may be cut back to every other week.
Now, one thing that is a negative side effect of my “hermitdom” is the lack of socialization. We are by no means huge party animals, but nor do we prefer isolation. Any suggestions on getting out more without really getting out?
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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