In an earlier article posted today: Food and Gas Price Report, I discussed the latest information from the U.S. Department of Labor about our rising cost of food, energy and other goods. Here, I will offer some strategies and ideas for addressing the rise in prices.
Let’s first address the rising food prices. To combat these prices and continue to provide food to your family you can (be sure to check the links for more information):
Find substitutes for more expensive items, such as using dry milk for baking or drinking, giving up organic milk, baking your own bread, consuming less expensive foods, growing your own produce, dumpster diving for food, stretching meat meals with oats, joining a food co-op, eliminating eating out, buying in bulk and freezer cooking, using up leftovers and every bit of food, cooking from your pantry, consuming less “luxury foods” such as soda, alcohol and snacks, using coupons and keeping a price book.
To address the rising energy costs, you can:
Lower your thermostat by five degrees, be vigilant about shutting off lights, reduce the drain from vampire electronics, stay close to home, combine your errands, carpool, avoid expensive gas, hang your laundry, walk instead of drive, telecommute, reduce the use of air conditioning, postpone family vacations or and keep them local, and give up one car.
To address the unemployment rise and overall price increase of goods you can:
Earn extra money at home, make sure that you arrive early at work and stay late, update your resume so you will be prepared, build up a emergency savings, shop at thrift stores and garage sales instead of retail, reuse what you have instead of buying new, dumpster dive and curb shop for things you need, use the library for books and other media, and cut out unnecessary expenses (such as cable television, cell phones, gym memberships).
To address the housing market decrease you can:
Do your research to make sure it is the right time to sell your home and take time looking for a new home to ensure you get the best deal. Plan any renovations or redesign of your home to get the maximum return on your investment.