How are You Fighting Inflation?

[DCLMP]

Housing isn't collapsing. There aren't enough homes. Killing off demand does little when you have very little supply. The market has come down because rates have gone up. That's simply how discounting cash flows work when the risk free rate goes up. Nothing super exciting here.

I'm not worried about 2023. We might experience a mild recession. We're probably already in one right now. It's really going to be able what the Fed does in September and later on. They can't impact food and energy prices.

I guess you're not really paying attention to what's going on here or globally. I wish you luck.

 

[RamblingMad]

I guess you're not really paying attention to what's going on here or globally. I wish you luck.

All is fine. Don't panic. Stop watching the news.

 

[ThistleMae]

Fortunately we still have over half a beef in the freezer with another whole one in January. An entire pig in pork chops and sausage and another half in just sausage. We also purchase cases of chicken far below grocery prices. We’ve put up corn, squash, okra, pickles, relish, peas , green and Lima beans, tomatoes, salsa sauces with much more to put away. I know everyone doesn’t have the freezer space and garden area but it certainly does help.

This is the way to go if you can. It may be worth buying a freezer and getting 1/2 cow or pig etc. My friend raises beef cows but not everyone has the means to do this but you usually can find someone to split a cow, at least in Vermont you can. I don't know about other states.

 

[DCLMP]

All is fine. Don't panic. Stop watching the news.

You do you, but I prefer to be prepared. I haven’t watched main stream news in years. .

 

[DCLMP]

This is the way to go if you can. It may be worth buying a freezer and getting 1/2 cow or pig etc. My friend raises beef cows but not everyone has the means to do this but you usually can find someone to split a cow, at least in Vermont you can. I don't know about other states.

In the long wrong this is a good idea since prices are going to continue to rise. I believe there are places that will store your meat at a cost of course. If you live in a place that has power outages storing it at home could be problematic.

 

[Needsanap]

If you haven't heard of it yet look for the Flashfood app in your area. I am able to get good size boxes of fruits and veggies for
$5. I am loving it.

Thanks, I just started looking at that!

 

[DuffyDisBear]

One of the biggest things we’ve done was sell our house up north and move to Florida. We made a very healthy profit in our old house, and we’re able and to buy new construction in a developing area of FL with a mortgage less than half of what we had previously.

We are consolidating errands and are keeping our 10 and 11 year old cars longer than planned. We’ve also stopped big trips and benefit from being driving distance to Orlando as well as cruise ports. Great savings on cruises last minute.

Lastly, we both WFH full time, thanks to COVID protocols that held over at my husband’s company. I work for myself, so I shifted my work habits and only have to leave the house for shipping.

 

[HopperFan]

Great thread, been very interesting to read through and get ideas. But most of all made me think what we have been doing and what we could do better.

Most of what we are doing is a carry over from what we implemented when COVID shut down started. DH had huge salary cut until company was sure how they would come out. Their company survives on people going to offices to work. That pinch made us really start cutting back then.

Because I was sure by February 2020 that we were going into lockdown I had actually stocked up on TP, paper towels, detergents, soaps, toiletries, cleaning wipes, OTC medicines, extra flu medicines, etc. I had about 6 months worth so I wasn't out there trying to buy any but if I saw some of something we were using, I'd pick up one to replenish. I have continued to watch for good sales on these items we need and buy multiples and store it.

Obviously we stopped going out to eat and we really haven't gotten interested in returning to that. There is the occasional with family or friends but otherwise lost the interest, especially when the bill came.

During shutdown I focused on shopping at ALDI right by my house - small, less people, in and out, felt safer. I actually tried some of their items that I would have never tried, cost less. 40 years of Tide, Snuggle, Palmolive DW soap ... I now am spending much less for ALDI brand and am even happier with their products. While I don't like all their stuff I do find I'm saving a great deal on basics and having the extra change for fancy cheese etc that are a treat. Trying more and more generic brands. Their canned goods are MUCH less than the grocery so I have stockpiled about a 50 I replenish. We cut back on the items like chips, soda, desserts, snacks and only buy on big sale. Really don't miss most of it. But if an item we like has crossed the line, we don't buy.

When our outside fridge died, we didn't replace it but bought a small chest freezer. We cut back some on meat (not every night and smaller portions) and buy on sale & freeze. We have a food saver. Worth it's weight in gold to buy cheaper bulk. Last year we replaced our old washer & dryer with very efficient ones. Mine worked fine but I know they were old, burning up the energy and used lots of water. Use minimal heat in winter, A/C is harder but we got new thermostats.

During shutdown we started a fresh veggie delivery service. It was awesome, healthy and reasonable. After a year they changed their model so we had to quit BUT in that year we were trying new things, looking up new recipes and having some great meals. We also bought some appliances to shake it up in the kitchen; crepe maker, fondue pot, panini maker, instapot, air fryer, meat slicer, small egg cookers. We were able to cook without heating up the oven. And the fun meals help replace dining out.

We've always had a veggie garden but we are in process of preparing for our 2023 garden by moving it to a fenced in area that will allow us to quadruple the size. We bought grow lights and this winter started growing from seed (the veggie prices for small plant are crazy). Used a bunch of Kohls cash & coupon to get a small greenhouse that will go in this area. Goal is tons of fresh food next year. Start seed in house, move to green house then plant. Rather than spend money on annual flowers for my front bed I put a variety of herbs. I am out there trimming fresh for dining.

We cut the cord! Internet only. No cable, no land line. It had creeped to $200 a month. We stream. We have Disney+ an original 3 year cheap plan. Renew is November, but will likely bundle so we can get rid of our ESPN. We also pay for low plan of Netflix and I have Amazon Prime. DS pays for Paramount with a discount. Apple TV is free at moment. DD pays for YouTube TV (they are allowed to share) grandfathered in at $35 a mo. So specific to streaming we (DH & I) currently spend about $25. Don't miss cable.

We have cut back on entertainment, think twice about going to any events above the memberships we have (and utilize often); zoo, AMC A List, museum ...

Vacation. We had DL all booked for 2020, they closed. We were to do DL Paris next and then a cruise. All cancelled. Our WDW trips continue because we drive there, have lowest cost AP and have been using points for our stays. We have place at beach and that is our main vacation place. We mostly cook in so very low cost vacation.

GAS ... DH works from home and uses minimal. I have to go out every day but I make sure my errands are well planned to go along with my commute. No double backs, and being efficient with gas usage. We can drive a couple miles extra to save 20-30 cents on gas. We change our oil on time and watch our tire pressure for better gas mileage. We get Kroger and Shell gas points.

We are cleaning out and donating clothes and found we have plenty left that will take us through. We haven't bought much in the way of clothes in 2+ years. Without going out much we just don't need a big wardrobe. Living the casual life.

DS#2 and I thrift. He is a teacher but sells on eBay as one of his side incomes. I have been selling a couple years and have begun selling our stuff kids don't want like my Waterford. We go to estate sales, garage sales, thrift stores and Goodwills. Even if not interested in selling (it is a lot of work) you can get such nice things at a fraction of the price. Clothing, books, furniture, toys ... much in new condition or brand new in package. To sell easier, sell on Facebook marketplace things you don't want. Easy way for extra money. Great way to get big items out of your house.

I think it's a constant now trying to cut costs, not renew things, checking with insurance company for better rates, adjusted cell service ... trying to stay a step ahead.

 

[ThistleMae]

One of the biggest things we’ve done was sell our house up north and move to Florida. We made a very healthy profit in our old house, and we’re able and to buy new construction in a developing area of FL with a mortgage less than half of what we had previously.

We are consolidating errands and are keeping our 10 and 11 year old cars longer than planned. We’ve also stopped big trips and benefit from being driving distance to Orlando as well as cruise ports. Great savings on cruises last minute.

Lastly, we both WFH full time, thanks to COVID protocols that held over at my husband’s company. I work for myself, so I shifted my work habits and only have to leave the house for shipping.

Wow, it sounds like you made out really well moving to Florida. One of the issues for folks I know has been, they sell their home, and then can't find another before someone snaps it up. Very discouraging. I guess you have to be open to moving where the market is still good. I don't know what the answer is for people.

 

[ThistleMae]

Great thread, been very interesting to read through and get ideas. But most of all made me think what we have been doing and what we could do better.

Most of what we are doing is a carry over from what we implemented when COVID shut down started. DH had huge salary cut until company was sure how they would come out. Their company survives on people going to offices to work. That pinch made us really start cutting back then.

Because I was sure by February 2020 that we were going into lockdown I had actually stocked up on TP, paper towels, detergents, soaps, toiletries, cleaning wipes, OTC medicines, extra flu medicines, etc. I had about 6 months worth so I wasn't out there trying to buy any but if I saw some of something we were using, I'd pick up one to replenish. I have continued to watch for good sales on these items we need and buy multiples and store it.

Obviously we stopped going out to eat and we really haven't gotten interested in returning to that. There is the occasional with family or friends but otherwise lost the interest, especially when the bill came.

During shutdown I focused on shopping at ALDI right by my house - small, less people, in and out, felt safer. I actually tried some of their items that I would have never tried, cost less. 40 years of Tide, Snuggle, Palmolive DW soap ... I now am spending much less for ALDI brand and am even happier with their products. While I don't like all their stuff I do find I'm saving a great deal on basics and having the extra change for fancy cheese etc that are a treat. Trying more and more generic brands. Their canned goods are MUCH less than the grocery so I have stockpiled about a 50 I replenish. We cut back on the items like chips, soda, desserts, snacks and only buy on big sale. Really don't miss most of it. But if an item we like has crossed the line, we don't buy.

When our outside fridge died, we didn't replace it but bought a small chest freezer. We cut back some on meat (not every night and smaller portions) and buy on sale & freeze. We have a food saver. Worth it's weight in gold to buy cheaper bulk. Last year we replaced our old washer & dryer with very efficient ones. Mine worked fine but I know they were old, burning up the energy and used lots of water. Use minimal heat in winter, A/C is harder but we got new thermostats.

During shutdown we started a fresh veggie delivery service. It was awesome, healthy and reasonable. After a year they changed their model so we had to quit BUT in that year we were trying new things, looking up new recipes and having some great meals. We also bought some appliances to shake it up in the kitchen; crepe maker, fondue pot, panini maker, instapot, air fryer, meat slicer, small egg cookers. We were able to cook without heating up the oven. And the fun meals help replace dining out.

We've always had a veggie garden but we are in process of preparing for our 2023 garden by moving it to a fenced in area that will allow us to quadruple the size. We bought grow lights and this winter started growing from seed (the veggie prices for small plant are crazy). Used a bunch of Kohls cash & coupon to get a small greenhouse that will go in this area. Goal is tons of fresh food next year. Start seed in house, move to green house then plant. Rather than spend money on annual flowers for my front bed I put a variety of herbs. I am out there trimming fresh for dining.

We cut the cord! Internet only. No cable, no land line. It had creeped to $200 a month. We stream. We have Disney+ an original 3 year cheap plan. Renew is November, but will likely bundle so we can get rid of our ESPN. We also pay for low plan of Netflix and I have Amazon Prime. DS pays for Paramount with a discount. Apple TV is free at moment. DD pays for YouTube TV (they are allowed to share) grandfathered in at $35 a mo. So specific to streaming we (DH & I) currently spend about $25. Don't miss cable.

We have cut back on entertainment, think twice about going to any events above the memberships we have (and utilize often); zoo, AMC A List, museum ...

Vacation. We had DL all booked for 2020, they closed. We were to do DL Paris next and then a cruise. All cancelled. Our WDW trips continue because we drive there, have lowest cost AP and have been using points for our stays. We have place at beach and that is our main vacation place. We mostly cook in so very low cost vacation.

GAS ... DH works from home and uses minimal. I have to go out every day but I make sure my errands are well planned to go along with my commute. No double backs, and being efficient with gas usage. We can drive a couple miles extra to save 20-30 cents on gas. We change our oil on time and watch our tire pressure for better gas mileage. We get Kroger and Shell gas points.

We are cleaning out and donating clothes and found we have plenty left that will take us through. We haven't bought much in the way of clothes in 2+ years. Without going out much we just don't need a big wardrobe. Living the casual life.

DS#2 and I thrift. He is a teacher but sells on eBay as one of his side incomes. I have been selling a couple years and have begun selling our stuff kids don't want like my Waterford. We go to estate sales, garage sales, thrift stores and Goodwills. Even if not interested in selling (it is a lot of work) you can get such nice things at a fraction of the price. Clothing, books, furniture, toys ... much in new condition or brand new in package. To sell easier, sell on Facebook marketplace things you don't want. Easy way for extra money. Great way to get big items out of your house.

I think it's a constant now trying to cut costs, not renew things, checking with insurance company for better rates, adjusted cell service ... trying to stay a step ahead.

OMG...you guys should be the model for figuring out how to cut costs. I think you'll do just fine with all your ideas. I do still worry about supply issues and am trying to stock up on dried goods, like beans, peas, those packages of mixed beans for soups, rice. You can store a lot of these and just add a little meat to make it more flavorful. I've been asking friends about their air fryers. I like that you have some gadgets to mix things up with food choices. We are definitely eating differently and I do buy the store brand on most things except my laundry detergent. I'm tide all the way! Great ideas, thanks for all the details.

 

[barkley]

anyone who needs school supplies-staples just put out a very good ad that's has things like 35 cent spiral notebooks and a variety of other 50 and 99 cent supplies. the limits are quite generous (30 on the notebooks which at 70 pages each is allot of paper). nice advantage-you can order online for store pickup so no wasting gas going to a store to only find they've already sold out.

 

[ThistleMae]

anyone who needs school supplies-staples just put out a very good ad that's has things like 35 cent spiral notebooks and a variety of other 50 and 99 cent supplies. the limits are quite generous (30 on the notebooks which at 70 pages each is allot of paper). nice advantage-you can order online for store pickup so no wasting gas going to a store to only find they've already sold out.

 

[barkley]

had to kill some time while in town so i decided to 'easter egg hunt' at the grocery store and see if i could find any unadvertised specials. scored myself some canned sliced olives for 99 cents (normally $1.69) and some pasta sauce my oldest likes for $1.58 (normally $2.29). just got my order delivered from walmart-with the exception of fresh items and turkey i'm set with all the ingredients for thanksgiving and christmas (i don't want to think what turkey prices will be like but they just don't have the big ones in the stores this time of year nor do i have room in my freezer to store one).

 

[afan]

had to kill some time while in town so i decided to 'easter egg hunt' at the grocery store and see if i could find any unadvertised specials. scored myself some canned sliced olives for 99 cents (normally $1.69) and some pasta sauce my oldest likes for $1.58 (normally $2.29). just got my order delivered from walmart-with the exception of fresh items and turkey i'm set with all the ingredients for thanksgiving and christmas (i don't want to think what turkey prices will be like but they just don't have the big ones in the stores this time of year nor do i have room in my freezer to store one).

I bought our turkey breast awhile ago when it was on sale in the ad. I figured it would probably go up and I was good with the price. It can stay frozen til Nov. I was surprised to see they were even on sale.

 

[notatallmagic]

I grew up in a super frugal household without lots of money. My grandparents were Depression era farmers, and I admired them so much - lots to learn!

We love shopping at resale stores (Once Upon a Child for little kids; Plato's Closet and Clothes Mentor now); and resell clothes when kids grow out of them.

We eat out once a week (except on vacaton) and eat local and use coupons or Happy Hour specials (one local restaurant has appetizers for half price between 3-6pm. We can eat well and tip generously for under $30 for the whole family

We buy a farmshare ($50/week) with tons of fresh, in-season fruits and vegies, and freeze what we can't eat. We pick and freeze local berries (YUM!) - just put over 20 pounds of blueberries in the freezer for $50! We buy a 4H pig and/or cow (we share with another family) every summer. And we have a super fun garden, with tons of fresh greens, herbs, and zucchini.

 

[ThistleMae]

I grew up in a super frugal household without lots of money. My grandparents were Depression era farmers, and I admired them so much - lots to learn!

We love shopping at resale stores (Once Upon a Child for little kids; Plato's Closet and Clothes Mentor now); and resell clothes when kids grow out of them.

We eat out once a week (except on vacaton) and eat local and use coupons or Happy Hour specials (one local restaurant has appetizers for half price between 3-6pm. We can eat well and tip generously for under $30 for the whole family

We buy a farmshare ($50/week) with tons of fresh, in-season fruits and vegies, and freeze what we can't eat. We pick and freeze local berries (YUM!) - just put over 20 pounds of blueberries in the freezer for $50! We buy a 4H pig and/or cow (we share with another family) every summer. And we have a super fun garden, with tons of fresh greens, herbs, and zucchini.

Seems like you are very prepared for this concerning time.

 

[DCLMP]

There's a lot of great suggestions on here. I'll admit I'm a horrible shopper I could learn a lot from you guys. I think overall we've always been pretty frugal except when it comes to vacations. I know I'll be cutting my vacation budget in half or more next year. It pains me to say that.

 

[disney212]

Deed was recorded 7/11 now we are waiting for our new member account email for Disney!! Thank you!!!

Welcome home!

 

[notatallmagic]

Seems like you are very prepared for this concerning time.

Sadly, yes - I've been "training" for this my whole life. Also had a rough patch post divorce where my kids had to learn the "how to live on potatoes, eggs, and food boxes from the church" lesson. They are wise beyond their years.

I (and both kids) can also sew, knit, and crochet. My 19 year old can mend (and did for friends) clothes like a pro. We live in a small town where we can walk most places. Working from home saves a ton on gas and work clothes. Both kids' summer jobs are within walking distance, so we still only have one car (used car prices are insane, and we're saving on insurance too).

I also love bartering - I had a brand new juicer that I'd never used; just traded it for two massages. I cut and color my own hair and cut my daughter's hair; my son cuts his own, except for special occasions. We do our own nails. We use our clothes line. We buy basic cell phones and use the until they die. Living on less than your means has been a life lesson learned...and it's turning out to be pretty useful.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We bought a 7 cubic foot *garage ready* freezer at HD two weeks ago for $197 with vet discount. It uses 250 kw/year. DH made sure he leveled it well and we have no moisture issues so far. It is at -10. We are starting slow and DH is researching food saver machines. Everything so far is sealed in ziploc freezer bags. For instance, butter is going way up, so I bought LOL brand at 3.49 lb 6 lbs, bagged it and it's in the freezer. I saw it for 5.99 lb at another local store!

It will increase our electric which is going up 50% in a few weeks (yikes), however I can now freeze fresh, local bought veggies, meat and prepare casseroles and freeze portions. We bought a small toaster oven at the same time and I'm using it to bake muffins and cookies so far. Doing laundry every three days should save on electricity (mostly) from the dryer. I'm doing a deep fill load and the dryer does run longer but I think in the end it will save $$. I won't know how these changes will shake for a month, but am hoping at the least, our electric usage stays the same and we'll save big on food! We do have a generator in case of power outage...the thought of cleaning out a freezer yuck!

Keep the ideas coming disboard friends! What a great thread!