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Cost cutting measures; And a follow up on my job situation
Topic Started: Feb 16 2009, 04:19 PM (535 Views)
Bernard
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Senior Carp
I'm wondering what sort of cost cutting measures you all implement when needed.

The outcome at work is that everyone was laid off last Monday except 2 of us Ruby/Rails programmers, 1 Java programmer, 1 production programmer and 1 customer rep. Mr. owner thinks he can keep the company afloat for another 6-8 months without any new work coming in; he really would like to see it last until the end of the year. Hopefully, we'll get new contracts before the year is over. In the meanwhile those of us that will stay on were asked to take a pay cut (20%) for the interim. Mr. owner says if the company turns around we'll get retroactive make up pay. So... I consider myself lucky.

So, I've spent time this weekend instituting some cost cutting measures: looking up good recipes that freeze well. One of my biggest expenses is eating during the week--almost all of it is bought at restaurants and deli's. That'll be one area I can cut down a lot.

I bought a case of wine (something I have rarely done) because it's gets a 20% discount. For everyday wine I usually spend ~$8 a bottle. With the discount I'm close to ~$6/bottle.

I'm going to look at buying seltzer by the case too since I drink a ton of the stuff. Other items in bulk might work. I want to see if I can get bird seed in large quantities off the web.

I'm seriously seriously considering dumping cable TV but haven't done it yet.

I took a loan against my 401k to pay off a credit card. If the job ends before the loan is repaid I'll have to take a penalty but that's probably better than ruining my credit. Besides I don't want to have to worry about credit card payments while things are rough. Besides, the interest I pay on my 401k loan go to me.

I think I will keep my cleaning lady as she comes only every 3 weeks and it's worth the peace of mind to have a relatively clean apartment.

Any other ideas?
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Review your insurance to see where you can safely reduce. If you have Costco and belong, check theirs. Also check Progressive. I have not found Geico to be a good company, just based on their horrible kludgy quote website.

Buy foods on sale, and freeze. Pasta is always a cheap meal, quick to fix with a zillion variations.

Take a look at your phone service. With T-Mobile I was able to add a land line (really VOIP, but I kept my old number) for $10 a month, unlimited calling, long distance, voicemail, etc. I reduced our monthly telecom bill $70 by getting rid of two land lines.

Consider box wines. There are some good ones - Black Box most notably, and you can reduce your per bottle cost to about $4.50. A box is 4 750ml bottles, and since it is not exposed to the air it lasts a very long time.

Buy bargain toiletries. Bargain does not always mean cheap, but good value. Neutrogena products I find very good, and they are concentrated so they last a very long time. Edge shaving gel is the same way.

There are a lot of grocery stores now with DVD rental machines for $1 a night.

WIth spring coming, condsider using your bicycle and a backpack for grocery shopping. You don't use gas, you're more careful about what you buy and you get some exercise to boot.

If you belong to a gym, shop around to see where you can get the best bang for the buck, or consider what you ,might be able to do at home without equipment.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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Mark
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HOLY CARP!!!
I canceled HBO/Cinemax/Starz cable package. Saved $50.00 a month!

Also canceled my Wine Club Membership. It was only $65.00 every quarter but it was only for 2 bottles. Excellent wine but pricey.
___.___
(_]===*
o 0
When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. H.G. Wells
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apple
one of the angels
if you cook for yourself you'll probably need the cleaning lady every week.

i'm so glad you still have your job!
it behooves me to behold
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brenda
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..............
Bernard, for us the 'home-cooking vs eating-out' issue is our biggest cost saver. I now have hubby taking his lunch to work regularly. I cook a little extra to make sure he has something for the next day at work. I don't cook every day, so I make sure we have things that can be served a second evening, or converted into a new dish for the second night. That makes sure we don't get bored with it.

We used to eat out at least once per week, and sometimes at spendy places. Hubby loves a couple restaurants that would cost us $100 for the three of us (including our teen daughter), which is outrageous. I convinced him that had to end.

Even as a single person, you will save big bucks by cooking extra at home and using it for a second meal. I love recipes that can be converted into a rather different meal for round two. Since you have freezer room, extras could also be frozen. You may find that it's even more convenient than take-out or deli foods. It sure helps hubby watch his sodium intake, too.

“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
~A.A. Milne
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Copper
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Shortstop

Take care of your health, the rest can be in second place.

And don't forget to pay your TNCR dues on time.
The Confederate soldier was peculiar in that he was ever ready to fight, but never ready to submit to the routine duty and discipline of the camp or the march. The soldiers were determined to be soldiers after their own notions, and do their duty, for the love of it, as they thought best. Carlton McCarthy
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rich galassini
Junior Carp
A big cost cutting move would be to move in with Jon. You just might have to share a crib with the baby. ;)
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plays88keys
Pisa-Carp
If you decide to cancel your cable, don't forget you'll need to buy a digital converter or your tv won't work come June. Maybe you could just downgrade to basic cable?

Do you have high speed internet? Verizon had an offer for DSL at $20 a month - that might be significantly less than what you're now paying for and the speeds are still a lot faster than dialup.

Check your renter's insurance policy - maybe you could up the deductible and save some money there.

Have you thought about teaching piano lessons to supplement your income?

I've been buying stuff I regularly use on eBay for years because it always saves me money. You can get some real bargains. I always buy my bras, makeup, shoes, perfume, hair styling products, music scores and dvds there.

Hope some of these might be helpful Bernard. And I'm glad the news is good with regards to keeping your job. :)
You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy.
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Copper
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Shortstop
rich galassini
Feb 16 2009, 05:45 PM
A big cost cutting move would be to move in with Jon. You just might have to share a crib with the baby. ;)

That post count in 3.5 years may be more impressive than the guys bragging about 20K+.
The Confederate soldier was peculiar in that he was ever ready to fight, but never ready to submit to the routine duty and discipline of the camp or the march. The soldiers were determined to be soldiers after their own notions, and do their duty, for the love of it, as they thought best. Carlton McCarthy
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
brenda
Feb 16 2009, 05:12 PM
Bernard, for us the 'home-cooking vs eating-out' issue is our biggest cost saver. I now have hubby taking his lunch to work regularly. I cook a little extra to make sure he has something for the next day at work. I don't cook every day, so I make sure we have things that can be served a second evening, or converted into a new dish for the second night. That makes sure we don't get bored with it.

We used to eat out at least once per week, and sometimes at spendy places. Hubby loves a couple restaurants that would cost us $100 for the three of us (including our teen daughter), which is outrageous. I convinced him that had to end.

Even as a single person, you will save big bucks by cooking extra at home and using it for a second meal. I love recipes that can be converted into a rather different meal for round two. Since you have freezer room, extras could also be frozen. You may find that it's even more convenient than take-out or deli foods. It sure helps hubby watch his sodium intake, too.

We used to go to a lot of restaurants where if we coulkd get out for $100 for the two of us we were doing great. Those days are long behind us. I have eaten at any number of exceptionally fine restaurants, but now I like finding the bargain places - the ones with excellent food, fun atmosphere and reasonable prices. Great cheeseburgers and draft as opposed to foie gras. Nothing beats a great meat loaf.

Values for lesser economy. Not to mention two years from college costs.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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blondie
Bull-Carp
I feel ashamed for posting the thread I did earlier Bernard.
I wish I could delete it.
I'm glad you're working at present.

Slow cookers make for good bulk meals to freeze. Do you have one? Man it;s great to get home at 6 & smell a full meal all ready, done, waiting for you. Think of that.

When I didn't have much money, I got a small freezer. 2nd hand. Plunked it in my dining room. I'd pack months' worth in that freezer. Kept & used frozen stuff far beyond accepted 'good til dates' too.

Freezer bags .. zip lock, containers, & such. Look for sales now. Stock up. These are mainstays for freezing ... but they can get pricey. Plan ahead.

I ditched T.V. totally when I was broke. Sold the thing. It was easy to lose. Never missed it. And T.V.s seem just to go down in price. Made more friends during that time too ;) ...

Chicken and pasta .. Fortunately, numerous possibilities. Buy what veggies & fruits are in season. They're cheaper. Learn to live without the exotic stuff ... pricey.

Oh .. as soon as the weather gets warmer, buy flats of broth & basic soups .. they're cheap then b/c no one eats soup when it's warm. They keep forever.

Wine's a necessity. 'Nuff said. Period.

Friends can ban together, cook in bulk & split up stuff among themselves to freeze. Something to think of for variety.

Hate to say this, but I never bought toiletries, shampoos, etc. I could always get by with 'free' mini samples & had 'other ways' of acquiring these things. Won't explain more but hey, I've been real broke on occasion.

I'd bet the cleaning lady would take a cut or come less frequently .. I'd try negotiating now with her. She may be losing clients b/c of the recession too.

Is there something I could send you from here Bernard? I'd do that.

:)
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apple
one of the angels
you could come spend a week with us for some hi intensity budget training.

no charge
it behooves me to behold
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
That's a great idea, Blondie. You take a 20% cut, she takes a 20% cut.

We miss our cleaning ladies a lot.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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Bernard
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Senior Carp
Mik, it's funny, when I was in the liquor store yesterday I passed some boxed wines on the way out.... it gave me the shivers. But you're not the first person to mention that there are some decent ones. I'll have to look into it. I don't spend lots on toiletries. There are a few $50 colognes that I like but I'm well stocked and wont have to purchase any for at least year. A bike is a great idea, but it won't really save me because I don't drive and have never owned a car. A gym? Oh yeah! I know what you mean... you mean like exercise right? Exercise, heh, there's a long four letter word! Ha!

Apple,
Quote:
 
if you cook for yourself you'll probably need the cleaning lady every week.

LOL. Actually I'm quite good in the kitchen. I tidy up frequently while cooking.

Rich, LOL.

Plays, good points about digital tv. Unfortunately I let Time Warner talk me into a 2-year contract last fall when I called to cut my phone service. I planned to down-grade my tv at the same time but she offered me a cheaper price keeping my current tv package IF I agreed to stay on for 2 years. If I change now I'll have to pay a penalty. It may be worth breaking the agreement. I currently have 3 piano students and went out last weekend to distribute my flyer around the neighborhood again. BTW, when I needed some yarn a few weeks ago I found some on eBay at a good price!

Blondie,
Quote:
 
I feel ashamed for posting the thread I did earlier Bernard.
I wish I could delete it.

Hush! Don't be silly. I'm very happy for you. Slow cooker! Gosh I forgot that I have one. Great idea and I have some recipes for it too.
Quote:
 
Is there something I could send you from here Bernard? I'd do that.

You're so beautiful. Your lovely presence here is worth gold Blondie.

Hey, I have a job so I consider myself quite fortunate. I've worked with some of my co-workers for 25 years and they will be leaving at the end of next week. How bittersweet.








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Free Rider
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Fulla-Carp
Bernard
Feb 16 2009, 04:19 PM

I bought a case of wine (something I have rarely done) because it's gets a 20% discount. For everyday wine I usually spend ~$8 a bottle. With the discount I'm close to ~$6/bottle.

I'm going to look at buying seltzer by the case too since I drink a ton of the stuff. Other items in bulk might work. I want to see if I can get bird seed in large quantities off the web.

I'm seriously seriously considering dumping cable TV but haven't done it yet.

I took a loan against my 401k to pay off a credit card. If the job ends before the loan is repaid I'll have to take a penalty but that's probably better than ruining my credit. Besides I don't want to have to worry about credit card payments while things are rough. Besides, the interest I pay on my 401k loan go to me.

I think I will keep my cleaning lady as she comes only every 3 weeks and it's worth the peace of mind to have a relatively clean apartment.

Any other ideas?
That's all good, Horace. Maybe get one of those CO2 charged sletzer bottles, and you can make your own even cheaper, plus you can spray people like they do in old cartoons.

Dump TV. Easy $$$ to save. You play piano right? There's no need for tv. :lol:

Good call on your credit card, they are $$ vampires.

Cleaning lady? :eek:

Remember this saying: "With money one acquires taste." That means if you're shopping for groceries, for example, you buy the generic brand instead of premium names. It means you buy jug wine instead of bottles. It means you clip some coupons on items you frequently use...toilet paper for example! NEVER pay retail! Thrift stores are great places. Living frugally isn't all that hard if you make bargain hunting into a game. I suggest using mass transit and (like Mik said) bike if possible.

I have a lot of hard-earned knowledge on surviving, so PM me if you have questions.



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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
http://www.stretcher.com/index.cfm
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Bernard
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Senior Carp
Free Rider,
Quote:
 
That's all good, Horace.


Horace having problems too? ;) :)

I like the idea of getting CO2 chargers, very romantic.

I really want to dump tv. It's 50% advertisement and that in itself is not healthy IMO.

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Bernard
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Senior Carp
Wow, thanks for the link Jolly. Looks like there's a ton of info there.
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Free Rider
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Fulla-Carp
The CO2 charger could be a sweet smoked crystal decanter with a beaded wrap. Very classy and romantic. Plus you could spray someone like they did in the old cartoons. :lol:
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
Bernard
Feb 16 2009, 08:08 PM
Wow, thanks for the link Jolly. Looks like there's a ton of info there.
A bit more homespun:

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/forumdisplay.php?f=90

The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
Oh, and I do pianos...

http://www.armleg.com/pianosinc/viewtopic.php?p=32048&mforum=pianosinc#32048
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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JoeB
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Senior Carp
Quote:
 
I'm going to look at buying seltzer by the case too since I drink a ton of the stuff.

Soda Club makes a carbonizer that uses small CO2 cylinders (much bigger than those Sparkletts things). At first glance the system is hopeless because they charge so much to refill the cylinders (plus shipping both ways) that it's cheaper to buy botted seltzer water. Some people have been experimenting with refilling the Soda Club cylinders from a real CO2 cylinder used for soda fountains. Commercial products like this are available and info is available from DIY sites like this. Depending on how much seltzer you use, this may be of interest.
"There are many ingredients in the stew of annoyance." - Bucky Katt
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Phlebas
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Bull-Carp
Look at how you use the phone. If you don't use a cell phone much, switch to a pay as you go plan. Or, consider canceling the land line and just using the cell phone.
Random FML: Today, I was fired by my boss in front of my coworkers. It would have been nice if I could have left the building before they started celebrating. FML

The founding of the bulk of the world's nation states post 1914 is based on self-defined nationalisms. The bulk of those national movements involve territory that was ethnically mixed. The foundation of many of those nation states involved population movements in the aftermath. When the only one that is repeatedly held up as unjust and unjustifiable is the Zionist project, the term anti-semitism may very well be appropriate. - P*D


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Klaus
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HOLY CARP!!!
Phlebas
Feb 17 2009, 02:58 AM
Look at how you use the phone. If you don't use a cell phone much, switch to a pay as you go plan. Or, consider canceling the land line and just using the cell phone.
Or, stop using a cell phone.

That's what I did - albeit not primarily due to financial considerations.
Trifonov Fleisher Klaus Sokolov Zimmerman
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Bernard
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Senior Carp
Phlebas
Feb 17 2009, 02:58 AM
Look at how you use the phone. If you don't use a cell phone much, switch to a pay as you go plan. Or, consider canceling the land line and just using the cell phone.
Good idea Phlebas. I cancelled my land line last year so I'm down to just the cell phone. I don't use it much so I will look into pay as I go.
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