If times were tough and you needed to cut some costs out of your budget, what would you give up instead of your pets?
Please share your ideas here and attach a monthly savings estimate to your response.
Example:
I would cancel my Netflix account and check out free DVD's from my local library instead.
Savings = $13.99 per month
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Let's see...I would give up one of my cars ($500 - $3000) depending on which car. If i had to i'd give up two of them.
I could give up my satellite tv subscription (~$90/month). I could use the quiet time to read more, which wouldn't be a bad idea anyway.
regardless, i wouldn't give up my pets. there is always a way to keep the family together.
I would give up my nail/pedicure appointments. I'd rather spend time with my pets which is more soothing than time at the nail salon.
Savings would equal $110.00 per month.
Whoa I really spend that much, what was I thinking.
I'd give up everything before giving up my pets but ones that I can immediately quantify:
Netflix @ $18.15 a month
Directv @ $37.13 a month
Home phone (just use cell) @ 36.84 a month
Karen LiebermanBest Friends Animal SocietyCommunity Animal Assistance
I'm thinking satellite TV would have to go and we'd listen to NPR more often on the radio.
Savings: $60/month
I would give up our NYC parking space. Our one car garage costs us $175/month ( I should be giving that up anyway!) and find street parking. Or I'd go somewhere cheaper to get my haircut and save ~$50 every 5 weeks.
I'd put my house on the market and downsize. They depend on me to put a roof over their heads. It would just be a slightly cozier roof!
I would move. Yup, definitely. My initial goal would be to move to an area that would reduce my rent by 30 to 40%, saving about $500 a month in the process. Who needs to look at the ocean when I can look at this..............
Her eyes are bluer than the ocean anyway.:-)
Pat
"The road to a Forever Home is paved with Sleepovers."
The first thing that comes to mind is cancelling cable TV, which would save me about $50.00 per month. If I had to, I could also decrease my internet service, which would save about $30.00 per month. Since I have 16 rescued kitties and I took early retirement 2 years ago, my budget is pretty tight. I already have cheap rent, and I've gone vegan, which has lowered my food bills considerably. Actually, I've been seriously considering getting rid of cable TV anyway.
Just about everything......certainly cable TV, fancy cell phone service (cut it back to the basics), spend less money at the grocery store; give up the gym membership; restrict printing to reduce usage of paper and ink; never buy bottled water.
Allyson
I agree with the answers. I have the full package with my satellite and could reduce it by half with standard package, or cancel altogether in favor of internet. I could get rid of my land lines for home/office. I could put air conditioning higher and heating lower (can cuddle winter with fur kids), and reduce cel phone package options. I can certainly get less expensive groceries as I tend to buy generic, but gee I might have to finally go vegetarian to cut back on more expensive generic meats. I'd also look at cheaper options than bottled waters and iced teas. That is all just off top of my head, and I could probably come up with other ideas.
The question of course is how much is enough of a cut, for people who can barely afford their homes at this time.
I am impressed with how many of us are ready to give up TV. I wonder some times why I really have it, and I guess you feel the same way.
Aloha All:
Give up whatever was necessary to make it work.
It would be a step by step work in progress sort of process.
Today's economic situation is no fault of theirs. We have 3 dogs and want to obtain more in the future, to be caregivers for.
Lots and lots of ways to save money and also to make more when needed. We often pet sit and dog walk etc for Professional Pet Services in the area when they need addition help.
I offer Animal REIKI for payment.
Who needs a gym when you have dogs to walk with?
Plenty of FREE entertainment just playing with your pets and they love it!
Costco sells Kirkland coffee processed by Starbucks, so we have Starbucks everyday, just at home. I even bring it with me to Starbucks when I meet fellow REALTORS for brainstorming.
Downsizing and relocating are great ideas as well.
Always best to go where you get the most bang for the buck.
Relocating to Kanab may just be the answer!
Yes we only have cell phones now. Drive a MINI with 3 big dogs in the back and they love it. Looks like a clown car when we all unload at the dog park.
Everyone's ideas and suggestions here are great and the list is ongoing, which is even better.
Mahalo Ellen, it was a great question to get folks to thinking about economic changes.
This is what I like so much about brainstorming and idea sharing on the Network!
Remember, Less is always More!
Take care.
Dennis Lubrano
Hawaii Go Local Team Leader
I would give up whatever it took, to make sure they are ok and well-cared-for. I have, actually, had times when things were tight, and the vet bills were looming, like when my Angel had 2 surgeries to remove a tumor. She's been cancer-free for two years now.
But, this is a good question. I would give up (gulp) my latte's at Starbucks. That would save me about $20.00 a week, on a "busy" week (espresso works wonders for late-night rescue work). And I could give up eating out as much and (gulp again) cook at home more. That would save me about another $20.00 a week. (eating out for me equals Taco Bell, or my favorite little Chinese place).
And I like the idea about giving up Netflix. That would save me $10.00/month. (I have Blockbuster.net.)
I am presently giving up my precious Harley. It's not a money thing (it's paid for). It's a time thing. I have decided to sell it, as I don't ride as much as I used to. My rescue work makes my spirit very happy, but it does require time. I have committed to not getting another bike until we achieve the day of no more homeless pets. :)
Thank you for this food for thought.
Patty
I agree with everyone that I'd give up whatever it takes. I've been in this boat before when I was out of college only two months and got a puppy! I set up a savings account that I put money in every week, even if it was only $5 or $10 a week so that I would be prepared for vet bills and any emergency. I would do the same now if needed. That means no eating out, no foo-foo coffee shops, AC on 80 (I'm in Florida!!!) no movies, new clothes, pay cable channels or fancy phones! I'd even give up Christmas to keep my baby!