Is it just me or is anyone else sick and tired of gas prices going up? I recently heard that $5 a gallon gas is quite likely going to touch us all in the near future! I'm tired of corporations and big businesses sticking it to the average American just so they can maximize their profits! We should make it clear to these companies and to our government representatives that this is simply unacceptable! Besides writing to our Congressman or Congresswoman, I think it would be great if everyone could try to make small changes in their daily lives.
I plan on driving less by combining my trips for errands to the bare minimum per week. I'll use our best gas mileage car for all trips. I would suggest for others to try to carpool to work; get a few parents together and make a schedule taking turns to drop off and pick-up kids at school, to sports practices, to music lessons, etc. If you can walk to a grocery store, invest in a small wire pull cart to put your groceries in. Here is a typical one you can find on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-Folding-Shopping-Cart-Black/dp/B0000UZ57S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302567200&sr=8-1 And, don't worry, you won't look like a little grandma bringing home your groceries. You'll be the wiser one! Just make sure where you walk is in a safe area.
Food prices continue to rise, too. On average, a gallon of milk costs about $3.50 to $3.99. Organic milk costs about $4.00 to $5.50! To help reduce the weekly grocery bill, I try to be more creative in planning our meals and maximize coupons whenever possible! (Okay, it's my husband who is the creative chef and I look for the cost-cutting coupons.) I don't see prices coming down any time soon. It gets old when the so-called financial experts tell us that there is no inflation hence no need for cost of living raises! Try telling anyone on a fixed income that the cost of living hasn't gone up!
So, we need to help ourselves as best we can. There are so many sites on the internet that offer coupons for groceries. It just takes a little time and planning each week but you can save a lot by using them. Check out: http://www.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13306&zid=iq37&nid=10&bid=alk0411180439bf7aa9bb313013 and http://www.couponmom.com/. Pick up a Sunday newspaper and get the food coupon circulars for each week. Also, check out the vendor Web site for coupons as well as the in-store flyers.
Another great idea is to have a coupon exchange with your friends and family! Once every few weeks (or more frequently), get together with friends and family and pool unused coupons for other's to check out.
There are a lot of ways to save in other areas, too. Instead of keeping every shirt or pant that you own, why not host a Dust Catcher's party and swap gently used items with others. (I know I haven't worn half of the clothes in my closet this past year!) My daughter, Holly introduced me to this concept and it's actually fun! Invite family or friends to bring items they no longer need or want (e.g., jewelery, children's or adult clothes, lotion, perfume, books, the possibilities are endless.) Have a few snacks available and let the "free" shopping begin! Any remaining items are donated to Goodwill, ARC, or another similar organization.
The little steps we take can make a difference! I would bet the minute Americans change their driving habits, you'll see the gas prices retreat! And, don't forget about repurposing...don't throw out that old packet of lemonade--you can use it in the dishwasher as a cleanser! Do a search on "repurposing" and see many, many ideas that can help you save money (and in many cases, help save the environment)!
Great suggestions!
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