As for going out, we have been using restaurant.com. Right now they are selling discounted dining certificates for 80% off (use the code SANTA to get this discount, expires Dec 21), so a $25 certificate only costs $2 (regularly $10), $10 certificate costs $0.60 and they are good for a year. We stock up on those for our favs, new places to try or to give to friends. They are also doing a Feeditforward where you can send 3 $10 certificates to your friends a day until Christmas, for free! Easy little gifts that do not cost you a bit! Hmm… maybe I should get a job as their spokesperson! Ha!

Our heat doesn’t come on at all most of the time because it isn’t that cold here in NC, and our townhouse is well-insulated and not on the end. We only use the gas logs if we are both at home in the evenings–so basically, we are only heating the house for 2-4 hours if necessary. It’s much more efficient not to heat the house when you aren’t there to enjoy it. Also, if we turn our thermostat up much past 60, our upstairs (where the bedrooms are) is unbearably hot–we’d have to keep our windows open in order not to roast! So it’s also a matter of comfort.

Recently I’ve been working on cleaning out my storage closet so that I can get to my Christmas decorations. (Haven’t been home for Christmas in years.) The amount of junk I’ve thrown out is appalling. I’ve spent so much time hauling crap to the dumpster that the idea of bringing in more stuff is very unappealing. Now, for every purchase I ask myself not only “can I afford it” and “do I need it” but also “where am I going to put it?” It’s amazing how much stuff I’ve decided I don’t really need after all.

A lot of people are talking about budgeting and saving lately, and the conversation always comes around to consumer confidence and how we’re hurting the economy by not buying with abandon like we used to. For me, that argument doesn’t wash. As an individual I am responsible for my own financial stability, not the economy as a whole. I can only try to make the decisions that work best for my budget and goals. Rushing out to buy a new car won’t have a lasting impact on auto makers. It will have a profound impact on my finances. I do the best I can with what I’ve got, and the economy will have to take care of itself.

I also shop second hand stores; drive a lot less; have a cook book of nothing but ways to fix eggs since that’s a good, cheap protein; no longer pay for a landline phone.

I also share internet with my neighbors. We have wi-fi so only pay one bill for both houses.

If I had the money, I’d totally be spending it, trying my hardest to contribute to the economy. :) Sadly … I’m a waitress with too much credit card debt. Damn!

However, and please bear in mind I’m never ever the dissenter, but I can’t help but worry that everyone “cutting back” is exactly what’s causing the economic crisis, right? I mean, if people stop going to Disneyland, then the Disney employees are laid off…and if people stop flying on vacation or home for the holidays, then airline (and airport) employees will be laid off…if people stop eating out, restaurants will need fewer employees…and so on and so on. I mean, I realize no one is crying for Starbucks’ bottom line, but at the same time, they are well-known as one of the best employers and provide great benefits and upward potential for a lot of people I know with college degrees who can’t get other jobs.

Maybe I’m not understanding how it really works, but it seems like “consumer confidence” is a real and potent issue these days. I’m having to push my husband to still eat out once in a while, because I don’t want the economy to completely drop into the toilet; I want to help keep the systems going while I can, since my job and hubby’s job are pretty secure. When or if that changes, we will be forced to change, but I hope that things for everyone turn around before it comes to that.

I haven’t had to tighten any belts because I’ve already been living tighter due to starting my business a couple years ago. Don’t feel as alone any more. Welcome to my world :-)