But I still can’t believe that someone in such financial trouble is still pumping $100 a shot into a car.

Even people that are comfortable with their expenses should be in a realiable second hand car that gets decent gas mileage. Just on principle alone!

Neil

My excess energy users are the motion detector lights on the front and back porches, the fans constantly, the freezer, nightlights as I can’t see in the dark and that’s not safe for my old bones, I forget to turn the powerbar switch for the computer, and I use the clothes dryer when it’s rainy. The usuage has been as low as $28 in summer, but $45 in winter has been pretty constant – more lights on I suppose, and the occassional use of the cadet wall heaters in the bedrooms.

It’s $18 basic charge here without any usage. We pay 6.5 cents per KW. I don’t know how that compares to other areas.

I have to ask, do you guys rent or own?

I live in New York (maybe that’s my problem?) and have never had an electric bill lower than $65 at any point in the year!

$13 Wow! What’s your secret?

Blogging can certainly become a good source of extra income, right David. Of course it takes time to build that so before things get bad, start.

As far as other cost savings, if you don’t work too far from the house, you could ride your bike or walk.

Network with others for grocery shopping. If people rotate doing shopping for each other that will cut down on gas.

I’ve been laid off for two months now. One of the perks I enjoyed at work was getting free magazines. 7 years of that and you get pretty spoiled. Browsing in the grocery store the other day, I had forgotten how expensive magazines are. Another great way that I’m using my library is by reading my magazines there…for free!

Our basic electric is $18 here before you even flip a switch…. mine runs about $35 in summer and $45 in winter. In Fall, winter, spring, the lights are on more here, and the bathroom heater. I run a freezer,frig, stove, microwave, washer/dryer, and dishwasher, and hotwater heater, and I usually forget to turn the powerswitch off on the computer… Wood heat.

She probably also has money leaks in the clothes, makeup/hair styling/fingernail stuff, as well as froo-froos or hobby items. All of which are personal choices, if you can afford them.

Better to sell the house now before she loses it, if that’s the case. Then buy something small and reasonable with low maintenance and low utility needs.

I can’t stress enough how peaceful and stressfree it is to live in a small comfy paid for house! Sure beats a large house with a huge mortgage! (been there, done that!)