Testing our Resolve

[auroragold]

I've been trying to cut costs in our household budget since the money tree I planted in the backyard won't produce (LOL).  Seriously - there's room to cut back but the hubster and I rarely agree on that topic; he sees cable as a NECECSSITY and not a luxury.

Funny thing though - we've tried 2 things that HAVE worked (I knew they would) but I was surprised that the hubster finally relented in trying them. Also - he now wants to see just how long we can continue.  He loves to test himself (and me).

Heat - we haven't turned on the heat yet.  If you live in some nice warm state that's no big deal - but I live in Massachusetts. It's been cold here (on and off) with frost in the morning. Mind you it hasn't been FREEZING but we've some pretty chilly days.  Most other folks have turned on the heat - if only to take the chill off.

But not me.  I wanted to make it to November 1st (at least) without the heat.  We've had to hunker down in the family room with a fire in the fireplace for a few days - retiring to piles of blankets on the bed at night - but we did it. We survived without ill effect.

We're going to go as long as we can before we crank up that heat for the winter.  I'm guessing we could get another 2-3 weeks unless there's a serious cold snap.  And even then, I may get away with just heating up the house first thing in the morning.

Transportation - we have 2 vehicles. We've always had 2 vehicles.  I've been trying to convince the hubster that we could manage with one. Sure, it might not be easy or convenient sometimes but I'll bet we could do it. 

The hubster normally drives his car about 5 miles to the train station, parks, takes the train to work.  So we have a car for the CONVENIENCE of him going to/from the train station when he wants.

Since September we've tried a new tactic. DD and I drive him to the bus stop in the morning. He takes the bus to the train.  His car sits in the driveway.  He walks home from the bus.

The bus stop is only a mile walk from our house - not an unreasonable walk at all (unless the weather is crappy). The street has sidewalks and streetlights and is well traveled. 

This works - relatively well.  Sure there are hiccups in the plan like when he has to go to a different office that's not on the train line, or has a midday MD appointment - but again, I think we can learn how to manage around that.

The hubster has decided to test his resolve - he wants to make it to the end of the year like this.  The cost savings is about $10/day (parking ALONE is $7/day at the train station)  so it's a worthwhile attempt.

Now it's November and the test for BOTH of our attempts at cost savings becomes difficult. It's cold, rainy, blowy - the kind of weather that makes you want to stay curled up in blankets.  But we CAN do this!

[Nonoluna]

Nov. 2, 2009 at 12:06 PM

Well done! It's amazing how changing just one or two things in your life can make a big difference. I keep the heat low (lower than dh) but we've had to run the furnace since Chihiro is still so young and we don't have a fireplace. We moved to a small house, closer to the core of our small city and a mile from my dh's work. We drive our primary car less than 6500 miles a year and our second car (a wagon) maybe once a month if that. I'd like to get rid of it. Dh is unfortunately attached to it.

My big thing lately is to plan all of our meals ahead and search for the best deals in the flyers. It's helped us not eat out as often and stay in budget for food which makes a big difference.

[science_spot]

Nov. 2, 2009 at 2:02 PM

Good job!  Yes I bet you can do it!  The heat thing is hard... I have been cold enough to turn it up evenmore than it's usual setting.....