Economizing Now and Forever

In the last issue of this eNewsletter, in an article about changes people are making in response to our tough economy, I asked what changes you’ve made that you believe will be permanent. Among those who wrote, Maria says she’s been taking a bus to work instead of driving. She’s saving money by doing so, and she’s developing a greater appreciation for what she has. She explained that she’s seeing parts of her city she had never seen before–some of which have made her thankful for her neighborhood. And, because she realizes that many others on the bus probably don’t own a car, she has come to see owning a car as a privilege.

Sara has realized that discount clothing may not be the bargain it seems if it doesn’t hold up very long. Durability has become a much more important factor in choosing what clothing she buys. She also looks for clothes that do not require dry cleaning.

Jane relayed her experience raising “two somewhat accident-prone boys.” When one of them gets hurt, she has learned to go straight to a specialist. She used to go to their main pediatrician, but he would just have x-rays taken and then send them to a specialist. She’s gone the emergency room route as well, but they typically just patch up the kids and then refer them to a specialist. Going straight to a specialist, which is allowed by her insurance, has saved her a lot of money and aggravation.

Don and his wife have learned how to combine errands, doing most of their shopping by driving in one big loop. They’ve also been expanding their use of store brands.

Thanks to everyone who wrote. An important key, of course, will be sticking to these changes once the economy picks up again.

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