No, I'm not going on a diet, much as I could use it.
At Cliff's place of employment, they constantly push for a "lean" approach: This means getting rid of costly, unnecessary steps in the jobs done there.
As Cliff looks toward retiring next June, I'm looking at our budget and deciding what measures to take that will "lean" things up around here.
The Sam's Club card will not be renewed. Although it's the best place to buy things in bulk, many of the things I buy there (all sorts of flavored almonds, for instance) are things I wouldn't be buying if I didn't go to Sam's. Vitamins will cost a little more at Walmart, but since I won't be tempted to buy almonds and other frivolous items, I believe I'll actually save money in the long run. Now of course, if somebody wants to lend me their card to use, the way I've loaned ours to others, I'll jump at the chance to use it.
I want to buy an HD television antenna. We don't plan to give up our satellite dish as soon as Cliff retires, but I'd like to have an antenna in place so that if we get to the point that we can no longer afford satellite television, we'll be ready. Besides, it would be nice to be able to switch to the antenna during storms that interfere with Dish television.
We're going to cut back on minutes on our cell phone account. I may even get rid of my cell phone; it's awfully handy for touching bases with Cliff when he and I are in different areas of a store, but we got by for many years without that little perk.
We'll probably drop the comprehensive insurance on our car.
I intend to monitor the house temperature more closely, keeping it a couple of degrees cooler in winter (sweats are my friend) and, with the use of fans, a couple of degrees warmer in summer.
Because I don't drive and don't like to make Cliff go anyplace he doesn't have to when he's off work, I haven't made use of public libraries. I buy books on half.com, Even with shipping charge, the prices are reasonable, usually under $5. However, when Cliff has more free time, he won't mind going to the library once every couple of weeks; then our reading will cost nothing.
Yes, this household is "going lean" little by little.
HD antenna is the same as regular antenna, jus priced higher.I have one at home and it works fine, although I don't use it. At the store they will try to sell you an overpriced antenna but regular rabbit ears would do.
ReplyDeleteSeveral times a year there is a book sale in the Metcalf South mall in Overland Park, KS, sponsored by the friends of the library. They sell books for pennies, you can get a whole year's worth for $15 or $20.There is one coming up in November I think.
And the warehouse club memberships are easy enough to share and split the cost.
I gave up my club membership to Sam's, a couple years ago 'cause I was buying things I didn't need, in quanities too large to whittle down. My hubby is 71 and may be forced to retire soon... so I'll be joining that new LEAN club too.
ReplyDeleteI have had to cut costs by turning off our cable tv. We have a Tracfone, so no contracts. We don't buy in bulk and don't have a card for Sam's or anything like that. We buy meat and produce and dairy that has been marked down however and stock up on that.
ReplyDeleteGood idea about the comprehensive on the car insurance. That is something I need to do. Although the car runs fine it is 10 years old and I think it's time to do just that. Anyway I really thought you both looked pretty thin in that motorcycle picture.
ReplyDeleteDee from Tennessee
ReplyDeleteOur Sam's card will go too -- and we were really fortunate that we got it this year for $20 rather than $40 (it was a fb promotion). First time we have had one in years.
We love the canned white chicken from Sam's and walnuts, pecans, and almonds. Will miss that chicken since I've learned to use it in so many things! We've already dropped our comprehensive coverage, increased our homeowner's deductible --- trying to do lots of little things but it's still gonna be tough. But having said that, we have SO MUCH to be thankful for -- the Lord has blessed us.
I think in this land of plenty we all could go a little more lean. I don't go to Sam's very often as I tend to pick up things I wouldn't normally buy but sure like their cleaning supplies and laundry detergent in bulk.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan! I need to do some lean management myself around here!
ReplyDeleteI love the Mid Continent Public Library. There's one in Oak Grove. I go online and reserve my books and when they email they are in, I take back the ones I have read and pick up the ones I have on hold. Have checked out 15 right now! I'm only in the library about 5 minutes. Easy peasy!
ReplyDeleteyou can shop at Sam's without a card. They add 10% surcharge,but you'll have to buy $500 worth to break even on the membership. You just tell them you want a guest pass to try them out.
ReplyDeletehttp://samshelpcenter.custhelp.com/ci/fattach/get/767/1269022187
I didn't know that, Meesha! It would work just fine for us. I might get up enough nerve to ask the two people who borrow mine to split the cost, but now I know there is an alternative.
ReplyDeleteI switched out all my lights to the curly CFL's and actually saw a decrease in my bill. It takes about a year to recoup the costs but they're coming down in price and rarely burn out. I had one in my garage that was on constantly and lasted 8 years.
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