If Money is Tight, Which Expense would you let go?
By Arya
@yoalldudes (35037)
Philippines
January 25, 2023 1:17am CST
The cost of living is going up, up, up. Being very frugal to the point of being cheap made me feel deprived. I tried this in 2021 where I save a good amount by doing a no buy year.
In 2022, I went back to shopping. I think my budget is still fat, I dont live a luxurious life, I havent travelled outside of the country nor gone to El Nido or Boracay which I think at this age I should have already done. But there are still items in my budget I can let go of to survive if things get worse.
First, is the househelp. I can do the chores assuming that I dont have a job anymore. There will be a lot of time for chores, rest, and some energy to go by. Another would be eating out. Cooking at home and choosing cheaper meals and having a special meal only from time to time would truly lower our food expenses.
I would also try to replace our refrigerator with an inverter one to save on monthly electricity. I can use clip fans instead of electric fans. If I dont get an online job or income, then the DSL internet can also go.
I'm not sure if a bicycle would have benefit instead of commuting. The fare here is a third of a dollar.
Other than those mentioned, I dont have any more ideas on where to cut on costs.
13 people like this
15 responses
@MasGion (1832)
• Malang, Indonesia
25 Jan 23
if can't cut cost anymore, try to find online job.
I join several online survey to get come dollars. not much but better than go internet for nothing...
same here, inflation reduce our value of money, cant buy same thing with same amount of money.
2 people like this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
That was just a hypothetical story telling of where I can cut costs in case things get worse. But fortunately I dont have to because I still have a job.
By the way, first time I see you here. Nice to meet you.
2 people like this
@MasGion (1832)
• Malang, Indonesia
25 Jan 23
@yoalldudes hahaha...OK, may someone else need my advice. I'm grateful if you no need that, it mean you are in good condition, I am glad to here that...
nice to meet you too... i will follow to reach your others story....nice to read that...
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
@MasGion Yes so far still doing okay. But we dont know of the future with what is happening in the world.
1 person likes this
@florelway (23286)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
25 Jan 23
Cutting on soda for me is a big savings. I make sure we have fresh calamansi to squeeze to lessen my cravings for soda. Home cooked food is better than ordering ready made foods. I don't buy original denims anymore. At my age I rather wear dress or skirt and slacks cheaper and more comfortable.
1 person likes this
@cacay1 (83480)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
25 Jan 23
@florelway, living in a frugal way is best this time.
1 person likes this
@cacay1 (83480)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
25 Jan 23
@yoalldudes I stop drinking coffee to save 
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
Brand new branded denims can be expensive, I must agree. I see you love soda. I cant blame. Thankfully, I can do without and drink only during occasions or dine outs. Coffee though is another story
2 people like this
@Methodless (882)
• Canada
26 Jan 23
I have recently been spoiling myself with takeout much more often than before, and recently been splurging on cannes drinks (like fancy iced teas). That would be the easiest thing for me to cut as it's the largest frivolity in my budget
@Methodless (882)
• Canada
26 Jan 23
@yoalldudes Agreed. I've only over the last couple of years been indulging, as I've been progressing in my career
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
26 Jan 23
Yes, we only live once (YOLO) so we better enjoy while we can knowing when things become harder we can adjust.
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
There are 2 expenses that I ought to remove but just can't - coffee and junk foods
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471500)
• Switzerland
25 Jan 23
Well, I have no helpers and I never buy food outside, I always cook.
I cannot let go really too much, I could renounce to some food in favor of less expensive things, but this could lead to health problems and then I should spend in medications.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471500)
• Switzerland
25 Jan 23
@yoalldudes - We used to eat out one day per week at noon. When Covid started we never had lunch outside again.
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
@LadyDuck You havent returned to the old routine. I remember your husband saying your cooking is better than the food in the restaurant. That is an awesome compliment and makes sense that you just cook at home. But maybe there are times you dont feel like cooking you can go out since I think it "safer" now.
2 people like this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
That is good you prepare healthy meals at home. I am slowly starting to cook again.
2 people like this
@Icydoll (36717)
• India
25 Jan 23
I look for saving methods always, i do prefer only home food i rarely go outside to eat .I am looking for change the internet data plan that has low cost .We don't have TV connection.I think that is also saving method. As we can watch everything on mobile .
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
Me too we dont have cable TV nor subscriptions. Life is more peaceful that way lol.
@May2k8 (18359)
• Indonesia
26 Jan 23
@yoalldudes In fact, I turn off the lights from morning until evening, after all, my lights are also LED.
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
26 Jan 23
I agree with turning off devices and lights especially at night to save electricity.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37353)
• Toccoa, Georgia
25 Jan 23
I'm not sure what I could give up. I need to think about it.
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
26 Jan 23
Sure take your time. You can share with us another time 
1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
In the meantime, we can still enjoy these little luxuries while they are available and while we can afford.
I am slowly practicing to get better at cooking and food preparation.
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
25 Jan 23
We are able to meet all of our expenses right now. Hopefully that will continue to be the case.
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
26 Jan 23
That is good to hear. I hope it stays that way. It doesnt hurt to be prepared though.
1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20255)
•
25 Jan 23
Plenty of people around me have cut cost by getting rid of their pets first. (Pet foods are pretty expensive!) - I have thought of this a lot lately, but I don't know what to do yet.
@YrNemo (20255)
•
25 Jan 23
@yoalldudes but a lot of work, to take care of them pets, especially when one works long hours. Of course, we can't get rid of our cats here... (sentimental reason!)
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
Oh no that is rather sad. Pets bring joy.
1 person likes this
@mrki444 (15149)
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
27 Jan 23
@yoalldudes I like hangout with people. I like sometimes sit alone in bar.
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
26 Jan 23
Sounds like someone's having so much fun . Good plan.
. Good plan.1 person likes this
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
26 Jan 23
That is an interesting idea. I dont know if I can succeed with intermittent fasting though.
@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
26 Jan 23
I agree because there are other sources of entertainment. Sometimes we dont fully maximize its usage anyway.
1 person likes this
@cacay1 (83480)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
25 Jan 23
At home lights off in the day in all parts at home but I still pay 4, 300 pesos current bill.
but I still pay 4, 300 pesos current bill.@yoalldudes (35037)
• Philippines
25 Jan 23
Oh that is pretty steep. Ours is around 1k pesos. That is a good idea to turn off all lights in the daytime. That would work if the sunlight illuminates the interior. Our house somehow needs some lighting even in daytime. I remember I have just bought solar lamps, I should get them to use LOL.
