Frugal Tips for Surviving a Layoff

We are using frugal tips to survive a layoff and you can too.

On December 3rd my husband had the misfortune of being laid off during a company restructure.    This isn’t the first time and it has given me the opportunity to find and share some frugal tips for surviving a layoff.

A place to start:

• Cut the cable – we actually haven’t had this in years and we don’t miss it.
• Switch your high speed internet to dial up
• Get rid of your land line phone service
• Get rid of your “smart” phones and use plain ‘ol cell phones
• Keep your thermostat under control (not too warm in the winter or too cool in the summer)
• Stop getting coffee on the run and brew it at home

A step further:

• No eating out
• Consolidate your driving (literally map out your errands for the shortest routes to conserve gas)
• OR consider public transportation to save on gas and insurance
• Plant a garden you can eat out of (this is more of a long-term savings)

In the Kitchen:

• Cook with 2 meals in mind (dinner and then lunch the next day)
• Get creative with what is already in your pantry, freezer and fridge BEFORE you start shopping
• Buy in bulk to save money on groceries
• Stop using convenience foods and cook from scratch
• No pre-bottled water
• Stop using paper towels and use washable/reusable towels
• Use coupons and buy generic – most generic brands are pretty close to their name-brand counterparts!
• Make your own dishwasher soap
• OR wash dishes by hand to save electricity costs
• Cut sponges and scrubies in 1/2 (you really don’t need the whole thing for cleaning well!)
• Make your own counter sprays (vinegar is a great and inexpensive cleaner)

In the Bathroom:

• Consider making your own bath soap
• Use bleach/water to clean
• Only flush for #2 (big water savings)
• Clean toilets with white vinegar – it works!
• Don’t let the water run when you’re brushing your teeth
• Add water to your shampoo and conditioner to stretch them out
• Shower every other day (if you’re looking for a job, shower daily)
• Hang up you towels and don’t use a new one with every shower

In the Laundry Room:

• Wash everything in cold water
• Dry outside as weather permits
• Make your own laundry detergent 
• Wash full loads only
• Hand wash your dedicates instead of using the hand wash cycle
• If you must dry clean, use an at-home kit
• Wear some clothes more than once before washing – jeans, sweaters, etc

For the Family:

• Entertain yourself with books, games, movies at home
• Consider cloth diapers for babies and making your own wipes
• Make gifts or re-gift
• Shop thrift if you must shop
• Mend clothes
• Unplug anything that isn’t in use
• Cut out snacking, sodas and other unhealthy foods – use your money wisely on healthy homemade eats and drinks
• Cut out the gym memberships and go for a walk, bike ride, etc

Long term:

• Shop for better insurance rates on housing, cars, etc.
• Don’t use your credit cards to survive – you’ll regret it in the long run (personal experience)
• Avoid borrowing, if you can
• If you don’t have a church with a food pantry, look for one that does.  You don’t always need to be a member – it is ok to ask for help.
• If you are in debt, contact creditors about your payments.  Many will reduce your payments for a time.

I know, all too well, how hard a layoff can be.  The best way to survive one is to already be doing the things above plus having a savings, garden, stocked survival pantry (not just for dooms-dayers), etc.  BUT you can survive this even if you haven’t done those things.  Remember that saving money can be fun too – I love seeing how much I can save with coupons and the like.  Get your kids involved, don’t be afraid to explain that changes must be made.

I hope these tips help you as they have helped us.