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Frugal Tips for Surviving a Layoff

December 21, 2014 by Tiffany Davis Leave a Comment

frugal tips

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.

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Filed Under: Familly, Frugality, Gardening, On the Soap Box, Survival Skills

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