Reducing Costs

Everyone seems to be feeling the pinch of higher cost of living. Higher food, fuel, water, medicines, communications, and taxes are taking their toll on our finances. One area that has skyrocketed lately for us has been entertainment. Cutting back has been painful but we are getting by.

Addressing the higher food costs has been the most difficult so far. We had to start buying cheaper cuts of meat and figure ways to cook them to make them more palatable. Generic store brands are usually comparable to name brands so we eliminated buying most name brands unless they are on sale cheaper than store brands. We are trying to grow our own vegetables and some fruits.

Fuel cost has affected us immensely too. This one was a no-brainer. We reduced our mileage and bought more fuel efficient vehicles.

Water cost nearly doubled this year. We actually increased usage since the drought is killing our garden. We can't afford to waste water to keep our grass looking good so we gave up on that one.

Medicines have been the hardest to cut back. If generics are not available, I research the benefits and hazards of each prescription and sometimes we just don't fill prescriptions if we can't justify the cost. Health insurance is also ridiculously high. We only pay for coverage for Mom and a supplemental for Dad. Becky and I can't afford it.

Communications are my next obstacle. Desperately needing 911 service has prevented us from switching to a cheaper internet based phone line. I may cancel all but incoming calls and 911 service to cut our bill. I already have two pay-as-you-go cell phones for emergency use. We could use my own internet phone service to place outgoing calls. Teaching old people to use modern technology has been the greatest obstacle so far.

Taxes on all of these things have gotten ridiculous too. Telephone taxes cost nearly $30 per month. The same $30 for cable TV and internet. I don't buy cigarettes anymore because I buy tobacco and tubes to roll my own at half the cost. Taxes on cigarettes are astronomical!

Most of these cuts could be eliminated if I could go to work. The problem lies in the fact that Dad only trusts me with his care. Every time I do get a construction job, Dad's health spirals downward fast. To add to the problem, Mom and Becky are constantly "needed" elsewhere. Becky has been able to go and work to make a little money, but I consistently make about three times the amount she is able to earn. Additionally, the motor is blown in my work truck so it makes it nearly impossible to haul my tools to do a job.

Times are tough and they are about to get MUCH tougher. Dad's health is failing and I have no backup plan to keep the finances going should he die or become incapacitated. We are lucky that my house and Dad's house are paid in full. Maintenance has fallen because we just don't have any extra money. Something drastic has got to happen or we are facing disaster on the home front.