I can honestly say I’ve been hiding my head in the sand when it comes to the state of the economy. Now, my place of employment is trying to pass a bill to make most state employees take one furlough day a month through next summer. At first, the possibility of having a day off (even without pay) was pretty exciting. Now, reality is setting in and I have to figure out where to cut back that one day’s salary. There’s even talk about making some of us take two days off, but I’m being optimistic and praying that it’s only one.
I’ve recently made two change in areas where I have previously spent a ton of money. I’m a major coffee consumer. I have been known to visit Starbucks almost ever day for weeks and sometimes more than once a day. Throw in a couple of kid’s hot chocolates every now and then and you’ve got a car payment! Now, I make a pot of coffee every morning. That should help, right?
Secondly, I’ve rediscovered the Public Library. There is no telling how much I’ve spent on books for me and the kids over the past couple of years. What was I thinking??? A friend from work reminded me that the library was just around the corner from my office and said she had started downloading books on MP3 for no charge. I think I spent over $20 on my last book on CD. Why didn’t I think of this?
So… Here’s my question. What else am I missing? I need to cut another hundred dollars or so out of my budget each month. Any ideas?
By the way, my little ones loved the library, but didn’t quite understand that, unlike Borders or Barnes & Noble, the library is a QUIET place! This will take some practice for us. We’re such a loud bunch around here. : )
