If I haven’t found a new job by the time it happens we’ll be just fine for 7-8 months without adjusting our basic spending which is already very frugal, and without counting any unemployment benefits. We’ll just temporarily suspend the savings/extra mortgage pmts and catch up on those once I land somewhere else. Because my company is in bankruptcy protection I won’t get a severance package or any paid notice, I’ll just be paid for any unused vacation. A few years ago that would have sent me into a panic. Now with no consumer debt, and our basic expenses pared down to a level we can just about cover on one salary we have a lot of breathing room.

I called them about making a few cost cutting changes. They then said there is a discount available for customers, but THEY HAVE TO ASK FOR IT!

So, if you are a customer of this company, CALL ‘EM!! It may only save you $5 to $10 a month on your bill, but it all helps!

I’d even call whatever phone/internet company you have, in case they have unknown discounts.

Another call worth making is to your cell phone provider. They come out with new plans all the time. You can often get more for less if you call.

Whether one lives below ones means because of religious beliefs or because it is simply common sense makes no difference. What is not generally accepted is that one has to be very, very poor before it is not possible to cut back. It may not be comfortable – but it is possible.

I enjoy reading your contributions very much. They reflect my own view on life and it is a view that is standing those who hold it in good stead given the dire state of the economies of the world.