Comments on: 29 Ways to Quickly Create Breathing Space in a Budget

By: Kristin

Kristin — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:08:06 +0000

Thank you for your brutal honesty! When you need money for food and a roof, everything else becomes fluff. Children will not be permanently damaged. If you keep a positive attitude, your kids will too. We just got rid of our tv’s, home Internet, Netflix, and cell phones and we haven’t realty missed them. And keep in mind that one of the best things you can give your kids is your financial independence in your senior years. Trust me on this, because I’m dealing with parents who haven’t saved or made secure plans for their retirement. That’s a burden.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 06:49:18 +0000

Melanie, sorry you are still having trouble making ends meet! It sounds like you are trying really hard. Please do not “sell” coupons, though. It is illegal and could get you into trouble. They have really started cracking down on things since TLC began airing that show. Always coupon ethically! You will make it:)

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 06:43:56 +0000

Great suggestions! I agree with others that we should be doing most of these things to be good stewards. Thanks for pointing out that the couponing does not have to be extreme. A few hours a week can realistically enable someone to save 40-50% on household products and food.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Hey, Monster Saver, you know what’s really “scarring” for kids? Losing their homes because their parents can’t pay the mortgage. I think it goes without saying that “adult things” would go first. Lots of kids would be happy (though still upset) to be able to do something to contribute if the circumstances were really dire.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:48:09 +0000

And for those who really don’t want their children in public school… try homeschooling! You can do that on a dime and your kids could very possibly excel! (That’s what we do!)

By: Melanie

Melanie — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:46:56 +0000

Bummer, I was hoping for some “other” ways to cut corners! haha

As it turns out, your article was ‘spot-on’ in my opinion! I have already done every single one of these (that apply). I guess that means that we are on the right track! Still having trouble making ends meet, but doing the best we can.
I’ve even started “selling coupons” that I don’t personally need… so that’s helping me bring in a small income even though I am a stay-at-home mom.

By: Monster saver

Monster saver — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:39:16 +0000

Some of this is ok, but some of it is extreme. Why not suggest to people to sit down and make a list of what income comes in and whats going out. Getting rid of pets, removing kids from schools/activities are not things that I would consider. Those things are scarring. Cut back on adult things. Seriously, I think with the economy this way people are already cutting back.

By: Sunny Florida

Sunny Florida — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:06:15 +0000

I bought 2 solar yard lights for $3 each at the local discount store. I have a grandchild who is afraid of the dark. My husband popped one of the lights off the stick and put it on the bedside table for him when he spent the night. It was still glowing bright the following morning and we put it outside for recharging. Can’t get any cheaper than that.

By: MD

MD — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:51:52 +0000

Some great tips here. When people are in dire straights, a lot of times there are a lot of things they could do without to help out. I’m always looking for new ways to trim a little off of my expenses. I get coupons from thecouponclippers.com for cheap, I shop what is on sale, I check my cellphone plans regularly to see if they change them around to something cheaper (and have in the past). I’ve even gotten lower interest rates just by calling up my credit cards, but I imagine that’s a lot harder to do these days.

By: Princess Kessie

Princess Kessie — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:13:16 +0000

“get rid of pets”? That’s like asking a parent to get rid of their kids.

Now *there’s* an idea – good for the environment, too…

(Seriously – both suggestions are just wrong.)