Another round of gas price increase happened last night. We can only sigh or pull our hair with exasperation because however we look at things, this seem to be a upward spiral gas price increase with whirlwind effects on everything else we use on a day-to-day basis. I know there aren’t so many options with regards to tightening the belt. The belt has been tightened and tightened over and over again, there is no more room to breathe. Even first world countries are reeling from these conditions, how much more with us? who belong to a poor nation with corrupt officials.

I have written in my other blog several ways to save. Some of these are fairly easy to do for us who have been scrimping, saving, budgeting, prioritizing on important expenditures and whatever form we can use to be able to budget whatever little purchase power we have in our hands. If this trend continues, I might even resort using a budgeting software just so I can put a rein on things. Oh, the things one does when life is really difficult. Better really to save than try to do things that will compromise one’s priorities.

Here are some of the tips I have written on how we try to, kinda try to, save:

1. Instead of frying the chicken pieces, cook these with vegetables and sauce, that way, we have more servings. Same goes with fish and other food products. No need to buy expensive ingredients if one knows how to cook well. If not, learn to cook and avoid, asmuch as possible, eating out.
2. Turn off all electrical appliances that are not in use.
3. Buying of toys and other unnecessary things that become junk is not allowed.
4. Stick to the budget. The what? Yes, the budget, especially during Christmas holidays, even if you don’t really have a budget to speak of
5. Bring food to work, instead of buying from the nearest convenience store whose prices on things they sell are very high.
6. Take care of your things so these can last long. Or maybe, buy things that are durable, even if these cost more.
7. Eat at home before going anywhere. As much as possible, bring packed food and drinks.
8. Ask yourself first if you really, really need this new bag or this trendy pair of shoes before purchasing. Be honest.
9. Wait for your favorite items to go on sale, even if it means a loooong wait. Who knows, you might change your mind and not buy that thing anymore.
10. Be simple. Feel joy and happiness without spending a dime by appreciating the wonderful things around you. In other words, no malling, just stay in and bond with the family.

Yes, I know we can only do so much but if we try, we can probably survive this. We are in for the long run and all hope of having the gas prices go back to a lower price should not be thought of at all. Yes, its that bad.

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 21st, 2008 at 5:39 am and is filed under Information, home management. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.