CNN iReport

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HELP US TO CUT  COSTS WHEREVER POSSIBLE

1>PRESCRIPTIONS MONTHLY $600-800.00  This is approx monthly actual script total. We have HMOs (spprox $200 premiums monthly for 2) and we use generic prescriptions whenever possible.  Some cheaper if can get script for double dose and can break into two pills.  Will last twice as long at maybe half price. Approx $800.00-$1000.00 monthly Scripts and Medical Premiums

2>Stopped Newspaper

3>Cut Cable TV to Small Movie Package.

4>Got cheaper Land line Telephone Co-we use for DSL Home Network and multi computers

6>Got rid of Cell Phone. We'll get a prepaid phone for concerns re health emergency while on the road.or if driving my old car mostly restored in case of breakdown due to sitting for a while.

7>No More Dentists Unless Absolutely Have To (too many deep cleanings caused probs.-Use Floss at least 1x day, gargle with then hold Listerine in mouth 2 min. each day.  Use Tea Tree Oil on gums at night. Closys toothpaste and oral rinse really does whiten teeth.

8>Stop Netflix (Not best for us & many times  they arrived damaged)

9>Cut Own Hair

10>Do Own Nails

11>Use as little heat as possible and burn fireplace whenever possible.  It gets rid of dampness and provides perfect amount of heat in our bedroom where we are most of the time.

12> We have a portable air conditioner that gets downright cold in our room, & only turn on the whole house air cond. if really hot.  I have MS so must have air conditioner on all year just about 24/7.

13>Keep all lights off except what we use when we need them in the room we wre in, and the light bulbs have all been switched to fluorescent curly cues

14>Minimize water usage mainly indoors, as we don't ever have to water outside unless there's drought

15>Minimize automobile usage and make sure tires filled appropriately

16>Change air filters once month

17>Run dishwasher when full

18>Make sure washer and dryer loads appropriate size, right amount of water for load and only use cold water.

19>Jose Cuervo Tequila takes out blood, hot sauce and other stains on fabric--even white fabric and doesn't stain

20>Take car to dealer for work instead of taking it around to different mechanics, always trying to get a better deal,, and keep all receipts to have a history on vehicle. Make them sign something where they have to call if charges are over certain amount or if they say other work needed.

FOOD COSTS PRETTY FRUGLE WITH ONE MEAL PER DAY USUALLY DINNER, BECAUSE WE CAN'T SLEEP & ARE UP MOST OF THE NIGHT

We don't eat much. We have ordered take out salads from an Italian restaurant.  We order one salad each of either the Regular Salad (about $3.50)  or Greek Salad (about $4.50), and they come with 6 soft bread sticks, and peppers. $8.00 total for 1 night dinner for 2

A nice big pot of well seasoned chili with beans or beans and meat, homemade $10 and will last 3 nights for us as dinner for 2.

One can of Low Sodium soup with milk. Cream of Tomato, Cream of Broccoli, Cream of Celery Topped with Sour Cream and add side of toast or bread with margarine. $3.00 One night dinner for 2.

1 Hardees Thick Burger and 1 Hardees Little Thick Burger & share Fries $10.00   One night dinner for 2

If we eat out at a nice restaurant since we don't eat a lot, it doesn't take very much food to get full, and always end up with a whole dinner to take home for the next night. $50.00 for two nights for 2

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (1 1/2-2 each) AND Potato Chips  $3.00 for One Night dinner for 2

Deviled Ham & mayonaise sandwiches with Potato Chips $3.00 for One Night dinner for 2

If we make enchiladas, roast, lasagne, etc., we double the recipe and freeze in dinner size portions.

Hopefully we will have a home garden this year to grow our own vegetables