I don’t know about you and your family but I would definitely say the state of the economy over the past couple of years has really changed how our family lives and makes decisions on a daily basis. My grandparents would always say how we are a society of convenience and the amount of waste we generate is amazing. They were right! As our take home pay decreased and bills increased we realized as a family it was time to take a look around and see how we could live on less.

We live in one of those Craftsman house plans that is about 15 years old. It needs some repairs and usually I would just call the repairperson but found that many of the things that need to be fixed I can do myself. I checked out the local library and found a wealth of information on the repairs and have learned how to do them myself. If I get in a bind we just trade services with family and friends. Skills that I have they can use and vice versa. This way we all get things accomplished for little or no cost. Just a little hard work and some networking and we are good to go.

When it comes to the kitchen there are numerous ways to cut back on waste. Try removing the paper towel holder and only use kitchen towels that can be washed when they get dirty. The same goes for utensils, plates and cups. Disposable items are a waste of money. Use the real thing and just wash them for the next meal. The aluminum foil that was used for baking can also be crumbled up and is a great way to scrub those nasty pots and pans. Plastic food containers can be washed up and used to freeze leftovers or to store meals in the fridge. Produce bags that are plastic and also bread bags can also be used to freeze leftovers. If you need a gift, try baking it. This is a gift that is personally from you and will mean a lot more to the recipient than a store bought item. Try growing your own vegetable and herb garden. These items cost a lot at the store and when home grown have a much better taste. There are so many great recipes online that soon cooking will not be a chore but a family hobby. Don’t waste the ink and paper, simply bookmark your favorites.

Make going out to lunch or supper a special occasion. Save your money and brown bag it. Lunch may not seem to cost that much at fast food places and delis but those dollars really add up over the months. Reuse your paper lunch bag or purchase a reusable lunch sack and fix a healthy lunch with what you already have at home. Not only are you saving on the price of food but also the gas used to get it.

Try shopping at discount stores to purchase your household items. Many of these stores carry the same brand or equal to your brand at a fraction of the cost. You have heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Try hitting garage sales in your area.  You will be surprised at what you find. Items from clothing to furniture can be found at rock bottom prices.

If you find yourself in need of some wardrobe updates visit the thrift stores or even the closet down the hall. Swap with other family members and friends to get the splash of color you were hoping for. Along that line of updating your wardrobe take the time to learn to sew or knit and add new buttons or accessories to give that old jacket a new and updated look.

When it comes to recreation there are many communities that offer free programs to people in the area. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or community bulletin board for picnic areas, park programs, book readings, concerts, and sporting events. These are all great ways to spend time as a family with little or no cost. Pack the picnic basket and enjoy the outdoors.

These are just some examples on how to live for less. One rule of thumb before buying anything is to take the time and ask yourself, “Do I really need it?” As your family begins down the road to living simpler you will soon find many other ways to cut back. Soon all decisions you make will be in the forefront of your mind and those household decisions will positively affect your family savings. By cutting back you will be able to save money for a “rainy day.”

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