10 Things People Can't do Without in the Recession

[Bethers]

I enjoyed this article:
10 Things We Can't Live Without.

I agree with it - and while I am pretty recession-proof if I follow my frugal ways - which I had to make in order to travel like this - I cannot live without my computer. So I sure agree with that being #1. No matter where I am, I have contact with the world and all you lovely women

[avalen]

it was a pretty good article, yep, gotta have the computer, but not the smart phone, I think
thats a waste of money, in fact I've recently downgraded my phone plan to pay as you go
so to speak. I never use it much and putting the money on the internet was a better option
for me. Music downloads? don't need any of that either, if I want music I just turn on the
radio. I don't go to the movies and I quit renting movies, but I do enjoy a good movie now
and then if it comes on free tv. Thats about all I can remember now of the article.

[Colliemom]

That is a good article. I agree. I would keep my computer first and foremost. How is one to keep up with the world and you ladies, these days. You can drop newspaper subscriptions and go online with that too. No need for smart phone either. I don't get many calls and if I get a cell phone, which I don't have cause I haven't found one to go with my hearing aids (behnd the ear ones and cell phones make them buzz), but I am considering getting one through WalMart. Have OnStar in my truck and phone service with that although it costs. Don't use it though, but it's there. I don't smoke, drink (other than a glass of wine), so no worries about spending there. And still don't have a digital TV. This "putr" is my digital TV.
I have a coworker who just got a Blackberry. Whole family (hhubby, kids) have one. Won't say how much it's costing them but they plan to cance internet service and home phone service eventually. But she is on that thing constantly. Gets annoying after awhle. Wanted to get one so the kids can keep up with the other kids (you know how that goes - got to have the latest). So i guess it all boils down to what each person sees as a priority. I like to stay simple.

[Bethers]

I loved my Blackberry - but didn't use all the features as much as I could have - so when I recently changed phones and internet plans, I actually downgraded my phone. I still have a phone with more bells and whistles than I need, but couldn't go any lower Also have a basic phone plan as I hate talking on the phone, so use it for business and necessities only. But take my computer away from me. Nope, no can do. And one of these days I'll probably upgrade to satellite internet service. Intended to this spring on the way north to AK, but since AK got canceled, so did that. But that is on my wanted list.

[BarbaraRose]

I agree that I can't live without my laptop. I rarely watch TV anymore, just a couple of shows per week now. Never go out to movies, don't drink, so no evening social life. I play golf in the summer but it is fairly inexpensive ($9 per week) and is my only hobby and social life. I am a book addict, but now instead of buying all my books at the bookstore, I get most of my books at the library. The ones I can't find there, I go on-line to Amazon.com and buy them used on there for just a few bucks. I don't buy many clothes for myself, and only have a few pairs of shoes and one purse. Obviously, I don't spend hardly anything on my hair other than a cheap frosting kit ($8) once every three months. I cut my own hair or get it cut free at work. I try to buy other types of products on sale or generic brands. I do spend more than I should on food, but that is because I buy a lot of pre-packaged food since I hate to cook. My only other "necessities" are my Pillsbury oatmeal/chocolate chip cookie dough and my Fruit2O bottled water (I hate the taste of plain water and this is the only kind of water I will drink enough of so I don't get dehydrated). My pets don't wear clothing or play with expensive toys (vet bills are a killer tho!). If I had a sewing machine I would make all their bedding and hammocks myself. Ferret hammocks are very expensive so they don't get replaced very often.

I have a cell phone as well as my home phone but I just pay $10 per month for my prepaid Tracfone. When I move, I will only use the Tracfone. My apartment complex pays for my cable TV so that saves me a lot. I don't listen to much music so just the radio occasionally. I own very few CD's and some old cassette tapes. No ipod for me!

I shop at thrift stores if I need something specific but never to browse. Most of my furniture has been bought at GW or other thrift stores or garage sales. I used to be addicted to buying stuff on-line at LTD Commodities but had to stop because it was too tempting since they would bill me later. Now I am still paying that bill!

So that is how I spend my money and try to save here and there. Curious to read more about what the rest of you do!