Finding ways to save a little, a lot

What are you doing to adapt to a changing economy? Gas on Monday averaged $3.90 in Monterey, $3.91 in Salinas, according to AAA's Gas Price Finder, and no one expects those prices to drop anytime soon.

[MontereyHerald Online]

What are you doing to adapt to a changing economy? Share your stories and budgeting tips with other readers.

[cbups]

I am now going through my freezer, refrigerator, and pantry to use up items, or try new dishes with food items already on hand. Going to Costco to get essentials only and not unnecessary items. I make a adequate living, but am single. If I had a husband to contribute that second income, I wouldn't be in the situation I am now. I can't even imagine how hard it is on people making less money.

[Melisa Woodrow]

Ride my bike to work. I'm fortunate enough to have my work within a few miles. A few hills here and there, but its manageable. Along with that, eat out much much less. Becoming a very smart shopper and keeping chores and shopping items within the same store to save gas and traveling distances.

[Lilia]

I cook more at home. Luckily I don't eat meats too often so I can get by with a pot of lentils for a few days. Cutting coupons has always been practice but now even more so. Drying laundry on a clothesline, I'm a renter. Being aware of driving habits, thank goodness I drive a 4 cylinder that gets good mileage ! Shopping at 99cent store, its crowded in there nowadays...