Well with the economy as it is and with unemployment increasing daily, I
believe conspicuous consumption may be out of order. Food Banks are running
out of food, our wonderful State of California is closing down a tent city
that has popped up - I think they should pitch their tents on the lawn that
leads to the State capitol building, Where Arnie smokes his cigars (probably
10 bucks a piece).

http://www.news10.net/news/local/sto...?storyid=56175

Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than electricity
so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.

Are you conserving?
Buying less extravagant foods?
Donating to the local food bank?
Watching the sale prices more closely?

Dimitri

On Mar 12, 8:23*pm, "Gregory Morrow" > wrote:
> Dimitri wrote:
> > Well with the economy as it is and with unemployment increasing daily, I
> > believe conspicuous consumption may be out of order. Food Banks are
> running
> > out of food, our wonderful State of California is closing down a tent city
> > that has popped up - I think they should pitch their tents on the lawn
> that
> > leads to the State capitol building, Where Arnie smokes his cigars
> (probably
> > 10 bucks a piece).
>
> >http://www.news10.net/news/local/sto...?storyid=56175
>
> > Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
> > crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than
> electricity
> > so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> > Are you conserving?
> > Buying less extravagant foods?
> > Donating to the local food bank?
> > Watching the sale prices more closely?
>
> That's the way I've always lived, I grew up frugally...
>
> It's amazing that so many peeps have no clue as to how to budget for vittles
> (and other things), all the "frugal" articles and such I see about saving
> grocery money are really pretty much targeted to the monetary morons out
> there...

Didja see that tv spot where the guy tried to live on food stamps for
a month? I wanted to grab him thru the tv screen when he tossed boxed
mashed potatoes in his cart along with some other convenience type
boxed and canned junk.

No wonder he couldn't stretch a dollar.

Stepping off soapbox now.

"Dimitri" > wrote
> Are you conserving?
> Buying less extravagant foods?
> Donating to the local food bank?
> Watching the sale prices more closely?
>
I'm doing what I always do--making sure I get good values for my money and
donating some of the money I save to charities public and private.

Like, say I was tempted to indulge in a little "retail therapy" and I saw
stuff at BB&B that I wanted that totalled, say, $600.

I'd note the stuff, get it at a store more reasonably priced, or several
stores, and donate the difference. I get what I want, some others get some
help.

Dimitri wrote:

> Well with the economy as it is and with unemployment increasing daily, I
> believe conspicuous consumption may be out of order. Food Banks are
running
> out of food, our wonderful State of California is closing down a tent city
> that has popped up - I think they should pitch their tents on the lawn
that
> leads to the State capitol building, Where Arnie smokes his cigars
(probably
> 10 bucks a piece).
>
> http://www.news10.net/news/local/sto...?storyid=56175
>
> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than
electricity
> so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> Are you conserving?
> Buying less extravagant foods?
> Donating to the local food bank?
> Watching the sale prices more closely?


That's the way I've always lived, I grew up frugally...

It's amazing that so many peeps have no clue as to how to budget for vittles
(and other things), all the "frugal" articles and such I see about saving
grocery money are really pretty much targeted to the monetary morons out
there...

One of things that is "interesting" about the current economic crisis is
that many are just *now* realizing where money "comes from"...


--
Best
Greg

Dimitri wrote:
> Well with the economy as it is and with unemployment increasing daily, I
> believe conspicuous consumption may be out of order. Food Banks are
> running out of food, our wonderful State of California is closing down a
> tent city that has popped up - I think they should pitch their tents on
> the lawn that leads to the State capitol building, Where Arnie smokes
> his cigars (probably 10 bucks a piece).
>
> http://www.news10.net/news/local/sto...?storyid=56175
>
> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than
> electricity so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> Are you conserving?

Yes, always have, no difference today.

> Buying less extravagant foods?

Our only extravagance is good cuts of meat, makes more sense than
7-steak and other bony, gristly cuts.

> Donating to the local food bank?

Through our church at least monthly.

> Watching the sale prices more closely?

My 22-year old granddaughter is coming over this weekend to show me how
she is saving money with coupons. Girl has absolutely amazed me at how
well she does with coupons and sales. An old dog is going to be taught
new tricks.

>
> Dimitri

In article >,
"Dimitri" > wrote:

> Are you conserving?

Not especially.

> Buying less extravagant foods?

Have never much bought what I consider to be extravagant foods.

> Donating to the local food bank?

Regularly. The church I go to operates a food shelf. Usage has
skyrocketed. Skyrocketed.

> Watching the sale prices more closely?
>
> Dimitri

Always have. I was dumbfounded two weeks ago to get 28-ounce cans of
Hunt's tomato products for a buck each. That was less than half the
regular price. There are sales all over the place and if you've got
the money it's a good time to stock up.

--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
"What you say about someone else says more
about you than it does about the other person."

On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:02:40 -0700, "Dimitri" >
shouted from the highest rooftop:

>Are you conserving?

Like others have already noted, we always have been conservative to a
certain extent - even when we were earning good money. But as our cost
of living steadily increases and our retirement income remains
relatively static, we are more & more conscious of those increases and
that definitely has an effect on what and when we buy.

>Buying less extravagant foods?

Not exactly, but we're buying them less often. We still splurge on
special occasions, for guests and just for the enjoyment ... only not
as much.

>Donating to the local food bank?

Not specifically. But we make regular donations to various charities
including the Salvation Army, Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Also
the RSPCA because animal neglect is part of the scenario too.

>Watching the sale prices more closely?

Absolutely. I always do. But as the chief spendthrift in the family I
also ask myself and my wife if we really need something at least three
times before I rush in and buy it. As a result I am making very few,
if any, impulse purchases.


--

una cerveza mas por favor ...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~
Wax-up and drop-in of Surfing's Golden Years: <http://www.surfwriter.net>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~

On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:02:40 -0700, "Dimitri" >
wrote:

>Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
>crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than electricity
>so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.

I have no idea how to calculate it but I would think a crock pot would
cost less than heating up a whole oven even with the difference
between gas and electric. At lest here in Chicago.

Lou

On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:23:24 -0600, "Gregory Morrow"
> wrote:


>One of things that is "interesting" about the current economic crisis is
>that many are just *now* realizing where money "comes from"...

Many still think it comes from government. At least those who pay
little or no taxes.

Lou

been eating raman noodles and jacks pizzas(only when on sale= 4 for 10
dollars) for over 2 years now...the dog next door gives me a nervous
look when i take out the trash......

Wendy
http://community.webtv.net/WJS1701/AWEBPAGEFORJEFF

On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:53:26 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:


>Didja see that tv spot where the guy tried to live on food stamps for
>a month?

I saw it. He obviously didn't know how to cook.

>I wanted to grab him thru the tv screen when he tossed boxed
>mashed potatoes in his cart along with some other convenience type
>boxed and canned junk.

I've seen several spots with a similar theme. They all buy that crap.
I've also seen it first hand in the store. If I had to live on food
stamps the last thing I'd buy was convenience food.

Lou

In article >,
Lou Decruss > wrote:

> On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:02:40 -0700, "Dimitri" >
> wrote:
>
> >Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
> >crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than electricity
> >so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> I have no idea how to calculate it but I would think a crock pot would
> cost less than heating up a whole oven even with the difference
> between gas and electric. At lest here in Chicago.

I don't know either, but I just have to wonder if the oven uses more
electricity than the crockpot. Here's a random stove:

http://products.geappliances.com/App...QUEST=SPECPAGE
&SKU=JGBP28MEMBS&SITEID=GEA&TABID=2

It's rated at 5 amps vs maybe one or two for a crockpot. I think that
covers the oven light, and the three igniters for the top, broiler and
oven. I think the broiler and oven igniters probably use the most. Of
course, if you have an old stove with a pilot light, then electrical use
would be nominal.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

Lou Decruss wrote:
> On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:02:40 -0700, "Dimitri" >
> wrote:
>
>> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
>> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than electricity
>> so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> I have no idea how to calculate it but I would think a crock pot would
> cost less than heating up a whole oven even with the difference
> between gas and electric. At lest here in Chicago.
>
> Lou


It depends whether summer or winter. Consumer ovens are not vented, so
all the waste heat helps warm the kitchen, and eventually the whole
house. So baking in the winter helps save on your heating bill. In the
summer, using the oven increases your air conditioning costs.

Bob

On Thu 12 Mar 2009 04:02:40p, Dimitri told us...

> Are you conserving?
> Buying less extravagant foods?
> Donating to the local food bank?
> Watching the sale prices more closely?

We've been living close to the vest for quite some time now, since our
income is substantially less than it used to be. I don't see that
changing, so I would say that we have been and will continue to conserve.
We rarely buy extravagant foods except for the rare special occasion.

We don't donate to food banks, as such. The company I work for is a not-
for-profit mental health agency which is always in need of food and other
donations, since we operate numerous residential facilities. When we can
donate, this is where our donations go.

We shop sale prices, clearance items, decent store brands, discount stores
for laundry products, etc., yet there are certain branded items I won't
sacrifice on because of personal preference. Because of our shopping
habits we manage to keep a well-stocked freezer and pantry.

David grew up in a large and very poor family, so this was the norm for him
much of his life. I was on the other end of the spectrum for most of my
life, so it often seems like sacrifice to me, but we get by and we're
happy. I suppose that's the bottom line.

We don't eat out at expensive restaurants very often, but we usually do eat
out about once a week, often for breakfast.

I don't think we could cut back much further than we already do. There's
some consolation in knowing that we both have jobs that are about as secure
as any could be during these times, and we both play key roles in our
respective organizations.

--
Wayne Boatwright

"One man's meat is another man's poison"
- Oswald Dykes, English writer, 1709.

Dimitri wrote:

> Are you conserving?
> Buying less extravagant foods?
> Donating to the local food bank?
> Watching the sale prices more closely?

Being retired, I'm not afraid of losing my job. Don't worry, been
there, done that. I don't miss that uncertainty and I get people's
anxiety. So, my finances are rather stable. Weird.

I am ashamed to say I haven't donated to the food bank lately,
except for a bunch of clothing. I'll take care of that today.

Frankly, I think the best thing to do is not withdrawing from the
economy, when people start spending again is when we'll start
to get our mojo back. I don't need much, but I'm trying to buy
stuff here and there, visiting my favorite restaurants in the hopes
they'll still be there when this all shakes out. It's only small
amounts of money, a drop in the bucket.

Maybe this will sound really weird to people, or maybe people
will take it the wrong way and be ****ed off with me. Like I'm
running around buying Bentleys and furs or something. All I'm
saying is I don't think it's helpful to the economy to have more
and more people out of work because all the businesses are
going under from lack of customers.

nancy

In article >,
"Dimitri" > wrote:

> Well with the economy as it is and with unemployment increasing daily, I
> believe conspicuous consumption may be out of order. Food Banks are running
> out of food, our wonderful State of California is closing down a tent city
> that has popped up - I think they should pitch their tents on the lawn that
> leads to the State capitol building, Where Arnie smokes his cigars (probably
> 10 bucks a piece).
>
> http://www.news10.net/news/local/sto...?storyid=56175
>
> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than electricity
> so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> Are you conserving?
> Buying less extravagant foods?
> Donating to the local food bank?
> Watching the sale prices more closely?
>
> Dimitri

I'm just trying to survive on a limited budget... and still afford
health care.
--
Peace! Om

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. -- Dalai Lama

"Dimitri" > wrote in message
...
> Well with the economy as it is and with unemployment increasing daily, I
> believe conspicuous consumption may be out of order. Food Banks are
> running out of food, our wonderful State of California is closing down a
> tent city that has popped up - I think they should pitch their tents on
> the lawn that leads to the State capitol building, Where Arnie smokes his
> cigars (probably 10 bucks a piece).
>
> http://www.news10.net/news/local/sto...?storyid=56175
>
> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than
> electricity so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> Are you conserving?
> Buying less extravagant foods?
> Donating to the local food bank?
> Watching the sale prices more closely?
>
> Dimitri

I try to conserve. (I wish I had a gas stove/oven but I don't.) If I'm
going to heat the oven I try to cook multiple things while it's on.

I'm always checking sale prices. (I've noticed the weekly sales flyer has
shrunk considerably.) I don't know what you mean by "extravagant foods". I
don't sit around munching on caviar. I do buy things some people might
think are extravagant. For example, I love veal. But the last time I
bought veal it was cheaper (per pound) than chicken thighs, so I went ahead
and bought some. I love fish, but fish is often expensive. So I wait for
sales. I'm a coupon clipper, too.

I haven't found a nearby drop-off point for the food bank here in SC yet.
I'm not that familiar with the area. I emailed someone at the Lowcountry
Food Bank inquiring about a drop-off location. When I get back to TN to
clear out my apartment I'll be donating the canned goods and things like
dried beans and rice to the Memphis food bank. Some of my clothing will go
to Goodwill. I'm still sorting through my parent's clothing, which I'll
donate locally.

Jill

Dan Abel wrote:
> In article >,
> Lou Decruss > wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:02:40 -0700, "Dimitri" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
>>> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than electricity
>>> so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>> I have no idea how to calculate it but I would think a crock pot would
>> cost less than heating up a whole oven even with the difference
>> between gas and electric. At lest here in Chicago.
>
> I don't know either, but I just have to wonder if the oven uses more
> electricity than the crockpot. Here's a random stove:
>
> http://products.geappliances.com/App...QUEST=SPECPAGE
> &SKU=JGBP28MEMBS&SITEID=GEA&TABID=2
>
> It's rated at 5 amps vs maybe one or two for a crockpot. I think that
> covers the oven light, and the three igniters for the top, broiler and
> oven. I think the broiler and oven igniters probably use the most. Of
> course, if you have an old stove with a pilot light, then electrical use
> would be nominal.
>
IIRC the oven light and the igniters only draw juice when they're used.
The clock on my gas stove is the only thing that is continuously drawing
juice.

For an igniter that would be only momentary, for the light, it only goes
on when the door is open or if you hit the light switch. Certainly would
be less draw than a continuously on crockpot. The basic crockpot heat
element is basically just a short in a wire that heats up when the
thermostat tells it to.

zxcvbob wrote:
> Lou Decruss wrote:
>> On Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:02:40 -0700, "Dimitri" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
>>> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than
>>> electricity so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>>
>> I have no idea how to calculate it but I would think a crock pot would
>> cost less than heating up a whole oven even with the difference
>> between gas and electric. At lest here in Chicago.
>> Lou
>
>
> It depends whether summer or winter. Consumer ovens are not vented, so
> all the waste heat helps warm the kitchen, and eventually the whole
> house. So baking in the winter helps save on your heating bill. In the
> summer, using the oven increases your air conditioning costs.
>
> Bob

If your stove has an overhead vent fan, one that exhausts to the outside
as required by the UBC, you only get about a fourth of the heat you
would normally. And, regardless of what some people think, anytime you
operate a gas stove you should have the vent on to pull the products of
combustion, including carbon monoxide, out of your home. Doesn't matter
if you have the blue flame or not, unvented gas appliances can kill you
if your home is well sealed.

On a recent visit with relatives,
five of us went to a local steakhouse for dinner.

When all was done, dinner, drinks, tax and tips,
the tab was close to a hundred bucks !!

( and that was with picking from the cheaper page of the menu )

Now, I'm reminded why I limit my outings to
Mickey-Dee's or Pizza Hut....

On Mar 12, 6:02*pm, "Dimitri" > wrote:
> Well with the economy as it is and with unemployment increasing daily, I
> believe conspicuous consumption may be out of order. Food Banks are running
> out of food, our wonderful State of California is closing down a tent city
> that has popped up - I think they should pitch their tents on the lawn that
> leads to the State capitol building, Where Arnie smokes his cigars (probably
> 10 bucks a piece).
>
> http://www.news10.net/news/local/sto...?storyid=56175
>
> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than electricity
> so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.

Considering the heat lost to the surroundings, the crock pot is far
more efficient that your gas range unless you are running your furnace
anyway.
>
> Are you conserving?

Food is the last place I'd sacrifice.

> Buying less extravagant foods?

Actually, buying my wife lobster *more* often, because it's been
cheaper.

> Donating to the local food bank?

No more/less than before.

> Watching the sale prices more closely?

I've always done that. It's like a lifestyle to me. Hey, Restaurant
dot Com has a good sale going on right now.
>
> Dimitri

--Bryan

Nancy Young wrote:
> Dimitri wrote:
>
>> Are you conserving?
>> Buying less extravagant foods?
>> Donating to the local food bank?
>> Watching the sale prices more closely?
>
> Being retired, I'm not afraid of losing my job. Don't worry, been
> there, done that. I don't miss that uncertainty and I get people's
> anxiety. So, my finances are rather stable. Weird.
> I am ashamed to say I haven't donated to the food bank lately,
> except for a bunch of clothing. I'll take care of that today.
> Frankly, I think the best thing to do is not withdrawing from the
> economy, when people start spending again is when we'll start
> to get our mojo back. I don't need much, but I'm trying to buy
> stuff here and there, visiting my favorite restaurants in the hopes
> they'll still be there when this all shakes out. It's only small
> amounts of money, a drop in the bucket.
>
> Maybe this will sound really weird to people, or maybe people
> will take it the wrong way and be ****ed off with me. Like I'm running
> around buying Bentleys and furs or something. All I'm saying is I don't
> think it's helpful to the economy to have more
> and more people out of work because all the businesses are
> going under from lack of customers.
> nancy

Oh, I absolutely agree, Nancy. To the degree that we can
prudently spend some money at local businesses, we should. I also
think all of the negative nattering by the media isn't helping at
all....

--
Jean B.

wrote:
> Didja see that tv spot where the guy tried to live on food stamps for
> a month? I wanted to grab him thru the tv screen when he tossed boxed
> mashed potatoes in his cart along with some other convenience type
> boxed and canned junk.
>
> No wonder he couldn't stretch a dollar.
>
> Stepping off soapbox now.
>

Yep, I saw that. He bought boxed mac & cheese, when home made would
have been cheaper and it would have tasted better.


Becca

cybercat wrote:

> I'm doing what I always do--making sure I get good values for my money and
> donating some of the money I save to charities public and private.
>
> Like, say I was tempted to indulge in a little "retail therapy" and I saw
> stuff at BB&B that I wanted that totalled, say, $600.
>
> I'd note the stuff, get it at a store more reasonably priced, or several
> stores, and donate the difference. I get what I want, some others get some
> help.

That is very thoughtful of you, CC.


Becca

"Nancy Young"
> Frankly, I think the best thing to do is not withdrawing from the
> economy, when people start spending again is when we'll start
> to get our mojo back.

Every head of every country wants to hear you say that often,.

> Maybe this will sound really weird to people, or maybe people
> will take it the wrong way and be ****ed off with me. nancy

That's true, but you can't blame people who are afraid of losing a job for
being very conservative. My first instinct was to get out of any debt in
case I had to hunker down. What seemed a casual bit of cc debt before
suddenly looked like a guilty going-along with the credit crazed world.

Omelet wrote:
> I'm just trying to survive on a limited budget... and still afford
> health care.
>


Well, I dropped my health insurance a few years ago when the rates
became incredibly high - they were raising the rates quarterly, it was
that bad. Now, I self insure. That money is taken out of my checking
account monthly and it goes into savings. This is not for everybody and
you do take a risk in case something catastrophic happens. OTOH, I am
free to see any doctor I choose.


Becca

Jean B. wrote:
> Nancy Young wrote:

>> All I'm
>> saying is I don't think it's helpful to the economy to have more
>> and more people out of work because all the businesses are
>> going under from lack of customers.

> Oh, I absolutely agree, Nancy. To the degree that we can
> prudently spend some money at local businesses, we should. I also
> think all of the negative nattering by the media isn't helping at
> all....

Ain't that the truth.

nancy

Michael "Dog3" wrote:
> We pay cash for everything so we've been cash poor due to these purchases
> but in the long run we think we're saving a bundle. Maybe we're naive'
> but we're sure having a good time shopping.
>
> Michael
>

Shopping is something I do, because it has to be done. You are right,
if you have money, this is a great time to make purchases and
investments. We made a few, but now we are beginning to cut back. My
sister's husband lost his job and my husband's brother will lose his job
in 2 weeks. We may need to help them financially.

We are going to Alaska and Canada in May, and it is still fairly cold.
I am going to a resale shop this morning, to see if I can find some warm
clothes. The stores here are selling bikini's, beach towels and suntan
lotion. lol


Becca

Giusi wrote:
> "Nancy Young"

>> Frankly, I think the best thing to do is not withdrawing from the
>> economy, when people start spending again is when we'll start
>> to get our mojo back.
>
> Every head of every country wants to hear you say that often,.
>
>> Maybe this will sound really weird to people, or maybe people
>> will take it the wrong way and be ****ed off with me.
>
> That's true, but you can't blame people who are afraid of losing a
> job for being very conservative.

And I'm not. If you don't have the money or if you're thinking
you'll lose your job, you shouldn't be spending money. But if
you are reasonably secure, now would be a good time to get
that (whatever it is you want). Get the wheels turning.

> My first instinct was to get out of
> any debt in case I had to hunker down. What seemed a casual bit of
> cc debt before suddenly looked like a guilty going-along with the
> credit crazed world.

As in most of the corporate world, the next round of layoffs was
always in the air most of my career. It didn't take me long to figure
out that was way scarier if you had credit card debt. The thing you
charged usually wasn't worth the worry.

nancy

"Lou Decruss" wrote
> "Dimitri" wrote:

>>Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
>>crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than
>>electricity
>>so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> I have no idea how to calculate it but I would think a crock pot would
> cost less than heating up a whole oven even with the difference
> between gas and electric. At lest here in Chicago.

You are right Lou but there are 2 aspects here that can change it.

1) If Gas is *significantly cheaper* than electricity in a particular area
(Not that likely in the USA but may be true elsewhere), the stove top (gas)
or oven (gas) may be the same or cheaper by a smidgeon.

2) If still in heating season, especially with a gas oven and electric heat
when gas is cheaper, you might make out as the heat will leach to the living
area augmenting the electric heat value.

Here's an experiment if you are bold enough to try and have steady bills.
Get 2 pork shoulders. Make one in a crockpot one month, then next month use
the oven for slow pulled pork. Second month you will literally see it
increase your gas bill but you'll not see anything on the electric used for
the crockpot (too minimal a rise). If you do the oven one in summer, you
will see your cooling bill go up too ;-)

Crockpots are *not* fast nor are they suitable for all things, but they are
very inexpensive to run. Pennies a day.

On Mar 12, 6:02*pm, "Dimitri" > wrote:
> Well with the economy as it is and with unemployment increasing daily, I
> believe conspicuous consumption may be out of order. Food Banks are running
> out of food, our wonderful State of California is closing down a tent city
> that has popped up - I think they should pitch their tents on the lawn that
> leads to the State capitol building, Where Arnie smokes his cigars (probably
> 10 bucks a piece).
>
> http://www.news10.net/news/local/sto...?storyid=56175
>
> Today I was thinking I was going to braise some chunks of pork in the
> crock-pot when it occurred to me gas is much less expensive than electricity
> so the oven went to 200 and in went the Dutch Oven.
>
> Are you conserving?
> Buying less extravagant foods?
> Donating to the local food bank?
> Watching the sale prices more closely?
>
> Dimitri

I already do so many penny-pinching things (learned from my mom,
'cause she was a young mother in the Depression) - there's not much
more I can cut. Well, I could lose some weight.... ;-)

N.

"Nancy Young" wrote

> Maybe this will sound really weird to people, or maybe people
> will take it the wrong way and be ****ed off with me. Like I'm running
> around buying Bentleys and furs or something. All I'm saying is I don't
> think it's helpful to the economy to have more
> and more people out of work because all the businesses are
> going under from lack of customers.

No, you arent weird at all Nancy. I'm trying to shop more in the smaller
places where I at least *think* much of the money stays here, even if it's
just the employee wages made to run the store.

I also use the real checkout stands. I've noticed since the 'self serve'
came in, that jobs are drifting away yet some dishonest folks are not
scanning everything so prices are going up in some of those stores. One
local one, had a person just standing there, paid to watch to make sure
everything was scanned!

"Dimitri" > wrote in message

> Are you conserving?
> Buying less extravagant foods?
> Donating to the local food bank?
> Watching the sale prices more closely?

No major changes. We've always eaten good food but we do buy with care.
Sales, store specials, etc can save a few bucks and I keep an eye out for
the marked down meats.

My wages are still the same, but like everyone, energy cost is up so dollars
have to be shifted from some luxury to keep the lights and heat on. We'll
still eat out once a week or so, but perhaps at a lesser priced restaurant.
My thought it that if we don't spend some money, the restaurants will close
and the staff will be collecting unemployment, thus making the problems
bigger. I'd never stiff the waitstaff or even cut back on a tip. They have
bills to pay too.

Our everyday living is only modestly changed, but probably no vacation trips
this year.

"Becca" > wrote in message
...
> Omelet wrote:
>> I'm just trying to survive on a limited budget... and still afford health
>> care.
>>
>
>
> Well, I dropped my health insurance a few years ago when the rates became
> incredibly high - they were raising the rates quarterly, it was that bad.
> Now, I self insure. That money is taken out of my checking account monthly
> and it goes into savings. This is not for everybody and you do take a
> risk in case something catastrophic happens. OTOH, I am free to see any
> doctor I choose.
>
> Becca

You might look into the lowest priced coverage available from a PPO or some
such.

The biggest advantage here is should you need them you will get the
negotiated rate for doctors visits and tests. 1 CT scan or outpatient
surgical suite a year and you can be ahead of the game.

I had a very small hand surgery 2 years ago - the OR was 3 K but the
negotiated price was $600.00.

Without health care you pay the uninsured rate which is through the roof.

Dimitri

"Becca" > wrote
> Shopping is something I do, because it has to be done. You are right, if
> you have money, this is a great time to make purchases and investments.

We just bought a car. I just bought a laptop and other office stuff. There
are always things one needs. We made do for a long time before finally
getting these things.

We made a few, but now we are beginning to cut back. My
> sister's husband lost his job and my husband's brother will lose his job
> in 2 weeks. We may need to help them financially.
> We are going to Alaska and Canada in May, and it is still fairly cold. I
> am going to a resale shop this morning, to see if I can find some warm
> clothes.

I love second hand stores.

"Becca" > wrote in message
...
> Omelet wrote:
>> I'm just trying to survive on a limited budget... and still afford health
>> care.
>>
>
>
> Well, I dropped my health insurance a few years ago when the rates became
> incredibly high - they were raising the rates quarterly, it was that bad.
> Now, I self insure. That money is taken out of my checking account monthly
> and it goes into savings.
I've been thinking about doing this for the same reason.

"Becca" > wrote in message
...
> cybercat wrote:
>
>> I'm doing what I always do--making sure I get good values for my money
>> and donating some of the money I save to charities public and private.
>>
>> Like, say I was tempted to indulge in a little "retail therapy" and I saw
>> stuff at BB&B that I wanted that totalled, say, $600.
>>
>> I'd note the stuff, get it at a store more reasonably priced, or several
>> stores, and donate the difference. I get what I want, some others get
>> some help.
>
> That is very thoughtful of you, CC.

*blush* thank you. I remember what it is like not to have enough money for
what I needed no matter how hard I worked. I was in school, but the reason
doesn't really matter. It changed the way I "consume" forever. But don't get
me wrong, I love, love, love beautiful and fine things. I just think I can
have them without wasting money.

In article >,
"<RJ>" > wrote:

> On a recent visit with relatives,
> five of us went to a local steakhouse for dinner.
>
> When all was done, dinner, drinks, tax and tips,
> the tab was close to a hundred bucks !!

For one person or for five? I'm curious -- do you remember how much
your entree was?

>
> ( and that was with picking from the cheaper page of the menu )
>
> Now, I'm reminded why I limit my outings to
> Mickey-Dee's or Pizza Hut....

I understand but that stuff's hard on the bod.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
"What you say about someone else says more
about you than it does about the other person."

"<RJ>" > wrote in message
...
>
> On a recent visit with relatives,
> five of us went to a local steakhouse for dinner.
>
> When all was done, dinner, drinks, tax and tips,
> the tab was close to a hundred bucks !!
>
> ( and that was with picking from the cheaper page of the menu )
>
> Now, I'm reminded why I limit my outings to
> Mickey-Dee's or Pizza Hut....
>

Don't do that. Go to "mom and pop" places! You can get great home cooked
food for less.

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> Dimitri wrote:
>
>> Are you conserving?
>> Buying less extravagant foods?
>> Donating to the local food bank?
>> Watching the sale prices more closely?
>
> Being retired, I'm not afraid of losing my job. Don't worry, been
> there, done that. I don't miss that uncertainty and I get people's
> anxiety. So, my finances are rather stable. Weird.
> I am ashamed to say I haven't donated to the food bank lately,
> except for a bunch of clothing. I'll take care of that today.
> Frankly, I think the best thing to do is not withdrawing from the
> economy, when people start spending again is when we'll start
> to get our mojo back. I don't need much, but I'm trying to buy
> stuff here and there, visiting my favorite restaurants in the hopes
> they'll still be there when this all shakes out. It's only small amounts
> of money, a drop in the bucket.
>
> Maybe this will sound really weird to people, or maybe people
> will take it the wrong way and be ****ed off with me. Like I'm running
> around buying Bentleys and furs or something. All I'm saying is I don't
> think it's helpful to the economy to have more
> and more people out of work because all the businesses are
> going under from lack of customers.

I think this is a sane approach to things. The best answer to most questions
of what to do in most situations is a combination of things. Spend some,
save some, donate some. Skrimp here, indulge there. You have to live.