With two weddings coming up, budget's really tight
July 13, 2008
A 10 percent pay cut, combined with higher gas prices, prompted Rita See to stop going to work -- one day a week.
"I asked to be placed on a four-day workweek to save money on gas," says See, 53, a medical secretary who has a round-trip commute of about 24 miles.
Her boss agreed. Which was a big relief to the LaGrange woman. She's dealing with multiple hits to her budget this year. Among them: rising food, health care and utility costs. Also, her two daughters are getting married within the next 10 months.
Having raised three children as a single parent, she's experienced in dealing with tight budgets. "I'm always looking for ways to cut on everything, and it's a good thing I'm in the habit because I really need to do this right now," she says.
Her older daughter is getting married in Florida in November. See bought her airline ticket in April, figuring that with the spike in fuel prices, airfares would only get worse. She paid $199 for her ticket to Miami then. On Friday, the prices quoted by Expedia were more than $300.
To cut costs, See also switched car insurance companies, saving her about $250 a year. By going to the four-day workweek, she estimates she'll cut her gasoline bill by more than $240 a year.
She saves by shopping at the dollar store for bottled water, detergent, bleach and other items. She also gets her hair cut at Fantastic Sam's instead of higher-priced salons, grows her own tomatoes and takes her breakfast, lunch, coffee and drinks to work.
During the summer, to reduce her utility bill, she rarely uses her air conditioner.
In the winter, she keeps the thermostat set at 64 degrees during the day and 60 at night.
What are you doing to make ends meet? Write to psmith @suntimes.com.
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