With gas prices nearly triple what they were a couple of years ago and our income not going up as much as we’d like it to, I’m having to cut costs where I can. (And yet, I bought a $160 stroller a month ago. Trust me, we needed it desperately and I wanted quality over cost savings this time so it would last until we were ready to give it up.) Now we’re also worried about property taxes going up because the sales tax increase was defeated here yesterday. I sincerely hope that this was not an either/or situation and that they’ll somehow avoid raising property taxes, but I’m not optimistic. We already pay outrageous property taxes here compared to the other 3 places we’ve owned homes, so if it goes up even a little bit we’re really going to be hurting. (Do you hear that, powers that be? I CANNOT AFFORD MORE PROPERTY TAXES!)

For our family, the best way to save money is on food. We’re eating out less, staying in more, bargain shopping as much as possible, and on and on. Today I got the paper and opened it up to see what the grocery stores had to offer. I see neck bones (from what, I ask?!?!? Chickens? Pigs? Cows?) are 99 cents a pound but we’re not that desperate yet. But there are some other great meat specials in town this week so I’ll probably hit several stores in town while I’m out and about for other things and stock up on the sale items. We prefer fresh fruits and veggies, so I’ve started a garden. (If those flipping squirrels will stay out of it!) I stock up on frozen foods when they’re on sale. I buy in bulk at BJ’s when the price is better. I get store brands when feasible. I do a pretty good job of saving money…usually the savings on our Lowe’s Foods receipt is in the 30% range. Not too shabby.

But I know I can do better, so I’m going to start clipping coupons again. (Does anyone know if the Sanford Herald has the Sunday coupons? It seems like a dumb question but I honestly don’t know!) And I’m contemplating trying out The Grocery Game. I don’t have the time or patience to really find the good bargains, so it seems like a worthwhile investment but I hate the idea of spending money to save it. The truth is, without someone telling me where the bargains are, I’ll lose interest when I get overwhelmed in the enormity of looking at ALL of the coupons and trying to match them up to ALL of the store ads. I’m just not that coordinated. It’s only about $5 a month so I think surely I’d save at least that. Does anyone have experience with it? If you’re in Sanford, which lists do you get and are they worthwhile?

And with all of this money saving on my mind, I must remember to call and get our satellite package downgraded. I know there will be grumbling from the male contingent but I’d honestly be happy with only broadcast stations, just as long as I had my DVR. We all have to sacrifice somewhere, right?