A penny saved

Ok, jumping on the bandwagon again with this post....but, hey, whatever....

The economy is freaking me out.

I am luckier than many. I live 7 miles from work. I drive a gas efficient Honda Accord. I only have to worry about me, myself and I when it comes to expenses (groceries, utilities, etc.). And I bought my house last year and went the FIXED rate route.

So far I haven't had to change much, like deciding what bills to pay and what bills to let go. I have not had to make life-altering sacrifices. But I am starting to worry that those things will come. I am trying to head them off by taking small steps now. I went to the grocery store the other day and only bought things I needed (no "oh! that sounds good!" purchases), I have also cut down on driving as much as possible....though I don't do much to begin with. I've already mentioned no vacation this year.

I wish I could take the bus to work. Actually, I COULD, but it would cost me a lot more money to do that than drive (our public transportation here is not exactly up to par). I've thought about a bike, but that presents it's own problems. Our streets are not really built for them and Nashville it very hilly.....I would be soaked to the bone by the time I got to the office. Not to mention, what do people do when it rains? (I know...."get wet"). Shoot, I even wish walking was an option. But, again, I bet there are areas without sidewalks and I only walk a little over 3 miles an hour when I'm pushing it.....

So, I guess I will just continue to tighten my belt as a precaution....I'm not ready to start selling off all my personal belongings just yet! I may find that more frugal living is the way to go anyway...