Different ways to cut cost during tough times...

Thought we could get a thread going on how to pinch pennies during this recession (depression for some of us).  I'm just going to share some stuff off the handle (top of my head) with no order.  They are cutting back on my hours at work.  So with this extra time I have taken on different projects to cut cost and waste around the house.  You may think them extreme...but it's just me.  Would love to hear your ideas too and get some good info passed back and forth.
First, I have dropped cable.  It's a time waster and makes me lazy....Flipping through the channels.  I have an antenna and it works fine for getting the major channels.  If I want to see a football game on cable, I'll go to a sports bar.  I run my errands on my bicycle.  From paying my bills (stamps) to buying food.  It's good for my heart and clears my mind.  If you can't ride, you still may be able to walk to the store if it's not too far.  Over in Europe they walk miles to the store...It's good for them.  I am eating out much less...even fast food.  I will still get my Wendy's Chili and my McDonald's coffee...but have cut back on those feel good meals that cost a bundle (tip included)...Not saying I won't go out...but just cutting back.  My wife and I have decided to look into the freezer...I mean really look!!  You know what I'm talking about...That stuff that has been sitting there for years...Lima beans, okra, deer meat...  It's time to start using some of those things up.  Take a good long look in your food pantry...Start using up some of those cans before they develop botulism!!  If neighbors give you a ton of vegetables make a crock pot...add some meat and seasoning and go from there.  Consider dropping the landline phone and just go with DSL and a cell phone.  Watch your cell phone plans...big bucks there. 
These are just a few ideas...What about you???  PS "What you need is in your belly (pouch)...What you want is in your mind..."

Brian,

Great ideas.  We all need to take stock of the resources that the good Lord provides us whether or not we are forced to because of our economic situation.  Being a good steward not only provides better opportunities for the resources that are made available but makes us better in the process.  Just like daily exercise and reading food labels to make good food choices are key to our future physical health, self help and making good consumer decisions are key to our future financial health.

Can't afford hi-speed Internet anymore?  McDonald's and most public libraries have free Wi-Fi.

Can't afford the expensive cell phone plan (after contract has expired)?  Tracfone is very economical.  It is pre-paid.  It's amazing how much less you talk when you know you're paying by the minute.

We have become a very spoiled society.  To your point, when we see someone walking carrying groceries, we pity them that they do not have a car to drive to the grocery instead of thinking "Wow, I should walk to the grocery each day and only buy what is needed for that day".  No freezer bunnies or pantry botulism to worry about.

Also, for good exercise and fresh low-cost veggies, start a home garden.  Even tomatoes, squash, and herbs do well in flower pots if you live in an apartment with no yard.

Just some thoughts off the top of my head.  Keep 'em coming.

- Mike

Wish I had the balls to get rid of cable. I have wanted to for years but just cant pull the trigger. It's the damn Yankees on YES Network.

Seems like here as of late my cash flow has been way more "out" than "in".  Fiance's ain't cheap to keep!  Need to do a MAJOR freezer clean out here as well.   

On the subject of the freezer, i will do a physical inventory of the freezer an post it on the refrigerator as a reminder to use what I've bought. I still seem to want to buy based on what looks good rather than what I eat. That in itself can be a real waste of money.

I'm in the process of reviewing our cable, internet and phone services.  I have cancelled our home phone.. My kids message me on my blackberry, the only calls we get on the home line are from telemarketers!!.  I reduced our internet to a lower package once the last son left home. I reduced cable to basic cable and am now trying to see if I could get some type of antenna to receive just a few channels (I download most things we watch).
I am the King of Cheap (ask my kids) and love saving a dollar.. here are a couple more ideas
Avoid bank fees. If you're paying service charges change banks.. look for online bank services
Increase your deductible on house and car insurance.
Get books and movies from the public library... It's free!!
Buy generic brand foods, (some are crap) but most taste exactly the same.
Stop wasting food.. Most of us can't eat a quarter of what we used to but yet still cook the
same amount of food and end up throwing a lot out.. Now I cook half or what I used to or freeze most of the left overs.
Use Cash.. When ever I really want to save.. I put away the credit cards (even though I pay off the balance monthly) there's something "REAL" about spending actual ca**** makes you think twice
before purchasing something.. especially if you have to go to a bank machine to withdraw it.