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Costly creature comfort

February 3rd, 2016 at 12:28 am

First update in a while, though I do keep up with how everybody else is doing!

On the debt front, I'm waiting for approval on my income-based-repayment renewal. Trying to be patient, but I'd like to get the new monthly payment numbers to update my budget. Today I sent $260 to the high interest loan- $160 from an overtime project at work and $100 from Christmas. (No matter how often I try to gently remind certain relatives I'm an employed adult and they don't need to give me anything, a couple of them always send me money at Christmas. I feel a little guilty about it, but anything other than accepting thankfully would cause offense.)

As far as cost-containment, been doing a fair but not outstanding job limiting coffee and food purchases at work. Taking advantage of free coffee and breakfast at recent morning meetings has really helped in this category : ) I always cook at home at dinner and on weekends unless it's a social occasion with friends.

Currently I'm working on controlling the electricity bill. I love my place, but the building is quite old (historic) and very drafty. A loft setup also creates a lot of unused space to heat. So far I've covered the windows with that plastic wrap to create a layer of air insulation and bought a small space heater. (Got the one recommended by a fireman acquaintance, and never leave it on unattended!). When I do turn on the heat, I keep the thermostat between 55-57 F, dress in layers, and use throw blankets for extra warmth. Even with these measures, winter has caused the utility bill to shoot up to $170 this month. My last apartment was very well insulated with new windows and wasn't on the corner of the building like this, so it retained heat from the building and I almost never had to supplement that, so this is a new issue. There's a local organization that provides emergency funds for utility payments to people with low income, and the recent blizzard motivated me to start donating there this winter.

3 Responses to “Costly creature comfort”

  1. Kiki Says:
    1454478651

    Have you ever used an electric lap blanket? Works wonderfully when on the couch, using the computer, etc. obviously the more quiet activities but it helps me keep the heat on the lower end of 60-65. Mine was about $20 at target
    This time a couple years ago- end of winter clearance. It is my favorite thing.

    And all my house sitting client kitties love me....

  2. Ima saver Says:
    1454522837

    That is so nice of you to donate!

  3. PatientSaver Says:
    1454543944

    I just want to say if you use any kind of electric blanket, please replace it every year. My well-meaning mother gave me an old electric blanket once years ago so i could stay warm in Vermont and my bedding caught on fire while I slept.

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