OK, OK, OK, so I don't mean to keep beating a dead horse (yes I do, points whore that I am! But I digress!). But recent blogs have centered around a topic that was long ago addressed by BakerStreet (in his article about how most Americans don't know HOW to be poor), Little_Whip (pick an article on poverty by her), myself (see Little_Whip), TexasWahine (see myself and Little_Whip), and, most recently, Island Dog. There have been others, but if I were to list them all, that would be the blog in its entirety.

The fact is, most Americans don't know how to economize. When I see someone questioning $400 in groceries as an unreasonably small budget for a family of four, I can't help but laugh, as we spend HALF that for our family of seven. And this in a small Texas community where our retail options are limited.

So here is another JU primer on economizing:

Eye Care: Love 'em or hate 'em, most WalMart Supercenters have an optical department. Cost of exam? $39. Cost of glasses can vary, but a family needing the cheapest pair they can find can usually find a pair for well under $100. If they can't afford glasses for their children, they can check with their local Lions Club International, a service club that provides services in that area.

Food: Repeat after me: rice and beans are your FRIENDS. No, you don't have to have them every meal (our household rule is at least once a week), but they can help trim your budget. Buying whatever meat is on sale for substantially below its usual retail price and adjusting your menu accordingly is a good way to cut the meat portion of your budget, which comprises a substantial percentage for many of us. Buy produce in season; sure, there will be a few produce items you may need to buy out of season for nutritional balance, but if you can buy them frozen you can save a bundle of money (this will also save money on your electric bill, too, as it helps keep your freezer full). Sodas are absolutely nonessential and should be the first item eliminated from anyone trying to live on a budget. Always buy off brands, unless a coupon for a brand name product makes it a better value than the off brand. Don't buy processed foods, but make as much as you can from scratch (it's healthier anyway).

Rent: The best rental places aren't usually listed in apartment finders. If you live in a community with a university, you can often find cheap rentals in the university district. Some of these aren't in the greatest shape, but all but the worst hovel can be vastly improved with a little cleanliness. A home or apartment with washer and dryer hookups will usually save your budget more in the long run, even if your rent's a little higher.

Transportation: That mid-80's v8 car may be cheaper to purchase, but it will cost you more in the long run. Pony up the extra grand for the 6 cylinder car 10 years newer. Don't drive above 55 unless you must, avoid jackrabbit starts, change your oil regularly, and you should be able to get a lot of driving out of a good used car, and some halfway decent mileage.

Extras: Used clothing is usually your best bet, except for intimates, such as underwear and socks. Cloth diapers trump disposables, especially if you have a washing machine in your home (see: Rent). Rotate clothing purchases: slacks for dad this month, a blouse for mom next month. You don't need satellite TV, and, if you're on a budget, opt for the cheapest option available. As for DVD's, buying is usually cheaper in the long run than renting. If you care for your DVD's, they HAVE resale value. Grow your own garden, and don't rule out making a winter greenhouse for winter "must-haves" such as tomatoes that command premium prices in January.

Utilities: You can probably set the thermostat a little lower in winter, or a little higher in summer. Email family friends instead of calling them long distance. If you take tub baths, leave the water sitting in the tub until it has reached the ambient air temperature; this will allow the tub to act as a temporary heat sink; bake LOTS and use your oven's heat to add heat to the house in winter. A 19" TV pulls HALF the current of a 25" TV, so figure out how big a TV you REALLY need.

These are only starters, but as you can see, there are many ways to cut corners and still raise a healthy, happy, nondeprived family.