Most of us are sacrificing a lot of things to pay down our debt.  What do you do to stay sane while tightening the belt?

I spend a lot of time on the internet on make.com, I also read a lot, and re-watch DVDs I've bought (if you're gonna pay $16-$30 for one, you'd might as well watch them more than once, right?)

I am all about second run movies.  I do love DVD's but there is something about going to the theatre to watch movies.  Normally second run theatres go for around $3.00 and under.  If you don't mind seeing the blockbusters a little bit later this option is often cheaper than renting.

Most of our activities are low cost: reading, going swimming or to gym (free at our workplace) and the occasional matinee at the theater (and sneak in our own drinks and snacks). It's become normal for us and doesn't feel like we're pinching pennies to do it.

We cook more, and eat out less, even on date nights. It's fun, cheaper and healthier. Plus, we go to the beach or a park instead of a movie or the mall. Again, cheaper and healthier.

christensen.evan wrote:

I also read a lot, and re-watch DVDs I've bought (if you're gonna pay $16-$30 for one, you'd might as well watch them more than once, right?)

I agree with that. I even tend to buy previously viewed DVDs for around $10, and then I try to only get ones I'd want to watch again.

Does your library have any interesting DVDs? I was surprised at some of the titles I saw in the one in my neighbourhood.

I am tightening  the belt on how many miles I drive.  With the cost of gas nowadays, everyone should be taking another look at how much they spend.  I have actually been driving 5 miles to take a train for about 9 miles and finish with a 1/2mile walk twice a day.

I review books for some online sites so I read a lot. It really calms me down when I start worrying about my problems. I get the books for free, read them and then write the review and then I sell the books. Reading helps me forget my problems and then when I sell them I get some money for the books.

I hang out on the computer a lot too looking for places where I can make money online.

I have a large dog, so I walk him a lot. The walking is great excercise and it's great stress relief. I don't need gym membership because of him.

I cook at home and don't go out to eat. I got a lot of recipes off the net, so now I'm learning more and more.

I write a lot, so I spend a lot of time in the living room with my laptop with music playing. It's very relaxing and I get to work at the same time.

I visit forums to help keep me motivated that I'm not the only one in this situation and keep me believing I CAN do it.

Our local hardward store has free DIY courses on weekends, so I attend these and work on small renovations to my home to help get the value up a little bit.