We are the champions at consuming, but that doesn't mean it makes sense to just keep doing what we've been doing--even if your job security is stellar.

We need to keep spending for things we can afford that we really need. That's what's going to get the economy back to solid ground. But it never makes sense to spend when we aren't even noticing what we just bought--when consuming has become mindless.

When looking for ways to make the money go farther, we need to look at the times when we spend because we are in the habit instead of being conscious consumers. The stuff that we haven't yet realized we don't want--or maybe even like anymore--is fair game for the budget ax.

Spending money in these kinds of situations is sort of like catching yourself saying a word you promised not to say anymore though. Because the spending is from habit, thinking about it before you buy takes a lot more effort.

Consider your morning coffee: You like a specific drink. The barista knows it. She may even start it as you pull into the parking lot or call out the order before you ever open your mouth at the drive thru window. That arrangement gives you some fancy coffee--and a nice serving of personal recognition. Is this the best way to get both of those things? You're paying in money sure. But you are also paying in calories and time waiting in line. Be sure you still really want it when you decide to buy it.

How about that gym membership? Do you ever go? Or is it more a case of "I should go." If you pay for it and then never get around to using it, maybe the gym is just not the place you need to get fit. If that's the case, you are buying an unused gym membership AND a guilt trip. Money and emotional energy that you could use better.

Are you doing active things outside? Can you go into hiatus at your gym and come back later without massive new expense? Do you even need the gym? I joined because it was the least-cost way to learn Pilates. Now that I know the basics, I can revert to my preferred approach to exercising--by myself, at home.

Cable TV--or maybe the premium channels. Are you using them enough to justify the expense? Even if you are, is there something you might want to do with that time besides polishing your couch potato skills? Will you pay a penalty to cancel? To reinstate it if you decide you really do need it later? Is that less than the extra cost over a few months?

The one I know I should eliminate--but which remains in place at my house--is my land line telephone. It's a duplication of service since I have a cell phone. Having the land line is just a nod to my preference for the reception quality of the traditional wired system. I would use the cell phone better if I didn't keep relying on the "old fashioned" telephone when I'm home. This downturn might push me far enough to get that done.

Volume of consumption is also worth scrutiny when looking for ways to take action against rising costs and income vulnerability. We're encouraged to buy more than we need in so many ways! The same shoes in three different colors? Come on! Take the time to consciously decide that you need everything you buy.

And with food, good heavens! That 72 ounce fountain drink? Even if it's "just ten cents more" it's 700 more calories than a 12 ounce can. Do you need to "super-size" that meal deal? Only if you are using it to feed a family of four.

That's another option that usually goes unexplored. When you go out to eat, consider splitting a meal. Usually there is more than enough for two of you, maybe even three. Or order an appetizer as your meal. Alcohol can be one of the biggest items on your bill. If you aren't driving, consider having that cocktail or glass of wine at home before you go out for dinner. You'd probably cut the bill by a third.

These are just examples. Look at your own patterns to find unconscious spending. If you buy it, savor it. If you don't even notice you paid for it, you've shifted into automatic consumption--and may be spending more than you need to every single day.

When money is tight, it's easier to look at these things. So use the downturn to learn more about where you are throwing your money away.

Copyright (c) 2009 Mary Lloyd