Home heating oil bill spiked by $180/mo. With gas and food at unsustainable levels, it seems ridiculous to keep sending money to criminals in favor of my being able to feed my family. I just know they'd love to foreclose on everyone they can, but that process takes time. My house is likely paid for three times over by now.
What a shitty choice to make.
That sucks. Is there any way you can install a heatpump (it uses less energy), or even better a wood stove? Depends whether you are in a city or not.
Re: food. Start by cutting anything processed out. For example, cake mixes, pre-prepared pancakes etc. You will be surprised how cheap food is made into expensive food by factories. In my opinion, you are paying through the nose for the label.
Secondly, concentrate on buying protein and fat. If you don't get those, you will feel hungry the whole time. Eating potatoes only, for weeks on end, is the most miserable poverty. So, even if you think the meat is expensive, buy that instead of strawberries or potato chips. You get the picture.
Have thought about this as well, however until it’s here have to pay the mortgage. During 08 I lost my job, we paid the mortgage let credit cards go, it sucked getting out of that mess. This time I have no idea what we are in store for so for right now spring, plant what you can start growing strawberries they are one of the easiest to grow spinach, lettuce, carrots, potatoes are all cool weather starts.