Trent at the Simple Dollar has a post that’s very timely for southeast Michigan families.

The Limits of Frugality: What’s Next When You Can’t Cut Anymore.

The tip that I think is most appropriate for the local circumstances is:

Find a family in a similar situation as yours and work cooperatively with them. For example, you could share a warehouse club membership and take advantage of the low prices there by buying bulk items together and splitting them among the families. You could also get into a routine of potlucking dinners together so that you can make your meal dollars stretch a little further. You might also want to consider reciprocal free babysitting with that family to further cut costs. There are lots of ways that you can share (and reduce) costs with another family – just sit down and talk about it.

I know how close-knit Monroe County families are, so this really could work for some of you. Maybe this link will be with your sister and her family. Maybe it will be with a friend from church or work.

And maybe,… I just got a brainstorm. Stay tuned.