Food, Home and Style
Recession Concessions: HBO vs. The Cleaning Lady
Sara Clemence, 34
New York City
Editor, Recessionwire Co-founder
Keeping: My cleaning lady ($75 every two weeks)
I used to spend a few hours each weekend cleaning my apartment, and then I realized that I didn’t do a very good job and I was really inefficient. I did a quick calculation and guessed that if my time was worth more than $25 an hour, it made more sense to hire someone. I still feel like my time is worth more than that. Plus, she’s incredibly nice, and managed to make my bathtub not look grey anymore.
Ditching: HBO ($15 a month)
This was the first thing to go when I got laid off, even though I like to watch movies instead of T.V. shows when I spend a rare evening on the sofa. It’s hardly any money, but it made me feel like I was cutting back somewhere. I’m also hand-washing things I used to automatically dump at the dry cleaners.
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So true… HBO definitely went bye-bye here, as did Showtime. I can catch movies on TNT/FX/etc and I’ve always got my DVR list — plus many shows can be bought or streamed online these days… I haven’t missed it at all.
just came upon your site, love the commentary. perhaps you’ll enjoy our new club for those receiving New York’s $405 Unemployment Benefit per week, New York’s Official Unemployment Benefit Collection Club aka New York’s Fastest Growing Club: http://www.the405club.com.
We should link up – hit me – contact info is on our site.
Good call. And the cleaning lady has to support a family. Also, I seen more people without cable going to friends houses to watch together. With DVR it can be a marathon.
The cleaning lady is a definite must keep! One more job loss avoided.
Try hulu.com for free movies and the shows you used to watch on HBO & Showtime.
At $150 each week ($7,800 per year), my cleaning lady was the first to go. Also the landscaper ($50 per week), HBO and all premium cable. Then we slashed fancy dinners out and expensive wine.
What we kept: organic food, the kids’ private school and Netflix.
Now I’m getting the kids to help clean up a bit and I think they’re actually learning a bit more about responsibility. But the cleaning lady is what I miss most.
The side benefit of cleaning your own house is that you’re not out spending money. Plus, it’s good excercise and you get a feeling of accomplishment when you’re done.
I actually added HBO for the first time in my life and cut the maid back to every 3 weeks. As an involuntary member of the recession-leisure class I for once have time to watch movies…
If you’ve kept Netflix, consider getting a Roku box for your TV. It only costs about $100, doesn’t add anything to the cost of your Netflix subscription, and gives you access to any of the movies in your instant viewing queue. I’ve been watching a ton of educational TV, documentaries, old movies, indie films, etc.
Sarah,
Might you be able to share your cleaning lady’s contact info?
Absolutely. She is wonderful. Email me at sara@recessionwire.com and I will give you her phone number.
Can’t you get HBO on the internet now?
HBO is one of the only channels I need [besides ESPN.] Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm are just too good to give up. Hung has been pretty goos this season as well.
Good question! I need to check that one out–I miss Big Love.