Why we have to get creative when saving money on our budget

I have read hundreds of money saving tips and there have been some great ideas on how to save money for basic needs.  Our problem is that we don’t have many of these options available to us in the area we live.  We are incredibly lucky to live in a very low cost of living area but there are downsides. 

Shopping around for the best deal is a great way to save money, but if there is only one company to choose from then you are stuck.  In our little slice of heaven, we have one option for electricity, water, phone, and a few other amenities.  There is only one electrical company for our area.  The only other option is solar power and that is an expensive option (one we are planning on taking in a few years, but that is beside the point).  When rates are raised, it is either pay up or do without.  If we didn’t have electricity, we wouldn’t have water as we are on a well.  For me, personally, it is not an option.  Our bill is high compared to the options others have, at least 140 a month.  We closely watch our energy use to keep the bill as low as possible.   

A city water hook-up isn’t even an option where we are at the moment.  The city is slowing moving up the mountain, but for the time being, we use well water.  The plus side to this is there is no water bill.  The downside is that if the power goes out, we have no water.   

Our area only has one option for phone and internet use.  We live in an area where we are unable to go without a landline.  There is no cell signal where we are.