Are you feeling overwhelmed with the high cost of living these days? If you think it is impossible to cut back any more than you already have think again. Here are 30 different tips to cut expenses. Even if you followed a few of them you could find that it is possible to make your money go further.
1. Save on energy costs. Use power saving CFL lights. Hang your clothes instead of using the dryer, Only run things your dishwasher when full. And don't leave lights or appliances on unless you are using them.
2. Go for a matinee show on weekdays. Avoid weekends.
3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.
4. Carry your lunch to work.
5. Use public transportation or a carpool.
6. Buy generic drugs instead of branded ones.
7. Use coupons while shopping at grocery stores, and always shop according to a list. Preferably shop on double-coupon days. Maybe, you can buy supplies from bulk food warehouses.
8. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan.
9. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.
10. Buy clothes off season when you can get the best prices. I stock up on kids clothes a year in advance and just buy a size or two larger depending on the age of the child.
11. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.
12. Doing little things like not running the water while brushing your teeth will save a lot of water.
13. Save money by working out at home. Rent or borrow an exercise dvd before buying to make sure you like it.
14. Maintain your car yourself - i.e., do basic stuff like changing the oil, washing it, etc.
15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!
16. If you're paying a high interest on a mortgage or credit card - refinance it, change it or consolidate your debt to save on interest.
17. Eat out less. Try to keep stocked up on the ingredients for quick meals to keep from going through the drive-thru on days you are just too tired to cook.
18. When shopping for large ticket items it pays to shop around. Some stores will even match competitor prices.
19. Is rent high where you live? consider getting a roommate or move if you have to.
20. Do you freecycle? Many communities have local chapters that you can sign up for to give away or get things for free. Go to Freecycle.org for more information.
21. Stick with basic cable. Your family might balk at the idea but your wallet will thank you.
22. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair at home.
23. Start a savings account just for emergencies. Start small like $5.00 per week.
24. When shopping for your work wardrobe try to avoid anything that is "dry clean only".
25. See if you can get a better price on insurance. Some companies will give you a deal if you carry all your policies (car, homeowners, etc) through them.
26. Drink more water. Sugary soft drinks should be an occasional treat instead of an everyday staple.
27. Reduce clutter and earn some extra money with a garage sale.
28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.
29. Consider planting a garden. Produce such as zucchini can be shredded and frozen for future recipes. Find information at your local library online on how to get started.
30. If there is some luxury that you can not live without then by all means try to figure it into your budget once in a while. We all deserve a little luxury in our lives!
Whether you try just a few of these tips or all of them, these tips can really help you stretch your budget.
1. Save on energy costs. Use power saving CFL lights. Hang your clothes instead of using the dryer, Only run things your dishwasher when full. And don't leave lights or appliances on unless you are using them.
2. Go for a matinee show on weekdays. Avoid weekends.
3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.
4. Carry your lunch to work.
5. Use public transportation or a carpool.
6. Buy generic drugs instead of branded ones.
7. Use coupons while shopping at grocery stores, and always shop according to a list. Preferably shop on double-coupon days. Maybe, you can buy supplies from bulk food warehouses.
8. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan.
9. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.
10. Buy clothes off season when you can get the best prices. I stock up on kids clothes a year in advance and just buy a size or two larger depending on the age of the child.
11. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.
12. Doing little things like not running the water while brushing your teeth will save a lot of water.
13. Save money by working out at home. Rent or borrow an exercise dvd before buying to make sure you like it.
14. Maintain your car yourself - i.e., do basic stuff like changing the oil, washing it, etc.
15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!
16. If you're paying a high interest on a mortgage or credit card - refinance it, change it or consolidate your debt to save on interest.
17. Eat out less. Try to keep stocked up on the ingredients for quick meals to keep from going through the drive-thru on days you are just too tired to cook.
18. When shopping for large ticket items it pays to shop around. Some stores will even match competitor prices.
19. Is rent high where you live? consider getting a roommate or move if you have to.
20. Do you freecycle? Many communities have local chapters that you can sign up for to give away or get things for free. Go to Freecycle.org for more information.
21. Stick with basic cable. Your family might balk at the idea but your wallet will thank you.
22. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair at home.
23. Start a savings account just for emergencies. Start small like $5.00 per week.
24. When shopping for your work wardrobe try to avoid anything that is "dry clean only".
25. See if you can get a better price on insurance. Some companies will give you a deal if you carry all your policies (car, homeowners, etc) through them.
26. Drink more water. Sugary soft drinks should be an occasional treat instead of an everyday staple.
27. Reduce clutter and earn some extra money with a garage sale.
28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.
29. Consider planting a garden. Produce such as zucchini can be shredded and frozen for future recipes. Find information at your local library online on how to get started.
30. If there is some luxury that you can not live without then by all means try to figure it into your budget once in a while. We all deserve a little luxury in our lives!
Whether you try just a few of these tips or all of them, these tips can really help you stretch your budget.
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