With the high cost of gas and groceries these days it is a wonder anyone can make ends meet. You might feel like your budget is already stretched as thin as it can go but you would be surprised. Here are 30 ways to cut expenses. Try just a few of them and see if you can start saving more of your paycheck each week.
1. Cut back on energy costs whenever possible. Hang clothes instead of using your dryer whenever possible (outdoors in nice weather and inside on racks during bad weather). Use energy saving CFL lights. Get in the habit of turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room.
2. Skip the movies and rent or borrow dvds. You will also save money by making your own popcorn.
3. Instead of meeting friends at the coffee shop or bar, call them home. Potluck dinner parties are a good idea.
4. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch.
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. If you make a lot of long distance calls then it may pay to go with a plan that offers free long distance. Otherwise, limit calls to nights and weekends when rates are normally cheaper.
9. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.
10. Buy clothing off season and never pay full price. Often what you find at one store full price will offer something similar on sale.
11. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.
12. Install a water saver type shower head.
13. Save the cost of a gym membership and work out at home.
14. Keep up on maintenance to extend the life of you car.
15. Dollar stores are a great place to stock up on items such as wrapping paper, gift cards, gift bags, etc.
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. Keep your pantry stocked with ingredients for quick meals that your family enjoys. This will keep you from ordering a pizza on those evenings that you just don't know what to make.
18. When shopping for large ticket items it pays to shop around. Some stores will even match competitor prices.
19. If you're paying a high rent, move to a cheaper place.
20. Check out Freecycle.org for getting free stuff or getting rid of things that you don't use. Many communities have their own chapter.
21. Stick with the cheapest cable plan you can get. Check your local library to borrow video tapes and dvds for free.
22. We all like to splurge once in a while on things like manicures but if are trying to save money consider doing this yourself.
23. Start a savings account just for emergencies. Start small like $5.00 per week.
24. Save on dry cleaning costs by purchasing items that can be washed at home.
25. Shop around for cheaper car insurance, homeowners, etc.
26. Cut back on soft drinks. Water is a much healthier alternative.
27. Have a rummage sale or check out local consignment shops. They will either give you a set price for all your stuff or, sell your items and share the commission with you.
28. Pay bills on time to avoid late fees and higher interest rates.
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. Don't be afraid to splurge once in a while. If you cut back here and there you deserve to treat yourself once in a while. Just make sure you plan for it.
Whether you try just a few of these tips or all of them, these tips can really help you stretch your budget.
1. Cut back on energy costs whenever possible. Hang clothes instead of using your dryer whenever possible (outdoors in nice weather and inside on racks during bad weather). Use energy saving CFL lights. Get in the habit of turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room.
2. Skip the movies and rent or borrow dvds. You will also save money by making your own popcorn.
3. Instead of meeting friends at the coffee shop or bar, call them home. Potluck dinner parties are a good idea.
4. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch.
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. If you make a lot of long distance calls then it may pay to go with a plan that offers free long distance. Otherwise, limit calls to nights and weekends when rates are normally cheaper.
9. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.
10. Buy clothing off season and never pay full price. Often what you find at one store full price will offer something similar on sale.
11. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.
12. Install a water saver type shower head.
13. Save the cost of a gym membership and work out at home.
14. Keep up on maintenance to extend the life of you car.
15. Dollar stores are a great place to stock up on items such as wrapping paper, gift cards, gift bags, etc.
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. Keep your pantry stocked with ingredients for quick meals that your family enjoys. This will keep you from ordering a pizza on those evenings that you just don't know what to make.
18. When shopping for large ticket items it pays to shop around. Some stores will even match competitor prices.
19. If you're paying a high rent, move to a cheaper place.
20. Check out Freecycle.org for getting free stuff or getting rid of things that you don't use. Many communities have their own chapter.
21. Stick with the cheapest cable plan you can get. Check your local library to borrow video tapes and dvds for free.
22. We all like to splurge once in a while on things like manicures but if are trying to save money consider doing this yourself.
23. Start a savings account just for emergencies. Start small like $5.00 per week.
24. Save on dry cleaning costs by purchasing items that can be washed at home.
25. Shop around for cheaper car insurance, homeowners, etc.
26. Cut back on soft drinks. Water is a much healthier alternative.
27. Have a rummage sale or check out local consignment shops. They will either give you a set price for all your stuff or, sell your items and share the commission with you.
28. Pay bills on time to avoid late fees and higher interest rates.
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. Don't be afraid to splurge once in a while. If you cut back here and there you deserve to treat yourself once in a while. Just make sure you plan for it.
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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