30 Common Sense Tips To Reduce Expenses

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, monitor and change your thermostat’s temperature as required during daytime and night and don’t leave lights/appliances on when you don’t require them.

2. Go for a matinee show on weekdays. Avoid weekends.

3. Instead of meeting friends at the coffee shop or bar, call them home. Potluck dinner parties are a good idea.

4. Carry your lunch to work.

5. Carpool to work whenever possible.

6. Save money on drugs with generics whenever possible.

7. Make a list when you go grocery shopping and stick to it. Use coupons on items you normally buy and try to shop on double coupon days. Stocking up on non perishables or items that can be frozen is also a good idea when they are on sale.

8. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan.

9. At the end of the day get into the habit of putting all your spare change in a jar. Once it is full roll it and put it in a savings account. Some banks will even count it for you for free.

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. Stop smoking. Easier said than done but can you really afford not to?

12. Install a water saver type shower head.

13. Save the cost of a gym membership and work out at home.

14. Maintain your car yourself - i.e., do basic stuff like changing the oil, washing it, etc.

15. Shop discount stores. But be careful, sometimes you can still find the items cheaper on sale somewhere else.

16. Do you have high interest credit cards? Consider refinancing or making power payments each month (making more than the minimum payments).

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. Don’t be afraid to ask for a deal when buying large ticket items such as cars and furniture.

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 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. When shopping for your work wardrobe try to avoid anything that is “dry clean only”.

25. Shop around for cheaper car insurance, homeowners, etc.

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. Don’t be late in paying your bills - the interest can be killing.

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!

These are just a few tips to help you stretch your budget. You might even come up with a few of your own!

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