There are hundreds of easy ways to begin cutting your expenses and saving more money each month. Some are as simple as cutting down on impulsive shopping sprees and entertainment, while others involve a little creativity. If clipping coupons is the only thing that comes to mind when you think about ways to save, read on!
Cancel The Extras – Take a long hard look at what you spend each month on things that you can either do without or do yourself. Is that gym membership really a must? Purchase a few good workout DVD’s, keep equipment to a minimum, such as a mat and a pair of hand weights and viola! You can save hundreds a year. Walking is also one of the best exercises, and it’s free!
Canceling your cable television will put more than extra cash in your pocket. It will also create more free time by eliminating an often mindless diversion and save on your electric bill.
If you have a lawn service, think about reducing the number of visits they make and/or doing the mowing and blowing yourself. You’ll save money and benefit from the extra exercise and time outdoors.
Watch What And How You Eat – With food prices on the steady increase, it just makes sense to evaluate ways to cut costs in the kitchen, the supermarket and beyond. Part of the problem is that many of us don’t spend much time preparing meals at home. When we do, the items we choose most often are expensive and unhealthy convenience foods. Keeping track of food choices can save thousands over the course of a year.
Buying fresh local food, stocking up on bulk staples, planning meals and cooking at home are all simple ways to save money. $ 15 to $ 20 a week is what you’ll pocket when you brew your coffee at home as opposed to breezing through the drive thru five days a week. Save even more when you brown bag it for lunch. It is a little more time consuming, but a sure fire way to combat food inflation and inflate your wallet in the process.
Be Resourceful – Impulsive spending habits are the downfall of many. When you are trying to save money, avoid stores all together, unless you are after essentials like groceries, medicine, or pet food. Before making a purchase, always ask yourself, if it’s something you really need, or just something you want at that moment. Waiting a few days is always a good idea if you tend to be a reckless buyer.
If you decide that it’s really something you can’t do without, look for alternative ways of obtaining it. For example, for an article of clothing, is there a cheaper substitute at a discount store or perhaps a second hand shop?
Utilize the library for books, music, and movies. You may be in for a pleasant surprise when you see the local library’s selection of CD’s and DVD’s. There are many online sites, which offer scores of free, downloadable options for music, movies, and pod casts.
Most people who are effective at saving money aren’t necessarily those who are making the most money. They are typically savvy consumers who have realized that to save money, you’ve got to change your behavior.
Lisa Andree is a writer and marketing professional who helps real estate and mortgage companies promote their brands and products such as 203K rehab loans and 5 year adjustable rate mortgage loans online.