by Judy Turner
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. Take your lunch to work more often. Your savings will really add up!
5. Use public transportation or a carpool.
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 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. Install a water saver type shower head.
13. Save money by working out at home. Rent or borrow an exercise dvd before buying to make sure you like it.
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. Get out from underneath credit card debt by making more than the minimum payment each month.
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. 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. Save on dry cleaning costs by purchasing items that can be washed at home.
25. Do some comparison shopping on insurance for anything from car, life 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. Try your hand at gardening. If you are limited on space check online for information on raised beds or container gardening.
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.
These are just a few tips to help you stretch your budget. You might even come up with a few of your own!