30 Common Sense Tips To Reduce Expenses

by: JudyTurner
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Word Count: 710

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. 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. Share rides to work with co-workers or use public transportation.

6. Buy generic drugs instead of branded ones.

7. Do you see a good sale for a product you use anyway? Stock up whenever possible! If you have coupons for the sale item you can save even more.

8. Call long-distance in the evening and on weekends. If you make a lot of long distance calls look for a plan that offers unlimited free long distance.

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. Never pay full price for clothing. Check the sales flyers in your Sunday paper. Why pay full price on a pair of jeans at one store when another store is having a sale?

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

12. Doing little things like not running the water while brushing your teeth will save a lot of water.

13. Don't waste money on a gym - instead, jog, walk, workout at home or cycle.

14. Keep up on maintenance to extend the life of you car.

15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!

16. Get out from underneath credit card debt by making more than the minimum payment each month.

17. Keep ingredients on hand for meals that you can have on the table in under 30 minutes. This just might keep you from ordering take out if you had a busy day.

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 basic cable. Your family might balk at the idea but your wallet will thank you.

22. Don't waste money on manicurists and pedicurists - you can do their work yourself 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. 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. Have a yard sale. Not only will you make some extra cash but you will also get rid of excess clutter.

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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