30 Practical Ways to Cut Expenses

by: JudyTurner
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Word Count: 773

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

12. Save water - keep your showers short.

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

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. Always bargain at shops and look at a few options before making a purchase. If you're buying fancy stuff like jewelry, buy it from a pawn shop.

19. If you're paying a high rent, move to a cheaper place.

20. Try Freecycle.org for getting and receiving unwanted items for free. One man's trash is another man's treasure!

21. Stick with the cheapest cable plan you can get. Check your local library to borrow video tapes and dvds for free.

22. Don't waste money on manicurists and pedicurists - you can do their work yourself at home.

23. Open a savings account that you use just for emergencies. If possible have just $5.00 per week taking right out of your paycheck and work your way up. This will come in handy the next time you have an emergency car repair.

24. Save on dry cleaning costs by purchasing items that can be washed at home.

25. See if you can get a better price on insurance. Some companies will give you a deal if you carry all your policies (car, homeowners, etc) through them.

26. Drink less soft drinks and more water. Not only will it save on your grocery bill but it is also better for your health.

27. Have a yard sale. Not only will you make some extra cash but you will also get rid of excess clutter.

28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.

29. Plant a vegetable garden. If you don't have a lot of space you could try 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.

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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