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.
Disclaimer: Dime-Co.Com is an online information article and video article network. All articles, video articles, comments, and other features herein are for informational purposes only and are provided "as is" without warranties, representations or guarantees of any kind. The views and opinions expressed in an article, comments, links or blogs are the author's own, and not necessarily those of dime-co.com's owners. For full disclaimer, please read our TOS.