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30 Common Sense Tips To Reduce Expenses

by: JudyTurner
Total views: 24 | Word Count: 794

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. Instead of going to the movies rent or borrow one. If you must go to the movies go to an early matinee and save some money.

3. Instead of meeting friends for coffee or drinks invite them over for potluck. Take turns each week at each others house.

4. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch.

5. Carpool to work whenever possible.

6. Save money on drugs with generics whenever possible.

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. If you make a lot of long distance calls then it may pay to go with a plan that offers free long distance. Otherwise, limit calls to nights and weekends when rates are normally cheaper.

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. Save water - keep your showers short.

13. Save the cost of a gym membership and work out at home.

14. Maintain your car yourself - i.e., do basic stuff like changing the oil, washing it, etc.

15. Dollar stores are a great place to stock up on items such as wrapping paper, gift cards, gift bags, etc.

16. Do you have high interest credit cards? Consider refinancing or making power payments each month (making more than the minimum payments).

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. 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. 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. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair 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. 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. Don't be late in paying your bills - the interest can be killing.

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. If there is some luxury that you can not live without then by all means try to figure it into your budget once in a while. We all deserve a little luxury in our lives!

These are just a few tips to help you stretch your budget. You might even come up with a few of your own!

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30 Common Sense Tips To Reduce Expenses

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