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30 Ways To Reduce Your Spending

by: JudyTurner
Total views: 6 | Word Count: 685

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. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.

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

5. Use public transportation or a carpool.

6. Buy generic drugs instead of branded ones.

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. Piggy-bank loose change.

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. If you smoke quit! Not only will you save a ton of money but your health will greatly improve.

12. Save water - keep your showers short.

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. 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 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. Don't be afraid to ask for a deal when buying large ticket items such as cars and furniture.

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. Subscribe only to the TV channels that you watch and cut out the rest.

22. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair at home.

23. Having a savings account just for emergencies is a must! Otherwise you'll end up resorting to credit cards. Try to put away just $5.00-$10.00 per week away and watch it add up. As you pay off debt increase your savings.

24. When shopping for your work wardrobe try to avoid anything that is "dry clean only".

25. Shop around for cheaper car insurance, homeowners, etc.

26. Cut back on soft drinks. Water is a much healthier alternative.

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. Know when to splurge. Cut back on the trivial things that eat up your paycheck and you can splurge occasionally on something fun.

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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30 Ways To Reduce Your Spending

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