The economy has taken several hits as of late. Gas prices are steadily rising, as well as food prices, and there is no sign of relief on the horizon. If you are to survive these problems from a financial standpoint, you've got to get control of your spending. Here are 10 Ways to Spend Less Money.
Make a budget. You need to not only know where the money is supposed to go, but where it is actually going. Each day, we probably spend $10 or more without any idea as to where that money has gone. Start writing down what you spend each day. At the end of the week, make a chart and really take a look at where the money is going.
Transfer Your Debt. While the idea is always to get out of debt, and to stay out of debt. You can save a great deal monthly and annually by transferring high interest debt to low interest debt. This is typically done with credit cards and with bank loans. If you have a balance on a high interest card, obtain a low interest card and transfer the balance from the high interest card. If you have a high interest bank loan, start shopping around for a better interest rate.
Change your lifestyle a bit. We are always in a hurry and looking for the easy way to get things done. Learn to slow down and it will save you money. Instead of running through the drive thru after work, run to the grocery store, take the food home, and actually cook. Include the whole family, and it will not only be easier and cheaper, it will actually bring your family closer together.
Change your entertainment. Instead of going to the movie theater, rent a movie to watch at home and make your own popcorn. Instead of an amusement park, visit the City Park or beach. Instead of buying new CDs, start a CD exchange in your neighborhood or school, where people can exchange CDs with each other. Look for ways to save money on entertainment. You don't have to be bored but you can save money.
Combine trips. This is a common suggestion, but these days, people are actually taking this great advice. Instead of making three different trips throughout the week to handle your business, make one trip. Also, talk with your neighbors about carpooling to the grocery store, to events, and even to pay bills. Talk to co-workers about carpooling. If you aren't willing to do it for the environment, you should be willing to do it for your pocketbook. Gas is expensive!
Shop at second hand stores. You can find really nice used clothing and items in these stores. Obviously, you don't want used socks or underwear, and in some cases, you won't want used shoes but everything else that you can think of can be purchased used. There is absolutely no shame in it, and in most cases, you will be helping out one or more charities.
Use coupons. Get the Sunday paper. Look through the magazines. Start clipping those coupons. You can also find a variety of coupons online. You can join a coupon club, or go directly to the manufacturers sites to find deals and coupons. This saves more money than you might think.
Use cash. It is dangerous to carry cash around these days, but you will save money doing so. First, draw out large sums from the ATM, instead of twenty here and fifty there. This saves on the ATM fees. Now, stash that large sum in your home consider a floor mounted safe. Only take what you need to carry, and instead of writing a check or swiping your card, pay in cash. This helps you to be more mentally aware of how much you are spending, because you actually see the cash leaving your hand. You will be more careful about the money that you spend. Leave the debit card, credit cards, and checkbook in the safe.
Choose a form of communication. If you have a home phone and a cell phone, you are wasting money. Most people have cable or satellite television, and you can get Internet access that way and drop the home telephone. Cell phones are convenient, but not everyone really needs one. Consider keeping the home phone and dumping the cell phone if you are in a situation where you really have no need of a cell phone.
Force yourself to save money. When you spend money on something that is unnecessary something beyond the basics of life, which includes housing, food, and transportation match what you are spending in your savings. For example, if you go out and spend fifty bucks on your hobby, put fifty dollars in savings as well. This will help you to control how much you spend, and save money at the same time.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
