Real Estate Innovation

30 Common Sense Tips To Reduce Expenses

With the high cost of gas and groceries these days it is a wonder anyone can make ends meet. You might feel like your budget is already stretched as thin as it can go but you would be surprised. Here are 30 ways to cut expenses. Try just a few of them and see if you can start saving more of your paycheck each week.

1. Cut back on energy costs whenever possible. Hang clothes instead of using your dryer whenever possible (outdoors in nice weather and inside on racks during bad weather). Use energy saving CFL lights. Get in the habit of turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room.

2. Go for a matinee show on weekdays. Avoid weekends.

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. Share rides to work with co-workers or use public transportation.

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. 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. 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. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.

12. Doing little things like not running the water while brushing your teeth will save a lot of water.

13. Save money by working out at home. Rent or borrow an exercise dvd before buying to make sure you like it.

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

15. Shop discount stores. But be careful, sometimes you can still find the items cheaper on sale somewhere else.

16. If you’re paying a high interest on a mortgage or credit card - refinance it, change it or consolidate your debt to save on interest.

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. When shopping for large ticket items it pays to shop around. Some stores will even match competitor prices.

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

20. Check out Freecycle.org for getting free stuff or getting rid of things that you don’t use. Many communities have their own chapter.

21. Stick with basic cable. Your family might balk at the idea but your wallet will thank you.

22. Don’t waste money on manicurists and pedicurists - you can do their work yourself 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. Dry cleaning can eat up a large portion of your monthly budget. Try to add more items to your wardrobe that you can wash yourself.

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. 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. 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 implement some or all of these tips or even come up with a few of your own, finding creative ways to stretch your budget will really pay off financially.