30 Practical Ways to Cut Expenses

by: JudyTurner
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Word Count: 705

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

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

4. Carry your lunch to work.

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 clothing off season and never pay full price. Often what you find at one store full price will offer something similar on sale.

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

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 your vehicle well maintained. That way you will hopefully get many more miles out of it well after it is paid off.

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. Eat out less. Try to keep stocked up on the ingredients for quick meals to keep from going through the drive-thru on days you are just too tired to cook.

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. Is rent high where you live? consider getting a roommate or move if you have to.

20. Try Freecycle.org for getting and receiving unwanted items for free. One man's trash is another man's treasure!

21. Stick with the cheapest cable plan you can get. Check your local library to borrow video tapes and dvds for free.

22. Don't waste money on manicurists and pedicurists - you can do their work yourself 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. Reduce clutter and earn some extra money with a garage sale.

28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.

29. Try your hand at gardening. If you are limited on space check online for information on raised beds or container gardening.

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 try just a few of these tips or all of them, these tips can really help you stretch your budget.

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