Reduce Your Expenses and Save Money

Is your budget being wiped out by outrageous gas, energy and food prices? Are you concerned about the economy, your job outlook for the coming months and the likelihood for stagflation, or a period of stagnant economic growth combined with high inflation? Most of us are dealing with hard economic times. You are about to learn how to save money and lower your amount of financial pain.

Reduce your dependence on gasoline. Do not drive more than fifty-five miles per hour on the highway. Maintain a decent amount of air pressure in your tires. Reduce the number of times you drive to do something that is not necessary. When you have the opportunity, travel to your destination by foot, bus, commuter train or bicycle.

Cut back on entertainment if you are struggling. I used to see almost any movie that interested me and roller skate many times a year. As much as I like to see movies and skate, I can only do these things rarely because if I went more often, I would have to spend several dollars for admission and bus fare and if I saw just one exciting movie, I would be tempted to see many more – I am already losing too much money.

Curtail how much you spend for books. If you are on a budget, consider buying a book for less than a dollar at a library. You may also buy books at Sam’s Club where books tend to cost about half of what books at other stores cost.

If a special occasion such as a holiday or relative’s birthday is coming but you are struggling financially, make your own greeting card. Type what you want to say and insert some clip art pictures onto a Microsoft Word document before printing it.

If you cannot afford to spend much on clothes, shop at a discount store such as Family Dollar. Pick up caps, shoes, jackets and pants off the street and clean them. If someone asks where you got your clothes and you are too ashamed to admit you found them, tell the person someone gave you the clothes or you do not remember where you got them.

Take advantage of every opportunity to get a discount. If you do not have to have a particular item now, wait until it goes on sale. Shop when special sales are held. Clip and use coupons for food and other essentials that appear in newspapers and store circulars.

Focus on your food budget. Buy grocery items in bulk. Buy a particular item at a larger size if it costs less to do that. Eat leftovers for lunch. Only eat out and buy vending machine items occasionally.

Reduce your utilities usage. Only turn on the lights when it is too dark to see or read adequately. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Turn off faucets when you finish using them.

Try to lower your bill for heating and cooling. Set your thermometer at about seventy degrees. When it is cold, wear a sweater inside your home and open the blinds for each window the sun shines through. If it is not too hot on a summer day, open the windows and turn on your fans. When it is hot enough to run the air conditioner, close your blinds for each window the sun shines through. Your home should always be properly insulated.

Take care of your needs before fulfilling your wishes. Immediately deposit money into your bank account when you get paid to more easily resist the temptation to spend all your earnings. If you live from paycheck to paycheck, forgo having cable television or satellite service.

Cut your postage costs. Pay your bills and submit resumes electronically when you have the opportunity. Buy “forever” stamps.

Use financial aid. If you attend college, use every dollar you can get from a scholarship or grant to pay tuition. If you earn too little, apply for food stamps.

Let others buy things for you. Ask relatives who are more financially fortunate than you to get expensive things for you as Christmas or birthday presents.

Make things easier for yourself. Follow my advice to save money and live a better life!