How do you control your expenses?

Answer 1

I have so much money automatically taken out of my paycheck that It only leaves me enough to survive with the basics. I generally spend what is left.

This forces me to live modestly.

Of course, this leaves me with a considerable cushion of available funds if an emergency required it.

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I max out my 401k, my 401k catch up, my ESPP and with those proceeds, I max out a Roth IRA(plus catch up) for myself and an IRA(plus catch up) for my wife, and invest the rest in taxable accounts.

I also pay 20% more towards principal on my mortgage every month.

I don't use credit cards except for occasional internet purchases and little emergencies that I will be able to pay off in full when the bill comes.

I'm commuting in a 15 year old vehicle with a quarter million miles on it.

Answer 2

Have very basic cable only $15.14 a month. I would use an antenna but reception is not that good, when your 50 miles away from the TV stations. Have no cell phone. Just basic phone service about $15.00 plus dial-up at $15.95. Just eat one meal a day. I eat only hot dogs that cost only 79 cents a package. I eat hot dog everyday but the weekend. We usually cook hamburger on the weekends. Get DVDs at the library.

Answer 3

Budget. Freeze your debt / credit cards in an ice tray & use only cash if you are an impulsive buyer. I heard that people have done that to make them think, is it really worth the purchase if they have to wait for the ice to melt.

It's not easy. We live in a place that everybody wants things NOW and everybody wants everything. The 'Jones' need to stop reproducing. Maybe they when they do steam cell research they can take that gene out of us.

-Angela
http://www.ratraceclub.com

Answer 4

don't buy anything except what you specifically need to live on. cut your expenses to the bone (buy an old car, a one room apartment or rent with someone else), keep food costs down (don't eat out at restaurants or when you get the urge). Send only ecards to people at holiday time or call them on the phone (or thru Yahoo Messenger) to save money. Get rid of your cell phone, or buy one of those cheapies for 911 emergencies only. Cut your ISP cost (get dial up). Get rid of your cable charges for your tv. Buy your shoes at places like Payless and clothes at like Walmart. Change to a vegetarian diet. And prior to payday set up a budget for yourself, pay off your debts, put money into savings, invest in a Roth retirement plan.

Answer 5

I don't really. Just have to make sure I'll have enough for my share of the rent and buy groceries and pay credit cards. If I get desperate and need something else I use my credit card as a last resort.

Answer 6

If you need to ask this question, then clearly, you are not managing as well as perhaps you might and could need a little help. Banks have services for just this very thing. If it is a good bank, they will arrange an appointment for you and you will be able to speak to one of their staff who are trained for just this very thing. Don't feel embarrassed. Thousands of people have this problem and once you are placed back on track, you'll feel much better and more financially secure.

Answer 7

Spend less than you make
seperate the needs and wants
need: food,gas, mortgage, ectricity,utility
want: big cable bill,satelitte bill,fansy car,cloth ,latte,eat out every day
Set aside 1000-2000 for cash emergency in case your car borke down,your doctor appointment,house problem so You break the credit card cycle. In the meantime, LEARN HOW TO INVEST THE RIGHT WAY
Yes you could learn invest by yourself. it is your money, you should know how to do with it. for starter check this site out.

http://www.pathtoinvesting.org/index_fla...
http://www.stockcharts.com
http://www.streettalklive.com>... university. a lot amount of information. It will serve you well
I accumulate in good amount in 401k at the young age.I could share with you. when consider invest in stock market. you should consider basic 3 things:

fundamental analysis==(economic data,finincial health, management, business model, competetion)>>what to buy

technical analysis==(chart+indicator)>> when to buy

Sentiment/schycho analysis==>>mood of investor, Contrarian point of view.
Market cycle===>> check out book Trader Almanac by jeff hirsch will give you inside stuff
When you combine 3 thing, It is one of the powerful knowledge goinh with you for the rest of your live

At the age of 32. my 401k is amassed 73,000.00 and 30000.00 in taxble account. by follow simple rule

Answer 8

Self-control. Sit down and write up a monthly budget for everything. Stick to it.

Answer 9

I don't carry any cash (because if you carry cash, you're going to spend it and end up thinking "Where did it all go?") I only carry one credit card but I don't buy anything that I can't pay off the next day (this only works if you have free online bill pay)

Answer 10

make up a budget for your bills
rent/mortgage
utilities
insurance
other expenses
food
credit cards
and then spend carefully