Have you ever noticed that those "save hundreds of dollars" articles are aimed at the people that have more

Question

money to begin with? The things they suggest cutting out or saving on are things I don't have to begin with. They suggest cutting off your premium cable service, exercising at home instead of a gym membership, hand washing instead of dry cleaning, and so on. None of these tips help me at all. Why doesn't someone come up with some tips for people who don't have enough income to cover their monthly expenses? Like how can I cut my 75 dollar electric bill when I live in an apartment where the heating and cooling units are old, or how can I cut my 20 dollar a week grocery budget down? I can't cut down on entertainment because I never go anywhere to begin with. Where are the savings tips for poor people??

Answer 1

WE POOR PEOPLE CAN STOP EATING-------
CAN FREEZE IN WINTER
SWEAT IN SUMMER
NO VATIONS
WORK LONG HOURS
WORK TWO JOBS
DRIVE OLD VEHICLES
DO WITHOUT HEALTH CARE.
DO WITHOUT DENTAL

JUST MAKE IT DAY TO DAY...AND LOVE POLITICANS SPENDING OUR TAXES.

Answer 2

If you're already not spending, the next step is to increase earnings. If you're making it now, even barely making it, and you get another job (working weekend nights as a waiter/bartender for tips, for example) that whole income can go to savings. What is it that you can cut back on? I came to a realization when I was 21 and working as a lifeguard during the winter (it's California, so it was somewhat bearble but not a lot of hours) that I had to move back in with my parents to save money. If that's not an option, think about roommates.

Use fans instead of the AC, sweat pants and sweatshirts instead of heating. I don't think I've yet to spend $75 on electric, but again I live in California where we don't have winter. I've weathered a 115 degree summer without ever using the AC though.

Car expenses are huge sometimes. Shop around for better insurance, don't use premium gas unless your car manual specifies it.

Answer 3

Change the filter in your furnace to cut down on heating costs, even on an old unit in an apartment. Look online for coupons to save on your groceries, then when you go shopping, look for the bin of reduced items and see if there is anything you can use - perhaps even an item you have a coupon for. Shop at stores that double coupons (there is one near me that doubles all coupons - even those over $1). Save on dryer costs by hanging your laundry on a rack instead of putting it in the dryer. Only run the dishwasher when it is as full as you can get it. Shower every other day (saves on hot water, soap and shampoo). Take plastic grocery bags with you to the store and most stores will give you a 5c discount for every bag you use. Sit all bottles (shampoo, spaghetti sauce etc) upside down to ensure you are getting every last drop out of them (often people throw away bottles that still have 1-2 more uses left in them).

Answer 4

I know what you mean. It's is very irritating. Especially the sales ads that say you can save all this money by buying your new sofa here. But you can save even more by sitting on your old sofa.

When we were really short of cash once I started writing down every single penny we spent and I mean every one. It did help me feel in control a bit more, it also made me realise how little unnecessary spending we did. Now we aren't doing to bad but I'm still as reluctant to spend money without careful thought.

Answer 5

these tips are for the average american that cant differentiate a need from a want, and dont realize how much theyre spending on stuff. if youre already living on the bare minimum, then what you need to do is make more money. You can only cut costs so far, eventually you have to start raising income.

Answer 6

It sounds like you have an income problem (unless you are in debt, then you have a debt/income problem). If you don't have debt, it sounds like you need a new career. If you have debt you need a plan to get rid of your debt. Either way you need to start the bad "b" word (budget) and "spend" your money on paper at the beginning of each month and then stick to what you put down on the paper.

The best plan I have found to save and get out of debt is by Dave Ramsey. His book is The Total Money Makeover. His website is: www.daveramsey.com

Answer 7

I'm guessing your young. People as articulate as you are very seldom poor. You just haven't been around long enough to aquire any money. Your at the point in your life that most well off people value the most. "I remeber when I didn't have enough money to...Never again." One day you'll look back on this time of your life as motivation, and you'll be very proud of yourself for all the hard work it takes to get out of that situation. Your good, life is only time and pressure. Any time pressure is kicking your butt, all you need is time. Anytime time is kicking your butt, all you need is pressure. Good luck!

Answer 8

Savings are really just reducing waste. I understand your problem about all I can cut is my highspeed internet connection. I get my movies from the library. I cook my own meals.
Wear a sweater inside and cut the temp in your apt. That is about all you can do and you may already be doing that.