What are some good ways to cut back on finances when you are just making it as it is?

Answer 1

- Groceries - Try shopping at Aldi (Or whatever cheap store you have by you), use coupons, by generic, DON'T shop at gas stations or convenience stores

- Gas - Use the lowest grade allowable for your car. Try to cut back on unnecessary travel, walk more

- Utilities - Keep the lights turned off and the shades/blinds open during the day time. Keep the heat low during the winter and wear sweaters. During the summer go outside more. Down grade your internet connection speed. Only do full loads of laundry (No more throwing A shirt in the laundry)

- Clothes - You don't need new clothes or new shoes....Period!

- Use your debit/credit card - This may fly in the face of conventional wisdom, but bear with me. When you use cash, there is always going to be spare change. This change either gets lost, forgot about, or spent more easily. Instead, use your debit card and keep a register for EVERY transaction. You can also use your credit card the same as long as you pay off the balance due every month. (Finance charges don't apply when you pay your balance in full every month)

- Rent - Again, common practice says to own your own home. The problem lies within the fact that most people can't truly afford their own home. Depending on the LTV (Loan to Value) of your mortgage, you might lose more money on interest rates and taxes than losing the benefit of the extra declarations.

- Pets - Get rid of them. Yes, pets are great to have and love...They're also extremely expensive.

- Coffee - Stop buying Starbucks. That goes for any other coffee from a shoppe. If you have to drink coffee, then drink the coffee at work. Learn to drink your coffee black.

- Hair cut - Go to an old fashioned barber shop. Get a standard men's haircut. It'll be cheaper than going to a salon, and you'll use less shampoo every morning.

- Extra work - Part time job. If you NEED extra money, then forego a social life for a while and take on a part time job. Anything from waitressing, bartending, stock room, maybe even a sole-proprietorship doing a hobby.

Answer 2

If you usually live alone you might consider renting a room in a secure home.There may be a program in your area called; Shared Housing.These are usually set-up through government agencies for the elderly or handicapped who still live at home but need someone else there for certain duties and shopping.I wouldn't put all of my food money in perishable foods and in the freezer if it fails or the power is disrupted too long. Housing to me can be the number one thing that can break the bank for us. I currently live in an apartment where the rent covers the utilities and all I have to pay is my phone and cable/Internet service. Newer laundry mats have better equipment and should save you money. There are usually churches and food pantries to consider also.Many communities have welcome centers or community services that can guide you in the right direction. If you know how to cook try using rice more often and bring meals to work if possible. I used to make peanut butter and jam sandwiches on toast instead especially with some cheaper or stale breads. Some dollar or general stores have these cheaper also. I prefer brand name peanut butter like Jif and buy jams or preserves instead at the dollar stores. You would be surprised how much you can spend eating out all of the time especially if it isn't on the dollar menu. Top floor apartments can usually be hotter in the summer time and more expensive to cool.

Answer 3

Details in a question are the thing. But the basics are and never change......

-the way you eat and planning meals is always the biggest chunk in a budget

-renting a movie, cable, just buying a book instead, make coffee at home instead of Starbucks... it is always something like that as well

Start from the premise that you have no money. What would you do to maintain basic living? Shelter, work and food. All else are not needed.

Answer 4

- If you have cable TV get rid of it or cut it back to the very basic service. Many companies have a basic service that's not advertised.

- Depending on the age of your car and whether or not you owe any money on it you may be able to drop the insurance to liability only. Otherwise you might want to look at raising your deductibles to like $500.

- Create a menu for your meals and then only shop for whats on your menu.

Just a few ideas.

Answer 5

I feel you. The most you can do is use less electricity and eat cheaper food or less food.