30 Practical Ways to Cut Expenses

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With the high cost of gas and groceries these days it is a wonder anyone can make ends meet. You might feel like your budget is already stretched as thin as it can go but you would be surprised. Here are 30 ways to cut expenses. Try just a few of them and see if you can start saving more of your paycheck each week.

1. Cut back on energy costs whenever possible. Hang clothes instead of using your dryer whenever possible (outdoors in nice weather and inside on racks during bad weather). Use energy saving CFL lights. Get in the habit of turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room.

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

3. Instead of meeting friends at the coffee shop or bar, call them home. Potluck dinner parties are a good idea.

4. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch.

5. Carpool to work whenever possible.

6. Save money on drugs with generics whenever possible.

7. Do you see a good sale for a product you use anyway? Stock up whenever possible! If you have coupons for the sale item you can save even more.

8. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan.

9. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.

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. If you smoke quit! Not only will you save a ton of money but your health will greatly improve.

12. Doing little things like not running the water while brushing your teeth will save a lot of water.

13. Save the cost of a gym membership and work out at home.

14. Maintain your car yourself - i.e., do basic stuff like changing the oil, washing it, etc.

15. Shop discount stores. But be careful, sometimes you can still find the items cheaper on sale somewhere else.

16. Do you have high interest credit cards? Consider refinancing or making power payments each month (making more than the minimum payments).

17. Keep your pantry stocked with ingredients for quick meals that your family enjoys. This will keep you from ordering a pizza on those evenings that you just don’t know what to make.

18. When shopping for large ticket items it pays to shop around. Some stores will even match competitor prices.

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

20. Do you freecycle? Many communities have local chapters that you can sign up for to give away or get things for free. Go to Freecycle.org for more information.

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

22. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair at home.

23. Having a savings account just for emergencies is a must! Otherwise you’ll end up resorting to credit cards. Try to put away just $5.00-$10.00 per week away and watch it add up. As you pay off debt increase your savings.

24. When shopping for your work wardrobe try to avoid anything that is “dry clean only”.

25. See if you can get a better price on insurance. Some companies will give you a deal if you carry all your policies (car, homeowners, etc) through them.

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. Don’t be late in paying your bills - the interest can be killing.

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 implement some or all of these tips or even come up with a few of your own, finding creative ways to stretch your budget will really pay off financially.