Choice 2: Where can you cut spending? The little things.
You’ve all heard that if you only cut out that coffee you buy every day you would be on much more solid financial ground. Many of us have small things we buy that we don’t think impact our overall budget that much. When you track your expenses as suggested in my first post you may find you spend a lot on things you weren’t even aware of. Things like that magazine you buy at the supermarket checkout, or the daily muffin snack at work. I won’t say it is easy, but these smaller incidental expenses are a great place to trim your budget. Remember your goal and making these little choices should be easier.
Need some ideas on how to cut the little stuff?
Bring your coffee from home. If there is that special coffee drink you can’t live without, make it a treat you have once a month. Just remember, your goal is worth it!
Take your lunch and snacks to work with you. Bag lunches don’t have to be boring. Mix it up with interesting wraps, fancy sandwiches and salads. Include easy things to snack on things like yogurt, vegetable sticks and fruit. If you have a microwave at work your options expand even further. Keep granola bars, fruit leather or nuts in your desk for the times you feel hungry.
While we’re on the subject of food, shop with a list. Make a meal plan for the week/month and do your grocery shopping all at once. If it isn’t on the list, don’t buy it unless it is on sale and will be used in your meal plan for the next week/month. If possible, reduce the stress on you and your budget and don’t shop with the kids.
Explore your local library. You can find many magazines at the library as well as books. Most library cards are free and give you access to the latest publications without paying the price. Many libraries also lend DVD’s and CD’s.
Consider changing your cable, internet or cell phone packages. Is there a way to bundle services so that you pay less? Talk to your service providers about reducing your monthly costs.
Just think, saving 5 dollars a day for a year will get you 1,825 dollars closer to your goal.
1 response so far ↓
1 Janet // Jan 23, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I have to say that my area of “small things” is fast food. I just found it so much easier to run through a drive through. I was also always scared of the $300 grocery bill every two weeks. Since I started doing shopping all at once and cutting out the small things I am amazed at how easy life has been. I have things available for the kids and I to eat when we just want something quick. I am also able to grab something out of the freezer each morning and throw it together that night for dinner. Since I have all of the ingredients at home it is quick and easy. Best of all, my husband can cook too if I am not up to it.
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