Before you go getting into a cpxx, it might be time to take a look at your whole financial picture in order to look at every dollar coming in and out, and then finding ways you can cut expenses in order to put your hard-earned dollars to good use, from building an emergency fund, increasing retirement contributions, and even saving for a much needed vacation. There are plenty of ways you can save money, but some might take some sacrifices, but will be well worth it in the long run.
Get Rid of the Gym Membership
When the end of the year comes it’s typically a time when you reflect on the previous year and start to think about what you can do to improve yourself in the next year. That’s probably why you see the gyms packed starting in January, where it’s hard to even get on a machine, but by the time April goes the crowds start to thin out. The visits become less-frequent and pretty soon you are paying every month but not going to the gym. Save yourself the trouble and just cancel the gym membership now. It’s finally starting to warm up, take the dog for a walk every day, and get some exercise outside, for free.
Cut the Cable Cord
The popular trend you hear about now is cutting the cable cord, and that may come as a shock, but think about how many of the available channels that you actually watch, let alone live TV and not your DVR. If you can actually get rid of cable, get an HD antenna for around $20 to still get the local channels, pay $10 a month for a streaming service, you can probably still save a hundred dollars a month by getting rid of cable. It may be easier than you think.
Use a Rewards Credit Card
While I understand it may be tough for some to stay within a spending budget, I mean after all, you can charge up what you want and don’t have to pay back until the next month. Credit cards may scare some, but it actually can make good financial sense others, especially when it comes to the credit card rewards. By making the purchases you were going to make anyways, you can earn points or cashback dollars that you wouldn’t otherwise see by using your debit card, leaving free money on the table essentially.
Avoid Going Out to Eat
In order to free up extra money sometimes you have to make the tough choices, and while it’s great to order what you want, be served, not to mention cleaned up afterwards while you get to go home, it comes at a premium price. If you can skip going out to eat and go for grocery shopping instead and actually prepare your meals at home, you can watch the savings happen virtually right away, probably saving hundreds of dollars a month, which may make a little easier to cook a little more instead of taking the easy route and going out.
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