What’s necessary and what’s something you THINK you can’t do without? You may be over paying for what’s necessary and those things you don’t want to do without. Bloggers from U.S. News My Money offer these tips for cutting expenses.
Cable- Founder of girls just wanna have funds dot com, Ginger Dean says the internet makes paying for cable unnecessary. Hulu, Youtube, Netflix and Roku are less expensive alternatives.
Cell Phones- Lots of carriers have low cost plans that don’t require long term contracts; Virgin Mobile plans start at $35 a month.
Energy Bills- You’ll save 3% for every degree you lower your thermostat, according to rental expert, for rent dot com, Niccole Schreck
Transportation- You can save money on gas, parking, auto expenses and maybe even a car payment by taking public transportation.
Dining Out- Eating out costs so much more than cooking and eating at home. Try to avoid poppiong into the fast food place. Make large dishes over the weekend; freeze them and use as needed for lunch and dinner.
Gym Membership- sign up for free fitness classes at a neighborhood recreation center, join the YMCA, use a corporate wellness program, use a DVD home fitness program.
Groceries- Shop at warehouse clubs so you can buy in bulk; avoid buying perishables in bulk.
Your Daily Latte- consider buying your own French press or Keurig machine; in the long run you’ll come out ahead.
Medications- Choose generic drugs; these are the bio equivalent to the brand name drugs and they cost 80 to 85% less, writes Hal Bundrick of Nerd Wallet; use apps like GoodRx, Lowes Med or Prescription saver; sign up for a pharmacy discount card that could save you 10 to 25%.
Entertainment- Sign up for a loyalty club and you can pay less for concessions and tickets. Regal Entertainment Group offers $2 popcorn on Tuesdays to club members. AMC gives free popcorn refills and special kids snack packages. There are free movie screenings at parks, museums and libraries. During summer months major movie chains have free or discounted movies for kids, weekday mornings, according to Teresa Mears, publisher of Living On The Cheap.
Shopping- Ask about discounts stores may be giving but not advertising; you may fall into a certain age group, discounts for current military and veterans; AARP member discounts, student or senior discounts.
