Have you noticed? Being frugal is fashionable now! No longer relegated to the rungs of poverty, it has become mainstream as a family struggling to get ahead in times of economic pressure. With rising house prices, stagnant wages and rising unemployment, many families have found their disposable income slashed viciously. Many families will be thrown into a tailspin trying to cope with these challenges.
There are two options available for such families. make more . Or spend less . We'll look at making more in the second column. Today we'll look at spending less. If we take a look at our top accounts and find strategic ways to reduce bleeding cash, there will be more left over at the end of the month to save.
Utilities . Use less AC / heat. In summer use a fan during the day or spend a lot of time in the basement, if you are housebound, the basement will be cooler than the rest of the house. In winter, turn the heat down and use sweaters and socks for the amplifier to the level of comfort. It will also increased their savings.
communication. Get a magic jack and eliminate long distance charges in Canada and the United States. Eliminate the phone, if possible. If not, get a pay as you go plan to top up using a minimum amount. Get add-on that allows you unlimited texts or as much as possible for as little as possible. Communicate only with the texts, while on the go. Use the magic jack when home. If you only use the internet to send e-mail to consider getting the lowest package.
insurance. Drive safely, so you do not get stuck with higher prices. If you are about to move, check out the rates in your new area code. Some area codes to get a higher percentage than others, depending on the application rate in that particular area.
fuel. never top up on the weekend. It's funny the percentage that applies for weekend travel. Top up by Thursday and meet up with the prices at different stations. Use cells that are consistently below the offered reward points. If you are traveling far above the top of the more rural areas, prices are way cheaper for some reason.
Food . Coupons and flyer deals are the best way to get your food bill looks healthier. It takes a little planning, but the benefits are well worth it. Stock up on non perishable items when on sale and plan meals with seasonal fruit and vegetables in order to avoid paying premiums for the off-season food. I bought a bottle of vegetable oil ten o'clock the next day for two bucks each, which will last for the next ten months. Replacing the more expensive meat dishes with creative beans, is not only cheaper, it's often way more nutritious. Stop eating out. Celebrate a special day at home. With a little effort is almost always tastes better and saves you a bunch of money. Pack a lunch.
Baby Stuff . Buy furniture and equipment in the garage sales and thrift stores after ensuring security. Clean and re-finish to your own taste. Save baby clothes for future children. Buy store brand diapers, wipes, etc. are always cheaper. Breastfeeding by the time to return to work after a year, the child will be ready to take whole milk, which is way cheaper than formula.
Beauty . Make your hair, your own facials, manicures and pedicures own.
Training . Forego the gym. Go on walks. Do you know where to take the steep stairs. Use it for free by empowering cardio workout. Crunches and abs does not require the equipment anyway.
Lease . If you rent a townhome and down on cash, consider getting a flat to better times. Most apartments come with utility bills included in the price so as to avoid the bills are usually associated with home or townhome.
Refinance . Negotiate lower interest rates on credit cards. Remove all but one, if possible and pay every month. Unnecessary credit is a trap that uses all but you. Get back in cash, it is safer and better.
Applying these principles and see their bills taper down and increase their savings.
No comments:
Post a Comment