30 Practical Ways to Cut Expenses

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the high cost of living these days? If you think it is impossible to cut back any more than you already have think again. Here are 30 different tips to cut expenses. Even if you followed a few of them you could find that it is possible to make your money go further.

1. Save on energy costs. Use power saving CFL lights. Hang your clothes instead of using the dryer, Only run things your dishwasher when full. And don't leave lights or appliances on unless you are using them.

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

3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.

4. Take your lunch to work more often. Your savings will really add up!

5. Share rides to work with co-workers or use public transportation.

6. Go generic on prescription and over the counter drugs 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. If you make a lot of long distance calls then it may pay to go with a plan that offers free long distance. Otherwise, limit calls to nights and weekends when rates are normally cheaper.

9. At the end of the day get into the habit of putting all your spare change in a jar. Once it is full roll it and put it in a savings account. Some banks will even count it for you for free.

10. Buy clothes off season when you can get the best prices. I stock up on kids clothes a year in advance and just buy a size or two larger depending on the age of the child.

11. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.

12. Save water - keep your showers short.

13. Don't waste money on a gym - instead, jog, walk, workout at home or cycle.

14. Keep up on maintenance to extend the life of you car.

15. Dollar stores are a great place to stock up on items such as wrapping paper, gift cards, gift bags, etc.

16. If you're paying a high interest on a mortgage or credit card - refinance it, change it or consolidate your debt to save on interest.

17. Eat out less. Try to keep stocked up on the ingredients for quick meals to keep from going through the drive-thru on days you are just too tired to cook.

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. Check out Freecycle.org for getting free stuff or getting rid of things that you don't use. Many communities have their own chapter.

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

22. Don't waste money on manicurists and pedicurists - you can do their work yourself 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. Drink less soft drinks and more water. Not only will it save on your grocery bill but it is also better for your health.

27. Have a rummage sale or check out local consignment shops. They will either give you a set price for all your stuff or, sell your items and share the commission with you.

28. Pay bills on time to avoid late fees and higher interest rates.

29. Try your hand at gardening. If you are limited on space check online for information on raised beds or container gardening.

30. If there is some luxury that you can not live without then by all means try to figure it into your budget once in a while. We all deserve a little luxury in our lives!

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.