Looking for creative ways to reduce your monthly expenses? This list might give you some inspiration and ideas to try. (Find more great ideas here!)
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If you had to reduce your monthly expenses without any way to increase your income, what would be the first thing you would give up?Here’s what many readers had to say when we asked the question on facebook!
50 easy ways to lower your monthly expenses
Foods to give up:
- Restaurants and fast food too! (Note: This was the top answer from hundreds of readers.)
- Hot lunch (bring your own lunch from home instead).
- Coffee will flow (make it at home).
- Starbucks.
- ice cream.
- meat.
- organic food. (Or find a way to save money.)
- Branded Foods – Store-bought ones usually taste just as good.
- Grocery splurges and impulse buys — Be more intentional with your menu planning.
- Grocery shopping (using up what’s in the pantry and freezer for a week or two).
- Individually packaged items – buy in bulk and save.
- Individual drinks – canned soda, Gatorade, sparkling water, lemonade, etc.
- Alcohol and soda — at grocery stores and restaurants.
- Junk food, desserts, snacks.
- Vending machine snacks.
Monthly charges to reduce:
- Streaming services (try free Sling TV instead!) and digital subscriptions (Note: This is the next most popular answer.)
- Mobile phone data usage.
- Mobile carrier — Switch to a lower carrier.
- gym membership.
- Amazon Prime.
- Magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
- Cable TV or satellite dish.
- Pet grooming — Watch YouTube videos and do it at home.
- Manicures and pedicures — do it yourself at home.
- Shipping charges — We only ship items with free shipping.
- Insurance for household appliances – Usually not worth insuring.
- Utilities – Call the company and ask them to negotiate a lower rate.
Habits to change:
- Don’t pay full price for something!
- Try shopping for groceries in unconventional places.
- Stop traveling (at least for a year or so). Or check out these travel savings tips.
- Don’t buy anything you can’t afford (pay for everything in cash).
- Dye your own hair.
- Instead of using the dryer, hang your clothes on a clothesline to dry.
- Avoid impulse purchases.
- Instead of going out, switch to free and simple pastimes, like going for a walk with a friend or inviting people over.
- Avoid online browsing that leads to shopping and impulse purchases.
- Lower or raise the thermostat and unplug devices when not in use.
- Hunt, fish, and grow a garden.
- Please use our free cycle site for clothes and toys.
- Instead of driving everywhere, walk or bike.
- Cancel some of your child’s extracurricular activities and sports.
- Save gas by running all your errands in one day instead of several times a week.
- Shop with savings.
- Learn to wait 24 hours before purchasing.
- Reduce all holiday spending (food, entertainment, gifts, clothing, decorations, etc.).
- When you donate more to those who are more in need, your perspective changes.
- Focus more on your needs and wants.
- Make a budget and actually stick to it!
- Try these cheap and free date night ideas.
- Recognize items you don’t have to buy.
- Discover the joy of contentment.
Looking for more ideas? Check out the tips below.
- 55+ easy tips to save money at home
- What to do when you’re tired of being frugal
- 65+ Cheap and Free Date Night Ideas
- 35 things you don’t need to buy
- 30 creative ways to save money on gas
- 25+ cheap ways to travel
Plus, you can read the entire list of reader ideas on our Facebook page!
I’d love to know… If you absolutely had to cut your monthly expenses, what would you give up?
Free Download: 60 Meals to Avoid Takeout!
Meal time has become so much easier!
Source: Money Saving Mom® – moneysavingmom.com
