30 Ways to Save Money

    Ways to Reduce Monthly Expenses

    By: Erin Huffstetler

    Reducing your monthly expenses is a great way to free up money for debt repayment. Here are several ways to do it.

    TV: Can you get rid of cable or satellite service altogether? Cut back to a basic package? Cancel your TIVO subscription? Say goodbye to Netflix?

    Phone: Can you ditch the cell phone? Switch to a cheaper plan? Can you do without call waiting and other premium features on your land line? Do you really need long distance? Could you switch to an Internet-based long-distance plan?

    Food: Could you start using coupons? Participate in rebate offers? Cut out a few unnecessary grocery items? Replace convenience foods with homemade? Buy store brands instead of name brands? Shop the sales? Stockpile? Cut back on eating out? Bring your coffee and lunch from home, instead of eating out during the workweek?

    Car expenses: Could you combine errands to save gas? Walk places instead of driving? Carpool to work? Do your own oil changes and basic maintenance? Refinance your car loan? Wash and detail your car at home instead of paying someone else?

    Utility bills: Could you turn down the thermostat? Wash your clothes in cold water? Line dry your clothes? Add more insulation to your home? Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater? Collect rainwater to water your plants? Install low-flow showerheads in your bathrooms?

    Entertainment: Could you rent movies instead of going to the theater? Check out books at the library instead of buying them from a bookstore? Attend free concerts and plays instead of paid performances? Utilize Parks & Recreation facilities instead of paying for a gym membership?

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