Are you wishing you had more room in your budget to save for retirement or your children’s college education? Sometimes all it takes is small changes. The following list is full of little changes you can make in your lifestyle that could potential add up to more money in your pocket. If you have any I forgot… please add them into the comments!
1. Cut back on eating out, or stop altogether.
2. Quit a bad habit like smoking, alcohol, or even drinking soda.
3. Bring your lunch to work each day.
4. Make your own gourmet coffee at home each morning.
5. Make your own gift and greeting cards – this adds a special touch and cuts the cost.
6. Use email instead of the phone for long distance calling.
7. Give your kids more of your quality time and less gifts.
8. Use the library – you would be amazed how much it offers you for free.
9. Walk or ride a bike when possible, instead of the car.
10. Rent movies instead of going out to the theater.
11. Swap chores with friends – like babysitting, yard cleanup, house cleaning… etc. Agree to help them in exchange for their help.
12. Cut back on cell phone calls.
13. Spend less time watching TV and reduce your cable/dish to the lowest package.
14. Use less water with shorter showers, full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, and watering your lawn in the morning.
15. Get in the habit of turning off lights and equipment when finished. Buy the long lasting light bulbs for lights that stay on often (like the front porch).
16. Recycle and compost to save money on your garbage bill. Switch to the smallest can rate.
17. Use automatic billing to avoid the cost of stamps.
18. Refinance your loans to the lowest rate possible.