subject: How A Change In Lifestyle Can Help You Save Money [print this page] How A Change In Lifestyle Can Help You Save Money
More people are hurting financially than at any time since the great depression. As a result, many families are finding it more difficult to get by and are, in fact, falling out of the middle class.
Essentially you have three options if you are having trouble making ends meet on your current salary. You have a choice of either finding ways to earn more income, finding ways to cut your expenses, or both. Here are a few ways to cut your expenses and live within your means.
Gather all your credit card bills and put together a plan to begin to pay off your credit card balances as soon as you are able. If you are only paying the minimum amount on a card each month, you are barely covering the interest payments on that card. This means that you are, essentially, paying the credit card company for letting you have the privilege of owing them money. You are throwing your money away. So stop it.
It is not necessary to always buy new items. You can save a significant amount of money by looking for factory refurbished deals, especially for big ticket items. These often have the same guarantee as a new item, work just as well, and they are significantly cheaper. For example, if you are thinking of buying a new portable exercise machine, a new one may cost you $500. But a refurbished one, may only cost you $300.
And that would make a huge difference in your shopping budget. Stores won't usually advertise these types of deals because, of course, they want to sell their new items. But, you would probably be surprised at just how much refurbished merchandise is being kept in warehouses across the country.
If you have a freezer and a dry goods storage room or bin, start buying your foods in bulk. There are many popular warehouse clubs across the country that have become increasingly popular over the last decade. And with good reason. Depending on the type of foods that you buy, you can often save 50% or more on staples like cereals, canned goods, and especially meats. Most require that you purchase an annual membership card, but if you shop for food a lot, you can make this up in no time.
Are you open to the idea of living with a little less comfort in your home if you can save a bit of money by doing so? If so, there are many ways that you can save money. In the winter time, to save on your heating bills, wear a sweatshirt instead of turning your thermostat up. In the summer time, install ceiling fans, so you can cut down on the use of your air conditioning. And use long lasting, energy saving bulbs. When you replace large energy draining appliances, replace them with energy efficient appliances.
Changing your lifestyle is not that difficult if you do it gradually. And as you go on, you will find it easier and easier to live comfortably within your means.
