Ask yourself some questions about spending.
Do you eat out a lot?
Could you cook more of your meals at home?
Do you buy coffee on the way to work each day? .
Could you bring coffee from home?
Do you pay a lot of fees for a cell phone?
Could you get a cheaper plan? Or, could you cancel your landline and use only your cell phone? Could you cut back on cable or satellite service?
Do you spend a lot on gas for your car?
Could you drive less?
Some ways to cut your spending
Making small changes can add up to big savings. If you cut out 1 expensive coffee every day, you could save about $20 each week. That adds up to more than $1,000 a year.
Do it yourself –
Stop paying others to do things you can do yourself. For example, wash your shirts yourself instead of taking them to the dry cleaner.
Eat out less –
Commit to cooking more at home. Bring your prepared leftovers to work for lunch – they can be great.
Shop smarter –
Shop with a list so you won’t buy something you don’t really need. Look for weekly specials at the grocery store, sales on big items and discounts for services. Shop at second-hand stores and websites.
Use less energy –
Spend less on heating and cooling your home. For example, don’t leave lights on when you’re not using them. Use less heat or air conditioning if you’re away from home or sleeping. For more tips, visit the Ontario Power Authority website.
Use your car less –
Save money on gas by walking more. Use a bicycle or take public transit if it’s cheaper than driving your car. Or just try to get what you need in one trip, not two (or more).
Consider getting rid of your car –
You may save money by using public transit, taxis or rental cars. Do the math and consider the lifestyle changes you’d have to make to see if this will work for you.
Find cheaper alternatives –
Rent movies instead of seeing them in the theatre. Pick a holiday spot closer to home. Spend less on your cell phone by getting a cheaper package or talking less.
Pay cash –
It may seem easier to use a payment plan that allows you to make small monthly payments. But if there’s interest on those payments, they’ll cost you more over time.
Borrow smarter –
You’ll pay a high rate of interest to borrow money on your credit card. Instead, try to get a cheaper loan that will leave you with lower monthly payments overall.
Sell what you don’t need –
Sell what you don’t need haven’t got the room for – certainly review anything you have in storage!
Read through this book and TAKE ACTION!
As always, have fun taking the action. Keep notes and review progress.
There is one other spect of spending which should be addressed and that’s the emotional aspect. In these days of consumerism, subliminal direction and the internet, one must be aware of the emotionally soothing escapism that many experience when spending. We will address this in “but spending makes me feel better” under emotional health.
Stephen Bray 2020