This month is all about making additional cuts in your budget through comparing costs. Let’s take a look at some common expenses people face and find ways to cut them down.
CABLE
If the thought of going without your favorite shows is more than you can handle, there may be other options. With the rising of subscription services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, ‘cutting the cord’ has become a popular trend over the last few years.
There are also the free channels that are available to everybody with an appropriate antenna set up. These channels include CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and PBS.
The industry is competitive, so try making a call to your provider to see if your bill can be lowered. If not, there's several other companies out there from which to select.
INSURANCE
Insurance is one of those costs that may seem static, but with a little work, you can find savings. Use comparison websites or talk to an agent to find lower priced options.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Budgeting is all about priorities and if staying fit is yours, there are ways to achieve this without an expensive gym membership. First, compare whether it's less expensive to have a full membership or just pay per class.
Remember to also check websites like Groupon and LivingSocial, which often have great deals related to health and fitness.
If you have a membership and you're just flat out not going, cancel it. It’s not worth spending the money every month just on the off chance you "might" go.
There are other options if you can't afford to go to a gym. YouTube features hundreds of channels that are dedicated to workouts and weight loss. There are a variety of different types of workouts, so you're bound to find one that works for you.
SMART PHONE
It’s pretty much impossible to get through life without some kind of cell phone in today’s world. However, it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg every month.
Sit down with your current plan to find out exactly how much you are paying each month. Then, take a look at how much data you are using each month. If you use less than you are allotted, consider reducing the amount you pay for every cycle.
Figure out what aspects of a phone plan are most important to you and then research to see which carrier best fulfills those needs. You may also want to consider family or group plans.
If you love streaming music or videos, some carriers include that with their data plans. Many streaming services also offer family or group pricing options for multiple users.
SHOPPING
It’s impossible to avoid shopping, no matter how much you are trying to save, but you can be better prepared. Avoid making shopping trips without planning first. Research whatever you are planning to buy and find the best price or if there are any coupons available. Then, only go to the stores that have the items you need.
This may sound time consuming, but with the internet, it’s really not that difficult. For example, the free plug-in ‘Honey’ can instantly find the best price and any coupons on items you’re already shopping for online. There are also apps you can use to compare products in store, such as the Amazon scanner feature.
"Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship."
-Benjamin Franklin
One final tip: take a look at your bank and credit card statements and make sure there are no recurring charges you're unknowingly paying.
Come back next month for a new money work-out to help get your finances in shape this year.
