by Dusty Summer

Created on: July 05, 2008

Cutting down on living expenses can be difficult. We each establish habits that involve spending and changing those habits is often difficult. Begin slowly if you can and keep in mind that each change you make in your spending will eventually lead you to a more secure and free financial lifestyle. I have followed these tips and have been able to live well with over $20,000 in income-changing from a 70+ hour week to freelance work that allows me to enjoy my time, my family, and pursue my own interests.

1. Stop eating out. Resist the temptation to go through the drive-through. Have easy to prepare and healthy foods at home and remind yourself they are waiting for you as you pass those tempting restaurants as you drive by. Use the crock pot to have something ready to go as you and your family get home-prepare the night before, and plug in when you leave for work. Don't stop for that morning coffee at the gas station, either. Have a travel mug and take your coffee from home. This alone can save you over $10.00 per week per coffee drinking adult!

2. Shop the dollar stores first. Often name-brand toiletries are available at extremely cut-rate prices. Shop for shampoos, soaps, even cosmetics and perfumes first at the dollar stores. While you are there, look for cleaning supplies-they really do work as well as the name-brands and they are many dollars less then the brands you will buy at the grocery or drug stores.

3. Make fun times for family using coupons, discounts, and local park facilities. Most communities have a budget theater. Wait for your films to get to these theaters and you will spend much less than half the cost, even if you do get popcorn, to take the family to these theaters. Find the coupon booklets that come through your mail. Usually a restaurant in town will have a buy one get one free coupon for a meal. Make this your restaurant experience at half the cost. Go to the park! When the weather is good, make up a simple picnic and get the family or yourself out to the park! Even think of bringing along something for exercise. This can be a great outing and will cost you almost nothing.

4. Shop carefully and wisely. Beans and rice dishes are healthy, nutritious, and can cost less than $2.00 or $3.00 to make up for the whole family. I have become a vegetarian and it has saved me so much money while allowing me to painlessly lose over 20 pounds. Fast food sure isn't tempting, anymore. Cutting out even a few "meat" meals a week will save you money, add variety

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