The cost of living is going UP! UP! UP! There is no easy way to wave a magic wand and be able to make ends meet. Yet, there are ways to improve your financial outcome.

First, budget. Yeap, the dirty little word budget. Have some idea as to where the money is going.

Second, after you make that budget, look at what you can cut out. Do you have to have the $100 cable package? Do you have to have a land line, a cell phone line, a pager and other techno gadgets? Sure they are fun to have, but we saved $39 a month by getting rid of our TV and $45 a month by getting rid of our cell phone and just using a pay as you go emergency cell phone. That is $84 a month, or 3 tanks of gas per month, or $1,008 a year. Realize that is it OKAY to NOT have what your neighbors have. Another tip, Try to only run errand once a week, do them all, and figure a route that you will take. That way you are conserving on gas usage.

Third, find free. What does that mean? Well, instead of renting the lastest video at Blockbuster, go borrow a DVD from the library. Sure, it's not the latest release, but it's also not $4.50 rental charge. Go to free events, most cities have them. Our city has free concerts, free kids events, free movie nights, etc. Find free! Find clothing exchanges, library reading clubs, and other social freebies...THEY ARE OUT THERE!

Forth, Groceries. They have gone up. Yet, you can fight this too! First, stop going out to eat! It's unhealthy to your body and your pocket book. Also, check your farmers market. You can get veggies for great prices. Also, stockpile, coupon and rebate. Yes, it takes time, but if you have more time then money....it's worth it! I save an average of 60% on each grocery bill. I feed a family of 4, with 5 cats and a rabbit for under $250 a month including cleaning products. I have a neighbor with raspberries all over her back yard, she doesn't want to pick them, so I made a deal with her....my kids pick them and we give her half. She accepted and now we have more jelly and jams then I could ever use! Maybe your neighbor doesn't have raspberry bushes, but what other creative ways can you come up with?

Fifth, accept freebies. I have a woman at church who brings me hand me downs. Now several ladies at church know that I am comfortable with hand me downs and I get all sorts of stuff. Some things I can't use, so I pass them on. My rule of thumb, if someone offers me a freebie, typically I take it. Then they know I am willing to take freebies! Use freecycle or other freebie trade groups. I have gotten everything from clothes for my kids to movies to FOOD!

Remember, all you really need in life are the essentials; Food, Clothes, and a roof over your head. ( okay an a car to get to work!) Keep searching, researching and figuring out what is best for your family. You can cope with the high cost of living today. You have to look at it as a challenge, can you win?

Learn more about this author, Angela Hoag.
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