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The best strategy for cutting down on living expenses is by making a plan that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle, and one that is comfortable to you so that it can be used long term without it feeling like devrivation or punishment. After all, saving money is not just for relieving or totally ending debt, it's also a means to get those things in life you want, without the worry of being crushed by credit card debt, or loans that will be causing you to pay for that car or boat many times over.

There is no one size fits all strategy, but the tips below will help you cut down on your expenses on average 25%-30%, that is like bonus money to do with as you please every month, be it to pay off loans, pay bills, invest , save for a vacation, or spend on luxury items. This article will cover where people spend the bulk of their money, and offer solutions and idea's for use on any budget.

Part I. Mortgage, rent, insurance and loans.

1. As far as rent is concerned, there is little you can really do to lower the cost, unless you are willing to try to negotiate with the landlord and offer to mow the property, or do some other type of upkeep for them, even then, many already have professional maintenance people and Landscaper's already under contract, who are bonded and insured, but it may be worthwhile to ask.

2. Also after you have a savings plan established and are lucky enough to save a years rent up, see if you could get a discount for paying a year in advance, 10%-15% would not be an unreasonable negotiation,if the landlord agrees, give him the check right away and put your receipt somewhere safe, before he changes his mind or tries to low ball you. Saving a years rent up is a daunting task, and may take 2-3 years for some, depending on income, but there are not many other ways to save on rent, it is one of those things that never go down in price. If the landlord agrees to discount, consider that the next years rent money you are saving would then be going to pay off loansand credit card bills, making it possible to cut down on other living expenses, that are not as inflexible as rent. Or possibly saving for a down payment on a home.

3. If you own a home,research other banks to see if you can refinance to a lower interest rate, if your credit is good to excellent, then your chances of refinancing will be much better.

4. Being that buying a home is one of the most important investments most people will ever make, put paying off the mortgage completely,as soon as possible,a

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