How to Live on a Limited Income <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:off ice:office" />

As the cost of living rises each year and the economy seems to be heading south, there are more and more people and families who have very little money. It seems that families who seemed to be making ends meet are now living from paycheck to paycheck.

The first thing you should do is plan a budget. Get a ledger, or notebook; anything you can write on. List each bill you have and what the amount due is and when it is due. This way you are able to see what has to be paid first and what can be paid at a later date. You can see what is due month to month and what you will have left over to spend on necessities and entertainment.

When you live on a budget, you cut every corner, including when you buy groceries. This doesn't mean you can't have good food, it just means you'll be smarter when buying it. Purchase generic brands instead of name brands. They can be as much as half the price and they are usually made by the same name brand companies. Try buying your groceries at a budget store such as Dollar General. They have great deals and you can usually buy twice as much as you could at a major brand grocery store.

If you enjoy going out to eat, don't think that just because you are on a limited budget you have to stop. Several restaurants have specials or certain nights that kids eat free. You can also search for restaurants who have a "brown bag" special; two meals for one price.

If you get a Sunday paper, thumb through it and clip all the coupons you are able to use. This can save you a bundle, and they have coupons for just about everything these days!

Want to see a new movie, but just don't have the extra cash to spend? Try joining a movie club, like Netflix. If you've never joined they have a free trial period available. Then you can spend as little as $4.99 a month and never be charged a late fee. Blockbuster has a program similar to this. You are still able to entertain your family, but are being frugal about it.

Another way to save that precious dough each month is to turn off lights, televisions, computers and such when you are not using them. Try setting your refrigerator to a higher temperature, but make sure it stays in the safe range to keep your food safe to consume.

When the temperature outside allows, try opening windows instead of running your heater or air conditioner. Your cooling/heating system is responsible for more than half of your electric bill. By not using it as much, you can save a bundle. Using ceiling fans can also help cool and warm rooms up also.

There are a ton of things you can do if you have limited income. Just be creative and use your imagination. You may have very little money, but that shouldn't mean you have to have a very limited life style!

Learn more about this author, Cara Boynton.
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