10 Ways to Save Money This Year
Saving money is on everyone’s minds right now, but many people aren’t sure how to go about cutting day-to-day costs. Here are ten things you can do right now to put more money in your monthly budget.
1. Change your driving habits. Cut your fuel costs by driving less. Evaluate whether you really need to run to the store for a last minute item. Find ways to car pool with others and check out public transportation. Also, avoid idling your car longer than one minute.
2. Rethink your entertainment options. Instead of going out to the movies, hit the rental store. Limit your night out clubbing to once a month, and have friends over on Friday nights instead for potluck and BYOB. Utilize your local public library for books, music and movie rentals.
3. Lower your insurance costs. Insurance rates, especially auto insurance rates, can vary a lot from company to company. By getting at least three different comparison quotes, you could lower your premiums by hundreds. An easy way to do this is online at an insurance comparison Web site. Driving less and taking advantage of discounts can lower your rates as well. Also, consider raising your deductibles on both auto and home insurance to immediately lower your premiums. Just be sure you can come up with the higher deductible in the event of a claim.
4. Eliminate expensive gym memberships. If you need the incentive that comes with the gym social scene, look into joining a local running, hiking or other workout club.
5. Dine-in more often. Prepare more meals at home rather than eating out. Cutting out one restaurant meal a week could save you $70 or more a month, per person.
6. Brew your own. Gourmet coffee-to-go can cost you $3 or more a cup. Buy an inexpensive grinder and coffee maker and brew a thermos of the good stuff that you can take to work or school, for only pennies a cup.
7. Cut your utilities costs. Change furnace filters regularly. Install weather stripping around doors and windows. Fix leaky faucets and running toilets. Lower your thermostat and wear sweaters.
