Living
on a budget is the key to financial freedom, but getting started can be
frustrating. When we look at our expenses and see all of those bills we're
paying every month, it's easy to throw our hands up in disgust. But what about
all those little expenses we incur? You might be surprised to find out just how
much they amount to.
It's
easy to dismiss cutting back on little things. A few dollars a month won't make
a significant difference in the big picture. But a few dollars here and a few
dollars there adds up to a few more dollars. When you cut back in a lot of
small ways, you could end up with a lot more money at the end of the month.
Waste
Not, Want Not
One
thing we can do that is good for the budget is stop wasting so much. This can
apply to many areas in our lives. From eating to home heating, waste equals
money going down the drain unnecessarily.
Cooking
for the family instead of eating takeout or dining out is a great way to save
money. But if you're throwing food out, the benefit is reduced. So if you have
leftovers, don't let them end up in the trash. Some dishes freeze well, and
this makes for easy dinners when you don't have time to cook. You could also
eat dinner leftovers for lunch the following day.
If
your home is not well insulated, you're probably wasting lots of money on home
heating and cooling. Insulating will cost some money up front, but it will pay
for itself quickly. If you have drafts around windows and doors,
weatherstripping can help maintain the temperature of your home.
Most
households waste an unbelievable amount of electricity. This can be prevented
in part by using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Turn lights,
televisions, computers and other devices off when you're not using them, and
open blinds to take advantage of the sun's light during the day.
Do
Yourself a Favor: Do It Yourself
Any
time you pay someone else to do something that you could do yourself, you're
spending money unnecessarily. This applies to little things like buying coffee
instead of making your own, as well as to larger expenses such as home repairs.
Many
of us buy coffee or a soft drink from a convenience store or coffee shop on the
way to work in the morning. This can really add up over time. Instead, make
your own coffee, or buy soda in 2-liter bottles and pour some into a smaller
bottle or cup to take with you. The same applies to lunches. Instead of
springing for fast food, take a sandwich or something microwavable to work.
While
we're not all good at all types of repairs and maintenance, most of us can do
some things for ourselves. Maybe you could change your own oil instead of
paying someone else to do it. If the walls need painting, consider getting
friends and family to help you do it instead of hiring a painter. Things like
these can save us a noticeable amount of money right away.
When
you add up the savings, little things can make a big difference to the budget.
So take a close look at your budget and see what small expenses are lurking
there. If you can eliminate or reduce them, it could positively impact your
bottom line.
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