8 Simple Ways to Cut Spending
73Cutting back on spending does not have to be a hard thing to do and it also does not mean you have to make a ton of sacrifices. It does mean you have to be more creative on how to pinch pennies or stretch dollars.
Switch to generic or store brands at the grocery store.
Many times bargain labels are just as good, if not the same as brand name goods. Switching to these brands can shave twenty-five to fifty percent off of grocery expenses.
 | Amazon Price: $8.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $7.37 List Price: $15.95 |
Never go to the grocery store without a list.
Before going to the grocery store, take inventory of the food you already have on hand stored in the pantry. Prepare a grocery list and stick to it! By making a list and not deviating from it, all purchases are intentional.
Have snacks on hand.
Prepare yourself for whenever those munchies creep up and hunger pains strike. Stash a little baggie of pretzels in your purse or car. Avoid vending machines at work by storing goodies like granola bars or nuts in your desk drawer.
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Make a pledge to use it up before buying more.
Eat everything in your pantry before going to the grocery store. Use up all the shampoo or toothpaste before purchasing more. This can be a fun and challenging exercise.
Raise deductibles on insurance premiums.
Raising deductibles is a fast way to save on insurance; however, make sure you have enough money to cover the deductible should the situation arise.
Leave the plastic at home.
Never carry credit cards with you, using cash or checks for purchases will make it easier to keep your finances in check. Save those credit cards for "real" emergencies only.
Eliminate the trips to the coffee house on the way to work.
If you make it a habit to purchase a cup of coffee on your way to work at a café at $3.50— adds up to $910 per year. Get creative and experiment with different flavorings in homemade coffee for pennies and save a bundle. Chill leftover coffee to make latté.
Vacation close to home.
Local tourist and visitor centers are valuable resources for finding places wonderful places nearby. There is usually an agent on duty that can offer insight, maps, tips and coupon books for local areas of interest.
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Thanks for your comments Dottie! Yes, college is a huge expense. I hope she realizes how lucky she is to have a mother to make those sacrafices to further her education.
Very nice hub.
Thank you so much hilltrekker, I'm glad that you like it!
Ditching the credit cards is great advice. It really forces you to think about your spending before hand. If you don't have the cash, you can't drive thru for dinner on the way home, or impulse shop at the grocery store. Great hub! As always!
Thanks so much DSE901. Making purchases on credit cards if you can't afford it is self-defeating unless it is a REAL emergency.
Oh, I love this hub. It certainly pays to seek ways to cut our expenses...and to really follow them strictly.
Yes, it often pays big time! Thanks for your comments and kind words Melody!
Dottie1 3 years ago
I'm always looking for new ways to cut spending to make up for the extra spent in sending my daughter to college and to avoid having to go back to the office insanity! I'm determined to do it one way or another! As always, thanks for your help!