- Create and stick to a budget. Identify areas where you can cut back. Track expenses.
- Reduce food costs: cook at home, use store loyalty cards, shop the sales, buy in bulk, purchase the store brand, pay attention to the unit cost, use coupons, cash back apps etc. Plan meals ahead. Shop at discount grocery stores, Walmart, and Costco.
- Lower transportation costs: use apps to find the cheapest gas, rideshare, bike, walk.
- Utility bills: use energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, use large appliances during off-peak hours, unplug devices when not in use. Reuse water where you can: if you boil vegetables, empty cooled water into your garden.
- Subscription and entertainment: cancel subscription and memberships that you do not need and look for a cheaper or free alternative. The library has free streaming options. Look for free or low cost entertainment options in your community. Use streaming instead of cable.
- Shopping: cash back credit cards, cash back apps, loyalty programs to earn rewards. Thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, FreeCycle, Nextdoor, Craigslist.
- Insurance: compare companies, look for deals, bundles, compare rates annually.