Five Easy Ways to Immediately Reduce Your Spending

With the rising cost of, well, everything, it’s always good to look for areas you can reduce your spending. Today I’m sharing 5 easy ways to do just that.

My husband and I had an interesting conversation on the way to church Sunday morning. We concluded that, while some people are naturally frugal, I am naturally cheap. We concluded that a frugal person is one who will shop around for the best deal, save coupons, and do all they can to save money. A cheap person, such as I, will flat out refuse to pay a high price for something. I will seriously walk away from something if it’s $10 more than I’ve seen it priced previously. Honestly, I don’t want to fool with coupons (although I know those who do and save hundreds). I just want to buy the least expensive option, and make it work. Over the years I’ve come up with several ways to reduce expenses, and it’s my hope that I can help you reduce your spending, too.

5 Immediate Ways to Reduce Your Expenses

Switch cell phone carriers. I am a big believer in no contract cell phone companies. They are often much less expensive than signing a contract with a nationwide carrier. Sometimes as much as 50% less. That means a MAJOR savings over the course of a year. For example, let’s say I am paying $140 for ONE cell phone through a large carrier. If I switch to their no contract service, my bill will go down to $50 a month. That is almost three times less expensive, and they offer the same coverage, and get this, the same exact amount of data usage! This would be saving over $1,000 a year.
Cut the cable. I know this is a hard one for many of us, but there are so many FREE options to cable these days. If you have a “smart” tv these free options are literally at your fingertips. If not, make a onetime investment in a Roku box, and you have loads of free options. Instead of watching tv, read a book, or pick up a puzzle at the dollar store. Check out this blog post for more tv watching alternatives: 15 Simple Things To Do Besides Watching TV
Eat at home. I realize that food prices are climbing, but it is still less expensive to eat at home. If it’s possible, try cooking a little more from scratch, too. Eating at home will save you tons of money, but cooking from scratch will save you even more. Throw a breakfast casserole together for busy mornings, bake it the night before and simply reheat before heading out the door. Take leftovers for lunch, and pack them while you clean up supper. There are so many ways to simplify time in the kitchen, but one thing is for sure, eating at home will save you money. (this includes swapping pricey takeout coffee for delicious homebrewed goodness)
Unplug unused appliances. This will literally save you money while you sleep. Unplug the coffee pot, the tv, and even the Wi-Fi box. All of those things are sucking electricity even though they’re turned off. Sure, it may take you a few more minutes in the evening, but a lower electricity bill will be your reward. While we’re talking about electricity, be sure to turn the lights off as you leave a room. My dad ingrained this into us as little girls, and it almost feels like a sin to leave a light on in an empty room. Haha
Shop for lower insurance rates. If you’ve had the same insurance provider for years upon end, and never questioned their rates, it may be a good time to do that. You can easily get quotes online and compare with what you’re currently paying.

Looking for MORE ways to save? Check out my e-book Living On Less

I know these are simple ideas, but I hope they’ve given you the jump start you need to reduce your spending. I also hope you have a beautiful week wherever you are. Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a tiny bit of your day with me.