Money is always a relevant topic for discussion whether it is your own personal salary or something on a grander scale. The real topic people seem to be buzzing about these days is how to enjoy a lifestyle that is supported by your budget. For example:
Going out to eat. People LOVE to go out to eat. It is so much more fun to go out with a few friends to a restaurant than sit home and have meatloaf and potatoes…again. People want to go out but it gets expensive if you do it too often.
- Eat a light but healthy dinner at home before you go out with your friends. That way when you get to the restaurant, your hunger can be satisfied by an appetizer which costs significantly less than a full entrée.
- Choose one night a week to go out. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Wing Wednesdays at a local sports bar is a great excuse to get out and socialize without breaking the bank.
- Don’t get too many fancy alcoholic drinks. The prices are ridiculous and you could probably make two for the price of one at home after the meal.
Personal care. Everyone wants to look good, but I can’t even tell you the amount of money people spend on getting their nails and hair done, not to mention the crazy cost of makeup. Men aren’t exempt from this category as many share the same passions.
- Get a polish change instead of a manicure. It’s the same thing just without the hand massage.
- Shop at thrift stores for clothes. The initial response is often “eww”, but you can find hardly worn or even new clothes at thrift stores for as little as $4 a shirt. Brands such as Jones New York and Talbots are often found in thrift stores.
- Do your own hair dying. I know it is fun to go to the salon, but you can pay $8 for a box of hair color and unless you are doing highlights, it’s REALLY simple.
Cutting down on bills. What do most of your money go to each month? If your answer is bills then congratulations, at least it isn’t for extras. Right? Check your cell phone and utility bills to see what exactly you are paying for.
- Having all the channels the cable company offers is nice: but how many of those channels do you actually watch? Does your DVR have month-old shows you never watch? Cut the DVR and get the most basic cable package. This will save you more than you think.
- Don’t run the water or leave the lights on when you aren’t using them. Duh, right? It happens, we forget all the time. Making a special conscious effort will save you quite a lot.
- Cell phones are one of the biggest black holes for money that doesn’t need to be spent. Limit your texting and minutes, don’t get the fancy phone with internet, and limit what you are paying for your kids.
Good luck and happy saving!
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