CUTTING EXPENSES–INCREASING CASH FLOW
HOUSING
- Learn to do simple repairs
- Do your own painting
- Adjust the thermostat for night; consider an electric blanket, attic fan, etc.
- Recycle paper, cans, plastic, glass
- Cook using minimum energy appliances
- Use lights only when necessary; switch to flourescent bulbs
- Minimize home insurance--increase deductible
- Conserve water: lower the temperature of water heater
- Save long distance calls for emergencies only
- Give up extra phone service options (e.g. call waiting, etc.)
- Buy furnishings from yard sales/thrift stores
- Make your own cleaning supplies
- Use towels/old rags in place of paper towels
- Use glass/plastic in place of paper cups
FOOD
- Bring your lunch to work/school instead of buying
- Do more cooking from scratch
- Buy in quantity when possible
- Refrain from buying junk food
- Utilize left-overs; plan menus based on weekly specials; buy generics; compare
prices
- Plan meals in advance and shop as infrequently as possible. avg. spent per
visit is $25
- Make a grocery list that is based from planned meals and stick to it
- Shop alone and when you're not hungry
TRANSPORTATION
- Sell a car -- car pool; when buying a car, consider cost of gas, repairs, and
insurance
- Use public transportation
- Consider moving closer to work
- Do your own maintenance; keep vehicles well maintained
CLOTHING
- Use clothing that doesn't require dry cleaning or ironing; buy all-season clothing
- Do your own repairs/sewing; buy new accessories to change existing outfits
- Hang clothes to dry when feasible
- Have children change to play clothing after school
- Purchase clothing that is unclaimed from dry cleaners; shop at thrift stores/garage
sales
MEDICAL
- Serve nutritious meals--it's cheaper in the long run!
- Have regular check-ups
- Carry only one health/accident insurance
- Use immunization clinics
- Stop using tobacco, alcohol, drugs
- Learn the symptoms of common diseases to avoid doctor's appointments
- Investigate services offered by the Health Department
EMPLOYMENT
Develop skills to enhance your position
Secure your position by becoming a more valuable employee
Inform your boss that you have an interest in further training
Share transportation
Keep a positive. helpful attitude!
CHILDCARE
- Check into government/church operated day care
- Share childcare responsibilities with a friend or neighbor
ENTERTAINMENT
- Eliminate cable TV; plan a family night once a week. exchange evenings with friends
- Use public parks/picnic areas; discover camping
- Have potluck dinners
- Attend high school sports events as opposed to professional ones
- Take a vacation at home; choose matinees instead of evening events
- Plan inexpensive activities--short day trips, parks and recreation programs
PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS
- Select inexpensive cosmetics and personal care items--except in case of allergies,
they work as well
- Learn to do hair and nails at home
- Set a clear, reasonable allowance
- Carry small amounts of money
- Learn to do your own pet grooming
SAVINGS
- Put something aside each month no matter how small!!
- Use savings only for emergencies
- Save regularly for periodic expenses such as car registration/maintenance,
insurance, taxes
GIFTS
- Make your own, or, better yet, give of your time instead of money
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