02 Jul

10 Ways To Cut Back Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle

With gasoline costing over $4.00 a gallon, unemployment at 5.5% , consumer prices up 0.6% and expected to continue to rise, many people are trying to figure out how they can cut costs without compromising their lifestyle. Unfortunately, the economy isn’t looking good but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up your way of life. With just a few small changes in your everyday habits you can save money. Here are ten super tips for saving money without giving up your lifestyle.

Slow Down
You can get up to 35% better fuel efficiency by simple driving a little slower, accelerating slower at a green light and slowing down more gradually.

Pay Off Your Credit Card and Stop Using It
Credit cards are great to have in case of an emergency but the interest you are paying for the new TV you charged, can really add up. If you have even as little as a $1000 balance on your credit card, you could be paying anywhere from $150-$250 a year with an interest rate at 15%-25%. Interest can add up fast, so pay off those credit cards. In the mean time, while you are working on paying off your debt, call your credit card company to ask for a lower interest rate. Most credit card companies are more than happy to give you a lower rate for a predetermined about of time.

Stop Eating Fast Food
I know you love and it is convenient but it doesn’t love you the same way. A loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter, and 5 fresh apples cost about $7. You can eat lunch for an entire week for less money than one trip thru the drive thru. Not only will your bank account benefit but your health will as well.

Turn Off The Lights When You Leave
While it is not suggested to turn off the lights if you are only going to leave the room for a short period of time, it is recommended to turn off the lights when you leave home for short (1-2 hour) trips. Light usage only accounts for a small percentage of your power bill but remember every little bit helps. Find out more info from the U.S. Department Of Energy and download a free help sheet from the Southern Alliance of Clean Energy.       

Walk
What better way to save gasoline than not to use it? Whenever possible walk, ride a bike or use mass transit. This is another great way to not only save money but also improve your health.

Plant a Garden
According to the May 26th-30th edition of The Economist food prices are up all over the world. While the emerging economies are most affected by the high price of food, people everywhere are feeling the crunch. Grow your own food and save $100’s every year. Don’t forget to can or freeze the excess to enjoy all winter. Not only will your food taste better but you will also benefit from more nutrients. Many people also find gardening mentally rewarding. It doesn’t matter if you have a large yard or balcony, everyone can find room for a container garden.

Replace a Couple Meat Entries with Vegetarian Choices
Meat is expensive. By replacing just 2 meat entries every week with vegetarian one, especially if you grow your own veggies, you can save hundreds of dollars every year.

Stop Buying Bottled Water
Instead purchase a water filtration system or purchase your water from a water store. On average it costs about $.25 a gallon and it tastes just as good as bottled water. You will also be helping the environment by not using as much plastic.

Take Advantage of Your Local Library
Most libraries around the country not only offer books but also new release DVD’s and Cd’s as well. Take advantage of this service that is paid for by your tax dollars. Chances are you are only going to read that book once, so why waste money purchasing it when you can borrow it for free.
 
Stay Healthy
One of the best ways to save money is to stay healthy. Not only does illness cost you in doctor bills but also in wages lost for missed work. Stay healthy to avoid these unnecessary costs.

With just a few changes to your everyday life you can save thousands every year without having to give up your lifestyle.

This week’s new discount codes: