Faith-Based Finances

Things You Can Do to Trim Your Budget

If you have cash in your pocket (or a credit card),
you’ll probably use it.  Worse, you probably won’t
remember everything you’ve purchased.  Write down
every cent you spend for at least two weeks, and
preferably a month.  Include everything no matter how much you spend – from your daily cup of coffee to that new cell phone.  Here are a few ideas to help you trim your budget.

• Write down everything you spend.  The waste in your daily spending will soon become apparent.
• Pay off your credit card debt as quickly as possible.  It’s more difficult to manage your finances when you’re paying interest on credit cards.
• If you can’t pay in cash, don’t buy it. 
• Bring your coffee to work instead of buying it.  A $3. cup of coffee 5 days a week can be over $750. a year.
• Check out lower priced plans with your cell phone provider.
• Give up the magazines that you don’t read faithfully.
• Shop the sales and clip coupons.  Some stores still give double coupons.
• Plan your holiday budget in advance, then stick to it.  Set aside the money and then use cash as the holiday nears.
• Do free things with your kids or grandkids.  Look in your local newspaper for free events.
• Check out less expensive “packages” with your cable or satellite provider.
• Vacation at home.  Take a week off and spend it at home as if you were a tourist.
• Consider increasing the deductible on your homeowner’s and auto insurance which can result in savings.
• Keep your checkbook and other accounts balanced.  It’s easy to do with financial software and you’ll always know exactly how much you have and where it is.  And, you’ll avoid bank charges.
• Use a bank with convenient ATM’s.  Don’t pay bank fees.
• Wash and vacuum your car at home.
• Avoid buying clothes that require dry cleaning.
• When you eat out, share meals.
• Cut dryer sheets in half to double the value of each box.
• Make a grocery list and stick to it.
• Trade video games, DVD’s and books with friends.
• Save money on movies by going to the matinee.

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