5 Ways to Reduce Your Everyday Cost of Living | Filipino Cultural Global Forum

vrose
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5 Ways to Reduce Your Everyday Cost of Living May 6, 2014 8:30:28 GMT 8

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Post by vrose on May 6, 2014 8:30:28 GMT 8

5 Ways to Reduce Your Everyday Cost of Living

Life gets expensive, and sometimes everyday costs can add up to a lot of money. Between utilities, groceries, child care, and other expenses, Most of us face a lot of bills. Luckily, there are many ways you can save on your regular costs.

One easy way to save money is to stick to a budget. Only about one third of Americans budget monthly, and of those who do, many go over most months. If you are able to carefully plan for your necessary expenses and stay on target, you will be better about saving money. You can also save money by conserving energy, being smart about your trips to the grocery store, making wise child care decisions, and also by making many items at home that you would normally purchase at the store. By making smart choices, you can save money regularly, which will reduce your everyday cost of living. Read on to see five easy ways to save money regularly.

1. Conserve, conserve, conserve

Last Edit: May 6, 2014 8:31:32 GMT 8 by vrose

vrose
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Posts: 20

5 Ways to Reduce Your Everyday Cost of Living May 6, 2014 8:33:38 GMT 8

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Post by vrose on May 6, 2014 8:33:38 GMT 8

2. Plan your grocery trips

We’ve all heard the tip, don’t go grocery shopping while you’re hungry. Another good tip is to never go grocery shopping without a list, because you will spend more money. Plan your meals ahead of time, and also take an inventory of all the food you need to stock up on. Use coupons if you can — even if you don’t have time to check every circular. If you shop at a particular store regularly, planning your meals around what is on sale for a particular week will save you money.

It will also save you by eating in season, because vegetables and fruits that are in season are more affordable. Lastly, consider purchasing items that you regularly use in bulk: this can mean purchasing at a bulk store like Sam’s Club or Costco, or simply buying multiples of something that stays good when it goes on sale at your regular grocery store.

vrose
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Posts: 20

5 Ways to Reduce Your Everyday Cost of Living May 6, 2014 8:41:02 GMT 8

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Post by vrose on May 6, 2014 8:41:02 GMT 8

3. Save on child care

Children are cute, but let’s face it, they’re also expensive. If you work full-time, you likely see much of your paycheck go towards child care. Even if you stay at home or work part-time, you will need a babysitter sometimes, and sitters can be costly as well. As expensive as child care is, there are many ways you can save on it. If you have family who help, you may be able to pay less. Or if you have a friend or neighbor who offers care in their home, you can consider that; usually in-home daycare centers cost less. If you have friends with kids, creating a babysitting co-op can be a great way to have some time out without paying for it.

If you regularly go to a gym, look for one where child care is part of the membership fee. Many gyms now offer free child care with a family membership. You should ask about the training and certifications that your gym requires of their child care workers, but if you feel comfortable, you can have good child care as well as a workout.

Last Edit: May 6, 2014 8:47:34 GMT 8 by vrose

vrose
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Posts: 20

5 Ways to Reduce Your Everyday Cost of Living May 6, 2014 8:56:39 GMT 8

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Post by vrose on May 6, 2014 8:56:39 GMT 8

4. Make it yourself

If you have the time and energy, you can make many items yourself that you would normally purchase at the store. If you’re short on time, try combining activities: make something while you watch your favorite show. There are many items you can easily make at home to save money. Making baby items at home can be especially cost effective; baby wipes, burp cloths, and baby food are fairly easy to make and will save you money.

Many household convenience items can also be made at home. Soap is pretty easy to make at home, as are cleaning supplies and even some foods that you would normally buy at the store (like granola bars, marinera sauce, breads, and so on.) Homemade gifts will also save you money, and may mean more to the person receiving the gift.

Credits to: Cheat Sheet

To be continued

Last Edit: May 6, 2014 9:02:48 GMT 8 by vrose