It’s a new year, and with that comes new disciplines. Once you find yourself in debt it is very difficult to get yourself out, and can often take a lifetime. On the other hand, it is much easier to just avoid debt altogether. Avoiding debt is basically like abstinence, it is the only full proof method for becoming debt free. So before you find yourself in a financial rut, check out my easy to follow tips below on cutting some easy to avoid expenses now.
Too many people prefer easy over cheap…I myself am the other way around. Yes, stopping for a cup of coffee at Starbucks on the way to work is easier than brewing it yourself, but not enough to pay $40 a month for it. Buy a bag of it and brew it at home each morning before you leave. For an additional 5 minutes a day you can save yourself about $35 a month, that’s just too easy of an opportunity to pass up.
I love my cable TV, and I fully enjoyed the premium channels when I had them, but sometimes you just have to say enough is enough. Make it easy on yourself and keep the cable television, but let go your monthly subscriptions to the premium channels. These are costly, and easy to avoid, not to mention service like Netflix have cheaper options for watching even newer movies and television series.
I prefer comfort over money usually, but sometimes we can find a happy medium. By keeping your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter you can save a ton of money. Many people buy a programmable thermostate and simply set the temperature lower when they are away, and then heat it up shortly before coming home.
Going out to eat is just fine, but you can do it frugally! Pick your favorite restaurant and then go an internet search on discounted gift cards you can purchase to that restaurant. Many of the discounted cards can help you score 10% or more off. Don’t forget to do an online search for coupons as well, gift cards are like cash and shouldn’t limit you from finding additional discounts.