What’s the all American Dream? Why it’s home ownership of course. According to the Census Bureau, home ownership is at a historic low right now, of only 62.9%. Why? Well after coming off of a huge housing bust, many homeowners lost their homes to foreclosure and bankruptcy. Credit was ruined and lives were ruined. Never […]
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26 Ways to Save on Monthly Expenses
Who wants more money? ME!!
You too? Good, you’re in the right place.
I’m always looking for places to save money. I’m not intrinsically cheap, but I do like a deal. I don’t use coupons much, but I’m always doing research on lots of stuff to find a good deal. I love the satisfaction I get from saving money. Oh and my bank account likes it too!
Here are some of my favs…

- Carpool– I know this isn’t anyone’s favorite, but it saves so much money!! Oh and you can use the carpool lane, so you get to work faster. So it saves money and time! WIN!
- Get Rid of Extra Car– If you have multiple cars and some are sitting, get rid of them. If one of you works at home, get rid of it. If one of you is taking transit or carpooling, get rid of it!
- Public Transportation– Mass transit, its the way to go. If you live and work near a train or bus line, you’re silly for not using it. It might take a little extra time, but it saves so much. Just try it.
- Refinance Home– If you haven’t thought about this, and you’ve been paying on your mortgage for a while, it’s worth checking into. A lower interest rate can save you thousands of dollars a year. Definitely worth the time to investigate it.
- Consolidate Student Loans– Many of us have lots of school loans, taken out at different times, or with different banks/vendors. Check into a consolidation loan to hopefully lower your overall interest rate, and lower your payment.
- Take Advantage of Balance Transfers– If you happen to see a great deal, like a 0% APR for an extended period of time, or for balance transfers, don’t be afraid to try it. Just read the small print, and make sure to close the old card. Don’t want to run it up again!
- Request a Credit Card Rate Reductions– Many banks will entertain lowering your interest rate on your cards, for 2 different reasons. If you have an excellent payment history, and you’re thinking of moving accounts, many banks/institutions will lower the rate if asked. They will also entertain the idea of lowering the rate if you’re under financial hardship. This can be trickier, but many do it as a way to help lower your payment when in hardship.
- Install LED Lightbulbs– While these can be more expensive, the savings are in the long haul. Lower utility rates, and no need to change for a very long time!
- Install Programmable Thermostat– These can save you a ton of money. They’re relatively inexpensive and super cool. They can keep the house cool when it needs to be, and warmer when no one is home. Total money saver.
- Lower Temperature on Water Heater– Most water heaters are set to 140degrees from the manufacturer. If you lower it to 120degrees, you’ll save a bunch of money on electricity.
- Air Seal Home– Keeping your home sealed tight, whether you live in cold or warm climates, will save over time. Some things can be done by yourself, some need a handyman. Adding extra insulation and weather stripping will go a long way.
- Cancel Gym Memberships– Just admit to yourself. You’re not using that gym membership much, if at all. I did. I was a gym rat forever, but in the last few years, I’ve just slacked off, (and gained weight, but that’s another article!) I recently started walking my new puppy every day. So guess what? After 17 years, I gave up the membership. At least for now. It hurt a bit, more pride than anything, but it’ll save me $600/year, so win-win.
- Get Rid of Cable– I gave up my DirectTV account after 15 years, about 9 months ago, and it’s the best decision I could have made. I was paying $125/month for DirecTV. I switched to SlingTV and even added HBO, and my bill went down to $55/month. Quite a savings.
- Cancel Magazine Subscriptions– I used to love to get US Weekly, and People, and sometimes those other rag magazines. But the truth is they’re a waste of money. Not only can you get them from the library, most of the magazine and the content, are all online now. Don’t waste your time or money on subscriptions, it’s not worth the cost.
- Cook Meals at Home– This goes without saying, but do some meal planning and cook at home. It saves a ton of money. And you get to spend time with your family, on a probably much healthier meal then if you dined out.
- Take Lunch to Work- So now that you’re cooking at home, just start packing that lunch, ok? It’s cheaper, a big time saver, and you’ll eat healthier. You’ll thank me later.
- Buy Nonperishable Items in Bulk– Common items, like spices, and toilet paper, paper towels, etc., should all be bought in bulk. Much cheaper and they won’t go bad.
- Use Coupons– I’m not a great couponer, don’t really have the patience, but if you do, you can save tons. My mom used to coupon from the Sunday paper and it still reminds me of being a kid. There are lots of deals and coupons on the internet, and you should always check online if nothing else before any major purchases. You’re bound to find a deal.
- Start a Garden– I love this idea, and it’s so much fun! I don’t live in a very garden friendly area, but I can grow herbs, so I do. It’s peaceful, a great stress-reliever, and the food tastes great.
- Buy Generic– Whether it’s cereal, prescription drugs, t-shirts, I always buy generic. There are certain things that I like to spend money on, like shoes, and sometimes work attire, but otherwise, I buy generic brands. Saves a ton!
- Downgrade Health Insurance– This is a tough one because with the state currently of health insurance, the fact that you have any, and can afford it, is probably a blessing. I would not probably do this with a family, or someone with pending health issues, but if you’re a single, young, healthy person, this can be a great way to save money. But be very careful, because the consequences of being under-insured can be life-changing.
- Change Car Insurance– I am a victim of this, I’ve had the same car insurance for like 11 years. I just recently checked other companies, because mine seemed high without any accidents and wow, was I shocked. I’m paying way to much!! Time for a change.
- Raise Car Deductibles– Another way to save money is to raise your car deductibles. It really depends on the vehicle and your driving record. Also, if you’re paying on your car, the dealer/loan originator may have specific minimums that must be kept on the car. But if you’re driving an older car, and have a great record, check out this option. Don’t over insure an older vehicle, you’re just wasting money.
- Reduce or Eliminate Cell Phone– Eliminating a cell phone may not be an option for many, but changing your cell phone plan can save tons. Many name brand companies, like T-Mobile, offer great plans. There are plenty of pay-as-you-go or pre-pay plans available that will work for a lot of people. Look around, you’d be surprised at the savings.
- Cut/Dye Hair at Home– This has become a staple in my life. I was spending close to $250 every 8 weeks on a cut/dye job at the salon. I started by dyeing my hair at home, then progressed to cutting my hair. It’s really not that tough, and if push comes to shove, you can always just try a cheap hair cutting place for touch-ups. All in all though, even if you do it once or twice a year, it will still save lots of money.
- Reduce Cigarettes/Alcohol– This is undoubtedly the hardest one. I don’t even tell someone to just cold turkey either, but tapering down, sure does help. Of course, it would probably be best to stop altogether, that’s probably not a realistic goal at first. Just try eliminating a few drinks, or a pack of cigarettes a week, and see how it goes.
I hope that even trying just a few of these things, can help you save money. All might not work for everyone, but just trying a few can certainly make a difference in your bottom line.
And think about what you can do with all that extra cash? Take a vacation. Pay down debt. Or even add to your emergency fund.
Happy Saving!

8 Monthly Habits to Curb to Save Money
Are you looking to save some extra money each month? Aren’t we all? Sometimes the easiest way to save money is to stop spending it on things. Sounds simple, right? Well, the easiest way to leave a little more cash in your account is to curb some of our most common expenditures. Now I know this can be tough. It’s the little things in life that we love right? I’m not saying you have to eliminate these things, but curbing just a few every month, will leave you with extra cash. And extra cash is what we’re all after!

- Starbucks/Coffee– Now I’m not saying you should quit your coffee habit cold turkey. I don’t think you’re loved ones, or your boss would probably appreciate. But what about just curbing it a bit. Like for instance, if you buy coffee every day, maybe you curb it to 2-3 /per week? It won’t kill you, I promise. This will add up to a savings of over $75/month! And you don’t have to quit, just buy some nice coffee, creamer, syrups and make them at home. After a while, you may grow to love your homebrew more than spending the money on other coffee. Just try it!
- Cigarettes– Now this is an expensive habit. While I’ve never smoked, I’ve lived with one for almost 12 years. And when you break down how much he spends (pack a day), over a month, or even a year, it’s astonishing. If the average price of a pack of cigarettes is $7, and that’s probably low, a monthly pack a day user spends $210/month, or over $2500/year! That’s crazy!! And don’t even get me started on the health problems associated with smoking, or the increase in health insurance costs between a smoker and non-smoker. I understand that this is probably one of the toughest things to quit, but it’s imperative. Not only for your health but your pocketbook. Try nicotine patches or the gum. Get a prescription for Chantix. Or just try to taper down. Every bit helps, both your health and your wallet.
- Eating Out– Eating out is one of those things that we often pay no attention to, and it’s a real problem. Eating out for lunch every day will cost you an average of $50/week, over $2400/year. That’s a lot of money in In-N-Out burgers and shakes. I understand that it’s sometimes inevitable, we’re traveling for work, we’ve got a work lunch meeting. But planning ahead and bringing your lunch to work, even 2-3 days a week, will help substantially. To the tune of saving you $120-$130/month. It’s a no-brainer really.
- Magazine/Subscriptions– Don’t get me wrong, I love a good rag magazine. Set me down with some potato chips, and the newest People magazine and I’m happy! But make no mistakes, it’s not worth paying for the subscription. EVER. With the advent of the internet, you can find almost all articles and info about whatever you’re interested in online for free. Oh and don’t forget about the library. You can go in there and sit to your heart’s content and read about every Kardashian there is.
- Switch to Pay-As-You-Go-Phones– This use to be a huge thing as far as saving money, but honestly many regular phone companies offer such great deals on phone plans, such a T-mobile, it’s almost a thing of the past. There are companies like Tello, and even Mint mobile, where you can find good deals. But honestly, if you don’t wanna mess with changing companies, or numbers, you can always call your current provider, and opt for a cheaper plan, say without data, or ask for a break in your rate. Most will go out of their way to make you happy so you don’t cancel service.
- Cut/Dye Hair at home– I know plenty of you are like, what?? Are you kidding me? Nope. Cuz I do this. I realize that a lot of men, let their wives cut their hair, or go somewhere cheap like Sportclips for a $8/haircut. But for most of us women, that’s not the feasible. I’ve always gone to salons. And it’s super expensive and time-consuming. See, while I’m relatively young, I have a lot of grey hair. Like my whole head. So I’d spend 3 hours in a salon, getting my hair dyed and highlighted just to cover these buggers. And guess what, they’ll be back in a month. I have a relatively easy layered bob haircut. Oh, and did I mention that it would cost me $250/with tip? I couldn’t take it. So I got brave, watched some Youtube videos and started doing it myself. And guess what, it’s not that hard. I bought higher end hair color, that kind that colored greys good, and went to town. Now I can color and trim my own hair in the privacy of my home, every month. It’s great and one of the best decisions I ever made. I get that this isn’t for everyone, but if you’re not too scared, just try it. I’m not against salons, I love the results, but I’m pretty frugal, and probably would only use them 1x or 2x a year at this point.
- Cancel Cable– Before I canceled my last cable account with DirectTv, I was paying $120/month for a basic package, no extra channels. I’d been with them for over 12 years and they didn’t seem too interested in lowering my package. (until I left that is!) I did, and still do have Netflix and Hulu. So I made the decision to cancel Directv and went with SlingTV. It doesn’t come with live local channels, but everything I wanted to watch, like Modern Family, I can watch the day after on Hulu. I got all the same channels and HBO and my bill is now $45. ⅓ of the price of regular cable. We’ve had great service and very little problems. Highly recommend making the switch!
- Cancel You Gym Membership– Now by all means if you go daily, keep it. It’s worth it for the stress relief, and health benefits. I had been a gym rat for years and years. Now. Not so much. Since getting my puppy, who is a crazy wildman, I’ve taken to walking him 3 miles every morning. It’s great exercise, he needs it, and it’s got me on a great routine. Trust me, he’s the best alarm clock I’ve ever had! I was scared and slightly let down to cancel my membership, but I wasn’t using it at this time. I’ve always loved the gym, but it simply doesn’t make sense to keep paying $50/month for something that I don’t use, and currently don’t have time for. And besides, the gym isn’t going anywhere, you can always sign back up!
I know reading over these, you think, “gosh, but I like all those things”. Well I do, or did too. But guess what, making a sacrifice sometimes is great for our psyche! It lets us know that we’re disciplined to curb or stop the unnecessary things in our lives for a greater good. And think of all the extra money in your account! Take a chance and just cut out 1 or 2 things this month. Take that money and put it into a savings account, or better yet, put it toward your debt! I can almost guarantee you won’t miss these things, and your bank account will thank you!
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