Debt Dumper Club

8 Ways To Reduce Living Expenses & Get Out Of Debt!

Reducing your living expenses is a great way to Get Out Of Debt.  The more money you save on living expenses, the more you will have to pay off debts and to pay for purchases in CASH!   Here are some examples of what you could do to reduce your debt and other monthly expenses.

Spend less on food:

Cut your transportation costs:

• Avoid unnecessary driving
• Run all errands in a single trip
• Carpool
• Work from home if you can

Reduce what you spend on clothes:

• Forget about designer labels
• Buy trend-proof clothes
• Wear layers in the winter instead of buying new sweaters
• Don’t forget sales racks, thrift, and consignment
• Launder your clothes appropriately to get longer wear
• Avoid dry clean only labels

Reduce entertainment cost:

• Cancel movie subscriptions like Netflix or Blockbuster
• Exchange movies with friends instead of renting
• Catch movies on cable instead of going out
• Books: Use the library instead of buying new books
• Music: Purchase a song or two through Amazon or iTunes instead of purchasing an entire album
• Have game night with family and friends

Reduce living expenses:

• Move to an apartment with lower rent
• Refinance your mortgage for a lower interest rate
• Get a roommate (or two)

Do it yourself:

• Wash your own car
• Mow your own lawn
• Paint your own nails
• Get a low maintenance hair style and do your own hair

Lower utility bills:

• Turn off lights you’re not using.
• Unplug gadgets like your cell phone charger and microwaves. They suck energy and generate heat as long as they’re attached to a power source.
• Use blankets in the winter rather than adjusting the thermometer
• Clean the dryer lint trap after each load to improve dryer efficiency
• Insulate behind electrical outlets and switches
• Install storm doors to prevent energy loss
• Install motion sensors inside and outside
• Program your thermostat
• Change your bulbs. Swap your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents.
• Water the grass less
• Because the refrigerator is one of the biggest energy-users in the home, a refrigerator should be operated at maximum efficiency. This means opening the door only briefly and adjusting the “Cold” control according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Reduce other bills:

• Cancel premium channel subscriptions
• Go basic
• Shop you car insurance around you may be able to find a lower rate
• Get rid of pay-per-view and movies on demand
• Ask for a promotional rate
• Get rid of your home phone and use your cell phone as your primary phone
• Try Voice Over IP(VOIP), it’s usually much cheaper than standard phone service
• Bundle your phone with your cable and internet
• Get the right minute plan for your cell phone
• Turn off unnecessary features, even if you have to talk or text less
• Stick with the pre-installed ringtones and applications instead of downloading new ones 

 As you are working your way through this process of trying to reduce your bills and expenses, don’t’ get frustrated and give up.  This process may take you a few days or even a few weeks depending on your situation.  Once you have completed this step you will find that it was well worth the effort. For more information, download our Free Ebook “Winning The War On Debt”.