December 19,2006
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Ten Budget-Slicers: Part 1 of 2
If you are trying to pay down your credit card debt load, it helps to cut corners wherever you can. No-one wants to eat ramen noodles every night, so here are some (relatively) pain-free ways to trim your finances. The more money you save, the more money you can use to pay off debt!
1.) Coupons: If you aren't using them, start now! You might be amazed how much you can save by investing a few minutes into clipping coupons from your Sunday paper. Spend a little extra time perusing the grocery store sales flyers to see who is offering the best deals for the week, and combine these with coupon savings for a real difference on your grocery bill!
2.) Coffee: Make your own. Starbucks and its ilk offer tasty caffeinated treats, but that $3 - $5 a day can really make a dent in your budget.
3.) Make your own lunch: If you work in an office setting where take-out lunches are de rigueur, buck the trend and brown-bag it. Stock up on either frozen entrees or sandwich fixings when you grocery shop, and compare the cost to even the thriftiest fast food or take-out.
4.) Do it yourself beauty: Manicures and salon blow-outs can make you feel like royalty, but consider doing your primping at home to save big bucks. With a bit of practice, even the most klutzy of would-be beauticians can give themselves an awesome home pedicure.
5.) Create dates: We'd never suggest that you let your love life suffer while you save pennies, but those with a creative side can woo away without spending an arm and leg on dinner and a movie. Light some candles, whip up some spaghetti, and make it a Blockbuster night.