A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned -
Benjamin Franklin

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Cutting Back on Expenses

Once you have a detailed list of expenses, take a look at where you can cut back.


Perhaps brew coffee before leaving the house, rather than buying expensive drinks. A $5 cup of coffee 5 days a week adds up to over $100 a month.


Mocha Smoothie –
½ cup strong brewed coffee
1 tsp. instant coffee
1 cup milk
1 cup vanilla yogurt (can be frozen)
½ tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. chocolate syrup
Crushed ice.
(Combine ingredients in the blender)


Brown bag it – Plan lunches for the week or take leftovers. Do a Google search for creative brown bag lunch ideas.
Web MD brown bag lunches
More brown bag lunches from Web MD
Cheap Cooking


Suggestions:
Eat out less
Avoid fast food which has little or no nutritional value.
Buy in bulk (but only if it’s something you will use before the expiration date and make sure it is cheaper)
Cut down on expensive entertainment
Be savvy when shopping for groceries. Avoid name brands unless you have a coupon.
Look for birthday/Christmas gifts when you find items on sale instead of last minute purchases.
Combine trips to the store and save on gas.
Carpool whenever you can.
Limit trips to the salon. Make that haircut last a week or two longer.