How to Live Cheaply but Richly
Whether you recently lost a job or just want to cut back on expenses, living on less doesn't mean your quality of life has to suffer. The key to cheap living is getting the most for the least amount of money, so you can put the extra cash you save into a savings account.
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Instructions
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Eat at home instead of going out for dinner. When you do eat out, choose your restaurants wisely. Check the websites of local restaurants to find out which ones are having specials the night you want to go out. Many restaurants have discounts on weekdays.
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Reduce utility costs by turning off lights when you leave the room and turning off the water when you aren't using it. Instead of running your air conditioning all day, use a fan occasionally. Put a bowl of cold water in front of the fan to make you even cooler. Remember to unplug electrical appliances, like fans and toasters, when you are done using them.
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Shop smart. When you buy clothes and food, look for sales in the newspaper and clip coupons. Instead of shopping at expensive department stores, go to discount outlets and thrift stores. If you want to buy items that are normally expensive, such as televisions and computers, go shopping the day after Thanksgiving to get them for almost half the price. When you grocery shop, buy generic brands instead of name brands to reduce costs.
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Visit your local library for cheap entertainment. Instead of buying books or movies at the store, rent them at your library instead. If you don't have a computer at home, use a computer at the library for business and personal reasons.
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Walk or ride your bike to nearby places instead of spending money on gas. In addition to saving money, you also get more exercise without having to pay for a gym membership.
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Spend less money on vacations. Instead of going to Europe or the Bahamas on your next vacation, choose a more practical location. Take your family to an amusement park for a couple of days, and choose a cheaper motel to stay in. Go on a weekend camping trip, where your only expenses are fuel and food.
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References
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