How to Spend Less Money

We are in the midst of a major economic depression and it has been very difficult for some families. Some of us have lost jobs or know of someone who has been laid off. Homes are being foreclosed and people are having to cut back on spending.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. FOOD. Only buy the essentials - 3 meals a day and a few snacks in between is plenty. Buy foods in bulk! Avoid buying nutritionally deficit foods like candy, soda, alcohol, etc. Instead of having lots of different beverages, try drinking more water.

2. CLOTHES. If you're an adult and not "growing" anymore, you probably have enough clothes to make a few outfits. Don't worry about being fashionable right now, just wear what you have and put off buying new clothes for a time when you have more money to do so. If you must buy clothes, try shopping either online (for low prices) or local thrift shops, Goodwill, etc.

3. ENTERTAINMENT. If you are really broke, cancel your TV cable and your high speed internet. Removing bills altogether will definitely help lighten the load for your family. If you go out to see movies regularly, try cutting back on that or watching movies online for free. If you have expensive hobbies try to find ways to save money on them or avoid them altogether, maybe take up a free hobby like hiking or walking your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• SELL items you don't use or need (i.e. an old digital camera, a car you don't ever drive, old jewelry, etc).
• Don't buy things just because they're on sale! Only buy something if you absolutely need it.

[kimmysue82]

on 9/11/2009 Great tips on How to Spend Less Money! We all need help with this right now! =)

[Vanillatte]

on 3/16/2009 Excellent suggestions for saving money!

[bossypants]

on 2/7/2009 Terrific, practical tips for tightening our belts during tough economic times. Thanks for a timely article!

[Addonis]

on 2/4/2009 great work 5*

[1InternetSmarty]

on 2/3/2009 Good tips. Thanks for sharing. Five stars.