Make a list

I started to think, what items/services/etc. do I spend the most money on and I made a list. From that list I started to analyze and think of ways to cut down on each of the costs. I have managed to dwindle down my services and household expenditures over the past couple years to the minimum except for my phone and cable. This was a choice, a preference. I sacrificed the monthly payment of running my hottub, so I could have the luxury of web and email on my phone. I sacrificed getting 4 movies out at a time on netflix for HBO and 2 movies at a time. If it came to be that I had to cut down these services I could because they are not needs, but they are things that I wish to have. So really anaylze your expenditures... are you paying for needs or wants? And how important to you are these wants?




I used this list to apply to my groceries also. Where is the bulk of my money going? Can I get these items cheaper? I then created solutions to these pricey items.





Here's my list:





1. Dog food and cat food


after researching the costs of making my own, my best options as to reducing the cost is to switch to a cheaper brand or to buy in bulk.


2. Meat


Switch to 1 or more vegetarian meals per week and then increase, beans are also a cheap substitute and very healthy, stretch meat with fillers such as breadcrumbs, beans, or oats, buy in bulk, buy chicken with the bone or full which is much cheaper than buying chicken breast, shop the deals and stock up by freezing for later


3. Fozen lunches


Make my own lunches, cook extra at meal times package and store in freezer for a quick and easy lunch, make sandwhiches, I've even made my own hot pockets before with pizza dough


4. Hygene products


Never buy hygene products at the grocery store where they are more expensive, Look for coupons and deals in your local drug store circulars, buy in bulk, or make your own. This is something I was thinking about, but haven't gotten the motivation yet. Once I do, I will be sure to post the recipes!


5. Snacks


This one is as simple as eating healthier with more fruit and veggies and buying in season. If there is something in partiular you really like and it has a long shelf life, once again buy in bulk.