When it comes to budgeting for the month, it’s important to reduce unnecessary expenses so that you can free up extra money to put to good use, whether that is paying off debt, or saving for your future. Now there’s a difference between blowing money going on a shopping spree for clothes that you will only wear once, or say, buying items that you need on a daily basis, but maybe are going the wrong way about it and should look at the best prices before you make the purchase.
Going to the Movies
With the addition of streaming services, it’s a wonder why we even have cable anymore, other than to channel surf, but while I may not be ready to ditch that quite that, going to the movies I am. Too often when you leave the movies you answer the “how was it?” question with “eh, it was alright”. It’s not often that a great movie worth spending top dollar to go see comes out, so if you want to kill time and watch a flick, why not stream it, not to mention you have all of the food and drinks at home that you want without the concession prices.
Drive-Thru Coffee
I love my morning coffee as much as anyone, needing it to function, but what I noticed was that I was spending $3 a day stopping on the way to work, sometimes even on the way home. Add that up over the course of a month and you’re talking $60, plus throw in a breakfast sandwich in there a couple times a week and you’re in over $100 a month. If you buy a programmable coffee pot for $25 you can brew your own coffee to be ready for you to pour in your mug as you are about to walk out the door.
Going Out to a Bar or Restaurant
Everyone needs a little escape from home every once in a while, whether it is meeting up friends, or getting drinks with your significant other while the kids have a babysitter, but when you have a night of food and drinks is where the night gets pricey, especially if you throw in shots. If you can eat before you go, even getting together to pre-drink at home, play some music, have some food, you can significantly save off the price while you go out, and make a fashionably late entrance while you’re at it.
Soft/Energy Drinks & Snacks
Stopping at a gas station or liquor store is easy while you’re on the go, but you’re going to pay a couple dollars for a water, soda, or energy drink, not to mention any snacks you see that would complement you’re drink craving to pair with unhealthy food. If you do have your vices where you need these drinks on occasion, then at least get them from a grocery store where you can buy in a case, save a ton of money, and have at your disposal, if you can remember you have them.