Cost-cutting Tips

     The following suggestions will help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to cut back on spending - and avoid accruing more debts - as much as possible during this time.

The Number One tip is to STOP carrying credit cards.  Pay cash or don't buy.

Shopping

• When buying groceries, prepare a list, shop less often, and avoid convenience stores.  Convenience is very expensive.  Comparison shop and buy store brands. Before you get to the checkout put back 10 percent of the things in your basket, especially junk foods and prepared foods.
• Avoid shopping malls.  Do not browse for entertainment or an escape.  It is too easy to spend money.  Shopping should be a serious form of family business.
• Shop garage sales and re-sale shops for children's clothes, toys, adult everyday clothes and home items.  Remember, even if an item is on sale it is not a savings if you don't need it.

Economize at home

• Turn off lights and TV when not at use, run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.  Set the thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter and use fans, not air-conditioning in the summer.  Write letters instead of calling long- distance.  Re-cycle useful items for your own use.
• Contact utility companies for information about energy assistance programs.

     Entertainment adds up quickly:  movies, video rentals, cable TV, CD's, hobbies, sports, toys, clubs and reading materials.  Put a clamp on as much as possible during this time and look for free activities at the library, outdoors or with family and friends.

     Stay away from restaurants, fast food, snack bars and vending machines.  Eat at home or bring a lunch.

     Eliminate low-value insurance (accidental death, collision on an old car).

     Ask your doctor about generic equivalents for your prescriptions.  Comparison shop among pharmacies.

     Cut down on expensive gift giving.  Substitute offers to perform a service instead.