If your one of those individuals with open eyes who see lean times ahead, here's a few things to get rid of to save extra money!
(1) Get Rid Of Your Feline/Canine: Yes, Fido and Fifi is loved by the whole family but he/she represents a chunk of your finances that could be put to better use. You have to put out money for vet bills, bathing (if you don't do it yourself), vitamins/medicine, pet food, pet treats and any other special things your pet might require.
(2) Get Rid of Other Pets: Whether it's a gold fish or turtle, these animals too add up to quite a financial burden on your budget.
(3) Get Rid Of Satellite/Cable/Etc: There have been numerous studies showing the danger of allowing children to watch too much tv, so why not turn it off? If you need tv for that occasional mommy break you can plan ahead and get movies for FREE from the library.
(4) Get Rid Of Junk Food: It's nutritionally deficient and you pay more per pound for thing like potato chips versus whole russet potatoes. No one needs potato chips or candy to survive the week. If you are looking for substitutes, try healthy crackers, raw carrot chips, celery sticks, bananas, almond or cashew butter, freeze-dried apple chips, and so forth.
(5) Don't Buy Brand New: Shop around for clothing and appliances at places like consignment shops or the salvation army. If you really want to save even more money you can ask if they have days where a certain group of items are on sale. Only buy brand new if you can get it cheaper than used or in better condition.
(6) Magazine subscriptions: You have access to the internet if you need something to read, or you can get a membership to the library.
(7) Fast Food: Plan out your week's menu and do all the grocery shopping in one day if possible, this will set you up to eat at home as much as possible.
(8) Excessive Shopping Trips: Before you leave your home to go to the grocery store be sure you stop to look in your pantry, freezer and fridge for what your out of. If you forget something, wait until someone heading out later in the week and get it then.
(9) Coffee Shops & Pastry Shops: If you normally get together with friends or family every few days to grab a cup of coffee, try inviting them over to your home instead. At some places a simple cup of coffee can run almost $4 - $5 for one singular cup. That adds up within at year! Say you pay $4 a cup and get it twice a week, you are looking at over $384.00 a year that could be going other places.
(10) Get Rid of Packaged Mixes: For a fraction of the cost, you can make your own from home and chances are good that they will be much healthier and that makes it worth any extra effort. What some may not know is that many packaged foods contain MSG and what it does is trick your brain into not being satiated, so you continue to crave more until you become bloated and feel sick.
