Many of us, including myself, are currently experiencing the need to increase our income, by cutting back.  For many of us, the thought to cut back brings up frustration and anger. This certainly is understandable, but what if you look at cutting back in one area as a choice, not as a “have to”? Think of it as an opportunity to use funds you save in another area to help make it easier to get other things you need or even want.

Cutting back does not have to be an all or nothing thing.  You do not have to feel deprived.  Choose one thing you can live without that will save you money, and apply those funds to something else.

What follows are examples of some small changes you can make, that will make a significant impact on your wallet.

  1. If you have Cablevision, Satellite TV, etc., consider cutting back on your channel package. Go for the package that includes only the channels you watch. For example, if your child does not watch much TV, and you can access what they do watch through an app on another device, remove the channels from your package. Why should you pay twice for the same thing? Netflix costs $8 – $10 a month and you can get movies or TV shows that way, while saving a bunch of money on your TV package. Reduce your package not to include movie channels, kids channels, and sports channels. If you don’t watch them a lot, don’t pay for them. It’s that simple.
  2. If you like to read, why not renew your library card as opposed to buying books (in any format)? Most libraries have joined the digital age now, meaning you can download e-books to a Kindle, or audio books to your phone, iPad, or iPod for FREE!
  3. Many states are giving a tax credit for being more environmentally conscious and friendly. Look into the possibility of “Going Solar”. Adding solar panels to your home has the potential to save you a significant amount of money per year.
  4. If you tend to use a lot of paper products, cut down or stop this altogether. The cost of those products adds up quicker than you realize. It is way cheaper to use and wash or dishwasher non-paper products.
  5. If you eat a lot of fast food for the convenience of it, cut back on the number of times you do so. Grocery shopping and prepping meals ahead of time will also save you money you don’t even realize you were spending.
  6. When making purchases on food, clothing, or social activities – take advantage of coupons, promotions, and rebates whenever possible. Also, buy items on sale, or on clearance! You will save so much money this way.

You will live through the choices and changes you make. Who knows, you might even have fun with it! You could make it a game to see how much money you can save and where is best to cut back. You will discover that many of the changes you make will get you feeling free and light, as though the weight of the world has been lifted off from your shoulders! Try view cutting back as a chance to pass valuable life skills on to those you care about.  Learning how to budget money and the knowing the difference between a need and a want is imperative.  When learned at a young age, these money habits will stick with your children throughout their live span.

Remember any amount of many you can “save” through cutting back in one area is giving you money that you can apply to other areas in your life. In my opinion, no amount of money saved on any item is too small.  It all adds up.

I challenge you to dig deep and look at where you are spending your money and find ways you might be able to cut back.  Carefully decide if you need all you have, or if some things fall into the “want” category.  In the end, I bet you will surprise yourself through discovering what you can live without and not even miss it.

If you accept my challenge, share in the comments how it worked for you, and specifically what changes you made.  Sharing will help others to learn from your experience!