Top Five Ways to Cut Spending

7/25/2019

Budgeting is important, but it’s easier said than done. Finding the money to set aside for fun vacations or an emergency fund can be difficult, but oftentimes all it takes is reevaluating your spending habits to find some excess cash.

“Take a look at how much you’re spending on what,” says Rebecca Klostermann, Branch Manager at Town and Country Bank. “Cable bills, getting your hair done—it’s not really a bargain if you don’t need it!”

Get ready to fatten your wallet by reading our top five ways to cut spending from your budget:

1. Limit Eating Out

It’s tempting to swing by your favorite food chain and drop $15 on dinner, but think about how that adds up. Try spending the money you would have spent on fast food buying groceries at the store, which can be turned into multiple meals. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for deals and coupons from your favorite grocery store!

2. Cut the Cable

The average American spends $100 a month on cable, totaling an average of $1200 a year. If you’re big on TV and movies, consider subscribing to a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. It’s even possible to subscribe to multiple streaming services for less than $50 a month, giving you the variety without the cost.

3. Think about Thrifting

Clearance racks and sales are your friends, and you can buy almost anything secondhand. Buying secondhand clothes, furniture, and other items is a great way to save money, and there are plenty of outlets that sell gently used items that are in great condition for a fraction of the original price.

4. Fun can be Frugal

Shopping and eating out are fun, but they blow the budget. Look for events and places in your area that are free, like parks and museums. Simply having a picnic at the park with friends is already cheaper than a shopping spree, and is just as fun.

5. Track Your Spending

Plan out your budget ahead of time using a planner or an app. Visually seeing how you spend money makes it easier to recognize where you’re spending too much and where you can afford to save a little.