Here are the things we are looking to slash out of our budget so we can spend every dime in paying the debt:
1. Cancel cable. We will watch our shows via computer and we ordered a $5 part off Amazon to be able to see the computer in the TV screen.
2. Cancel our gym membership. If I run into a Zumba withdrawal – I can just buy a guest pass and attend the odd class for $10. Otherwise, it is a money drain.
3. Decrease our internet speed. If we need to raise it, we will, but we will try to work with a slower speed.
4. Cut the food budget by 1/3. Food is the consistent culprit of being over budget. Stay in, minimize eating out. If we absolutely HAVE to eat out, we can, but not all the time.
5. Chop our entertainment budget. Include 1 date-night a month with a babysitter and some Redbox runs- no more.
6. Re-evaluate our Energy usage. Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees vs. 70 and have it shut down during the mornings (vs. before we had it on to have a warm house as we were getting ready). Buy a space heater to use in the areas we’re in – be more targeted to where we need it. Line-dry clothes instead of dryer usage.
7. Carpool and view gas usage with a critical eye. Carpool at least once a week. Look into exchanging one of our cars for a Hybrid.
8. Take our cell phones down to basic functionality. Call the provider and ask if we can have any decreases to the monthly cost.
9. Evaluate our insurance. Can we increase deductibles and lower amount?
10. Slash our personal spend budget.
11. Eliminate travel and vacation spend. No trip to see Family this year. No Lisa-Dennis get away. Communicate to families to set the expectation.
12. Re-evaluate Personal Care. I will try dyeing my hair at home- for the first time in my life- but I draw the line at cutting my own hair. 🙂
our motto is every cent helps! every activity is meaningful!