Household Budgeting: 15 Tips

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the high cost of living these days? If you think it is impossible to cut back any more than you already have think again. Here are 15 different tips to help you with household budgeting. Even if you followed a few of them you could find that it is possible to make your money go further.

1. Save on energy costs - use power-saving CFL lights and don’t leave lights/appliances on when you don’t require them.

2. Instead of going to the movies rent or borrow one. If you must go to the movies go to an early matinee and save some money.

3. Want to spend some time with friends?  Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.

4. Take your lunch to work more often. Your savings will really add up!

5. Carpool if possible.  Transportation costs take a big chunk out of your household budgeting expense.

6. Open a savings account that you use just for emergencies. If possible have just $5.00 per week taking right out of your paycheck and work your way up. Try saving at a separate bank from your checking to avoid impulse spending. This will come in handy the next time you have an emergency car repair. My favorite? Ing Direct! You can tie it to your current bank and move money when needed but since money takes a few days to move you wont be able to make those impulse purchases that you will regret later.

7. Another expense that can make or break your household budgeting efforts is groceries. Make a list when you go grocery shopping and stick to it. Use coupons on items you normally buy and try to shop on double coupon days. Stocking up on non perishables or items that can be frozen is also a good idea when they are on sale.

8. Dollar stores are a great place to stock up on items such as wrapping paper, gift cards, gift bags, etc.

9. Household budgeting will get easier if you save without really trying by Piggy-banking loose change. It really adds up fast!

10. Never pay full price for clothing. Check the sales flyers in your Sunday paper. Why pay full price on a pair of jeans at one store when another store is having a sale? You will do even better if you buy off season.

11. Save money by working out at home. Rent or borrow an exercise dvd before buying to make sure you like it.

12. Keep your vehicle well maintained. That way you will hopefully get many more miles out of it well after it is paid off.

13. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!

14. Get out from underneath credit card debt by making more than the minimum payment each month.

15. Eat out less. Try to keep stocked up on the ingredients for quick meals to keep from going through the drive-thru on days you are just too tired to cook.

Whether you try just a few of these tips or all of them, these household budgeting tips can really help you save money.