You could be amazed by how many pointless purchases are lying in your regular spending if you’re trying to cram more money off your budget. From expenses services, you can easily downgrade to subscriptions you aren’t aware you were paying for. These are some unsuspecting expenses you can easily slash out from your budget that will help you save money.
Mobile Data
While every mobile phone plan is unique, most of them include some limitations on the amount of cellular service you may use before incurring additional fees. This is important because most of the time, you are unaware your data is being consumed by applications while you aren’t even using them. Try to use Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid the additional data charges.
Alcohol
Alcohol can quickly deplete your finances, particularly if you go out for drinks. This doesn’t mean that you stop using alcohol altogether. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can easily enjoy drinks with your friends by purchasing a bottle at the store and having it at home.
Drinking out can easily cost you over $20-$50 and sometimes more, depending on the drink and the quantity. You can easily save hundreds by simply choosing to drink at home.
Dining Out
Now you shouldn’t completely cut this off but saving dining out for special occasions makes more sense. It goes without saying that you’ll be saving thousands of dollars by being more careful on spending on food items and choosing where to eat wisely. Look for deals, discounts, and coupons so whenever you do eat out, you aren’t paying a hefty amount.
Cable
Ever since the launch of online streaming channels like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, the demand for cable has fallen significantly. It just feels like an additional and useless expense that you are better off not paying for at all.
Banking Charges
With so many banks out there, you can easily choose a different one if your bank keeps charging unnecessary fees. If you are also being charged late fees, then look into your budgeting and make sure to pay your bills in a timely manner so this doesn’t happen in the future. Organizing a planner and adding reminders will help you with this.
Unused Memberships
Terminate any memberships that you haven’t used and don’t plan on using in the future. Also, make sure you aren’t paying for any add-ons.
Shopping
Whenever you go shopping for clothes or any other item, watch out for sales so you can get the items at discounted prices. You won’t believe how much you’ll be able to save on sales, and it also feels pretty darn good to avail of clothing items at half price.
Transportation Cost
This is definitely the most difficult and stressful cost, especially considering the recent hike in gas prices. Commuting every day can easily cost thousands of bucks; alternatively, you could carpool with a coworker, use public transport, or maybe a bicycle.
Upgrading Smartphones
Don’t fall for the hype; your phone doesn’t need that upgrade, and you certainly don’t need the expense right now. Upgrades anyways don’t always come with better features.
Napkins and Paper Towels
By choosing to reuse items rather than purchase them, you will not only be doing your part to protect the environment but also begin to save money. Try opting for a greener, budget-friendly option of using reusable towels or napkins.