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Another day, another dollar – and for millions of us, another failed budget attempt.
Confused by your budget? Here are some of the small expenses that can cause it and some ideas for cutting those expenses.
1. food
Food is one of our biggest expenses. Of course we all have to eat. But we are also wasting money on meals.
$10 spent on lunch on a weekday is $50 for the week and over $200 for the month. It may not seem like a big deal when you’re swiping magic plastic, but this expense can ruin your savings.
Americans are also notorious for throwing away food. As we point out in 12 Food Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money and Sadness, there are many ways to extend the freshness of your food.
“Store tomatoes stem-side down, which is where air gets in the fastest. That way, tomatoes will last longer.”
2. Snacks and other everyday treats
We all have indulgences. Perhaps you’d prefer Joe’s every morning from Starbucks or freshly baked bagels from Panera.
You don’t have to give up these delicious items, but indulging in moderation for your budget is worth a try. Try to limit such treats to once a week or even once a month. .
3. Expiration of Promotional Offers
How many times have you seen a charge appear on your bank statement just because you signed up for a free subscription or premium channel because you forgot to cancel before the promotional period ended?
Avoid promotional offers unless your phone or planner reminds you to cancel the service before charges are applied to your account.
4. Gasoline
Gasoline is a big expense for many Americans. Reduce your monthly gas bill by combining errands, carpooling, using public transportation, and using fuel-efficient driving habits.
The right smartphone apps can also go a long way in saving money, as explained in 7 Smart Ways to Save Money on a Gas Pump.
“For example, an app gas buddy Helps you discover the cheapest gas prices in your area. And such savings can be large. I found that in my area of Colorado near my home, gas stations can vary in price by as much as 19 cents per gallon. ”
5. Sales
After waiting months for a particular item to go on sale, it’s finally 50% off. But he has one problem. That’s what you need to register with your credit card.
If you give in to temptation, it’s only a matter of time before you realize your spending plan was wrong. Instead, start securing funds for your next product sale now.
6. Pamper
From time to time, some of us need to visit the salon or spend the day at the spa. need to do it.
7. Bank charges
Over the past few years, countless bank charges have cropped up. There’s a good chance you’ll pay for account maintenance and paper statements, to name two. Overdraft and ATM fees are still common.
However, you do not have to pay these costs. As explained in 12 Ways to Stop Paying Bank Fees, doing your homework now can save you money for years to come.
“Comparison shopping doesn’t have to be time consuming. Make a list of the features and services that are most important to you, call or visit our website and compare the costs of several institutions. Financial For tips on changing institutions, see How to Switch Banks in 5 Steps. ”
Ready to save money? Visit our Solution Center to find the right bank account.
8. Mobile phone use
Unless you have a comprehensive, unlimited cellular plan, limits on minutes and data usage may apply, and additional charges will apply if you exceed the limits. Additionally, there are charges that you may not be aware of until they appear on your bill.
If your cell phone bill fluctuates from month to month, call your provider and inquire about available cost-effective options.
To learn more about other mobile phone options, stop by the Money Talks News Solutions Center. find a new cell phone plan.
9. All random “bonus”
Life will change and costs will come, so it’s best to stay safe and have a solid emergency fund. You can also hedge the risk of running out of cash each month by building extra money into your spending plan.
Even the most thrifty and financially savvy can face unexpected expenses, so you’re not alone. To start building your safety net, check out his 9 Tips for Starting Your Emergency Fund Today.