I have been learning how to trim and still have things that most people think of as extras.. Our main ones are cable/internet and netflix that is our entertainment budget each month, once in a rare while we will go out to a movie or dinner (that is normally for a birthday or wedding aniv.) With my husband being home all the time we needed something to keep him busy :) below are a few tips that have worked for me
1) Shop around for cable prices then ask your preferred provider to match that cost. I have basic digital and 20mbs internet for just over $40 a month (normal cost is about $100) I asked my cable company to match the price from a cheap provider (I did all the math for intro rate and the normal rate for the 2 years total cost then divided by 24 for the monthly cost)
2) Get netflix or Hulu+ for about $10 a month you watch shows and movies... we like anime so netflix is a great option they have lots and we spend hours each month watching (I also get to watch several of my favorite TV shows from their start)
3) Plan in advance for the times you do go out, that way you can look for coupons and other discounts for the location you want to go to. check living social, groupon and any local offers.
4) Plan nights in with a nice dinner and movie (redbox or netflix dvd are good options) I can make a Nice dinner for 6 people for about $25-35, and if you take 6 people out the bill will be that at most fast food places + that for the movie.
5) Talk to your cell phone carrier about company discounts, I was able to get a 12% discount on our plan just because of where I work (that is about $30 a month, as we have 6 phone lines..) I have gotten the monthly bill down to $50 a line (that includes taxes, any insurance, and fees) 2 of the lines have unlimited minutes (really we only need one {mine} but the plans offer 2 then add a line for $10 with 500 min add internet at the lowest, we use the wi-fi at home most of the time....)
6) Watch your thermostat! in the winter keep the house to where you all want long sleeves and or a blanket (we go 60-65, higher only if someone is sick and needs it to help with body temp) that alone can save you lots!!! my bill went from $200 a month (from keeping it about 70) to $150 in the winter with an OLD furnace (down to $75 with the new furnace) and in the summer keep the house a little on the warm side (the power company here says every degree below 78 can increase your bill by about 3%) My husband has issues with heat (he gets really sick in heat) so we keep ours just about 77-78 in the day and 76 at night normally our power bill does not go over $150 in the summer but this summer has been different, new house, AC that did not work right, Hotter day and night so it has gotten really high...working with the power company now to find out why (and if I can charge the company that messed up the AC) and if someone is taking power from us.
next installment FOOD.... and the focus for a while, shopping tips, meal ideas, how to plan....
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