SHOE STRING BUDGET PART ONE--FIXED EXPENSES

It’s that time of month, you are out of money but the bills are still arriving in the mail box. Getting control over your fixed expense is more than just writing down a list of what bills need to be paid and when. .
First, list all fixed expenses, such as mortgage, home insurance, car payment, car insurance, phone, cable, credit cards, health insurance, local newspaper, etc. If money is going out each month, write it down. No amount is too small to ignore.
Take a good hard look at the figures. Do you really need the extra movie channel, or the high interest credit card? You won’t miss the movie channel. Take your family to the library and explore the numerous current movies that are available to rent free of charge. Read the magazines there, and cancel your magazine subscriptions. Transfer balances on high interest credit cards to other companies that have lower rates.
Check out different long distance providers for lower rates if you dial long distance, better yet, e-mail and write letters! Get quotes from insurance companies, and switch providers for your car and home insurance, if needed. Sometimes just raising your deductible will decrease the monthly payment.

Check to see if you can read your local newspaper free of charge over the internet. If you can, cancel the subscription. While reading, if you see something you want a hard copy of, go to the store and pay the 50 cents for a hard copy.

Is every light in your house on? Turn them off, and get the family in the habit, as well. Don’t constantly change the setting on the thermostat, either. Find a setting that is pleasing to everyone and leave it alone.

It is not hard to save hundred of dollars each year, if you take control of what you are paying for.

About the Author

Wendy writes for Agony Aunt sites offering financial, health and relationship advice.

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