Editor’s Note: This story was originally live on the cheap.
When you think of cutting your budget, do you quickly think of all the sacrifices you have to make?
It’s less motivating to think about what you might lose than how much you might gain by paying off debt or saving money for a bigger goal.
Look on the bright side. There’s always an expense you can cut that you can’t afford to miss out on.
From expensive car insurance to cable channels you don’t watch often, here are some ways to save money on the things you love.
Here are seven ways you can save money without changing your lifestyle.
1. Compare car and home insurance rates
It doesn’t matter if you rent or own the house. You may have some insurance and pay a large amount.
For me, the difference between the two rental insurance quotes was $600 a year. A friend of mine who compared home insurance saved over $100 a month by comparing companies before switching.
To compare home or auto insurance rates, use an online comparison site or visit your state insurance commission’s website.
The Insurance Commission website is also a place to compare quality. It shows the average price, but also shows the average number of complaints per year.
Also read the article about save money on car insurance.
2. Get a better cell phone plan
I have the weirdest but best mobile plan ever. I saved about $20 a month by sharing my mobile plan with myself. It actually counts as a shared plan.
Call your mobile operator and ask what other plans are available. Sometimes the best way to save is to skip the Basic plan and pay more.we did A lot of research for you.
For example, now I need to call my cell phone company and change to a plan that includes more data. Spending an average of $30.
Part of budgeting is always being realistic about your habits.
Also, check out pay-as-you-go plans. Some have unlimited calling and texting plans for less than $50/month. Also, consider how much of the cost of the contract the phone itself will account for.
Need the latest and greatest cell phone? If not, use your old phone and find a plan that covers calls, texts and data.
3. Shop with a reverse grocery list
Grocery spoilage can push grocery budgets from $50 to $500. It’s not uncommon for him to throw away 25% or more of his grocery purchases.
Two married friends of mine used to throw away hundreds of dollars each month on groceries.
solution? Reverse Grocery List — Shop with a list of items you already have in your pantry and fridge to avoid double-purchasing items. If your spouse or partner does grocery shopping, give them this list.
You can also use apps such as my pantry Track what you currently have at home.
4. Save on restaurant orders without coupons
You can save money on eating out by using groupon and Restaurant.com Coupons are displayed, but not all restaurants listed are available for selection.
By choosing carefully what you order, you can eat cheaply at any restaurant. For example, you can order only appetizers. We make trade-offs when it comes to desserts and drinks.
For example, I usually skip appetizers and alcohol, but don’t worry about entree prices.
By skipping an item or two you don’t really like, you can save over $20 on a single meal. Eating out every week for a month saves you $80.
Always check us out live on the cheap A site that offers the best deals every week.
5. Negotiation of Cable Fees
Everything from cables to rentals is negotiable. When it comes to cable, look at your bill first to see what you’re enjoying. Then call your cable company to see what deals they offer.
For example, I only get non-HBO movie channels when offered very cheap promotions, such as 6 months of free channels or $5 channels.
When I called the cancellation department, they cut $15 off my monthly bill to keep me as a customer. This equates to a savings of $180 per year.
6. Confirm each clothing purchase
The best way to start managing your clothing budget is to think about the clothing you’ve purchased in the last six months and see what you’re wearing and what you’re not wearing.
There are bound to be some items you wish you hadn’t bought. Write why you bought each item.
The next time you shop, don’t forget to think about the items you regretted so you don’t regret it again.our article How to start a minimalist wardrobe can help.
The second is to carry around a smartphone. You can search for coupons. Lucky Brand Jeans has a $25 discount coupon, and Express may offer an additional $50 off your purchase of $150.
Be careful not to buy too much on sale. Using coupons to buy only what you intend can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
7. Earn cash rebates
Free money is always useful, whether it’s through a credit card cashback program or not. Ibotta For grocery or Upromise free online rewards programs.
Credit cards may refund 1.5% of the purchase price even if you pay off the balance each month.
compromise is a free rewards program that starts at the company’s website and receives a portion of your online purchases.
Money can be deposited in a bank and sent as cash, put into a college savings account, or applied to a student loan balance. As long as you don’t buy more than you intended, both options give you free savings without compromising your lifestyle.