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1. Internet

In most communities, there are multiple internet providers. Search and see what providers are available in your area. Price shop and make sure you are getting the best deal. If you find a provider who can offer you a lower rate, it may be worth switching companies to save money. Be sure to factor in all of the costs such as installation and equipment rental fees. Frontier is my internet provider. I’ve used Frontier for eight years and have been very pleased with their service. Recently, my rate increased from $44 per month to $54 per month. That’s almost a 25% increase! Immediately, I called and asked how they could reduce my bill. They had a promotion going on and were able to get my rate back to $44 per month. In one phone call, I saved myself $10 per month.

2. Cable

If you are still paying for cable, STOP! It’s a waste of money and there are less expensive ways to see all of your shows and programs. Here’s what I recommend if you’re hesitant to get rid of your cable.

1. Get an antenna and see what channels you can pick up. Digital antennas are pretty good these days and cost $20-$60, depending on the signal strength. You may be surprised by the number of channels you can get for free.
2. Share streaming services with your friends. For example, I subscribe to Hulu and my friend subscribes to Netflix. We swap login information so we can each enjoy more content and save a little dough.
3. Don’t have a Smart TV? There’s no need to buy a new TV, just get a Roku and you’re in business! Recently, I bought a new Roku to use with an old TV for $25, which is less than the cost of a month of cable!
4. If you need access to premium sports or specific cable channels, research the cost of subscribing to just the channels you want. It may cost less than paying for an entire cable package that you don’t really use.

3. Cell Phone

There are lots of budget cellular providers out there. I know what you’re thinking. If I switch to a no-name company, the quality of my service will suffer. Actually, that’s not true at all! Most discount providers rent cell tower space from the big companies. So, in some cases, you’re getting the exact same service, but paying a lot less. Previously, I was on a shared cell phone plan with my sister’s family. My portion of the bill was $70 per month, which I got sick of paying.

So, I did some research and made the switch to Republic Wireless over four years ago. Now, I pay $23 per month. Republic Wireless keeps your cost low by routing your calls and data over wifi. If you’re usually at work or home, do yourself a favor and switch. Republic Wireless saves me $47 per month and has saved me $2,538 since I switched!! 🤯

4. Eating Out

Eating at restaurants is a social activity and a way to connect with others. If you enjoy eating out with friends, please continue to join the group. But, eat at home first. At the restaurant, order something small like an appetizer or a side dish. OK, I can hear you through the computer. Eating out is fun and I like the break from cooking! However, dining at restaurants is not worth adding to your debt. Take my advice: enjoy the social time and skip the cost. Carrying out this tip will require some self-control. If you foresee it being difficult, ask a friend in your group to support you. Perhaps, they’ll love the idea and want to save money too!

5. Clothing

I love to shop! Sometimes, I don’t even buy anything. I just like to look around and see what’s out there. But, if you love to shop for clothing and accessories, try going to consignment stores instead. Buying second hand is a great way to get trendy clothes for a fraction of the price. Likewise, it’s also an opportunity to make money! Clean out your closet and see what you can sell. Another added benefit: keeping clothes out of landfill. One girl’s trash is another gal’s treasure!

6. Grocery Shopping

It’s easy to justify spending money at the grocery store. I need to eat so I have no choice, but to spend this money. While this statement is true, you can make smarter, more budget friendly choices.

• Give up the fancy grocery stores. I agree they are lovely and carry more unique products, but they’re a waste of money. Let people who make cushy salaries shop at Whole Paycheck.
• In a perfect world, everything would be organic and affordable. Until that day, I suggest passing on organic options unless the cost is similar.
• Buy the generic or store brand whenever available. It usually has the same ingredients, tastes the same and saves you money.
• Stock up on meat when it’s on sale. The money you’ll save can be significant, especially when there’s a buy one, get one free offer! Clean out your freezer and pack in the savings.
• Check out the top nine way to save money grocery shopping.

7. Buy in Bulk

Ahhhh, Costco… “How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” I’m sure Elizabeth Barrett Browning wasn’t dreaming of a bulk buying mecca 125 years in the future when she wrote Sonnet 43, but you catch my drift.

Now, before you say, I don’t need to purchase a $60 membership so I can buy Swiffers in bulk, I totally agree; you don’t. However, if you have a Costco close by and average two tanks of gas a month, you’ll save enough to pay for the cost of the membership. And, that’s before stepping foot inside the store or shopping online!

The key to saving at Costco is twofold. Buy their generic brand, Kirkland, whenever available. I can eat off their $4.99 oversized rotisserie chicken for a week! I also suggest organizing your shopping trips around the monthly coupon book, which will save you even more coin. Don’t forget to make sure you have enough storage space before buying anything large, like paper towels.

Being gluten-free on a shoestring budget is another issue that complicates my life. But, thanks to Costco, I have access to unique products that I wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. Ahhh, a match made in savings heaven. 😊

8. Entertainment

I do not expect you to stay home every weekend and watch shared streaming tv, while talking on your cheap cell phone plan. 😄 However, I do expect you to be creative and thrifty with your entertainment choices. In my area, there’s a website I love called Triangle on the Cheap. It highlights free and low-cost activities around town. See if there’s a similar resource where you live. Another good place to look for discount activities is Groupon! And, yes, it still exists. Groupon has saved me so much money over the years. I’ve bought deals on concerts, classes, clothing, a dental cleaning, haircut & highlights, restaurants, jewelry; you name it, I’ve probably bought it there! You never know what you’re going to find on Groupon so check back often.

9. Online Shopping

If you don’t have Honey installed on your computer, DO IT NOW!! Honey is a browser extension that ensures you have applied all valid coupon codes to your order before you make an online purchase. Honey works automatically on any website. Need I say more?!? Using Honey feels like a pat on the back from a trusted friend confirming you got the best deal on your purchase. You also earn Honey Gold on qualified purchases. Your Honey Gold accumulates until you can redeem it for a gift card. With Honey, there’s no catch, no gimmicks, no pop-ups. Just savings.