Simple tips for reducing expenses

Sometimes, it’s tough to save money and get ahead. The cost of living seems to be always increasing, but wages don’t necessarily follow the same trend.

More and more, people are looking for ways to trim expenses. And in some cases, a few simple changes can make a big difference. Following are some tips for saving money that don’t require you to make a major lifestyle change.

Spending less on water

Buying bottled water instead of drinking tap water can add up over time. You might not realize it, but your household could be spending about $25 per month, per person by drinking bottled water. The cost of bottled water varies greatly based on the brand, size of the bottle or jug and where you shop for water. Even if you wait for sales and buy in bulk, you will probably average at least $1.25 per gallon on all your bottled water purchases.

If you’re concerned about the taste of tap water or pollutants, you can buy a simple pitcher with a water filter for about $20, which yields 40 gallons of purified water. Replacement filters will cost you less than $10.

If you want an even lower cost per gallon of water, consider installing a refrigerator water filter, like the Samsung Aqua Pure Plus. Two major advantages of refrigerator water filters is that you’ll have chilled, purified water at your disposal and clear ice cubes.

Do away with $100 cable bills

Anyone who is younger than 30 probably can’t remember a time when TV was free. Today, if you subscribe to satellite or cable TV, you are probably paying more than $1,000 per year for 200 channels that you hardly every watch. Switching to a service like Netflix allows you access to movies for as low as $7.99 per month. If you still want cable or satellite TV, get the most affordable base package and fill in the gaps with a free TV and movie service like Hulu.com.

Small savings add up

Take a look at where you spend money each month and you will find many opportunities to save. For example, using a ceiling fan allows you to raise the temperature on your central air a few degrees and still remain comfortable. Drink your coffee at home and avoid daily trips to Starbucks for $3 brews. Buy generic brands and take advantage of those buy-one-get-one-free offers. Instead of paying for a magazine subscription, go online and get one for free.

Be pragmatic

No one likes to have to always buy hamburger instead of steak or to have a “staycation” instead of a vacation, but trimming unnecessary expenses will you give you more money for the things you truly need in life