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Everyone
wants to save money but the question is HOW? Only
5% of Americans have six months worth of salary in
their savings account. Most Americans live paycheck
to paycheck, saving money sometimes seems to be an
unreachable goal. But with any goal the best thing
to do is break it down into smaller steps.
Take
a look at your paycheck
Make sure you know how much income you have on
monthly basis.
Review
a budget
1. List your monthly expenses. Remember to include
your fixed expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, daycare,
car payment, etc) and your variable expenses (groceries,
toiletries, gas, and car maintenance). It is always
a good idea to track your expenses to really see how
much you are spending.
2. Review your expenses. Can you reduce any of them?
For example take your lunch to work instead of going
out to eat. Remember CCCS can help you with a budget.
We can also offer suggestions on areas were you might
be able to reduce expenses. Please contact our offices
at 1-888-755-2227 to schedule a free and confidential
appointment or you may email us at debtdoc@familyservice-piedmont.org.
Remember our professional staff is highly skilled
and can offer counseling at a time that is convenient
to you. ALL COUNSELING SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
You can also click
here to receive counseling online.
3. Look at your remaining debt such as credit cards
and student loans. Are you able to pay more than the
minimum payment? Do the credit card balances just
seem to be staying the same or even growing after
you make a payment? Call CCCS, we can help you find
the best and most productive way to become debt free.
Please contact our offices at 1-888-755-2227 to schedule
a free and confidential appointment or you may email
us at debtdoc@familyservice-piedmont.org.
Remember our professional staff is highly skilled
and can offer counseling at a time that is convenient
to you. ALL COUNSELING SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
Or click
here for online counseling.
Be
creative
Everyone saves money differently. Ideally 10% to 15%
of your income should be set aside for savings and
investments. Look over some of these tips on saving
money to see what works for your lifestyle. Try one
or two and you will save money.
• Go grocery shopping with a list.
• Do not go to the grocery store hungry.
• Eat out less, take your lunch to work.
• Eat leftovers.
• Make casseroles and soups to freeze.
• Turn the heat down and put on a sweater.
• Make sure the heat is down when you leave the
house for the day.
• When washing clothes, make sure your loads
are full.
• Do not waste hot water, wash your clothes in
cold or warm.
• Clean and replace air conditioning filters.
• Caulk and weather-strip your home.
• Turn off lights when you are not in the room.
• Evaluate your phone bill, take off the extras
that you do not need.
• Check other long distance providers, to make
sure you are getting the best service.
• You will save on gas if you do regular oil
changes and keep your tires inflated to the proper
pressure.
• Carpool, use public transportation, or ride
a bike.
• Make sure you have a trusted mechanic check
out a used car before you buy.
• Ask your credit card companies to reduce your
rates.
• Save your change.
• Pay more on credit debt so you do not pay the
interest for longer.
• Use a direct deposit program for your paycheck,
so your money is automatically put in to a savings
account.
• Cut back to one credit card.
• Take your credit cards out of your wallet.
• Buy washable clothes, not dry clean only clothes.
• Have a potluck dinner instead of a dinner party.
• Make gifts instead of purchasing something
expensive.
• Look for free and cheap family events.
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