A hundred dollars can seem like a pittance or a large sum of money to save, depending on your financial situation. No matter how tight your budget, saving $100 should be possible. In fact, it may be easier than you think. Shaving $100 off of your monthly budget can help you prepare for unexpected expenses, and alleviate the problem of living paycheck to paycheck. Here are some simple ways to cut back, without feeling the pinch.
Make breakfast and lunch at home
Five to ten dollars per day on meals outside the home may seem convenient and not very expensive, but when you add that up, it is $100-$200 per month (assuming that you work five days a week). Preparing coffee, breakfast, lunch, and snacks at home can save you at least half of what you would pay for those same items at a coffee shop of fast food restaurant. Plus, you can splurge on yourself and create a healthier, more rounded meal. To save time, spend one day (typically Sunday) making a week’s worth of food to take with you, or simply pack your lunch the night before work, so that it is ready when you leave.
Car maintenance
By driving the speed limit, changing the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles (it is easier than you think to do yourself) and rotating tires every 10,000 miles, your vehicle will be more fuel efficient and this will save you money, especially if you have a long commute. Want to save even more? You can even get your oil changed for free by becoming a mystery shopper and signing up for updates in your area. Many mystery shopping companies offer full reimbursements for oil changes at local businesses and dealerships for filling out a detailed feedback form.
Utilities
Many utility companies offer discounts and rebates, depending on your financial situation. There are discount programs for low income individuals, and rebates or free energy efficient appliances for those who qualify.
Cell phone
Cell phones can be expensive, especially if you have children and need multiple lines. Many cell phone carriers offer discounts on multiple lines, but none really compare with prepaid services, such as MetroPCS. Even for Android OS phones, all inclusive plans are far cheaper than you will find anywhere else, and they do not carry a contract. The biggest expense is the phone itself, but many times prepaid companies offer rebates on particular phones.
Saving $100 can seem like a large sum of money, but cutting back in small, simple ways, will help you achieve your goal. Some other ways to save money easily would be to call your credit card companies to negotiate a better interest rate and your insurance company to see if you qualify for more discounts. It never hurts to ask.