The recent increases in prices for many Americans’ everyday expenses may motivate a return to simpler living. All of us have fixed monthly costs such as housing and variable costs such as food and fuel. The variable costs are the ones in the short run that we can modify.
Here are some ideas for decreasing costs:
- Buy products in bulk – especially non-perishable items.
- Use only as much laundry detergent as required for a load.
- Seek lower-cost substitutes for products you are already buying.
- Do it yourself – save costs by taking on home projects yourself.
- Cook more from scratch.
- Plant a garden, which can be an opportunity to increase your access to fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits.
- Avoid impulse buying by having a list at the grocery store. Your budget may not have much flexibility for impulse purchases. Focus on what your needs are.
Save on gas by planning ahead to run several errands on the same trip.
By: Brenda Langdon
