So many people proclaim that the next year will be their year. They are excited and determined to make things happen once it becomes January 1st. By February 1st, they are back to their old habits and ways. Saving money is usually a goal for many people for the New Year. It may be easier than you think to save a couple hundred each month. Below, I have six expenses that you should review in the New Year. If you find out that you don’t need them anymore, you can stop using them.
Eating Out
Many people don’t like to cook every day. Going to a fast food restaurant is quick and easy, but it can quickly add up in cost. I’ve had co-workers over the years go out to eat at least four times a week for lunch. If their meals averaged $8 each time, they go out they are paying $40 a week and $112 per month. That’s $160 just for lunch. We haven’t even talked about breakfast or dinner. You could use the money that is spent on lunch and go to the grocery store. Cooking your lunch will save you a lot of money throughout the year.
Gym membership
Gym memberships are good if you use them. If not, you are wasting your money. Some gym memberships are expensive depending on where you go. Going to the gym isn’t the only way to get your work out on. You can exercise outside or at home.
Bank Fees
Bank fees can be a pain in the you know what. With some accounts, you can only withdraw a certain amount of money each month. With others, you have to have a certain balance in the account each month, or they will charge you a fee. Every bank doesn’t have those fees. When you get a chance, research a few different banks until you find one that you like. If you don’t see any banks that you like, you do have the option of looking into a credit union. From my experience, credit unions have better fees.
Cable Television
Your cable bill is one expense that you must pay attention. Cable companies go up on their prices every year. If you are paying hundreds of dollars per month, you are paying way too much. There are so many options out there that it doesn’t make much sense to have cable unless you pay a decent price for it.
Morning Coffee
People love their morning cup of joe. Coffee shops make a killing every day. If you go to a coffee shop each day you can save between $30 – $35 each week by brewing your on. It is not difficult, and it should only take an extra 5-10 minutes each morning to do that.
Cell Phone Service
If you are still paying over $100 for a single phone line, you are doing it wrong. I’m sure if you check with your phone provider you will see a better plan out there. If not, check with their competitors. Verizon just released a new plan that is $50 a month for unlimited talk, text, and 5 GB. That’s a great deal.
For more ways to save money this year and into the future check out these articles.
3 Ways to Save Money on Eating Out
Real Ways to Save Money That You Can Start Doing Right Now
13 Ways to Save Money
Do you have any of these expenses? If so, what are you going to do about them?
Dual Income, No Kids launched in the spring of 2006 and is now part of District Media, LLC. With over 10 million visitors and syndication on Google News, District Media delivers high-quality personal finance news and advice. Our 58 blogs inform, empower, educate and entertain the public -- free of charge, with all operating expenses financed by advertising. 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for another great post Jason. I’m guilty of overspending on eating out, if we’re being honest. And I could probably bring down the cable bill as well if I put my mind to it. Thanks for the actionable tips, as those things add up to thousands of dollars a year!
I just cut out my cable tv subscription. I figured it was an unnecessary expense since I don’t actually get time to watch it. I do agree with average outside meals adding in cost, So I try to cook my lunch and dinner at home.
The article was a great read. Thanks Jason