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Fire your housekeeper. Housekeeping is definitely a big chore, but can you really afford the price tag associated with buying the service from a company these days? More and more often, you can find a more affordable housekeeper on Craigslist.
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Have your nights out be coupon nights. It’s okay not to pay full price on a meal if you have a coupon ready. Check your local mailer for coupons that fit your budget and tastes. Chances are that there are a few retaurants and bars in your area offering sweet discounts.
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Adopt a pet instead of buying a pet. Pets of every kind – from fish to dogs – can be found in humane society shelters. They are cheaper than pet store pets, just as healthy, and just as loveable.
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Go to the library. Want to see a movie, learn something new, or read the latest books? Head to your local library. It’s free!
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Avoid eating pre-cooked, prepared meals. Almost everything is cheaper if you are the one who is cooking it. You’ll be surprised at how reasonable prices will become. This is doubly true if you become your own bartender.
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Carpool. Gas is now around $3.50 a gallon. Enough said?
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Learn what you can write off for your taxes. You might get a bigger refund if you write off your dry cleaning, your car mileage, or even some of the meals that you have with colleagues. Check with your accountant to find out new tricks.
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Keep abreast of local news. If you hear experts saying that the price of beef (or anything else) will increase, stock up while you can. It’ll be a lot more expensive to do so in the future. Similarly, if you find out that the prices of certain things are expected to drop, you need to remember to avoid buying them until they are cheaper.
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Drop the gym membership. Running costs nothing, nor does yoga. Do you really need to pay $120 a year for a gym membership?
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Invite friends over. Going out to eat, and going out to have fun, will be very pricey if you keep doing it over the course of a week. If you feel like you need to socialize, become the party animal who holds weekly cookouts at your home. Potlucks, drinks, and radio music is all you really need for a good time.