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Trimming the Household Budget by Nikki Willhite Many of us have just finished trimming the Christmas tree. As the New Year draws closer we start to think about ways we can improve our lives. The most common New Year resolutions have to do with money and losing weight. Here is one way to tackle trimming the household budget. You could call this the "slash and burn" method, or you could call it "baby steps." It depends how you look at it. One way to save money this new year is to cut ALL your expenses by a certain percentage. This takes a lot of creativity and work, but it is effective. There are a few things you cannot cut, such as fixed payments for things like cars, and housing, but if you want it bad enough, you can lower the cost of most of your expenses by at least 10 percent. If eliminating certain items completely from your budget is something you just cannot do, then this may work for you. Let me give you a few examples. Last summer my husband and I decided we needed to lower our heating bill. We decided we would turn the thermostat down 2 degrees. This was not an easy things for me to do, as I am always cold.  However, with the help of thermal garments, and occasional space heater use, we reached that goal several months ago. Best of all, the savings is turning out to be much higher than 10 percent. Most people can lower food costs with more homemade cooking, coupons, less snacking, and using wise shopping strategies. Lower hair care expenses by finding a less expensive salon, or going less often. Save gas by consolidating errands.  Save on clothing by doing more thrift store shopping, or learning to do with less. Use your talents to save on presents.  The list goes on and on.  There are ways to save money on almost everything.  Use the money you save to first pay off debt, and then build an emergency fund.  Make it a goal to improve the financial position of your family this year.  Take the challenge!  One of the most important things you learn when you get your financial house in order is that saving money can actually be a lot more fun than spending it.  About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!

 

 

 

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