How Can I Do It?

Living within your means is definitely possible. Often, it's just a matter of making different choices.

Most of us spend a significant amount of money on everyday items. Here are some suggested ways to save money on food, clothing, and transportation costs.

Soon, you'll discover your own solutions, and living within your means will become a habit.

Food

• Avoid eating out. Even at a fast-food restaurant, you'll pay three to seven times more for a meal than you would if you cooked at home.
• Shop at large grocery stores or food warehouses. Avoid high-priced convenience stores and smaller "boutique" grocery stores.
• Buy store brands. They are usually less expensive than nationally advertised brands but the quality is often just as good.
• Make a shopping list—and stick to it. Avoid buying food on an impulse and don't shop on an empty stomach or you may come home with more than you planned to buy.
• Pack a lunch for work or school instead of going out.
• Use coupons or "membership" cards at grocery stores—but only buy the item if it's something you use anyway.
• Compare the unit prices of products. Buy whichever product is less expensive per ounce, per pound, per pint, and so on.
• Take advantage of two-for-one sales if the items are things you use anyway.
• As much as possible, avoid purchasing junk food such as potato chips, pretzels, soda, and candy. Junk food is usually quite expensive, especially when you consider that it offers little nutritional value.
• Stock up on sales of items you use regularly such as paper products and canned food.
• In some instances, you may qualify for emergency food stamps, which will help cover your grocery bill during a money crisis. Although it usually takes about a month to qualify for food stamps, emergency approvals may be given in about seven days.

Clothing

• Garage sales and flea markets can be fantastic sources of quality clothes at great prices.
• Set up a clothing exchange with friends or neighbors to trade your adult and children’s clothes. What's old to you will be new and exciting to someone else.
• Regularly visit thrift stores. The inventory usually changes frequently.
• Check out clothing sales sponsored by local churches or service groups.
• Some stores accept used clothing, price it, sell it, and give you some money back on the items you bring in. These are called "consignment stores." Look into consignment stores for clothing for both kids and adults. You can earn a little money on clothes you consign and either apply the credit toward another purchase in the store or take the cash someplace else.
• Stick with classics whenever possible. They stay in style longer than the latest trends.
• It may be hard to find good used shoes for children. Look for sales, but don't let a sale convince your child that he or she needs $80 running shoes. Instead, help them distinguish between wants and needs.

Transportation

• If your community offers a carpool matching service, try to find someone to share rides to work.
• If you live close to school or work, try walking, in-line skating, or biking. You'll get exercise and save money on transportation.
• Take advantage of public transportation if it's available and delivers you to your destination in a reasonable amount of time.
• Perform regular maintenance on your car —such as changing the oil and coolant— as well as keeping the tires properly inflated. Your car will run more efficiently and you’ll save money every month.
• Refill your tank at gas stations that regularly have the lowest prices on gasoline and try to avoid more expensive stations.
• If you're buying a car, consider a good used model instead of a new one.
• Purchase the vehicle with the best gas mileage rating that will serve your needs.
• Every two years, shop around to be sure you have the best deal on car insurance.

For even more ways to save money, check out 22 Spending Tips. Before long, living within your means will become a positive way of life. Take a look at how this and other positive actions can affect other areas of your life.