I’m a member of Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover forum and another member proposed some small steps that can help you get out of debt by taking small steps. I wanted to share her list with everyone and I hope you find it helpful.
Are you going to second hand shop?
Are you going to get adept and selling stuff on Craig's List?
Are you going to become a coupon master?
Are you going to learn to cook your favorite restaurant meals at home?
Are you going to learn to sew?
Are you going to learn to cut your family's hair?
Are you going to groom your pets yourself?
Are you going to get really good at making the best home packed lunches?
Are you going to start a soup and/or smoothie bucket?
Are you going to learn how to plan meals, shop the specials and cook from scratch?
Are you going to get better about borrowing instead of buying?
Are you going to finally make combining trips a habit?
Are you going to try planting a vegetable and herb garden?
Are you going to start taking clothes to consignment?
Are you going to shop for a cheaper cell phone service?
Are you going to shop your insurance for a better deal?
Are you going to learn what your appliances cost to use and use them less?
Are you going to ride the bus or carpool?
Are you going to switch to cloth diapers?
Are you going to give up the cleaning lady or lawn service?
Are you going to learn to change your own oil?
Are you going to stop throwing out food?
Are you going to learn to do minor repairs around the house?
Are you going to let people know when you have a need and are looking for an inexpensive alternative?
Are you going to calculate how much of your budget is eaten up by interest charges?
Are you going to start exercising to reduce health care expenses?
Are you going to give up the gym membership and start cycling, running or walking instead?
Debt piles up with a 1000 little charges. One way you get out of debt is by eliminating 1000 little expenses. Do you feel like you can start taking on any of the items above? If so, commit to a couple and report back on your successes and failures
Frugal Tidbits
December 30th, 2013 at 04:58 am
December 30th, 2013 at 05:05 am 1388379907
December 30th, 2013 at 12:12 pm 1388405566
December 30th, 2013 at 01:24 pm 1388409873
I've already done this list (not *everything* because we have made a few exceptions - like I'd rather have a $15/month gym membership then walk alone at night/in the dark, as a female. But, of course I don't need a $100/month gym membership).
BUT, we are always looking for ways to cut back expenses. I think there will generally always be something to improve on, financially. Finances aren't static.
December 30th, 2013 at 02:41 pm 1388414505
December 30th, 2013 at 02:46 pm 1388414789