There is so much talk about cutting the cable cord these days, but I have been around those that opted for streaming, and it’s not pretty.  It’s a hassle finding what you want, without buffering now and then, if you’re even able to get the channel, as most streaming networks differ than what’s available.  While sure, for $50 a month you can get streaming, but honestly after paying for internet, that’s not worth the hassle of saving $40 a month.  While sure I’m tired of having & paying for cable boxes, I think I’ll just wait out the major cable companies to follow in the streaming footsteps and be more of a level playing field.  If you’re looking to save on expenses, however, there are plenty of other ways to save.

Slow Down Going Out to Eat

While it’s nice to go out, order whatever you want, and have it prepared, served, and not to mention, cleaned up after you, that does get expensive, even if it is getting carryout, multiple times a week it does add up.  Even stopping for coffee every morning for $3, do that every business day for an entire month, even a couple times a day sometimes, and you’re looking at over $60 a month just in coffee.  You can get a giant bag of your favorite coffee, get a $20 programmable coffee pot and have it brewed and ready for your travel mug by the time you walk out the door.  When it comes to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks, make a grocery list and try a little meal prep for the week.  You’ll be amazed at the hundreds of dollars you can save a month.

Ditch the Gym Membership

It was probably a good resolution to ‘finally get into shape’, but like most, you went for a little while and the visits start to die down.  Pretty soon you’re paying $20, even $50 a month for something you don’t use.  That’s throwing your hard-earned money out the window every month! Now that the weather is finally starting to show improvement, you can get rid of the gym membership and take the dog for a walk, go for a run around the block, even work in the yard, mixed with a diet consisting of just counting calories, and you’ll get in better shape in no time.

Check for Energy Efficiency

It would probably have been a good place to start in the winter if you noticed your furnace kicking on more than it should, but with summer weather coming, checking to make sure your home is energy efficient is a great way to save on monthly utility bills.  You can walk the perimeter of your house and see the doors and window that is shared with the exterior and see if caulk is needed to seal for any drafts coming through.  Even adjusting your door to close a little more tightly cause any airflow from coming in.  I even noticed a little coming under the molding where it meets the hardwood floor and put a bead of caulk down.  All of these moves will keep the warm air out and the air conditioner on less to save on your electric bill.