Here are a few ideas for cutting expenses:
-Buy only things you really need.
-make a shopping list BEFORE you go to the store and stick to it. Pay with cash! This will ensure that you will not go over.
-Eat at Home, take your lunch to work and scour restaurants for "kids eat free" and "half off coupons".
-look for sales and off-season bargains.
-Always compare prices and amount of food if it's groceries you are comparing. It may be cheaper but it has 5 oz. less than the other!
-Share driving and use public transportation.
-Buy a used car preferabley with cash.
-Shop at thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets.
-Discontinue services you don't really need, cable tv, internet (can use library's), cell phone and pager.
-Avoid cash checking stores, pawnshop loans, and rent-to-own stores. They have incredibly high interest charges.
Tips to increase your Income
-Get a part time job.
-Work overtime hours at your current job.
-Sell items that you make or no longer need at flea markets and garage sales.
There are possibly hundreds more ways to make more and spend less. It really just depends on your lifestyle but if you are able to use some of these tips , it will get you and your budget going in the right direction.
