Those following my Just Don’t Spend program, an effort to lower my monthly expenses, will be shocked at the numbers!  For most of last year, my average monthly expenses, not including rent, was between $950 and $1050.  I wasn’t spending every dime, but, each month, I was surprised at the total.  It was unpleasant.

I’m currently hovering around $800 every month!  Not only do I see the difference on the credit card statement, I FEEL it, too.  (For those of you interested in personal finance, I have no debt, and put the extra money into savings.)

How did I do it? 

Well, just like I listed in the other entries, I bring my meals, snacks, and beverages to work ($50/mo saved).  I switched to a cheaper grocery/drug store ($136).  I’m maintaining, but not expanding my wardrobe ($130).  I trimmed impulse purchases ($18).  I finally started seeing the savings from downgrading my cell plan ($20). 

Also, I actually sift through and sometimes use the coupons that come in the mail, and, if a grocery I regularly buy is on sale, I stock up.  I was averaging $61/wk in grocery/drug store buys.  Now, I get at least 10% off of every trip, and have gotten up to 26% before.  At the very least, that’s another $25/mo saved.

Obviously, my purchases every month fluctuate.  For instance, would it really be a good summer without summer movies?  I decided, no.  Several friends came into town, and wanted to go out to eat… a lot.  Alright by me.  I also had to buy a new printer; hey, it happens.  In using just a few tricks, I keep my total expenditures at a manageable level. 

This gives me more freedom to do and buy what I want and more confidence that I can absorb the unexpected.