Services to Cancel if You Want to Cut Back on Your Monthly Expenses

When you’re struggling to keep your expenses within your budget, the first step is usually to cut out your more frivolous purchases. All those trips to the movie theater and impulse visits to the coffee shop might have to go. 

But if you’re still falling short of your goals, it’s probably time to cancel some of your services. This can be a painful step since it requires a long-term lifestyle change. 

All the same, it’s worth doing if you really want to get your finances in order. Here are four services that you could consider giving the ax.

Cable

For decades, cable television has been a cultural behemoth and the central form of entertainment in most American homes. It seems we’ve finally reached the point where that reality is changing. 

Streaming services like Netflix and Youtube allow viewers to watch their favorite programs, movies, and videos on demand, rendering traditional television obsolete. If you’re struggling to pay your bills anyway, you should join the masses who are abandoning cable in favor of new platforms.

Internet

While cable is on its way to becoming a relic of the twentieth century, the internet is at the very center of the current zeitgeist. All the same, you could save some serious money by ending the internet service to your home. 

It will be difficult to give up the convenience and constant connectivity that the internet provides, but you might find you’re more at peace in a web-free environment.

Timeshare

Investing in a timeshare might seem like a great idea at first, but all those expenses can become too much over the course of the years. The problem is that ending your timeshare commitment is often a lot harder than you’d think. 

Once these businesses have you in their grasp, they don’t let go easily. Consider hiring an expert in timeshare contract cancellation to get you out of this predicament.

Lawncare and Landscaping

While having your lawn mowed and your yard professionally landscaped is certainly convenient, it’s far from a necessary expense. Consider mowing your own lawn. 

The exercise will be good for you, and you might even enjoy the fresh air. If you’re physically incapable, consider hiring a “neighborhood kid,” whose services will be cheaper than a professional’s.

It’s amazing how much money you can save just by canceling a few services. By ending the contracts mentioned above, you can boost your monthly savings and get your finances back on track.

Cost of Living: How to Cut Back on Major Expenses

When the car breaks down, you have no choice but to fix or replace it. The same is true when it comes to your refrigerator or any other household appliance. 

While you may not want to shell out a lot of money to cover a major expense, there are ways in which you can keep the bill to a minimum.

Find a Roommate to Save on Housing

When you take on a roommate, you have someone to split your rent or mortgage payment with. However, you also have someone to split the cable bill, light bill and other associated expenses with. 

If you have kids or pets, your roommate may be able to help out with child or pet care, which could save hundreds of dollars more per month.

Buy Insurance to Cut Back on Medical Expenses

If you have need to have surgery or need dental work, you should buy an insurance or discount plan. 

With a good plan, you may pay little or nothing for your care. At a minimum, your deductible is likely to be less than what you would pay if you didn't have insurance. 

Local clinics may charge based on your income, and charitable groups may be willing to help pay for emergency expenses.

Go to the Junkyard to Find Used Car Parts

A junk or salvage yard, like U Pull & Pay, is a great place to find used car parts to fix your car with. Instead of paying $500 at an auto body shop, you could pay $50 or $100 for something that will work for months or years to come. 

In most cases, you can take a look at a location's inventory before you go there to ensure that it has what you need.

Garage Sales May Offer Great Discounts

Those who are looking for used appliances, car parts or other supplies needed for a major project may find them at garage sales. 

It may also be worthwhile to check out an estate sale or flea market to help you cut back on major expenses in your life. If you don't want to buy, it may be possible to rent an appliance or otherwise expensive item and pay on a weekly basis.

There is never a good idea to have to deal with a major expense. However, there are many ways to make paying for it easier if you know where to look. 

Buying insurance, perusing salvage yards and buying from garage sales may help you save money without sacrificing on too much, if any, quality.