We all have are guilty pleasures that we shell out money for, but after a year of training myself, I have been able to cut some expenses out of my budget. Some of these things are tough to live without, but after this year, I can assure you that they are worth giving up!
Living without a television
Regardless of income level, T.V.'s have become a staple in the American culture. I can't remember a time growing up that we didn't have one. Going to college was the first time I was without all my favorite shows, and it was definitely an adjustment. After college, I continued to have a T.V. wherever I lived. Sometimes the cable package was included in my rent, and other times it was an out-of-pocket expense that my boyfriend at the time took care of. When we went our separate ways, I was a single mother and the thought of a cable bill was unbearable. I was addicted to all my girly shows, but I also knew that I wasn't willing to shell out $100 plus for cable programming. It took me about six months to get used to it, but now I watch shows online if I have time. On top of that, I am more productive which means more money.
Living without credit cards
Making the decision to live sans credit cards is very personal. There is always the argument for building credit, so it really is a personal decision based on circumstances at the time. For me, I work on commission so my fluctuating income does best without one. I don't have to worry about missing a payment, crazy interest rates, or spending beyond my means. It's easy to buy things I don't need with one, but now that I have been without one for years, I spend significantly less. My money goes to necessities, and when I need more money, I work a little bit harder instead of spending what is not there.
Gym membership
I love having a gym membership, but after one unsuccessful year of owning one, I gave it up. After wasting over $400 for the year, I realized I make more physical progress with workout videos at home. Those videos also cost me a fraction of what the membership did. My favorite video was only $10, and some of the best video systems are under $100, so for $300 less, I can make more progress in the comfort of my own home.
Dropping the pricey bank account
I went from a student with a free checking account to a bank that offered me a free checking account. After many years with them, they changed their policy and now charge $11 a month to hold my money. Add that up over a year and I am spending $132 on nothing. Instead of paying $11 a month for the comfort of a bank that I have been with for years, I decided a credit union without monthly fees is a better option.
Regardless of income level, T.V.'s have become a staple in the American culture. I can't remember a time growing up that we didn't have one. Going to college was the first time I was without all my favorite shows, and it was definitely an adjustment. After college, I continued to have a T.V. wherever I lived. Sometimes the cable package was included in my rent, and other times it was an out-of-pocket expense that my boyfriend at the time took care of. When we went our separate ways, I was a single mother and the thought of a cable bill was unbearable. I was addicted to all my girly shows, but I also knew that I wasn't willing to shell out $100 plus for cable programming. It took me about six months to get used to it, but now I watch shows online if I have time. On top of that, I am more productive which means more money.
Living without credit cards
Making the decision to live sans credit cards is very personal. There is always the argument for building credit, so it really is a personal decision based on circumstances at the time. For me, I work on commission so my fluctuating income does best without one. I don't have to worry about missing a payment, crazy interest rates, or spending beyond my means. It's easy to buy things I don't need with one, but now that I have been without one for years, I spend significantly less. My money goes to necessities, and when I need more money, I work a little bit harder instead of spending what is not there.
Gym membership
I love having a gym membership, but after one unsuccessful year of owning one, I gave it up. After wasting over $400 for the year, I realized I make more physical progress with workout videos at home. Those videos also cost me a fraction of what the membership did. My favorite video was only $10, and some of the best video systems are under $100, so for $300 less, I can make more progress in the comfort of my own home.
Dropping the pricey bank account
I went from a student with a free checking account to a bank that offered me a free checking account. After many years with them, they changed their policy and now charge $11 a month to hold my money. Add that up over a year and I am spending $132 on nothing. Instead of paying $11 a month for the comfort of a bank that I have been with for years, I decided a credit union without monthly fees is a better option.
