Often when people think about reducing their expenses or cutting living costs, they become discouraged because they think they will be giving up the things in life that they enjoy the most. This does not necessarily have to be true. How you think about the cost cutting decisions you make will help you succeed at reaching your goal, or will cause you to abandon your plan. That's why we'd like you to think of cutting costs as an enjoyable task of getting more for the money you spend.

You will be able to save and live with your new spending plan if you think...

• About your financial goals
• "I can give up something I want now, in order to set aside the money for something I will want even more in the future."
• "It is important to have some money set aside for emergencies."
• "I am working toward my financial goals today, and every day."
• "I am in control of my money and my decisions."
• "I have a plan and I'm sticking with it."

You will not be able to live with your new spending plan if you think...

• About immediate gratification
• "I'll start tomorrow."
• "I can hardly make ends meet now."
• "I can't plan that far ahead."
• "I have a problem with math."
• "I'll wait until my bills are paid."
• "I don't have to do anything because I'll let my spouse support me."

A Dozen Ways To Cut Household and Personal Spending

Ideas to save on day-to-day expenses

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