Ways To Cut Back On Expenses

It seems more and more people are finding themselves on a tighter budget now a days. Living paycheck to paycheck, with most of their money paying for basics like food, gas and housing.

I believe I have mentioned these saving tips before, but I think it is a perfect time to mention them again. I’m sure if you truly analyzed your monthly spending, you would be able to find ways to cut back and save some money each month.

Some people on budgets fail to recognize what they really need vs. what they want. There is that possibility of saving money if you look at your spending habits and only make purchases on what you need.

If you feel comfortable raising your Homeowners and Auto Insurance deductibles, this could save you additional money. I know most insurance companies gives you a credit if you have multiple policies with them. You could also shop quotes for both insurances. You may be able to find lower insurance than what you already have for an additional savings.

I have made it a point to reduce food waste in my home. I began noticing the amount of food that was being thrown out and it really upset me. The leftovers that usually found their way to the back of the refrig which were forgotten, are now being used for additional meals. I have been doing this for awhile now and I honestly can say I save money each week this way. I also bring lunch to work. The savings by just doing that are alot each week.

You may be able to trim expenses by looking at your cable and cell phone bills. Do you really need those extra cable channels? How about that expensive cell phone plan that includes services you hardly use? If you are in a situation that you are having trouble meeting your more important bills, should you really be paying for those HBO channels? If you have both a land line phone and a cell phone, it may make more sense to delete one of those services. There would be a definite savings there each month.

Another way to cut back on expenses is by paying attention to the sales being offered. Clothing, for example, can take a chunk out of your monthly paycheck. Maybe shopping at a store which is less expensive...meaning you are not paying a higher price because of the 'name' of the store.

If you truly look at where your money is going and make a commitment to trim expenses, you can find ways to cut back and save each month.

Do you have any money saving tips to share?

Who Is To Blame For the High Cost of Gas?

Thanks to the enivironmentalist lobby and its influence on Democratic legislators in Congress, the U.S. has, for decades, been prohibited from drilling for oil in places that we know contain billions of barrells of proven reserves.

All of the 'NO' zones are places where the U.S. , thanks to the Democratic Party, is prohibited from drilling for oil.

But wait . it gets better.

China , Cuba , Canada and others continue to drill off our shores where US companies are not allowed to drill because of Democratic policies!

Yes, that's right . China and Cuba are actively exploring oil fields 50 miles from Key West, Florida while U.S. companies are barred from working in this area because of U.S. policy . So, instead of allowing the most environmentally responsible companies to operate there and increase our domestic supply, China , who has a dismal environmental record, is preparing to suck our close, lucrative oil reserves dry. Unbelievable.

Investor's Business Daily recently explained how irresponsible the Democrats have been on the energy crisis. They lay into what they consider to be the worst Congress ever for ...

~ Failing to allow drilling in ANWR. We have, as President Bush noted, estimated capacity of a million barrels of oil a day from this source alone -- enough for 27 million gallons of gas and diesel. But Congress won't touch it, fearful of the clout of the environmental lobby. As a result, you pay through the nose at the pump so your representative can raise campaign cash.

~ Refusing to build new refineries. The U.S. hasn't built one since 1976, yet the EPA requires at least 15 unique 'boutique' fuel blends that can be sold in different areas around the nation. This means that U.S. refinery capacity is stretched so tight that even the slightest problem at a refinery causes enormous supply problems and price spikes. Congress has done nothing about this.

~ Turning its back on nuclear power. It's safe and, with advances in nuclear reprocessing technology, waste problems have been minimized. Still, we have just 104 nuclear plants -- the same as a decade ago -- producing just 19% of our total energy. (Many European nations produce 40% or more of their power with nuclear.) Granted, nuclear power plants are expensive -- about $3 billion each. But they produce energy at $1.72/kilowatt-hour vs. $2.37 for coal and $6.35 for natural gas.

~ Raising taxes on energy producers. This is where a basic understanding of economics would help: Higher taxes and needless regulation lead to less production of a commodity. So by proposing 'windfall' and other taxes on energy companies plus tough new rules, Congress only makes our energy situation worse.

These are just a few of Congress' sins of omission -- all while India , China , Eastern Europe and the Middle East are adding more than a million barrels of new demand each and every year. New Energy Department forecasts see world oil demand growing 40% by 2030, including a 28% increase in the U.S.

Americans who are worried about the direction of their country, including runaway energy and food prices, should keep in mind the upcoming election isn't just about choosing a new president. We'll also pick a new Congress.

If we elect a liberal Democrat as president in the Fall and keep the same Democrat-controlled Congress, nothing will change .. except the high cost of gas, which will keep going up.

What are your thoughts?

A Little Gas Humor

Trim Your Monthly Expenses

Have you been stressed about your family's budget? Are you living pay check to pay check?

If you start to track your expenses, you will get an idea exactly where your money is going and then focus on where to trim expenses. You should include all monthly expenses, including car payments and insurance, mortgage and home owners insurance.

If you find there is little money left after paying all your monthly expenses, you may need to develop a budgeting plan. If your goal is to save more at the end of each month or pay down credit card debt, there are ways to trim expenses. Keep track of all dining out, travel, gifts, clothing, shoes and personal care. You might not realize how quickly these items add up.

When you were shopping for a car, you most likely bargained with the salesman(woman) for the best price, right? Did you bargain the financing also? If your answer was no, then look into refinancing the balance. This can save you money over the length of the loan and could also save you some money each month by lowering your payments.

Comparing a few different insurance companies for the best rates on your auto and home owner policy can also be a good way to save money each month. Most companies offer a free auto and Home Owner Insurance Quote, so you have no reason not to take advantage of this. You will find there are companies out there that offer great coverage for less than what you are paying now. If your home owner policy or auto policy will be renewing soon, now is the time to start comparing and get the lowest rate.

If you need help with your budgeting solutions, Finance Genius offers financial opportunities and resources to better help you with areas of family spending.