Message #79188

[msmarieh]

First thing to do is to write down where your money is currently going, then evaluate each item for flexibility.

for instance, if commuting expenses are taking up a big chunk of money, options could include:
Trading in your car for a more fuel efficient one
Changing your work hours to avoid traffic congestion or switching to a 4 day, 10 hour work week (obviously that requires that your company is on board)
Carpooling to work
Getting a motorscooter
Taking public transportation
Watching for cheaper petrol/gas stations along your route
Trying to drive more fuel efficiently (google hypermiling)

Those are just some ideas off the top of my head, but the key is to look for alternatives to reduce, reuse, recycle, do without... Evaluate each item in cash flow spreadsheet. Be especially vigilant about "little" leaks, like the cup of coffee, magazine at checkout counter, etc.