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Take a hard look at your monthly expenses. Are there ways you can cut down? Even small changes in your spending habits can help reduce your expenses over the month. For example, how much could you save if you moved to a place with less rent or packed a lunch every day? Do you smoke? Maybe it’s time to quit. You’ll save money and feel better too.
Use this worksheet to help you identify “spending leaks.” You’ll see how even small expenses, like a few trips for fast food, can add up. Complete this sheet and you’ll come up with even more ideas to save money.
Expenses |
Cost |
Average
Cost per Month |
Average
Cost per Year |
Soft drinks 2 per day (Example) |
$0.75 ($1.50 per day) |
$45.00 |
$540.00 |
Clothes
|
|
|
|
Long-distance phone calls
|
|
|
|
Snacks/convenience store items
|
|
|
|
Dining out
|
|
|
|
Magazines/books
|
|
|
|
Entertainment
|
|
|
|
CDs/tapes
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
Total
|
$ |
$ |
$ |
Tips:
• Take a close look at each “spending leak.”
• How important is that expense to you?
• Identify expenses you can reduce or eliminate. |
