Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

Belt Tightening Tips

Keeping a hold of your budget when your income may be shrinking isn’t easy. First thing you have to do is change the way you think. … which can take some time. Start with adjustments that are do-able like these belt tightening tips:

1. Try cutting back on your plans:
If you’re paying too much for your cell phone or your credit card charges, you should check out BillShrink.com 
At BillShrink.com you can enter some information about your usage and then they compare your plan against other offerings in the market. You’ll get a list of what other cell phone company plans and credit cards offerings would fit your needs better. They’ll also give you an estimate of how much you would save annually by switching. This is a FREE service.


2. Auto Insurance
If you’re still driving around in an older car, you may want to consider dropping collision or comprehensive coverage and /or raising your deductible. This can lower your costs substantially. Additionally, some insurance companies have discounts for people in specific low-risk professions.

3. Cut prescription drug costs:
Health care costs can be a huge drain on your bottom line. Big box stores like Kmart, Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s have discount pharmacy services. Membership is not required to use the pharmacy services.  See if there are any generic products available in any of the prescriptions you have.

If you are uninsured or have no drug coverage, make sure to tell your doctor. You may be able to get a healthy dose of samples and a discount on what you pay for your office visit. (Remember: part of your doctors costs is all the bookkeeping that insurance requires). 

There are pharmacy assistance programs. You may qualify for free or low-cost medicines, usually run by drug companies. For more information, check out RxAssist.com, Partnership for Prescription Assistance at pparx.org and needymeds.org.

4. Cut cable channels down to just the basic channels. Yes you’ll miss out on some terrific cable shows and sporting events. But is it really worth the expense? You can watch free movies through Roku, and get free videos at the Library.
You should also check if they have any trial specials going on just in case cable TV is much more to you than entertainment.

5. Make a list of needs and wants. You need a roof over your head, some type of transportation, medicine and food. Everything gets in line behind those requirements and are wants, not needs. Yep it’s not fun thinking like this, but it will help you tighten your belt and see what’s really important.
Buckle up!