Author: Libby Morsheimer

Budget, Parachute Services

“Stretching Your Budget When Money is Tight” – Part 2: Tips for automobile, transportation, and other general expenses

The majority of households will all likely go through periods where money is tight due to unexpected expenses, a significant life or job change, a medical hardship, inflation/increased prices, and much more!  Here are some simple, but not insignificant ways, of stretching your dollars further. Small amounts of savings do add up!

Automobile/Transportation

  • Organize errands/trips so that you are not backtracking and using more fuel.
  • Be sure you have a competitive rate for your auto insurance. Bundle renters or home owner’s insurance with your auto.
  • Get regular oil changes and use regular unleaded gas, unless not recommended for your automobile.
  • Keep your tires properly inflated.
  • If you are having trouble making car payments, consider downsizing your car or talk to dealer about refinancing for lower monthly payment. This will extend loan and result in more interest being paid but will help out in the short term.
  • Take turns driving with your children’s friends’ parents.  
  • Independent mechanics often charge less than dealers for auto maintenance.  Ask friends and family members for recommendations.
  • Ask mechanic about using re-constituted parts.
  • Consider buying a pre-owned, certified car.
  • Set a weekly fuel budget and stick to it by limiting unnecessary trips.
  • If tires need replacing, check out pre-owned, quality tires.
  • Vacuum and wash/wax your own car.
  • In nice weather, walk shorter distances or ride a bike.  

General Tips/Other

  • Put off wants (versus needs) for a few paychecks.
  • Use your public library.
  • Consider skipping having your nails done for a few weeks or months.
  • Wait for tax returns for needs that can wait or for future wants. 
  • Plan vacations at least a year in advance to save for them gradually. Travel off season.
  • Look for free and low-cost entertainment events such as outdoor festivals and concerts, parks, hikes.
  • Check out local high school and college performances and events.
  • Attend movies in the afternoon at matinee prices.
  • Temporarily pause cable and other streaming services.
  • Buy clothes off season.
  • Go to consignment shops to either get cash for clothes you already have or to buy new items.
  • Borrow or trade tools and equipment with neighbors, family members and friends.  
  • Check out estate sales, garage sales and flea markets.
  • Go to local Goodwill, Salvation Army and Savers stores.
  • Know what you have at home before you buy more clothes. Many people buy items they forget they have.
  • Look on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor for discounted or free items.
  • Look at “scratch and dent” rooms at furniture stores.
  • Consider painting or staining furniture instead of buying new.
  • Consider pre-paid cell phone plans as they often cost less.

If you’re dealing with high interest debt payments as well, see what you can save with Parachute’s Debt Management Plan https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/dmp-calculator/

Would you like to meet one-on-one with one of our Financial Counselors to talk specifically about your budget? Check out our Financial Coaching Session https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/services/credit-budget-counseling/#financial-coaching or call 716-712-2060.

Budget, Parachute Services

“Stretching Your Budget When Money is Tight” – Part 1: Tips for food, groceries and dining out expenses

The majority of individuals will likely go through periods where money is tight due to unexpected expenses, a significant life or job changes, medical hardships, inflation/increased prices, and much more!  Here are some simple, but not insignificant ways, of stretching your dollars further. Small amounts of savings do add up! Part 1 will focus on food, groceries and dining out.

Groceries

  • Plan your meals for one week ahead, if possible. Be sure to inventory what you already have at home to avoid buying items that you do not need.   
  • Make a grocery list to cover meals and stick to it!  Plan the aisles you will go down when shopping, and try and avoid the others. You can get a store directory ahead of time to plan your route.  
  • Avoid multiple trips to the grocery store. This counts down on gas and the temptation to buy more than you can afford.
  • Comparison shop by cost per ounce/pound, etc.
  • Avoid shopping when you are hungry, tired, or in a hurry. Also, try to avoid bringing a number of other people with you.
  • Calculate your costs with your phone, or using an app while shopping so there are no surprises at the register.
  • Consider ordering groceries online and utilizing curbside pick up to avoid going into the store to prevent buying items you don’t need.
  • Buy in bulk the items that you are sure you will use; such as paper products, hygiene products, etc.
  • Buy store or generic brands.
  • Only use coupons for those items you are sure you will use. Many times, food and groceries are purchased because we have a coupon, but then they are thrown out.
  • Plan some meatless meals that are still high in protein (e.g., cheese, peanut butter, legumes).
  • Meals do not have to be “standardized”.  Kids may love pancakes for dinner!
  • Involve the family! Making dishes such as a casserole, lasagna, enchiladas, etc. together on a weekend can produce leftovers for part of the next week.
  • Consider growing a family garden of fruits and vegetables. If neighbors grow fruits and vegetables, trade or exchange with them.
  • Go to a farmers’ markets.
  • Consider discount grocery stores.
  • Check out your local dollar stores for items like toothpaste, shampoo, etc.  
  • Ask for grocery store gift cards for holidays gifts and birthdays.

Dining Out

  • Make dining out a treat, and limit to special days.
  • Look for establishments that offer specific days when kids can eat free.
  • Share meals
  • Ask if you can order from the kid’s menu.
  • Ask for senior citizen or retiree discounts, if applicable.
  • Cut in ½ (or less) the number of times you go out to eat per week (e.g., grabbing coffee, fast food, lunches).
  • Don’t order beverages or alcohol when dining out. Eat dessert at home, or just go out for dessert.

Would you like to work on your individual budget plan with one of our knowledgable counselors? Contact Parachute today to schedule a one on one appointment! 716-712-2060 https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/services/credit-budget-counseling/#financial-coaching