Cost of Living on The Rise
Rent isn’t the only thing going up in price. Gas prices have been on the rise for a while now, and utility bills will likely go up for customers of major utility companies because of competition from local suppliers.
How to Cut Costs?
There are some common-sense things you can do to help take the edge off the rise in cost of living.
- Do a budget. This is huge step towards financial peace. Plan where your money is going before you spend it and you won’t be caught off guard by expenses.
- Stop eating out. A cup of Starbucks on the way to work and a burger at lunch everyday will easily run you a few thousand dollars a year. That’s two or three months’ rent.
- Spend more time outside. The less time you spend inside means you don’t have to run your AC as often which can really cut down on your utility bill. You might find that you can cancel things like cable and Netflix if you spend your evenings enjoying the outdoors. Plus, outdoor activities tend to be better for your health which reduces your medical expenses in the long-run.
- Look into a new utility company. As noted early, local energy suppliers have been taking a lot of customers from larger utilities like PG&E. So maybe see if there is another energy option in your area.
While these tips can go a long way toward saving money, the rise in cost of living can be unmanageable if you have excessive debt. If you’re having difficulty making ends meet because of debt, give our office a call for a free consultation. Our team of Modesto bankruptcy attorneys has helped hundreds of families get back on the right financial track.