Here are some things that I’ve changed in my lifestyle that have "added up" 
, that I wanted to share:
First, I reviewed my bank account deductions for an entire month, paying attention to any automatic monthly withdrawals for services and subscriptions: I then decided if those are services or subscriptions I absolutely make use of, benefit from, or authentically need right now in my life as I work toward greater financial freedom and goals. In review of online streaming services, Amazon Prime, etc., I identified approximately $50 of monthly payments that I didn’t really need to be making, and I ended those subscriptions. This will result in around $600 of saved expenses in one year’s time.
Are there any monthly subscription services you can live without, or even just suspend until you achieve your goals? Modern society is set up to make it easy for us to subscribe to monthly payments and services, and challenging to unsubscribe. If you save $25 to $50 per month, that adds up to $300 to $600 in a year.
Next, I looked at my coffee habit: I was spending at least $3 for a single serving Americano every day, they often weren’t that good, and they weren’t enough to get me through the day (I’m at least a two coffee kind of guy). I also had to go through the hassle of getting to the coffee shop, and having a hard time focusing to get any work or creative activities done in the environment. Conservatively thinking, $3 per day for often not good coffee, in an annoying environment, and not enough “buzz” for the day, for a month was equaling at least $200+ per month.
I’ve invested in a French Press ($25 ish dollars) and purchase quality, blended coffee for about $8 a bag; each French Press serving provides 2 large cups of quality and strong coffee, with enough “buzz” to get me moving. With the amount of coffee I put in the French Press I can get 10 day’s worth of coffee from one bag; that’s .80 per day for 2 large cups vs $3.00+ per day for 1 cup. I’ve gone from $200+ per month for coffee to $24… $150+ in savings each month, that adds up to $1,800+ in a year.
Rather than buying expensive coffees, last minute, at coffee shops, why not plan ahead, and save both money and time by purchasing ground coffee and a French press, instant coffee packets, or cartons of mixed coffee drinks from the grocery store?
I’ve also purchased caffeinated powder sports drink for back up on days when I need a little extra kick, but for less than $20 per package, and at least 40 servings, so about .50 per serving for an extra caffeine serving on days I might need it.
I don’t go out and I don’t drink anymore, so that’s a huge savings for me. I also feel better in the mornings, and am able to use my energy and time for other things. If you do happen to drink (no judgement, I spent years going out to many a bar), rather than going out to the bar or club and buying expensive drinks, plus losing time, energy, and productivity the next day, why not choose to host a small get-together (BYOB), purchase drinks to have at home, or start avoiding drinking alcohol all-together? You might find that you start to feel better physically and emotionally, and that you are more grounded and balanced, while having more time and energy, with greater clarity.
IDEA:
Create a network of Social Debtwork TM members in your community, and agree to a rotation of taking turns hosting BYOB get-togethers and potluck dinners, invitation only, as a way to support each other's efforts towards financial freedom while still socializing with like-minded individuals in your community...
Here's something else that has helped me for budgeting and for health: I’ve really limited my trips to fast food. I either eat oatmeal and toast for breakfast every day or scramble up a couple of eggs, have a homemade sandwich or salad for lunch, and then have soup with tortillas or bread or macaroni and cheese or frozen pizza; I’ll go out to Subway or a local taco truck one or two times a week, and on days I’m just not feeling it. While a little boring and not always easy, my weekly grocery bill for one person is now only about $75, with Subway or taco truck treats adding another $10 to $20 per week; that’s $340 to $380 per month versus at least double that before I started paying attention to what I was eating.
Rather than eating fast food, consider easy and economical options to eat at home, from oatmeal and toast in the mornings, to sandwiches or frozen burritos for lunch, to soups for dinner? You may be surprised in the difference in monthly grocery bills if kept simple compared to eating out at fast food.
I also drive Uber on the side, I like the flexibility of scheduling, and drive when I would just be getting lost on YouTube or Netflix. It’s extra income, and even if only say $200 per week, that’s $800 extra per month. When I drive Uber, I do notice a good number of passengers who are riding to their jobs at restaurants, Walmart, fast food, etc., and can’t help but run the numbers in my head: At least $15 per trip, so they are spending at least $30 that day to go to work and get back home (that must be at least 2 hours of work at their jobs just spent on transportation). I know every situation and scenario is different, but some ideas would be: Rather than taking an Uber to work, why not consider getting a bicycle, walking, or seeking arrangements with co-workers for shared rides? A co-worker might be more than happy to have a little extra gas money to give a lift and help out. A daily walk or bicycle ride might help out personal health and also relieve stress.
IDEA:
Create a network of Social Debtwork TM members at your work, making arrangements for ride-share options together...
From my efforts above, I can reasonably project at least $4,200 in reduced expenses, partnered with at least $9,600 in increased income (very part-time Uber), so a net change in $13,800 for the year, which in my world, is significant. Two years of those efforts would equal a down payment for a mortgage on a humble property (at least where I live).
Are there any monthly expenses or habits that could be skipped for a while until you reach your goals? A more economical salon option, skipping out on manicure treatments, not going golfing or tailgating, etc. It might be worth reviewing the previous month’s checking account statement (and also keeping track of cash purchases for the month), reviewing where your hard-earned money is going, and deciding what is an absolute necessity for you and what you can live without for now as you work for bigger picture goals.
