Your decision to declare bankruptcy was a big first step on the path to a more secure financial future.
The next step is learning how you can economize. Here are six tips for living on less money and fewer frills.
1. Cooking at home
Do you know how to cook? If not, now is the perfect time to learn and save money. Avoid the expense of take-outs. Cook healthy food at home, enjoy using fresh ingredients and feel a well-deserved sense of accomplishment.
2. Turning off lights
Turn off lights when you leave a room and unplug chargers you are not using. The savings you see on your electric bill will amaze you.
3. Passing on designer coffee
Avoid temptation. Just think of the savings if you simply make your own coffee. Enough said.
4. Becoming a savvy shopper
Grocery shopping can be boring as well as expensive. Learn to look for bargains, “two-fers” and generic products. Treat a shopping trip like a game to see how much you can save.
5. Mowing your lawn
Do you really need a lawn service? Mowing the lawn yourself and doing your own landscaping and gardening work will save you a lot of money.
6. Giving up memberships
If you have a private gym or pool membership, think about exercise from a different point of view. Look into a less expensive municipal pool or YMCA/YWCA membership. Better yet, take up free exercise like jogging or walking.
Enjoying life again
When you think about it, there are many ways to save money, and a lot of frills are just so much clutter. After you declare bankruptcy, enjoy the challenges that come with learning to economize and bask in a brighter financial future.