Telling Americans they need to save money right now is a bit like preaching to the choir - most of us are already scrimping and saving because we have no choice. But the truth is, even the most frugal among us are probably missing out on some good savings opportunities, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys.
Sure, canceling big costs like cable or an unused gym membership is a no brainer, as is cutting out luxury goods like new clothes. But if you're still struggling to pay off your credit cards and lower debt, consider taking a look at the smaller expenses hidden right under your nose.
Speaking of those bills, are you still buying stamps and making trips to the post office? You might be able to save $20 or more by paying your bills for free online instead of paying for postage and the gas it takes to get to the post office.
Here's another one. It's hot out, and everywhere I go I see folks chugging water out of store-bought plastic water bottles. At $5 a flat, a family could easily go through 20 bucks worth of waters a month. Yet if you buy one refillable bottle, and keep it filled with tap water (or the filtered stuff your fridge, if you're a water snob) you'll spend zero.
And how about taking advantage of the library? So many people are accustomed to paying for entertainment today, whether it's renting movies through Netflix, buying books on Amazon or subscribing to various magazines. But you can pick up copies of hundreds of DVDs and books and browse nearly any consumer magazine for absolutely free at your local library - saving $10, $20 or more each month, depending on how much you typically spend.
If you take the above advice to heart, you could save more than $700 a year. And it could just be the beginning. Once you get in the habit of analyzing all of your seemingly non-negotiable costs, you'll find new ways to save money. But if you do get the point where you can't save another dime but still owe thousands, consider bankruptcy. The right bankruptcy plan can help you pay down or, in some cases, discharge your debts. Looking for more information on bankruptcy? It's free with a personal debt analysis courtesy of a Chicago bankruptcy attorney.
