What are things you would cut short while making a home budget?

Hi Ajithal, I think we have to cut down expenses on everything, and not just one or two items. The easiest way to cut cost is to stop buying shoes and clothing. Most of us have enough to wear and use. We do not need to buy new one every month or even every year. The next is the small expenses everyday, such as canned drink or snacks. It does not mean cutting out all of it, just need to reduce on the amount of snacks and drinks we purchased every day. Internet and TV use electricity. If we can cut down on these, then that is good too.

That would have to be stuff that I can replace with cheaper alternatives or even use sparingly to make it last. For example, dishwashing liquid, detergent, fabric conditioner, soap bars, cleaners. A big part of my household budget goes for food not because of quantity, but of quality. I do not sacrifice the quality of meats, grains, breads, fruits, vegetables and medicines. These for me are critical and very essential for our health. (It's more expensive to pay for health care than just buy healthy foods). But I also cut on junk food, chocolates, and basically other snackies that virtually have no nutritional value. As much as I want to, I cannot wean my siblings off junk food (because I also eat it occasionally haha!) But I limit the intake by buying these only once a month unlike before that I let them have some every grocery shopping day.

We try to eat more economically and then also make more of our errands on one trip not several. You need good food, you need to pay bills, you need entertainment, but the food and the entertainment do not have to cost a lot. Pop corn and home made snacks cost less than the ones in the store. I could watch ten movies at home for the cost of one in a theater. My family likes to play cards and games together as well. You need to allow for expenses but do your best to keep them down.

I buy mostly local food directly from the producers. This is healthier, tastier and tends to be less expensive than buying things from third parties. We rarely dine out. However, when we do, we only go to places that are worth the money. Why spend money on bad food? If you own your own home, you have a lot of ways that you can reduce your expenses. You can install solar panels and eliminate your electric bill. You can install a composting toilet and get rid of your sewer bill. You can put in water collectors and a filtration system and say goodbye to your water bill. Unfortunately, we don't own our own home, so we are still stuck with the pain of paying a monthly rent. That places a financial burden on us that we would not have if we owned; however, since we have to waste that money each month, it makes it harder to get to the point of being able to achieve home ownership.

I usually don't have budget for entertainment. I would give emphasis on needs and bills.

I try not to buy things that are not needed. For example, I don't buy magazines anymore but I still buy books. I also don't eat in expensive restaurants and try to just cook at home. It's much cheaper..:) How about you?