101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Long Distance Calling

If you do plan to use long-distance calling, shop around for the right carrier and be sure to read the small print. Even if you like your current carrier, you might be able to find an equally liked carrier for less money.

Long distance is a very competitive market so deals are easy to find. The same would be true for your wireless carrier. The plans range vastly from one carrier to another so check out all your
options for the best one.

Do not forget to look at the coverage area. If you choose a carrier that does not have the right coverage for your area, even if the price is better, there is no savings if you cannot send or receive
calls.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Instant Messaging / Microphone

Rather than spend a small fortune in long distance, contact friends and family via instant messaging on the Internet. In addition, you can download a program that will allow you to connect a microphone and actually have a voice conversation free.

All you pay for is the normal price of your Internet connection, which generally runs from $9.95 to $21.95 a month. Either option allows you to have real-time conversations for no extra money.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Dinner Guests

Invite friends over for dinner as a potluck. People love sharing their favorite recipe and by splitting dinner, everyone enjoys variety while saving money. In fact, make this a tradition amongst your friends.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Previously Viewed

Home videos and DVDs are hot items and perfect for any family entertainment. Now you can visit the major video chains and purchase previously viewed videos and DVDs for about half the
cost.

For example, at Blockbuster, you can purchase either one and get a 30-day warranty. This is still a wonderful way to have quality entertainment for a terrific savings.

Another great option is to record your own movies either from TV or any of the popular cable channels such as HBO, Showtime or Disney.

Rather than hitting the theater every weekend, make it a special occasion. Instead, pop your popcorn, grab a soda, spread out a blanket, and create your own theater-type atmosphere.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Christmas Fund

Many banks and financial institutions offer a Christmas Fund program. This is an excellent way to put aside some money for your holiday shopping so you do not end up with a ton of spending.

With these programs, you do not even miss the money and better yet, less stress around the holidays.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Appropriate Deductions

Rather than spending money just for the sake of spending, change the amount of deductions you have taken from your paycheck for your 401K or stock options.

This is especially great if your company offers a competitive matching program. Increasing the amount you have deducted can quickly add up to a nice savings and is especially nice for retirement.

101 Ways To Stop The Money Leak: Live Within your Means

The quickest way to get in debt is to live beyond your means. Sure, most people want more than they have but life is not all about spending money.

Be thankful for what you do have and learn how to enjoy the financial position you are in. This is where your budget will help identify the amount of money coming in against the amount of debt going out.