Follow these steps to start your journey:

1. Track Your Finances: Start by downloading a budgeting spreadsheet (like the one on my site https://whyliveindebt.com) or using a notebook to record every dollar you earn and spend. When everything’s written down, it’s so much easier to spot areas to cut back.

2. List Your Cuts: After seeing your budget clearly, make a list of expenses you can reduce or eliminate. Even small changes make a big impact.

3. Work the Plan: As you cut each expense, note how much you’re saving each month. Tracking your progress will keep you motivated.

4. Attack Your Debt: Put those savings directly toward paying off debt. The sooner you’re debt-free, the faster you can build the future you want.

Ready to cut expenses? Here are 20 quick and easy ideas to help get started:

Expense Reduction Ideas

1. Hold Off on New Phones
   Avoid upgrading to the latest phone every year. Try to keep your device for at least five years and avoid contracts. Older phones can be handed down, saving even more.

2. Shop Around for Cell Plans
   Cell phone plans change constantly. Take advantage of deals, especially from newer carriers, to save on monthly costs.

3. Programmable Thermostats
   A programmable thermostat helps keep utility bills low by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re away. Set it and forget it to save up to 15% each year.

4. Adjust Home Temperatures
   In summer, keep it a little warmer, and in winter, a little cooler. We keep it at 79°F in summer and 69°F in winter—small changes like this can really cut costs. You could even raise the temperature in your refrigerator one degree at a time, and lower your water heater temperature to save a few more penny’s per month.

5. Review Property Taxes
   If your home’s value has dropped, request a re-evaluation to potentially lower your property taxes.

6. Drive Mindfully
   Slow down and ease into accelerations. Driving with a “light foot” can help save on gas.

7. Declutter Your Car
   Extra weight impacts fuel economy. Removing about 100 pounds can improve fuel efficiency by 2%.

8. Check Tire Pressure
   Underinflated tires affect fuel economy. Keeping them properly inflated saves on gas.

9. Keep Up with Car Maintenance
   A well-maintained car performs better and uses fuel more efficiently. Stick to your maintenance schedule.

10. Avoid ATM Fees
    Withdraw cash from your bank’s ATM or take out larger amounts to reduce fees, which add up fast.

11. Use a Shopping List
    Before shopping, make a list. It helps you avoid impulse buys, keeping your budget on track.

12. Eat Before You Shop
    Going to the store on an empty stomach can lead to unnecessary splurges.

13. Skip the Organic Label
    Not every item needs to be organic, and choosing non-organic on certain items can stretch your grocery budget.

14. Cut Down on Eating Out
    Eating out can be costly. Try meal-prepping or packing lunches for work to save.

15. Quit Smoking
    Besides health benefits, quitting smoking saves you significant cash—about $2,000+ a year for a pack-a-day habit.

16. Ditch Cable
    Cable is pricey. Try a single streaming service for a fraction of the cost.

17. Reduce Internet Speed
    If you’re only browsing and streaming, you may not need high-speed internet. Downgrade for potential savings.

18. Cancel Non-Essential Subscriptions
    Newspaper, magazines, satellite radio—all these add up. Keep only the subscriptions you truly use.

19. Rethink Your Gym Membership
    If you barely use it, cancel it. There are countless free online workout resources to stay active.

20. Cancel Unused Streaming Services
    Many of us have multiple streaming subscriptions but only watch one or two. Take a look and cancel the ones you rarely use.

21. BONUS Savings Idea
    Shop your auto and home insurance yearly, and change providers for savings. I will shop companies and when I find the best price I will take that to my current provider and most of the time they will meet or beat the other companies price and saving me the hassle of changing providers.

Remember, small changes lead to big results. Every dollar you save brings you closer to financial peace and a more stress-free life. I look forward to helping you along the way, and remember:

each new day is another chance to change your life – you just have to find the right path and take action.