Shaping up in the new year? Shape up your budget, too!  End the year with more cash on hand using some or all of these budget tips!

Set a goal

Just like your physical shape-up, you should begin with a goal in mind. Your (SMART) goal should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.  Set a specific dollar amount that you think you can realistically save each week or month.  Multiply that number by 12 and you have long-term amount.  Start with short-term goals, though, so that the amount is fresh in your mind every time you go to make a purchase. If you have no idea what you can realistically save, consider trying the 52-week savings plan, or calculate what you can save by eliminating unnecessary expenses like these.

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Cancel cable

Plans can cost anywhere from $30 (plus equipment fees) to over $100 per month for premium satellite packages. (compare here) You’re looking at a minimum savings of $360/year. It may not sound like much now, but combined with some of these other strategies, it adds up fast! And just think of all the extra time you’ll have to read, learn new skills, and reconnect with your kids.

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Seriously. When did we start paying $19 every month for services that are provided for free? You’ll save $228/year.

Rethink your home and auto insurance

Our homeowner’s insurance kept creeping up for four straight years. Our mortgage company offered to check rates and gave us the top 3 offers.  We saved around $250/year (about $21 per month) without any changes to our coverage or deductible. Sometimes you can even call the company with a quote from another carrier and they can match it without the hassle of switching.

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Even if you order the cheapest fast food on the menu, you’ll get way too many unhealthy calories and pay out the nose for the privilege. So let’s say you order the cheapest possible, dollar meal deals at $5 every weekday for a year (I know you wouldn’t, but I also know you often spend more than $5, so just go with it.). You’re at 260 lunches for a whopping $1300! A can of Progresso soup can fill you up for around 200 calories and about $1.50 without coupons. That’s $390 on the year for a savings of $910/year.

Switch a couple of those meals to ramen noodles at twenty cents each for a little variety and you can afford to add fresh, homemade salads without changing your budget. Better yet—actually bring and eat your leftovers from dinner the night before and stash that fiver in the safe each afternoon. Thermos Stainless King... Best Price: $13.86 Buy New $13.99 (as of 10:25 UTC - Details)

Forego Starbucks

$1.75-$4.65 for coffee? My Depression-era grandmother is shaking her head from Heaven if I even smell it on my way through the food court. If you’re getting the smallest, cheapest, plainest coffee even 2 days a week, you’re spending $182/year. The $11 Folgers can lasts us 3 months, and means coffee every morning for $44/year (a savings of $138).

One less dinner out

New Wave Enviro Stainl... Buy New $15.00 (as of 11:00 UTC - Details) We were eating out twice a week because our kids’ sports schedules were running us ragged. I finally started packing “picnic dinners” and saved about $30 a week for a yearly savings of $1,440.

Stop smoking

Or stop whatever vice is eating away at your budget.  This website indicates a pack of cigs averages between $4.96 and $14.50 depending on your state of residence.  Let’s say you’re a pack-a-day smoker in Kentucky, the cheapest state per pack. I can think of much better ways to spend $1800 a year! Nonsmokers, you should also give up habits that are detrimental to your health. It’ll save your budget and keep you from paying to see the doctor!

A gym membership?

Really? The cheapest one in our town was $24/month for $288/year. Walking and hiking are free—not to mention a family affair. For a fourth that amount you could invest in a kettle bell and work out your entire body for the rest of your life!

(I know you don’t have all these savings opportunities, but if you did, you could save $5,414!)

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