1. I fired the once a week maid. I found out that cleaning one's house will not cause death ;-) And if you keep things up, it is not so long of a chore.
2. I fired the gardner. I found out that it takes me only 40 minutes a month to cut my own grass, trim the shurbs, etc.
3. I down-graded my satillite channels to just the basics.
4. I wash my own car. Before I spent $14 two to three times a month. No more.
5. I drink water from the tap. I found out that it does not taste so bad and I save at least $40/month on bottled water charges.
6. I've decided to buy a bottom of the line, cheapo Toyota Yaris which will get 2.5 times better MPG then my 2006 Mustang (what a mistake).
7. I up'd the amount I contribute to my 401k.
8. I converted all the mortgages on my 3 rentals to 15 year fixed rate notes, and up'd the rent across the board by 8%.
9. The girlfriend and I now go dutch treat. I got tired of paying for everything. She wants equal treatment yet thinks the guy should pay for everything...now she has equal treatment ;-)
10. Canceled/not renewed several magazines.
11. Canceled the health club...I workout at home now.
12. No more Starbucks...that alone will save me over $120/month...what a waste!
13. I have decided to retool my computer skills and if the plan goes as expected I should be able to earn about 60% more. I think we too often work on the expense side too much....we need to work on the income side too! ;-)
14. My sister cuts my hair for $8. No more $16 to the barber.
15. I do my own car maintenence. I hate the Stealerships, and JippyLube are crooks.
16. I've slowed down the speed at which I drive, and try to add more stops to each departure of my garage to better use the gas I have.
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