7 Ways To Have More Money

I know of a couple, with a combined take home pay of almost 8,000 a month. But this couple barely have any savings at the end of each month! And I wondered how can that be? Asking them further, I found that their expenses on some items are much higher and I thought that if they can cut back or made better decisions,they would not be in the mess they are in not.

Here are some common expenses that I think would drain our income if we are not careful and I’ve listed them here.

1. Transportation.

Yes we need transportation to get about, but a car might not be the best way to do it. Cars cost a lot to buy and to maintain. They also depreciate like there is no tomorrow.

To check if your cars are costing you too much hard earned cash, total up your car expenses in a month and compared to other expenses. Find out the percentage of car expenses versus other expenses. If it is way to high, then it is time to cut back.

Tip - If you can, delay buying a car as much as possible. If you really need a car, try to just have one for the family. Avoid have several of them as much as possible. If you really must own a car, see the next point.

2. Buy a used car.

If you really need a car consider a used car. A 1 or 2 year old model would have depreciated some 30% or more off the new car prices. Down payment, installment payment, and insurance premiums will also be much lower. Choose wisely for model that is cheap to run.

3. Think Before You Subscribe.

Nowadays, there are many promotions for various memberships and services. They tempt people to join with zero or low entry cost to join.

For example gym or health club memberships. Many sign up for yearly subscription and don’t bother to use the membership after several months. Instead, sign up for a short a period to try and see if you would really use the facilities before signing up for a longer period.

4. Reduce mobile phone charges.

Unless your company pays for the bills, mobile phone expenses can quickly escalate. I’ve seen office based people who do not do any sales or marketing, that requires them to call using their handphones, have mobile phone bills higher than my friends who are in sales!! If you cannot control your phone calls, try a prepaid service rather than a post-paid service because everytime you take out money to reload, you’ll feel the pinch.

Today, mobile phone companies come up with various ways to get you to spend more with musical ring tones, news downloads and sports update. These fancy services increases your mobile phone bills too.

5. Shop online.

You can get most things from online and get a good bargain. Many online shops keep cost low by having low rental and advertising cost, but check the mailing charges.

6. Do your shopping off season.

In many instances, when you are buying things at the end of season or clearance sale, you can get very good discounts.

7. Turn your hobby into a business.

Almost everyone have a hobby or specialized knowledge of a topic. Be creative and turn it into an income source. If you are good with a computer or software, start a related part time business. You can help to repair, trouble shoot and maintain computers.

The bottom line is this. It’s Not What You Make, It’s What You Spend.