Hey Taylor: I’m trying to cut costs so that I can save for a honeymoon that’s way overdue. My husband and I really want to go to Europe but it feels impossible to save that kind of money. I’m wondering if there are areas of my budget that can be tightened so this will all seem more feasible. - Meaghan
Hey Meaghan: Well, I certainly want to help you two make that honeymoon happen. I’m sure it will be well worth the wait.
More often than not, people look past the real areas where they can cut spending because they don’t like thinking about life without certain luxuries. I know people who spend a few hundred dollars each week just on lunch, simply because they can’t imagine making it through the workday without treating themselves to a $14 salad. I’d say start here - think of the expenses that you “can’t live without,” and then try actually living without them and see what happens.
If you’re paying off student loans or credit cards and haven’t looked into consolidating, that’s a place where you may be able to save. If your credit is good enough, you might be able to reduce your monthly payments by a significant amount. This is something worth doing even when you aren’t saving up for a big trip.
When it comes to things that people typically overpay for without being aware, there are a few I can think of. There’s a good chance you can adjust your grocery budget without sacrificing too much. We’re all creatures of habit, and that manifests pretty clearly in how we eat. Pay close attention to the price the next time you stock up on groceries for the week. Of course, if you eat out more than you make food at home, that’s definitely a place you can cut back.
You also might be able to do something about your cell phone expenses. If you and your husband aren’t already on a family plan, that’s an option that could reduce your bill. Pay attention to how much data you use each month; a lot of people pay premium rates for data that never gets touched.
While you’re thinking about ways you can cut costs, you should also look around the house to see if there are items you wouldn’t mind parting with. Having a garage sale is a great way to get rid of some clutter, and you could be surprised by how much money you can bring in. Clearing out your living space might also help clear your mind while you try to think of other ways to save.
Spending money is a lot easier than not spending it. However, if you really want to save money and put it toward something important, you’ll be able to identify the ways in which you’re overspending and start to cut back. Best of luck, and enjoy your vacation!
Disclosure: Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. To submit a question to be answered in this column, please send it via email to Question@GoFarWithKovar.com, or via USPS to Taylor Kovar, 415 S 1st St, Suite 300, Lufkin, TX 75901.
