As of January 1, 2011 we have starting switching and giving up, what we thought, were our most important luxuries.
1. December 27, 2010: Cell phones
The original bill was for 2 Verizon Droid Cell Phones with unlimited data/texting and 700 anytime minutes. We dropped 1 phone and moved my plan to my parents (at 30 years old this actually made me cry). New cell bill: $9.99 + $15 data plan (have to have with a Droid) + $2 taxes. We also purchased a land line through Vonage for $9.99 ($15 with taxes).
Original Bill $188
Cell + Land Line = $42
Savings per month = $146
We do intend to switch my service from a Droid to an old cell phone and save the additional $15 on the data plan. To be continued...
2. February 2011: Car Insurance
No we are not getting rid of car insurance but to switch to another company lowers our payment by $400 a year! This works for anyone as long as you do not have tickets or accidents on your record. Our police is up February 2011 and we will be switching from Geico to Progressive for a savings of $400 for the year. We attempted to call Geico and try to get our rate lowered and they said "We can't get your rate down that low. Sorry!"
We also raised our deductible from $250 to $500 and nixed the engine insurance which was only $6 a month but you had to pay a $250 deductible on EACH component. See ya!
Savings for the year = $400
3. March 2011: Cable/Internet
In the summer of 2010 our cable bill went from $75 to $120 because our "promotional period" ran out. We called and told them we would be switching to direct TV instead and they offered us another promotional special of $87. In March, again, our "promotional period" will run out and we will call again to have it renewed. If they will not renew it we will be dropping cable TV. The one thing I will NOT budge on it internet. I must have internet.
Savings per month = $32
4. 2011: Dining Out
We have cut our fast food/restaurant expense almost entirely. I have allowed my husband to get lunch on fridays with his co-workers but his spending limit is $8 every friday. Our old budget was $400/month (that we didn't have) on dining out.
Savings per month = $368
More to follow...
