Some clients approach me for coaching having been “forcibly downshifted” through redundancy, ill health, relationship breakdown or some other unforeseen circumstance. This list is a compilation of the most tried and tested methods for quickly cutting costs in those kinds of circumstances. Actions of this kind often leave us feeling less anxious about the future, more in control of our destiny and therefore more able to take a deep breath and start to focus on creating a new, more sustainable way of living.
1. Cut up all credit cards except one, which you’re allowed to keep for emergencies only.
2. Buy all food and household consumables using cash rather than a debit card, so that you’re aware of everything you’re spending on a day by day basis.
3. Cancel all non-essential direct debits and standing orders.
4. Minimise travelling by: replacing face to face meetings with phone calls wherever possible; arranging to meet in your own home or within walking or cycling distance of your home or office.
5. Cycle or walk any distances of 2 miles or less, rather than using a car or public transport. Or, only travel by car if you can arrange to share a lift.
6. If you drink or smoke regularly, commit to halving your consumption on a month by month basis until you reach a level that your health and your purse can handle.
7. Arrange a “pot luck” supper or a Big Lunch with friends rather than go out for a meal.
8. If you have a mobile phone contract, change to pay-as-you-go if you can.
9. Do less cleaning – your clothes, yourself, your home.
10. Be content with simple forms of entertainment and enjoyment – a walk in the park rather than watching a wildlife documentary, making music with others rather than going to a concert, playing football rather than watching it in the pub, chatting with friends rather than watching a debate on TV.
What else have you tried that works for you?
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This site seeks to explore the heart and soul of downshifting to a more sustainable, ethical and holistic way of living and working, in keeping with the needs of the planet, humanity as a whole and ourselves as individuals. (read more)
6 Responses for "Ten Ways to Quickly Cut Your Living Costs"
You could organize a clothing (or whatever you like – electronics, kitchen items, etc.) swap with friends. Have each person bring a simple snack to share, as well as, any clothes that they don’t wear anymore. Everyone gets a chance to eliminate the old, bring home a few “new” treasures, and spend some time with friends. No money, but lots of fun!
I really like that idea, not just for its frugality, but also for the social and sharing element. It sounds a bit like what we’d call a “Bring and Buy Sale” here in the UK, but with food and without the money – excellent!
Thanks again, Anna.
I know quite a few women who go to clothes-swap parties but no men. Perhaps we traditionally buy fewer clothes and tend to wear them out? Or do the women buy them for us hoping we will sharpen up our act?
I have engaged my family in discussing to adopt frugality. Various possibilities, such as getting rid of items which we haven’t used or don’t use.
Cooking at home, ordering less take-aways. Home cooking is generally healthier.
I have borrowed some DIY tools from neighbours when needed and they have reciprocated. Which has also helped in social cohesion.
If men do indeed buy fewer clothes and tend to wear them out, then maybe it’s us women who need to sharpen up our act! Perhaps there’s something else, other than clothes, that men would prefer to swop?
Hi Rajiv,
It’s good to hear that you’ve managed to engage your family in some frugal practices – not always easy! And sharing DIY tools with neighbours seems like a very good idea. Social cohesion is an important element of this, in addition to the bare practicalities.
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