Cut your spending by $500 a month
In today's tight economy, who doesn't want to free up some cash? Trim the fat but not the fun from your budget - here's how.

The silver lining of the gloomy housing market: Mortgage rates are low, hoveringat 5.35%. If the rate on your current loan is 6.35% or higher and you plan to stay in your home for at least three years, look into refinancing. On a $300,000 mortgage, closing costs will run you about $6,000, but you could cut your monthly payment by more than $250.
NEXT: Rent, don't buy
-

Groceries -

Car -

Shoes -

Twitter -

Timing -

Stretching -

Commuting -

Gas -

Printers -

Generics -

Work out -

College -

Camp -

Prescript... -

Pills -

Childcare -

Pets -

Health risk -

Phone bills -

Coupons -

Assistance -

Taxes -

Shopping -

Spending -

Convenience -

Happiness -

Indulgences -

Temptations -

Fees -

529 plans -

Interest ... -

Investments -

Car insur... -

Banks -

Overdrafts -

Life insu... -

ATM fees -

Cash -

Web tools -

Home -

Energy -

Lawn -

Mortgage -

Tools -

House -

Renovations -

Appliances -

Home insu... -

Sample sa... -

Home goods -

Clothing -

Designers -

Fun -

Food -

Gardening -

Champagne -

Sports -

TV -

Books -

Music -

Club cards -

Tipping -

Vacations
Last updated August 17 2009: 9:37 AM ET
Note: Assumes a $300,000 30-year mortgage taken out three years ago at 6.35%; remaining balance refinanced at 5.35%.

