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.
Refinance
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%.
