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.
Tip judiciously
Somehow during these heady past few years, 20% became the new 15% as far as restaurant tips are concerned. It's time, perhaps, for the budget-conscious to rethink that. Waiters and waitresses depend on tips to make a living, so cutting your tip budget to zero doesn't seem ethical. But dialing back tips to the 15% baseline -- and reserving 20% for extraordinary service -- can slice some of the expense from your monthly dining bill.
NEXT: Take a home-swap vacation.
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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 six meals out a month at an average pre-tip cost of $40; going from a standard 20% tip to five meals tipped at 15% and one at 20%.
