10 Luxuries You Can Cut Back On

We all want to live well, so sometimes we fear budgeting-even when we need to get out of debt. But giving up some luxury items does not have to mean giving up all luxury. Here are 10 ways to live well while cutting back.

1. Why not bring your own coffee and lunch to work? For the small initial cost of a cute coffee thermos and a resolve to pack your lunch, you may see a savings that will make you smile. Your lunches can be nutritious and delicious, and your coffee is always just the way you like it.

2. Why buy something you can get for free? Many libraries have a good DVD selection of movies and cable TV shows-you might even enjoy them more knowing you're not paying for them-not to mention books and magazines, and music CDs, too.

3. You could easily add some elegance to your life while saving money and the planet-just by using cloth kitchen towels and napkins every day. These are such small items that using them daily should not add a lot to the laundry. To really get into the spirit, you might want to think about cutting up old t-shirts or other clothing for wiping up spills or for dusting. The environment will thank you and so will your budget.

4. Consider disconnecting yourself from debt. Ask yourself if you really need a cell phone. Or if you do, is it really necessary to have one with all the bells and whistles? Maybe you could use a cell exclusively, instead of paying for both a cell and landline, to reduce your communications costs.

5. Going to trade schools for services such as beauty care (haircuts, manicures or massages) can add up to significant savings. Students are closely supervised by experienced professionals, so you can feel confident that you will receive excellent service without breaking the bank.

6. Your little freezer can save you money, and you already know that avoiding take-out and processed food can be better for your health. Cooking over the weekend for the week ahead is a great way to avoid buying fast or frozen processed food. Almost anything-soup, potatoes, spaghetti sauce, meat loaf, chicken casserole-can easily be frozen and eaten for lunch or dinner during the week.

7. Think about camping for your next vacation. The United States has many wonderful parks with historical and natural interests, and the activities are usually free. Plus, you might be able to get in some good exercise, too. Don't have the essential camping gear? Ask at the campground office; some of it may be available for rent.

8. If you like to buy clothes, consider consignment shops. Unlike your typical thrift shop, the best consignment places may offer high-end clothes in good condition for a fraction of the original retail price. Don't be surprised when you see lots of new stuff, too. Of course, another way of saving is to buy on sale. A general rule of thumb is, the better the store, the better the sale (and you might be very surprised at the price reductions).