How do you identify expenses that can be reduced/eliminated?

I have had to do that. Make a list of all your subscriptions, movie services, extra tv channels, music channel subscriptions, road service, memberships in shopping sites, and cancel all of them.

Make a list of brand name items that you normally buy...laundry detergents, paper towels, toilet paper, deodorant and research the cheapest possible brands you can buy instead.

If you own a car, use gas buddy to buy gas, or join a gas membership that takes 10 cents or more off each gallon of gas you buy. Call your insurance company and find out if you can reduce your car insurance and save some money.

When you go grocery shopping, make a list in advance of the foods you absolutely need, and don't buy anything else. Set a dollar amount in advance and stick to it. Start making your own lunches and bring them to work.

Stop eating out. Yes, buying coffee is "eating out". Make your own coffee at home and bring it to work in a thermos. Stop buying beverages of all kinds. Stick to filtered water from your own faucet, and bring your own water bottles to work or when traveling.

Don't buy anything. NOTHING. Don't buy clothes, or shoes, or socks or underwear unless yours are literally falling apart.

Cut up your charge cards, and pay them off. You are bleeding interest every time you use them.

Make sure your bank doesn't charge fees for their services. If they do, move your money to a bank with free checking and savings with overdraft protection.

Just look at what really adds value to your life and what you can do without. I had satellite TV for which I paid a monthly subscription. I hardly watch any TV anymore other than news channels which are available for free and Netflix/Prime which I pay for separately. So I got rid of the satellite TV. I can afford Satellite TV but what's the point if I don't watch it anymore? That's one example.

Ask yourself,

"What goal is this purchase trying to accomplish?"

"What would I do if I didn't have this thing?"

"Is there a cheaper way to accomplish that goal that would still be satisfactory?"

Odds are, you're overpaying on car insurance and cell service if you haven't been paying attention to them. You can easily shop around for cheaper alternatives, and taking a more affordable plan likely won't affect your life in any way outside of saving some cash.

Only use your checking account or cash to buy stuff.

I try to do my best to keep the economy moving. 🙄

keep a record of every penny...chart for every category...food, gas, utility, entertainment, transpotation, rent\mortgage, insurance, etc

Now this is a key to being fiscally responsible!

(Someone else had other responsibility issues)

Subscriptions are vampire costs


Softdrinks snacks and sweets are ridiculously expensive habits too

Stuff you don't need basically .. there are basic living expenses and then there are extravagances

I cancelled cable years ago that was a ridiculous amount and have a $15/month iptv box

What you need is something you should prioritize over what gou want.

I don't need that. Cancel.

Compare prices of goods.

Common sense priorities.

Thank you for best comment!