You may have the best of intentions, but sometimes when you go into a store to buy just one thing, you come out carrying three bags. Everyone spends a little too much now and again, but cutting back is easier than you think \u2014 you just need to be aware of when you\u2019re spending too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start in the Kitchen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAmericans waste over 25 percent of the groceries they purchase,\u201d says nationally known consumer-savings expert and writer Andrea Woroch. A great way to resist overspending is by purchasing less expensive whole foods instead of processed foods. You\u2019ll typically find them in the outer aisles of the supermarket, so avoid temptation by steering clear of the middle aisles. Make a list and stick to it. If an item isn\u2019t on your list, it\u2019s likely an impulse buy that could easily end up in the trash next week, advises Woroch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On-the-Go Spending<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Impulse shopping can strike at any time. Use the Quicken app<\/a> to snap images of your receipts for a week or so as you\u2019re out and about. When you look at the weekly totals, you\u2019ll probably realize you\u2019re spending money that you don\u2019t even think about. Quicken Starter Edition<\/a> breaks the expenditures down into categories, and can even tell you how much of your spending budget you\u2019ve used so far. This gives you a clearer picture of whether you can really afford to treat yourself the next time you whip out your debit card \u2014 Quicken Starter Edition<\/a> also can text or email you when you\u2019re close to going over the limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another trick is to ask yourself how many hours you\u2019ll have to work to pay for something before you actually purchase it. Put the expenditure in terms of your actual paycheck. Is it still worth the price? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cut Back on Monthly Services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider cutting back on expenses for things you don\u2019t regularly use. \u201cTwo-thirds of all health club memberships in the U.S. go unused,\u201d Woroch says. \u201cIf you do use your gym, but you\u2019re looking to reduce spending, consider freezing the account \u2014 paying a small monthly fee to keep your membership status and avoid cancellation fees \u2014 while you embrace less expensive exercise activities that can be done outdoors during the warmer months, like walking, jogging or biking,\u201d she suggests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at your cable or satellite TV service, too. Do you really watch all those channels? How about your cell phone \u2014 do you use all that data you’re paying for?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Credit and Debit Cards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a moment to read over your credit card statements. Check for interest rate increases that may have happened without warning or reason, and call the company to defend yourself if you notice that something has changed. The effort might not be as futile as you think \u2014 you have about a 50 percent chance of getting the rate reduced if you speak up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take care when using your debit card, too. If you use an ATM anywhere other than at a branch location, you\u2019re probably paying an additional fee, which adds up if you do it often enough. If your nearest branch is out of your way, consider taking out enough cash to get you through at least several days so you don\u2019t have to make the trip too often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n