Cutting back doesn't have to be painful. Of course, when things get really bad difficult choices have to be made, but if you're just feeling the pinch a bit, here are some quick ways to keep some more cash in your pocket.
Making Economies in Food and Drink
Most of the reason people stick to the brands they know is just habit. Try the cheaper, imitation brands. If you really notice the difference, change back, but for every product where you don't notice the difference, or prefer the cheaper version, you've made a saving. If you have children don't announce the change when you make it, otherwise they will make a point of noticing the difference, whether they really do or not.
Cooking home meals from scratch works out more economically for a family but not for a couple or singles. Overcome this by freezing what you don't use in one or two person sized portions. This will also mean you will have to cook less often. Try and use leftovers. Leftover vegetables can be used in quiche, leftover meat in pasta, risotto or pies.
Making Economies in Clothes
Buying very cheap clothes can sometimes be a false economy when they fall to pieces quickly. Instead, try to work with what you have. If a jumper has bobbles, take a safety razor to them. If some trousers have lost their colour try re-dying them with shop-bought dye. Freshen up an old coat with new buttons. Wear things in different combinations.
For rips and tears, or for clothes requiring alterations, you may need professional help. It can often be cheaper to pay an alteration tailor to take a waistline in or repair a ripped seam than to buy even a cheap replacement. Phone around to find the best price before you choose a tailor.
Also, don't dismiss charity shops. Some of the items in there are unwanted presents that were never used, and shops usually don't accept clothes which show much wear. Even if you can't bring yourself to wear charity shop clothes, have a look at some of the accessories on offer, which could give a fresh look to your wardrobe.
Making Economies in Leisure
Eating out and going to a film can stretch a tight budget. Instead, get together with friends to do things in your own homes. Take turns to cook, or each bring one course. Have a film night with one person bringing a DVD, others snacks and others drinks. As well as being cheap, it means you can make as much noise as you want without being shushed.
Remember your local library. Joining and borrowing books is completely free, and the latest books are usually available, although you may have to reserve them. Libraries often have CDs and DVDs to borrow at cheap rates. Many also offer mothers and toddlers clubs, story telling, IT lessons and other activities.
The gym is a big strain on the budget. Exercise at home instead. You can get a good exercise video for the price of a single gym class, and use it again and again. This is another cheap activity you can do with friends. Climbing up and down your own stairs, or jogging in the neighbourhood are also cheap ways to stay in shape. Just remember if you do end your gym membership to cancel the direct debit, too, and any other direct debits which are out of date.
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