I have a series of blog posts to write about how you can save money in a job search. Not by not spending on stuff you need, but on some corners you can cut.
Before I start the series, though, I figured I’d ask YOU 🙂
How can a job seeker save money while they try and get back on their feet?
Whether it has to do with groceries, bills, etc…. what tips do you have to help save money while in a job search?
Use web sites like Jibberjobber.com that have a free side and when you are back on your feet upgrade.
Go to library for books and later when you can put them in your library.
Go to daveramsey.com for some great information.
Hm, I thought you already had some good posts on the topic, but maybe it was mixed in with other topics. Here are some ideas, though:
– Most obvious: Cut down the entertainment budget — movie tickets, movie and game rentals, new purchases of games, books or movies, etc. But replace them with free options (library, titles borrowed from friends, free online services like Hulu or the Comedy Channel, etc.) because we all can use some entertainment.
– Same with sports, try to opt for free options (walking, biking, jogging, friendly games, etc.) versus paid health centers or sports clubs.
– Eat in rather than at the restaurant, and cook rather than reheating pre-made dishes. Stretch the meat with stews, casseroles, burrito mix, etc. Diet permitting, cook with less expensive staple ingredients like rice, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, apples, cheese, and inexpensive meat cuts. Use herbs and spices to create distinctive flavour, not large amounts of meat. Cook from what you have, use the leftovers rather than letting them go bad.
– If in an urban center, carpool or use mass transportation rather than driving; the biggest savings are on parking fees.
– When shopping for interview clothes, buy classics and buy them on sale or at deep-discount outlets. Buy good quality, in cuts and colours that don’t easily fall out of style. Pick items that don’t need dry-cleaning every time.
– If you can, barter and trade services with your network of friends and neighbours.
– update auto insurance to reflect lower mileage since you are no longer driving to work. Consider raising deductibles too
– reduce or eliminate charitable contributions
– pay bills electronically; many banks have free online bill pay
– get rid of low-use land lines and use cell phones during weekends and nights when possible
Think of your LARGEST costs – can these be lowered?
Down size early! Have newer auto/truck, trade it, sell it or get out of the lease.
Rent/mortgage? Roommate to lower costs.
Make those TOUGH decisions early.
Stuff- sell off stuff you’re not using.
A venti latte a day costs over $1000/year! Really! Make your own or go to your credit union or bank and use their new coffee machines!
Raise your deductible on your home and cut your premium. Clean out your attic/garage and sell on eBay or Craigslist for a quick few $hundred…
Of course, there is a question of where you’re cutting from. If you were coasting on a good-paying job in normal conditions and were laid off overnight, you may have to scramble but there are probably lots of places to cut like the ones mentioned by Shane and JP. If, on the other hand, it’s been a long slow descent to unemployment, you probably already hit those easy targets (new car, expensive coffees, charitable contributions, etc.) a while ago.
Great thoughts you guys… thank you! My posts should be coming soon!