Cut Costs and Decrease Spending Even During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us but it's not until next month that we will truly feel the effect of those inflated credit card bills. Overspending during the holiday season is easy to do but if you're not careful it can also quickly increase your chances of filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy in Chicago. From holiday gifts to big family meals and even dozens of homemade holiday treats, expenses during the holiday season can really add up.

Depending on your financial situation, your Chicago bankruptcy lawyers believe you may be able to counteract the effects of overspending during the holidays by cutting costs on the things you buy every month. An article in Yahoo! Finance outlines numerous ways you can decrease spending in every area of your life. Check out these tips to cut down on daily spending. Keep these cost trimming techniques up and you may even save money in the New Year!

1. Fill your prescriptions at a big-box store -
When the prices of prescription drugs were compared it turns out that Target and Walmart offer the most cost effective option for the customers. You pay only $4 for 30 days or $10 for 90 days worth of your medication. If big box stores make you cringe ask your local pharmacy if they price match. More and more are these days so it's worth it to ask.

2. Review all bills for mistakes -
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to assume that your bill is correct. The truth is, everyone makes mistakes. Look at all of your bills with a fine tooth comb. If something seems off inquire about it. A misplaced medical charge or double credit card charge can save you big if you catch it.

3. Clip coupons -
Cutting coupons can save you a lot of money. Recent reality television has shown us that it can also become a full-time job. Don't go to the extreme but find a coupon site you like such as Coupons.com and check them for coupons for the items on your list before you go to the store.

4. Stick to store brands -
Buying the store brand version of many food and cosmetic items can save you big. Keep in mind that most are exactly the same and some may be even better than the name brand products you're used to.

5. Make coffee at home -
Even if you only buy one coffee every morning from you're local coffee shop you could easily save close to $2,000 in a year. Set your coffee pot to brew coffee right before you head downstairs in the morning. Invest in a travel mug you love and save money.

6. Re-evaluate your car care
Your mechanic may tell you to change your oil every 3,000 miles but the truth is that most cars that are well maintained can go more like 7,500 miles between changes. Consult your vehicle manual and consider the type of driving you do. But extending the time between oil changes can save a lot of money.

Making small changes to your every day life can make a huge difference and help your avoid bankruptcy in the future. Start saving today!

Chang and Carlin
The content found on the Chang & Carlin site is not legal advice and is purely for informational purposes. The information contained herein is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are interested in obtaining information about chapter 7 bankruptcy, chapter 13 bankruptcy, foreclosure services, real estate legal services, you are encouraged to call our law firm at 866-790-8601 a Free Legal Evaluation. Chang and Carlin serves clients in Chicago, Schaumburg, Joliet, Warrenville, Waukegan, Illinois.