Giving

• Don't give money while in debt. This one is hard to swallow, but check out the article to read why this one is important. Check out this article on when you should give with money. (coming soon)

 

Housing

• Move to a new home. Use your plan to determine if you're spending too much in housing, moving to a less expensive home can relieve a lot of CAFR.
• Rent a room. If you own your own home, check out this article on how to rent out a room(s) in your home using AirBnB. (coming soon)
• Rent space on your property. Most people don't know, but you can actually rent just space on your property for people to camp, park, and more. To learn more, check out this article on how to rent out property space using... (coming soon)
• Buy in bulk. Costco is a great way to shop in bulk, but sometimes they don't have everything or the amount you need. Check out this article on 30 items to buy annually on Amazon to save you hundreds per year. (coming soon)
• DIY home repairs.
• DIY yard care.
• Lower your water bill. Check out these 16 ways you can lower your water bill each month. (coming soon)
• Lower your electric bill. Check out these 12 ways you can lower your electric bill each month. (coming soon)

 

Transportation

• Sell your car. Are your car payments too high? It might be a good idea to sell your car and purchase something cheaper. Are you unsure of how to sell your car for the most money and purchase your next car  for the best quality, but lowest cost? Check out this article on the smartest way to buy and sell your vehicle. (coming soon)
• Rent your car. Maybe you can do without your car part time, so why not rent out for the times you're not using it? Check out this article on how to rent your vehicle. (coming soon)
• Service your vehicle regularly. This might sound like you're spending more money, but statistically, taking care of your vehicle with proper tire rotations, oil changes, correct gas, and much more, can reduce the risk of an expensive fix (aka more debt). Check out this article on efficient and inexpensive ways to take care of your vehicle. (coming soon)
• Lower your car insurance rates. Check out this article that compares different auto insurances to make sure you're getting the lowest coverage for the best price. (coming soon)
• Plan your errands. Spend less on gas and less wear and tear on your vehicle.
• Carpool to work. Save on gas and get to work faster using the carpool lane.
• Drive slow and safely. When you have debt, unexpected costs like a ticket or accident are the most costly because it usually means going into more debt. So, drive safely to ensure you're not acquiring any tickets and increasing your insurance rates. Not to mention driving slower saves on gas.
• Be a gas rewards member. Gas companies are fighting for you to be loyal to them and they are giving incentives to do so. Check out this article on gas companies who member rewards. (coming soon)
• Work from home. Only use this option if your company will allow it and it makes sense for your lifestyle because working from home can potentially be more distracting and disruptive in many ways.
• Walk or ride your bike. Do you live close to work? Try biking to cut down on gas costs. Don't have a bicycle yet? Check out this article on inexpensive bicycle's you can purchase online, based on your activity. (coming soon)
• Take public transportation. Especially if you work in a city, taking the subway, bus, metro, Uber, and more, can prove to save you money. Check out this article if you need help in deciding the smartest mode of transportation for you. (coming soon)
• Wash your own car. Check out this article on a few inexpensive car wash items we recommend for protecting your car and your wallet. (coming soon)

 

Food

• Stop eating out. On average, food is 4x more expensive when eating out.
• Meal prepping. Expensive eating habits are most often due to poor meal planning and the need for something quick and easy. Check out this article on how meal prepping and eating healthy can save you hundreds per month. (coming soon)
• Start couponing. Coupons are a great way to save but don't buy what you don't need, just because you have a coupon. Couponing actually has quite a few strategies, check out this article on the smartest way to coupon. (coming soon)
• Buy store brands. 99% they are cheaper and there's a good chance you won't be able to tell the difference. For everyday items, check out this article on foods you can order online for cheap. (coming soon)
• Grocery shop with a list. Fortunately, you know how much you have to spend on groceries, based on your WizeFi plan. Create a grocery plan that fits within your budget before you go to the store.
• Grow your own food. Build a garden to help cut back on costs. Check out this article on how to grow your own garden. (coming soon)
• Shop seasonally. Want your food to taste better and be cheaper? Then, shop seasonally. Check out this article on when each food is in season. (coming soon)
• Make coffee at home. We know this doesn't sound as fun, but the latte factor by David Bach is a great analogy describing the power a small amount of cash flow has on your future net worth. Check out this article on quality coffee makers with low prices. (coming soon)

 

Health/Insurance

• Lower your insurance premiums. Check out this article on paying less for the right health insurance. (coming soon)

 

Clothing

• Shop online. Check out this article on strategies for shopping online for what you want, while staying inside your budget.
• Wait for sales. Know what kind of clothes you want ahead of time and then wait for them to go on sale, but be careful to only buy what you need.
• Avoid designer labels. Try to stick t0 sales racks, thrift stores, and consignment stores.
• Don't purchase trending items. Instead, purchase versatile clothing that can be used with multiple outfits and seasons.
• Wear layers instead of buying new clothes.
• Know when you to purchase. Buy clothes at the end of a season. For more shopping strategies, check out this article on 5 strategies for shopping smarter.

 

Entertainment

• Be surrounded by people like you. People tend to spend more money on entertainment because they want to live a lifestyle they wish they had and are willing to spend money they don't have (aka going into more debt). Stay connected to people who are in the same place in life as you. Join the WizeFi community and be with others who can relate to your struggles and wins and would love to hear about it! Click here to join the WizeFi community. (coming soon)
• Avoid expensive hobbies. Instead of $150 golf trips or mani/pedi's from the spa, check out this article for inexpensive activities to do alone or with the family. (coming soon)
• Cut cable. Instead of paying cable, try Netflix or Hulu for less than $15/month and continue your movie nights for cheap! Not sure which one to choose? Check out this article that compares Netflix and Hulu. (coming soon)
• Leave the gym. Instead of gym costs, try workouts you can do at home or the park. Check out this article for recommendations on free apps to workout from home.
• Free date nights. Dating doesn't have to be expensive, check out this article on 101 free date ideas. (coming soon)

 

Liabilities

• Auto Loan
  • Refinance your car for a lower interest rate. Check out this article on how to refinance your auto loan. (coming soon)
• Mortgage
  • Refinance your mortgage for a lower interest rate. Check out this article on how to refinance your mortgage. (coming soon)
• Student Loan
  • Refinance your student loan for a lower interest rate. Check out this article on how to refinance your student loan. (coming soon)

 

Assets

• Stop investing. If you have any debt (except a mortgage on your primary residence) then you shouldn't be investing, unless you work for a company with employer matching retirement accounts. Be sure to maximize your contribution to employer matching retirement accounts.