What minor easy steps can I take to live a more austere life to save money for the future?

Do you have any services that you pay extra for, that you can do without, whether you think you can or not?

@Dutchess_III I have unlimited Internet for $80 when I only use 25 gigs a month. I will call my isp tomorrow to slow down my Internet usage. Thanks : ) .

That’s one idea! Do you pay your own utilities?

Are you making a collection of anything?

Stop for a while but enjoy what you collected.

@Dutchess_III No all except cable and Internet is free.

What expenses do you have other than food, rent, Internet and clothing? Do you pay for phone service? Where do you buy your clothes?

Just curious, what are you planning to save up for in the future?

He doesn’t have rent.

I pay rent. @Dutchess_III I called my ISP and saved $12 a month , without losing much. . Thanks : ) @LostInParadise I want to take advantage of economies of scale (buying bulk ect..) , and save for food and books. I would like to pay my student loans and go back to university.

Honestly, getting ahead in your situation is going to take a bit more than just cutting back a little. You need a fundamental change. I personally think simple pleasures like having that steak on occasion is not such a bad thing, especially if you use it to reward yourself for taking some small steps in a new and positive direction.

I am with @ARE_you_kidding_me… You will never save your way into wealth considering your circumstances. Save some for if you need shoes or a new computer but please indulge in a steak on occasion. Even poor people need to feel good every once in a while.

The best option is to get a job. Even at minimum wage, you should clear at least $10,000 year. That is all money above and beyond living expenses. It should not take too long to pay off your student loan.

Replace all your lights with LEDs.

@ragingloli there is a great expense at the beginning for change over to LED’s. I know I’ve redone whole rooms of ceiling lights. Also @RedDeerGuy1 doesn’t pay for the electricity.

I bought enough food to last so I don’t have to order out at night. I bought a freezer for bulk purchases.

I will stock up on beef stew and drink tap water and eat more fruits and vegetables. Thanks all.

Im trying out buying frozen chicken necks and backs for now. Am cooking one $4 package now in the oven. I will update the tidepool in an hour to tell how it tasted.

Edit update. Was AWESOME. Skin and meat were tasty. There was enough meat for a meal. Happy that I bought the entire lot. (6 packages for $4 each). Also no waste. Will buy more when available.

Update: I’m eating salmon or trout , froot loops and, 6 large eggs, fruit , and mixed vegetables all once a day. I eat out once a week of ,KFC big crunch and one thigh, and store bought sandwiches. I’m saving enough money so I will relax my plans to be more austere.

Update: I am experimenting with Hungry Man television diners and chicken thighs and chicken legs with back attached. I bought an electric frying pan and the food is great.