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Stay Housed, Stay Strong — The Rest Will Follow.

Stretching Your Budget: Cutting Costs to Keep Your Home

For the average low-income person on Long Island, just getting by and avoiding eviction can be a serious challenge. Rent is sky-high, and we’re all getting nickeled and dimed no matter what store we walk into. That’s why it’s important to review your monthly bills and see where you can cut back. Some bills can be reduced—or even eliminated—to free up money for what matters most: keeping a roof over your head.

From my own experience, I audit my bills at least once a year. I often find I’m still paying for things I no longer use—services or subscriptions I forgot about or no longer need. It’s easy to lose track, especially in a world where impulse purchases are just a click away.

We live in the land of plenty, but unfortunately, that often means plenty of unnecessary spending.


Housing-Related Expenses

1. Rent

  • Negotiate Your Rent: Don’t be afraid to talk to your landlord. Ask if there’s any flexibility in your rent or if they’d be open to a temporary reduction. For example, you might offer to pay $100 less per month during a tough period, with a plan to pay it back later—maybe when your tax refund comes in or you’re back on your feet.

  • Consider a Roommate: If it’s safe and practical, sharing your space can significantly reduce your rent and utility costs. It’s not always ideal, but it’s a smart option to consider when money is tight.


Utilities

2. Electricity & Gas:

  • Reduce Energy Usage: Use energy-efficient light bulbs, unplug devices when not in use, and be mindful of heating/cooling needs.

  • Contact Utility Providers: Inquire about assistance programs or plans that could lower bills.

  • PSEG rolling out 'Time-of-Day' rate to all customers, to learn more click here.


  • These guys pictured below save me a good amount of electricity every month you can get them on Amazon for $20

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3. Water:

Limit Water Consumption: Take shorter showers, fix leaks, and use water-efficient fixtures, and shower head.


Transportation

4. Car Expenses:

  • Public Transportation: Use public transit instead of driving to save on gas, parking, and insurance.

  • Carpool: Share rides with others to reduce fuel costs.


5. Insurance:

  • Shop Around: Get quotes from different insurance companies to find better rates on auto or renters insurance.

  • Review Coverage: Ensure you’re not over-insured or paying for unnecessary coverage.


Food

6. Grocery Bill:

  • Meal Planning: Create a shopping list and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases.

  • Buy In Bulk: Purchase staple items in bulk to save money.

  • Use Coupons & Discounts: Take advantage of sales and store loyalty programs.

  • That 6 dollar latte at Starbucks adds up to $30-40 a week. Invest in a coffee thermos

  • Supplement your food by going to local food pantries.


7. Dining Out:

  • Limit Eating Out: Cut back on dining out and prepare meals at home.

  • Pack Lunches: Bring meals to work or school to save on lunch costs.



Subscriptions and Memberships

8. Streaming Services:

  • Reevaluate Subscriptions: Cancel any unused streaming services and consider shared accounts.

  • Free Alternatives: Use free streaming platforms or services available through libraries.

  • Amazon. Quite the one click have it tomorrow purchases. Google Shop price, but first check Facebook market place, Craigs list and other apps to get what you need cheap and slightly used.


9. Gym Memberships:

  • Home Workouts: Cancel gym memberships and use free online workout videos instead. Check to see if your medical insurance has a free gym membership plan.



10. Cell Phone Bill:

  • Cheaper Plans: Look for more affordable plans or consider switching to prepaid options.

  • Family Plans: Join a family plan if possible to save costs on your bill.

  • Google assurance wireless free phone program, see if you qualify.

  • Use any smart phone and down load text now for free Wi-Fi calling


11. Credit Card Payments:

  • Negotiate Rates: Contact your credit card companies to discuss potentially lowering your interest rates or payment plans.

  • Pay Off Smaller Debts First: Focus on eliminating smaller debts to reduce payments quickly.


12 Cable tv: some of you are paying 200 a month for Cablevision. All you really need is 50 dollars a month for Internet and down load free movie and show apps, some have live tv.

Netflix; your probably paying over $20 amonth, did you know for $7.99 a month you can have Netflix with a couple of commercials?


Emergency Funds & Assistance

13. Access Assistance Programs:

  • Government Assistance: Look into local state assistance programs for housing, food, and healthcare.

  • Non-profits: Check with local non-profits for any available aid or food pantries.

14 Cancel out those Phone app games that had a free trail and you forgot to cancel.


Additional Tips

Create a Detailed Budget: List all your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back.

Track Spending: Use apps or a simple spreadsheet to track your spending habits to adjust accordingly.


Save money

Your piggy bank is hungry feed it. Click below to learn how to turn that piggy bank into a fortune. Oh it’s a true story. Free audio book Click here.

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SAVE THIS BLOG LINK: PLEASE AUDIT YOUR SPENDING AND LET US KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY YOU SAVE A MONTH.



Resource Information:

- Long Island Housing Partnership: LIHP Click here

- New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance: OTDA Click here

- New York Public Assistance Programs: NYC Human Resources Administration Click here



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