If divorce has lowered your standard of living, which is more likely than not, there are some ways you can cut costs that you may not have thought about. Limiting your spending doesn’t make you a failure any more than how much you can buy should define you as a person.
Credit Cards: Get rid of all but one or two credit cards. Pay credit card bills on time to avoid late payment fees. Don’t go into credit card debt to maintain a lifestyle that is unrealistic for your present circumstances.
Auto: Carpool or use public transportation. Keep your car tuned up. Ask your agent about raising deductibles on your car insurance. If your current vehicle is a gas guzzler, consider trading down to cut the ongoing fuel costs.
Television: Cut cable service to basic service or eliminate it altogether.
Shopping: Grocery shop with a list and don’t shop when you’re hungry. Clip coupons and use them. Don’t splurge on gifts for family and friends. Shop garage sales or hold your own.
Pack a lunch for work.
Buy generic brands at the grocery and drug stores.
Visit consignment shops for clothing bargains.
Buy furniture and appliances at secondhand and thrift stores.
Get a checking account with a low, or no, minimum balance requirement.
Be realistic about your financial situation if the subject comes up in conversation with family and friends.
Many people earn extra money by selling unwanted items online at sites such as eBay. Before doing the same, make sure your items are selling by checking other auctions. Otherwise you’ll just end up with seller fees and no sales.