Tracey Baker: HI! I am Tracey Baker and I am a member of the Financial Planning Association. I am here to discuss strategies to save you money. Right now, I am going to talk about reducing variable spending. Nobody ever said reducing what you spend is easy, but if you are looking for ways to cut cost, you can find them. Shop, food and clothing sales, buy next year's winter coat at the end of the season and can foods when they are on sale. If you have a freezer you can stock up on perishables when they go on sale too. Consider warehouse shopping, if you have stored space or split the bolt guidance and savings with family members or friends. Join the carpool. Transportation is a major expense, but it can also be an easy way to save and you will be doing the environment a favor. Prefect your cooking, meals you prepare at home are not only cheaper than restaurant food, they are usually tastier and better for you. Turn down that thermostat. Heating and air conditioning your home is major expense, but you can save lots of money by keeping it a little cooler in the winter and a little warmer in the summer.

Learn basic home repair. You may never be a master plumber and there are somethings better left to the experts like electrical work. But you can save a bundle by learning how to change the washer on a faucet or tightening the screws on a loose lock and who knows, you may enjoy it. These are just a few ways that you can easily reduce your spending. Now lets talk about planning for lower fixed cost.