If you’re like most people, you have dreams – whether it’s going to Italy, becoming the CEO of your company, starting a non-profit, sky-diving or just plain old making a difference while you’re here on this Earth. Whatever your aspirations may be — it might require some extra cash.

So, here are some ways to “trim the fat” or “buckle down” – so you can use your money on what really matters.

CLOTHES

Did you know the average U.S. family spends around $1,881 on clothing each year? If you have expensive taste that might not seem like a lot – but if you can be a little thrifty, this could be an area for savings. Think about buying your clothes during off-seasons, go to discount stores first and if you find a brand-name something that you must have – price shop online to find a better deal.

GROCERIES

Food is a big expense. Get smart – use coupons and comparison shop locally to find the best deal on things you buy each week. If you have to buy household items, look online for deals, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can even get things shipped to your home for free. It goes without saying that a coffee addiction can cost up to $1,440/year – if you’re not brewing a home. Consider investing in a nice coffee maker and save money in the long run.

CABLE

Cable, especially premium cable, can be very expensive. Get creative with your entertainment and consider renting movies from the library instead of buying a $10 on-demand movie. It just takes a little time to plan ahead.

GAS

Gas costs (on average) $2,384 a year. With the average commute being around 25-miles round trip, if you car-pool even 2-3 days a week, you could save around $570/year on gas alone.

How have you saved a few extra bucks? Leave a comment and let us know if you have any other useful tips.

And, as always – if your dreams include owning a home and you’re ready to think about buying — we have SIRVA Mortgage associates on standby ready to answer any questions that you might have about your next adventure – just call 800-531-3837.