With Christmas only five months away, take time to review your monthly budget.  Potential savings are often hidden within the details of cell phone contracts, utility bills, or insurance costs. Trinity has provided a new online budget that will help you prepare a budget and track spending.  By making a few adjustments you will save as much as $1,000 before Christmas.  Here are a few suggestions to help you get started. 

Simple Savings

Lower your cell phone bill. Potential savings: $100. Look at your cell phone contract for minutes used or costs for texting.  If you are using less service than you are paying for, switch to a cheaper plan. You could save $20 a month or $100 by Christmas.

Eliminate your land line. Potential savings: $140. By eliminating your land line you can save money and still keep your DSL or internet connection.   

Review your insurance costs. Potential savings: $250. Call your insurance agent and ask for the best rates on your car and home insurance costs.  If you have not reviewed your policy, you may be missing savings by revising your coverage or rewriting your plan.   

Drop the gym. Potential savings: $150. Keeping a gym membership is costly and can keep you from building savings for Christmas.  Take advantage of opportunities outside and keep the money. 

Drop premium cable channels ” or drop cable altogether. Potential savings: $50 ” $600. Consider costs for cable and the high rates for premium channels.  Having basic cable will save you money and help you build savings.  If you are not using the service much, consider having it turned off. 

Sell Stuff. Potential earnings: $400. If you’re like most people, you’ve got clothes you don’t wear, CDs you don’t listen to, books you don’t read, DVDs you don’t watch, or furniture you don’t sit in. Sell these items at a consignment shop or online at eBay or craigslist or have a yard sale.