From haircuts to car washes, if you’re still holding on to some “luxury” spending habits, and you’re budget just doesn’t allow, it’s time to cut them out.

Hair
It seems like haircuts just keep getting more expensive.  When $40 for a cut seems like a deal, something’s wrong.  You have a couple options, and one of them is not “do-it-yourself.”  If you live near a local beauty school, you can get haircuts there for nearly half the price of other salons.  The hairstylists have a trained professional watching over them who will fix any mistakes.  The other option is, if you are not going for a drastic new look but just want a trim, discount salons.  All of the stylists are certified and trained professionals.  (I’ve gotten my hair cut at a “trendy” salon by someone who had just graduated the month before, so “trendy” and expensive doesn’t automatically equal experience and quality.)

Dry Cleaning
The tag says “Dry Clean Only,” so that means dry clean only right?  Not necessarily.  There are products you can buy that allow you to dry clean up to 25 items for less than $12.  These products are a zip up bag with moist fabric sheets that you put in the dryer for 30 minutes.  Clothes come out clean and smelling fresh.  They also come with a stain agent.  You may still need to iron some of the clothing, but think of the cost saving.  Also, some dry clean only fabrics are ok to wash on delicate and hang to dry or tumble dry low.

Car Washes
Ten dollars and 10 seconds later your car is sparkling clean, but that $10 each week could be cutting into your budget.  Again, you have two options, and they both are “do-it-yourself.”  Instead of pulling into the wash, drive to the do-it-yourself side and for just $2-$4 and a few more minutes, you can scrub and rinse your car just as good if not better than the machine.  The other option, you guessed it, do it at home with some soap and a hose.  Don’t bother with the expensive squeegees and brushes, old rags and towels work just as good. 

Around the House
One thing that I’ve done recently is pay a friend rather than a pro to help around the house.  If you have a friend or family member who has recently been laid off of work and/or could really use some extra money, why not have them come clean the house or paint rather than pay a pro.  You’ll be saving money and helping out at the same time. 

Other suggestions to cutting out extra expenses that we’ve discussed in the SaveItUp blog before are: brew coffee at home and pack your lunch.