Weaning Off of Cash Advances

A cheap cash advance is perfect for occasional use, but you should avoid becoming dependent on these kinds of loans. Read on for suggestions on how to save hundreds of dollars each month and wean yourself off of cash advances by doing so.

• Trim your grocery bill. If you find yourself looking for an affordable cash advance to buy groceries, it's time to trim the fat from your grocery bill. For quick savings, shop only once per week, don't drink bottled water, and avoid pricey organic foods.
• Get rid of a car or two. Cars can be money pits, particularly if you have several of them. You might end up borrowing a cheap cash advance just to pay for gas, insurance premiums, or basic maintenance. If you have two or more cars, consider downsizing to one.
• Slash commuting costs. Your commute is probably responsible for the bulk of your fuel expenses, which may lead to a cash advance dependency just to keep your car gassed up for work. Think about carpooling or taking mass transit instead.
• Don't underestimate renting and borrowing. Cheap cash advances are so often used to purchase items that could've just as easily been rented or borrowed for a fraction of the cost. Before you buy something, think about if you'll use it enough to warrant the purchase.
• Cut your phone costs. Paying urgent phone and utility bills is one of the most common uses of a cheap cash advance. You can cut the costs of your phone bill by eliminating your land line and switching your cell phone to a family plan. The other people on the plan don't have to be family members; you can use friends and roommates as well.
• Learn to use savings instead of loans. You'll never be able to wean off of cash advances unless you have a convenient alternative at the ready. Dipping into savings won't cost you anything in interest, whereas even a cheap cash advance will have significant interest charges. Start saving as much as you can from each paycheck.
• Work on your insurance premiums. Insurance premiums are one of those periodic expenses that people tend to forget about, which often leads to an urgent need for a cash advance. You can either change your payment plan to a monthly schedule or you can raise your deductibles, drop certain coverages, and switch carriers to save money on premiums.