COST cutting is on the minds of everyone. Many are making adjustments. There have been regular letters and columns on how we can all shave our daily expenses sometimes just by making minor adjustments or just taking the trouble to act.
For instance, after a few phone calls, I finally terminated my Singnet dial-up account which I have been keeping since I first signed up for it. I must have switched to cable about 10 years ago at the very least, But I was paying out a monthly fee for my dial-up account all this while even though I was not using it - all because I was too lazy to make the calls or send out the necessary email to terminate the account. Another couple of calls I made will save me a few dollars every month from next month. I switched my Singtel land line to a Starhub one.
Sometimes it means giving up things we like. A friend of mine has cut his wine consumption from 6 bottles a month to one bottle. I know it is going to be tough for him this Christmas season.
I used to leave my two computers running 24 hours a day but now I shut them down before I leave for work and also at night. I don't know how much it will save me but it would cut the number of hours the computers are kept running by at least 50 per cent.
I also religiously take down the addresses of places where I can get fish, chicken and beef cheap. It has required me to make drives to Woodlands and Jurong East which are not exactly close to my home but I realise the savings can be huge. There is nothing to be shy about trying to get a good deal.
Do you have some good suggestions on how costs can be cut? Post them here.