When you’re looking at your budget and trying to figure out where to cut back and save a little cash, it can be a stressful process to eliminate things. I’m the queen of telling myself “I need that!” It’s true when budgeting, and it’s true when I’m shopping (which is why I don’t let myself go shopping alone).

If you have this problem of trying to decide where you can make cutbacks on your own spending, you might want to consider not only rethinking what you need, but also where you’re getting it. Times, technology and the way we’re living life in general these days has changed pretty drastically from even 10 years ago – and there are ways to take advantage of these changes by reworking your approach to some of your basic (okay, some are frivolous) needs.

1. Books and newspapers

Yes, it’s true that I recently wrote that books are on the list of things worth splurging on (maybe add a link to that article? — will do) – but they belong on this list too. Books really are wonderful investments, and throwing your money at the continued education of you and your family is something that will never be wasted. However, books are a splurge. And if you don’t have the extra money to spend, you can absolutely live without buying books. Well, I’m not sure that I can but we’re not talking about my personal used book addiction right now. Instead, opt for trips to the library instead.

Along those same lines, newspapers and periodicals follow the same rule. Most are available online for free, at least in a condensed form. Even if the entirety of the publication isn’t completely free, it’s usually cheaper to subscribe to the online version than print. Plus, you’re saving paper and helping the environment!

2. Multiple cars…or any car at all

Many families find that when times are tough, they not only have to make minor adjustments to the ways they spend their money, but they have to completely rethink how they structure their lives. Frequently, this comes with the switch to fewer cars. And why not? Automotive expenses are major – if you can eliminate them, you’ve seriously altered your financial situation.

The big misconception is the belief that you can’t live without a car. It’s absolutely possible! Cities are catching on to the idea that more and more people are choosing to live a car free lifestyle; bike lanes are popping up, and public transportation systems are getting facelifts. It takes some getting used to, but the savings therein make this a budget-cut that is totally worth it. Plus, all the extra walking and biking will give you built-in workouts.

3. Phones

Okay, most of you are probably already onboard with this idea: landlines are out. Not even my very-stuck-in-her-ways mother has a landline anymore. Since it’s practically impossible to survive without a cell phone these days (I swear, my 6-year-old niece has one), people are increasingly choosing to use their mobile device as their primary means of communication. Unless you’re one of those people who, for business reasons, absolutely can’t be without a home phone, this is one bill that you can just go ahead and get rid of.

4. TV

Here’s another tip for catching up with the times: TV is on the way out. Even the television industry knows it; they’re falling all over themselves trying to figure out how to determine viewership and show ratings when so many people are now watching shows online, instead of on television. Between websites like Hulu.com and Netflix.com, where you can watch new and old shows and movies for free or for a small fee, having a TV is so last century. Not only is it free, but you are no longer a slave to programming schedules; watch what you want, when you want. Even if you keep your TV, you could very well cancel your cable service. I haven’t had a TV in years and, trust me, I’m still totally addicted to my favorite shows. Now I just watch them for free, at my leisure, on my computer.

See? None of these changes are that intense. And none of them will diminish your quality of life. The thing is that many of us were raised during a time of greater economic comfort and we got used to thinking we needed to spend more. It’s time for a subtle lifestyle shift in order to save money where we can – and in the end, these changes are often a lot more fun.

How have you cut back?

People everywhere are getting creative about making cutbacks on their spending and modifying their habits to save a little extra cash. How have you been getting frugal in your own life? Share your tips with others!