With layoffs growing and the economy still heading in a downward spiral, many people are seeking advice from those who lived through harder times.
While there are a lot of valuable lessons you can learn from your grandparents, it's important to remember that we live in a different era in which there are a lot of everyday expenses they never had.
This is not an excuse that allows you to avoid getting your finances in order, but a reminder that budgets today tend to have more expenses than they had in years past. That being said, there are plenty of simple ways to save money and even some drastic ones for those willing to truly sacrifice. Here are some expenses you will likely find in your budget that previous generations didn't have to consider.
Cable or satellite TV: There was a time, not too long ago, when TV was free. There were a limited number of channels from the major broadcast networks as well as some local channels. Cable and satellite TV changed all that. A basic package of TV channels costs $240 a year, while premium packages can run over $1,200. There are ways to trim this cost, although you probably won't be willing to give it up completely even though doing so could be worth $1 million.
Internet: Internet access costs at least $120 a year for even the cheapest service and $600 for those who want decent speed. Although this bill is something past generations didn't have, it's actually possible to come out ahead if you use it correctly to take advantage of the money-saving opportunities it offers.
Movie rentals: These days you can see practically any movie you want at home. All you need is a membership at a movie-rental shop or a monthly subscription to a service like Netflix (Stock Quote: NFLX) to have the movies delivered to your home by mail. While this is a cost your grandparents didn't have, it can actually be relatively inexpensive if it keeps you from spending money in other ways.
