If you’re like most people, one of your least favorite things is looking at all of the bills that are due before the month is over. From basic utilities to luxuries, they add up quickly. However, it’s possible to lessen the tension you feel by closely monitoring where your money goes each month.

It’s quite likely you’ll find there are expenses you can eliminate just by considering how necessary they really are, in the big picture. There are also a couple changes you can make that may result in big savings quickly, with next- to- no discomfort.

Consider your cell phone costs, for instance. Most cell providers- and even some phones themselves- provide detailed data on how much of each aspect of your service is being used each month. Tracking your- and your family’s- usage over a few months period will reveal if you’re paying your provider for more service than you need. If you discover you are, you can save money almost instantly by switching plans.

Another way to save money, in the long term, is by paying more on your credit card debt. That may take a bit of budget adjustment, but it will save you a great deal in interest payments in the end. Then again, if you’ve adjusted your phone plan, you could use the savings there to pay down your credit card.