With reductions in benefits, furloughs and other ways that companies are trying to cut cost many employees will be hit in at least one area. It can be difficult when your paycheck keeps getting smaller. If this is the case then you need to take a moment to assess your budget and find ways to save money as well. In regards to health insurance often premiums are being raised while coverage is being lowered. This means you pay more for the insurance each month and more out-of-pocket when you are sick. You may need to increase the amount you budget for medical expenses each month.

There are always options that we tend to forgot about or brush aside when it comes to cutting costs. You may consider looking at your cell phone plan. Can you decrease your minutes to save money? Are you using mainly the text or data portion of your plan and only a portion of your minutes? Can you adjust your plan or change companies to find a plan that better meets your needs.

What is the biggest area of spending in your budget? Is it your home, your car or an expensive hobby? What can you do to the lower the cost of the top three ways that you spend money each month? You may consider moving to a less expensive apartment. If your car payment is a big drain, could you sell it and get a less expensive car? Instead of an expensive membership, can you save money by paying as you go each week? Do the math and see if that membership actually saves you money.

Often we assume that the big expenses are set expenses. We can't change them. But the simple truth of the matter is that we can. Look at your set expenses and see what you can adjust so that you can continue to save money and get out of debt.

• How to Survive a Furlough
• Looking for Independent Health Insurance
• Budgeting Tips