To free up more money to pay down his credit card debt, James should consider cutting back on other expenses.
Here's a breakdown of the options:
- Complete income statements every month: This is important for tracking finances but won't directly free up money.
- Pay less in rent: While lowering rent can help, it may not be feasible immediately without moving.
- Start contributing to his 401(k): This would decrease his net income even more, not help him pay off debt.
- Cut back on other expenses: This is the most effective way to free up additional funds. By reviewing non-essential expenses (like entertainment or food), James can find areas to reduce spending.
Thus, the best response for James is to cut back on other expenses.