These days, it seems like everyone is struggling to make ends meet. Whether you are working on a tight budget or just trying to cut costs in your day-to-day life, there are many ways that you can save money at home. When you’re saving money, there are a few things that come to mind. First, of course, you think of the usual suspects: skip trips to Starbucks and bring your own coffee; pack lunch instead of eating out; drink water instead of soda or juice. But what about some more subtle changes? Here are 20 of the best tips for saving cash without sacrificing quality or convenience.
Batch Cook
Save time by cooking meals ahead of time and freezing them. It’s easy enough to cook an extra batch of soup when you have more free time during the weekend, but why not prep food throughout the week too? You could even prepare snacks if kids were eating dinner before their parents got home from work. Freeze individual servings so they won’t take up valuable freezer space while waiting until needed.
Discount Grocers
Save money on your grocery bill by shopping at discount grocers. Many large supermarket chains now offer low-cost options for people trying to pinch pennies. In addition, many smaller markets with a focus on organic produce also carry lower-priced conventional products. If these stores aren’t feasible for you, consider looking into local farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs that let consumers buy directly from growers in their area.
Ditch The Label
Save money by considering basic appliances instead of more expensive models. While it is easy to be tempted by the bells and whistles offered by some advanced kitchen items, buying high-end appliances can actually cost more over time than simply choosing less complicated versions that will last just as long. And probably have fewer issues too. Just because an appliance costs more doesn’t mean it will last longer or work better.
Home Safety Updates
Save money on energy bills with home safety updates. Installing new windows, doors, insulation systems, or other waterproofing methods for your house could help you save hundreds of dollars each year in heating/cooling costs while ensuring everyone stays safe at home. It’s worth consulting a professional before tackling any major construction projects yourself, though, since some home updates may require permits or licenses to complete. Also, save money on household bills by going paperless wherever possible.
Cut The Cable
Wireless plans and the cost associated with them can add up quickly—and they’re entirely unnecessary if you don’t need a landline anymore. Also, consider removing cable from your monthly expenses list too. Streaming services like Netflix are usually much cheaper than paid TV channels, especially if you’re looking for a way to watch TV without cable.
Lighting Savings
Save money on lighting costs by taking advantage of natural sunlight. Invest in some light-blocking curtains and brighten the day (and your wallet) by setting them facing west during morning hours. Then letting sunshine stream into rooms through windows that face east or south later in the afternoon/evening when it’s time to start cooking dinner, doing homework, etc. If spending less is more important than having a warm setting for your home, consider adding a few energy-efficient LED lightbulbs around the house as well.
Planning Makes Groceries Cheaper
Save money on groceries by making lists before going shopping. Taking stock of what you have at home will help prevent unnecessary trips back to stores. So make sure you know how much food is currently available before heading out. Also, keep an eye out for discount codes, coupons, and promotions before you shop too. Grocery stores like Loblaws or Walmart often provide extra savings on certain days of the week—just check their sites to find out what’s available.
Special Saving On Self-care
Save money with self-care. While it’s easy enough to use sale signs as a reason to impulse buy things you don’t really need, that same instinct can be used to your advantage in the beauty department. By stocking up on items like shampoo and conditioner when they’re on special at Ulta or Walmart, you’ll always have them around—meaning less time spent running back for refills.
Coupons Saving
Stop throwing away money and use coupons. While it might seem like one extra step, clipping coupons and organizing them in a binder is actually an easy way to make sure you’re always getting the best deals.
Ditch The Paper Towels
Save money by eliminating paper towels. Switching over from disposable napkins can save hundreds per year—especially if they’re regularly used for cleaning too. There are many low-cost options for eco-friendly paper towels that you can keep in the house, including reusable cloths made from fabric.
Save On Energy
Save money by switching to an energy company with a fixed rate. If your plans involve keeping appliances on all day long or using power equipment around the clock (like air conditioner units), choosing a provider who charges one consistent price instead of adjusting it based on usage is key to saving big bucks. Or, if you want to take the plunge, look up a solar company and install solar panels. It might seem expensive initially, but you will come out on top of the cost-saving game in the long run.
Shop Around For The Best Car Finance Deal
The same idea also applies when shopping for a new car. First, find out which companies offer the best financing deals and then compare them to what’s available from other lenders.
Bundling Up
Save money by bundling up. In an ideal world, every household would have access to fast internet service that could be used at any time. But this isn’t always possible if you’re living somewhere where service is limited. By bundling the internet with the cable or satellite TV service you already have, you can get access to faster speeds than what’s available elsewhere for a lower price. And save hundreds per year in the process.
Savings With DIY
Save money by making it yourself. While going DIY doesn’t make sense for everything (like product purchases or auto repairs), it’s an easy way to save cash by making your own food, cleaning products, and even some personal care items like deodorant.
Thrifting Chic
Save money on clothes. Shopping for new clothing at thrift shops is not just more sustainable; it’s also better value. Even the most expensive brands are typically available secondhand for up to 75% less than what you would pay in a store. And while some items will need some repairs or alterations before wearing, others require little-to-no work at all.
Comparing Online
Save money by comparison shopping. Taking your time and doing research can help you spend less on any purchase. Especially if there’s only one retailer where you live who offers the product that you want. By checking online to see whether other stores sell something cheaper (or offer free shipping), you could save yourself quite a bit over time without having to sacrifice quality or convenience.
Stop Food Waste
Save money by getting rid of food waste. According to recent studies, up to 40% of all food in the US is wasted every year after it leaves farms because retailers don’t process or display certain items correctly, or consumers end up refrigerating things for too long before eating them. If this seems like an enormous amount, keep in mind that much more ends up being thrown away at home after people buy more than they need and don’t use it all up before the expiration date. Try to avoid this by planning meals ahead of time, keeping track of what you have in your pantry and fridge (and using a shopping list), and checking out apps like Leftover Swap that connect users with others who want to take their unneeded food off their hands.
Combined Trips
Another great way to save is to combine errands together, so you don’t have to drive everywhere for one thing. For example, grocery shop while getting your oil changed instead of making two separate trips.
Reuse And Save
Reuse things like plastic containers for storing food instead of running out to buy more Tupperware. Or try using mason jars as drinking glasses; they make great vases too! Don’t let anything go to waste when there are so many creative ways around buying something brand-new every single time.
Repair It Now And Save
Save money at home by taking a look around. Is there anything that needs to be repaired, updated, or maintained? If so, take care of it as soon as possible. For example, a leaking roof can lead to major water damage and mold growth if not taken care of quickly enough. While waiting for the perfect time might seem like an easy way out, this isn’t always the best option because “the right time” doesn’t usually happen on its own. You have to make it yourself. If you are thinking, “I can’t afford to do all of these things now,” think about your future. How long will it be before the home is no longer safe for your family?
