More and more people seem to be struggling with their finances and have less in the bank at the end of the month. It could be due to the rising cost of living or be a sign that they need to change jobs. Perhaps you are personally concerned about your everyday expenses and are looking for some helpful tips on saving money. If that’s the case read on, because this article has been tailor-made for you!
Get Help From The Internet
One of the best ways to save money on everyday expenses is by getting discounts and coupons online. You can either go directly to coupon sites or sign up for newsletters from stores (where you frequently shop) so that they email discounts straight to your inbox. Also look for things like New Year sales, end-of-season sales, flash sales and Black Friday weekend. There are websites that can provide you with bargain train tickets, and they do this by finding split tickets to get you up to 90% off your fare. It’s common for such sites to give you additional tips such as booking early, using a railcard or traveling off-peak.
With price comparison websites, you can compare prices on items such as clothing, furniture and technology. The information is all in one place so it saves you the hassle of searching each individual company’s website individually. You can find the best deals for anything, including home insurance, car insurance, phone contracts and energy suppliers.
Cancel Some Subscriptions
A cable or streaming service can be great for relaxation, but if you’re not careful the subscriptions (or on-demand costs) will add up quickly. Why not revert to terrestrial TV for a season, and save money? If you’re paying for a fitness membership that’s not being fully utilized, it might be time to cut the cord. Splitting gym passes with family members can also help save money. Also, don’t forget: brisk walking is one of the best ways to stay fit (and it’s free!).
You may also have some magazine subscriptions which you don’t need. It might be time to cancel them or switch over to digital versions, which are available online or via an app on your smartphone. Where you need to continue your monthly subscriptions (e.g. for the internet or your smartphone) regularly check online to ensure you are getting the best deals.
Tighten Your Belt
Make your own coffee at home instead of buying it from the store. Buy a plastic drinks bottle for water rather than buying disposable bottled water. Make your own sarnies at home instead of buying them in the shops each lunchtime.
If you need some clothes, take a look at second-hand stores and charity shops. You might find something amazing that’s in good condition and at a fraction of the cost. Grow your own vegetables or buy them from the farmer’s market instead of in the supermarket.
Be Wise Over Food
This includes buying store brands rather than named (famous) brands. It’s often just as good, and significantly cheaper than national brands. You can save big money on staple items (e.g. milk, eggs, cheese, fruit juice, canned vegetables/fruits) with store-brand counterparts that are priced much lower but that still taste great.
Plan your meals in advance so that you’re shopping is more accurate and you waste fewer ingredients. A great way to save money is to buy in bulk anything that you use frequently (or that has a long shelf life). Many stores put the price per unit at a lower rate if you buy more units rather than just one or two. It’s wise to make larger meals than you need (e.g. chili con carne, curry, bolognese, stew) and freeze some for later.
Be Wise Over Transport
One of the biggest expenses a person has is transport, especially in cities where owning a vehicle can be expensive. If you walk or cycle for short journeys you will save money on fuel and parking, and get fit in the process. If you own two cars, consider selling one to generate some extra cash and reduce your ongoing bills.
Never drive when public transportation will suffice, as this could save you time and money. It can be less stressful than driving through busy streets as well. Combine errands into one trip whenever possible, as this will save money on fuel. Try carpool and share rides in South Florida whenever possible for work or regular social events.
Watch Your Energy Usage
Be sure to check your appliances and make sure they are energy efficient. Older versions tend to use more energy (and therefore cost more to run) for cooling or heating your home. If you have aging white goods, it’s wise to replace your fridges, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers.
Take shorter showers instead of baths to reduce water usage each month. It’s possible to install toilets and showerheads that use are designed to use less water each time. If you are using old incandescent bulbs, swapping them out for LED bulbs in your home will reduce your energy costs – plus they will last longer. Don’t let standby lights on devices run if you aren’t using them – switch them off at the wall. This includes televisions, wireless speakers, computers, music systems, phone chargers etc.
Generate Some Money
You may have some things you no longer need or use, in which case you could sell them online. If they are in good working order, check out sites like eBay. Another option is to have a side hustle. This could be anything from using your car to deliver takeaways to using it as a taxi. If you love dogs, there are people who pay others to walk them.
Hopefully, this article has given you some inspiration on how to save money on your bills. You may need to be wiser with your shopping or make a few sacrifices. Perhaps you should have a staycation this year rather than going abroad. Once you’ve made some changes your finances will reap the benefit and all the hard work will have been worthwhile.
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