Saving money around the home is so easy to do, but so few people make the effort. The truth is, we all waste money here and there with everyday living, but most of us don’t notice. If you don’t take notice of where you’re losing cash, it’s easy to say goodbye to a big chunk of your money over time.
Thankfully, I’m a bit of a money-saving loon so I’ve got all the good tips for saving. Even things that never crossed your mind!
Hacks for Saving Money Around the Home
I always think the simplest money saving tips are the best ones. No one wants to put loads of effort in for little return. In fact, most people want to put minimal effort in for a huge return (which isn’t usually something you can do – sorry!)
These tips will show you small changes you can make that will add up over time.
Go Sim Only
There’s no need to upgrade your phone once your contract runs out. Mobile phones are much more sophisticated these days and will last much more than one or two years like the earlier models of smart phone did. Instead, save money by continuing to use your existing handset and taking on a sim only deal. Places like SIMOnly.Deals are a great place to find a bargain.
Make Sure You’re Using Your Heating Efficiently
These are a few tips for the price of one. Making sure you’re heating your house is efficiently can be done in many ways. If you live in an old house, upgrading your heating might be a necessity.
If this is home you’re planning to live in for a long time, it’s better to spend money early on to be efficient down the line. Something like replacing your boiler might seem like a large outlay, but if you’re planning on being in it for the long-term, it’ll only save you cash. It is also best that you take into account the boiler installation cost, which you can read in this guide by Boiler Central.
Another way of ensuring you’re heating your home efficiently is to make sure that heat you’re creating isn’t escaping. Are all your windows closed? Do you have draught excluders under every door? Is your home properly insulated? Checking and fixing all of these things will help save the planet as well as money in your pocket.
Search for Freebies
We live in a very giving time. Bills are going up faster than wages, and those who can give seem to be very generous. People are getting very generous on apps like Facebook marketplace, and Olio. You could join your local ‘buy nothing’ group and see what people are giving away (and what you can give in return!) It’s also worth checking sites for freebies for your local area, for example craigslist seattle.
Only Use Necessary Appliances
This one might seem penny pinching, but I never use my oven unless absolutely necessary. If I have a lower-energy appliance that will do the job instead, then I’ll use that. For example, my halogen oven is more efficient than my regular oven so I’ll use that to make simple things like chips etc. It might not seem like a lot but over time you’ll save a bundle (and your oven might last longer too!)
Don’t Waste Food
As a mum, wasting food is one of my bugbears. I try not to over-buy. I try not to over-cook. With faddy kids I never quite get them to empty their plates but I do my best. When it comes to the grown ups, if I know I’ve made too much of something, it doesn’t get served up. It either gets saved for another meal (if it qualifies as a meal in itself – eg stew), or gets turned into something else.
Veggies can be blended and added to pasta sauce, meat can make great sandwiches and any veg that are looking close to past their best can be thrown in a quiche. There is always a solution for food that’s surplus.
These tips should get you started on saving money around the home. You’ll soon get the money-saving bug and and find your own ways to reduce your spending.