11: Use A Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are very useful because they allow you to determine and program the temperature of your home throughout the day, without you actually having to be there. As you can imagine, this enables you to save a significant amount of money every month since you use less power to heat or cool your home. For example, if it’s cold outside when you leave for work, you can set the temperature to a lower level since no one will be home. Then, turn on the heat fifteen-minutes before you arrive back at the house to ensure it’s nice and toasty, rather than having it on all day and paying the extra costs.
10: Cut Cable – Switch to Streaming Services
Let’s be honest, here. Television is expensive. Cable, most of all. Many streaming apps offer a very affordable, easy to use alternative to cable television. The great thing about these applications and these tools is, they allow you to do the same things as you would with cable. But, you have more control over the kind of content you are watching. Also, you have a lot less of the stuff that you don’t want, thus you save a significant amount of money!
9: Budget
This is a simple one, but very important. Proper budgeting is an incredibly valuable skill that is often neglected in schools and in public education. However, it always comes in handy. If you learn how to budget properly, take note of your finances , how much you intend to spend, and how much you need to have left after every week/month/year, you’ll find that you’re able to save quite a bit.
8: Buy Things That Are On Sale
There are always sales going on. You just have to look for them. When you go grocery shopping, ask any of the clerks what kinds of things are on sale. Sign up to receive flyers in the mail that tell you what things are on sale each week. These papers are usually for various chains and stores, but if you browse them, you’ll likely find a few things that you do need. And, they’ll be significantly cheaper than they usually are!
7: Make Your Own Meals
Eating out is always enjoyable, but making your own meals can be really fun, too! Especially, if you do it with a friend or with your partner. But, more than that, it saves a considerable amount of money down the line. If you do it consistently, you might save up to one-hundred-dollars in just a week, depending on how often you eat out and how much you usually spend at restaurants and other places. The other big benefit is, if you make your own meals consistently, you’ll become a very good cook. This particular skill has a lot of benefits! One of which is, you’ll learn how to turn any three ingredients into something that tastes great!
6: Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
You can find these light bulbs just about anywhere in the United States. Some of the best ones are Philips, and you want to look for LEDs, because they’re the most energy efficient.
5: Record How Much Money You Spend
For just one-week, record all of the things you spend money on. Add the total up, and then times it by four. That’s how much you spend, on average, every month. The number might shock you, but if you do this, and start budgeting, you’ll be able to save a lot of money.
4: Use Coupons
Just like shopping for things on clearance or on sale, coupons are a great, easy way of saving a little bit at a time! You can find them in magazines, online, and in the catalogs that those stores often send out.
3: Set Up A Side-Business
It’s easier than ever to set up a little online side business and to bring in some extra money every week! You won’t be making a lot of extra money, but every little bit helps!
2: Bey Generic Brand Groceries
Time and time again, we’ve heard that the generic grocery brand that you see at the supermarket is exactly the same as the more expensive brand. With that in mind, compare costs for both. Try out the generic brand because, again, you’ll end up saving money down the line.
1: Set Financial Goals For Yourself
Is there a vacation that you want to take? A new car that you want to buy? What goals and dreams do you have? Write them down, and figure out how much it costs, then work towards that. Save money. Work to earn a little extra. And take actions that ensure you’ll have the money to achieve them!