
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
With prices for gas, food, and utilities rising faster than wages, finding creative ways to save more money has never been more important. Below are seven easy ways to save money that don’t require a major lifestyle change, leaving more money for the important things in life.
1) Upgrade your heating and electricity infrastructure
While upgrading your heating and electrical systems has an upfront cost, it will reduce the amount you spend on utilities long term. In terms of lighting, LED light bulbs are a must to lower your level of electricity consumption.
Modern heating oil tanks are built to heat your boiler efficiently and safely, without any leaking. You’ll also want to upgrade your insulation if it’s lacking, as without this, your home will lose heat more quickly than it should.
Making these upgrades will also increase the value of your home when you go to sell.
2) Plan grocery shopping around sales
Thanks to globalization and trade agreements, many have gotten used to having all types of produce year-round. While it may require a little bit of compromise, try to purchase ingredients for meals based on which items are discounted at the shop.
The further your produce travels, the more expensive it is likely to be. While you may have to give up certain fruits in the middle of the winter to save some money, it will make the months when you can buy it more locally even more enjoyable.
3) Use electricity less
There’s no doubt that the invention of the light bulb was groundbreaking. No longer were people restricted to working only when the sun was out, but they also allowed people to travel safely at night.
Although light and electricity are essential, you are likely using them more than you need to. Ensure that you only turn on a light when you truly need to. Try lighting a couple of candles in the evening to create a cozy ambiance instead of flipping a switch, and you’ll be surprised how much lower your utility bill is. It’s also a good idea to unplug appliances, televisions, and computers when you’re not using them.
4) Get a programmable thermostat
One of several ways to reduce your utility bill is by optimizing your heating usage. One way to do this is by purchasing a thermostat that allows you to set different programs. As long as you have a warm duvet, you don’t need your home to be 21 degrees while you sleep. Similarly, if you work outside of the home, set your thermostat to a lower temperature during the day.
Some thermostats on the market today can also be connected to your phone. The benefit of this is that if you forget to change the program on your thermostat when you go on holiday, you can easily remedy this from your destination.
5) Look for fuel-efficient transportation
There’s no doubt that owning a car isn’t good for your wallet or the environment. Despite this, it is an essential purchase for many families. If your current vehicle is a gas guzzler and requires continued maintenance, trade it in for a more reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle.
Though they have a reputation for being boring, Honda Civics are a great option. If you purchase one that’s only a few years old, you’ll save money on upfront costs and have it for decades to come with very few issues.
6) Check out second-hand stores first
The convenience of ordering online is difficult to pass up. While you can find the product you want right from the comfort of your own home, you’ll also pay a higher price tag. Instead, visit local vintage stores, consignment stores, and antique shops in your area first. You may just find something even better than what you’ve been able to find online.
Purchasing from charity shops is also more sustainable while also making sure your purchase goes towards someone in need. For more selection, you can also check out online consignment stores, such as ThredUp.
7) Use cashback sites, apps, and extensions
Though charity shops are a great place to start your search, you won’t always be able to find what you need. In these cases, if you have to make a purchase online, use a cashback site. TopCashBack is a popular cashback site that offers high savings on over 4000 popular online retailers.
Another option is adding the Honey extension to your browser. This free extension will scan the internet for discount codes and automatically apply the best valid coupon code to your purchase.
Leave a Reply