When times are tough and the belt needs tightening people always see it as an impossible task that is an uphill battle. They see it from the most extreme point of view rather than taking small measures to save a few bucks here and there
The funny thing is that some of the best money-saving hacks are simple, and sitting right under your nose, in your home and in your current habits lies a goldmine of extra cash. While this may sound too good to be true, we guarantee that you will save money by putting these actions into practice.
To help you out we’ve rounded up a list of household savings tips that aren’t time intensive or complicated but can reap great rewards in the long run.
In the Home
1. Make DIY Nontoxic Cleaner
Make an inexpensive, all-natural, all-purpose household cleaner by loosely filling a heat-resistant glass container with leftover citrus peels, then adding equal parts boiling water and white vinegar. Cover and let it sit for a week before straining it into spray bottles.
2. Relax for Less
Rather than pay for relaxation, find other cheaper ways to unwind. Try meditation, reading, napping, or an affordable hobby instead of old habits that cost more, like shopping online or mixing up expensive cocktails.
3. Entertain Over Brunch Instead of Dinner
Brunch items are often cheaper to prepare than dinner for guests (think French toast vs. expensive steaks). You’ll also save on alcohol, as people are less likely to drink as much.
4. Repurpose & recycle
Transform old items to make instant new decor. Ideas include recovering old chairs, updating cabinet hardware, repainting furniture, and using old bottles as shelf decor.
5. Recycle for Cash
There are many programs out there which work with your waste haulier to give rewards for regular recycling. Sort out your refuse into cardboard, paper, plastic and glass and sell it for some extra cash to the correct institutions.
6. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Most detergents work just as well in cold water as they do in hot. Save energy costs and switch to cold when you can.
In the Kitchen
7. Organize and use your pantry
Keeping a well-organized food pantry means you are less likely to buy things you don’t need or let items go past their expiration dates. Like a good episode of Food Network’s “Chopped,” you should also make sure to use all items in your pantry, too.
8. Drink discount wines
Shop your local wine store for great promotions and sales. Most decent stores have a section of their favourite budget picks or advertise weekly promotions from new wineries.
9. Don’t by self-prepared meals
Everyone knows that you pay more at the grocery store for produce that’s already prepared, like those little bags of shredded carrots — but do you actually avoid them?
Given the minimal time involved and the difference in price compared to buying whole carrots and shredding them yourself, you’re paying someone else a bundle just to do several minutes of work. Buy the cheaper, unprepared versions of all produce and stop being lazy.
10. Be your own barista
We all know how much coffee shops can cost, so brew your own at home and take a to-go mug with you in the morning. Invest in small hand-frothers, syrups, or just use cinnamon or other common flavourings to fancy things up
11. Stop buying bottled water
Install a sink filter or get a Brita filter or other similar unit. It will save lots of dollars over the lifetime of use and is better for the environment than bottled.
12. Eat leftovers
Don’t let leftovers sit in the fridge only to hit the trash. Learn to spruce up leftovers to stretch your dollar and make your weekly cooking even easier
13. Ignore ‘Sell By’ dates
It helps to start ignoring “sell-by” and “use-by” dates. They are not federally regulated and do not indicate safety, except on certain baby foods. Expiry dates are simply suggestions, and a lot of foods can last for 15 days after those dates. When in doubt, throw it in the freezer to get the most out of it.
In the garden
14. Start a vegetable garden
The growing movement to replace costly, high-maintenance lawns with veggie-producing garden space has even taken root at the White House.
Google “grow food, not lawns” for tips on how to supplement your grocery budget and reduce lawn care costs by starting an eco-friendly yard garden.
15. Save The Rainwater
Installing a rain barrel to provide water for your lawn and garden can save you a barrel full of money on your water bills. Conserving water is always the eco-friendly thing to do, and many municipal governments now offer tax and other incentives to encourage homeowners to reduce stormwater runoff.
For more tips on how to save on water check out our post – Tips To Reduce Your Water Bill
In the store
16. Buy Generic
There are great savings to be had with certain generic brands in every supermarket. Often the generic options are just as good, if not better, than some of their pricier brand-name counterparts. In fact, many stores or “private label” brands are manufactured by the same companies that make the name brands.
For more on how to save on your shopping check out our post – 12 Ways To Save When On Your Grocery Shopping
17. Curb the Takeout
Cooking at home, rather than ordering that all-too-easy take-out, really will help you save.
18. Start buying rechargeable batteries
If you burn through batteries frequently, then it’s time to make the switch to rechargeable. You’ll end up saving in the long run by ditching the disposables.
19. Buy Certain Things in Bulk
Check the per unit price at warehouse clubs and supermarkets to get the best deals per unit when buying in bulk. Avoid buying fresh items and dairy in bulk unless you intend to use them immediately.
Out and about
20. Use Public Transportation
If you live in the city you know the difference of a subway ride vs. paying for a cab. Even if you live out in the burbs, public rails can save a bundle on commutes.
Manage your debt effectively
If you still need help with your savings and you’re feeling overwhelmed by your current financial situation, feel free to contact us. To Speak to one our consultants about debt review contact us here.