When faced with a budget issue, we often look for ways to save money on our biggest expenses. We might consider refinancing a mortgage or car loan, or negotiating with our credit card issuers for lower payments and interest. Getting a no credit check loan might be better for you if you have bad credit. These strategies can work, but sometimes they result in paying more in the long run. And in many cases simply cutting costs around the house will save us just as much money, if not more. Here are some ways to do that:
* Cut down on your electricity usage. Turn lights and televisions off when you’re not in the room, use the power saver settings on your computer, and switch to energy-saving bulbs. It’s also smart to hook your electronics up to a power strip and turn it off at night or while no one is home. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save on your electric bill with these simple steps.
* Cook meals instead of just popping something from the frozen section in the oven (or worse yet, ordering takeout). It will take a little extra time, but it can save you a whole lot of money each month. And if you really don’t have the energy to cook after a long day at work, you can always put something in the slow cooker in the morning so that it will be ready in the evening.
* Make sure your home is properly insulated and install weatherstripping if needed. This may require a small investment, but it will pay for itself quickly by saving you money on your heating and cooling bills.
* Stop buying cleaners from the store and start using items from the kitchen cabinet. Vinegar is great for cleaning windows and disinfecting surfaces. If your windows are drafty, repairing residential window glass should be one of your priorities if you have cold weather, no sense in heating the outside. Baking soda is excellent for scrubbing dishes and sinks and deodorizing carpets. Mix them together, and you have a highly effective drain cleaner.
* Wash your clothes in cold water and hang them out to dry. If you don’t have room for a clothesline, you can find foldable clothes dryers for both indoor and outdoor use in discount stores. If you have to dry indoors, place your clothes near a heat vent to speed drying.
* Instead of renting movies for movie night, borrow them from your local library. You might not find that hot new release, but most libraries have a good selection of DVDs to choose from. And it won’t cost you a dime as long as you return them on time.
These methods of saving money are quite simple, but they are also much more powerful than most people think. If you’re not convinced, try them for a month and keep track of your savings. When you see how much of a difference they make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them much sooner!
Reference: Advanced Construction Services.
I love renting movies from the library. It is such a great tip and there are usually tons of options.