Five Simple Ways To Save On Household Expenses

Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Household expenses can quickly add up. From groceries to minor repairs to major appliances, it doesn't take long to notice a dent in your wallet. But there are ways to deal with the stress of paying the bills and other home expenses. I'm sharing some money-saving tips I've learned over the years to help you stretch your dollar.


Price Check and Compare
The internet makes it very easy and convenient to price check and do competitor comparisons. I price check just about everything from the weekly food shop to the car insurance to appliances. You want to get the best deal on everything you are buying, and the best way to do that is to be well informed. But, be careful. Do research on reputable sites and stores. There are scams out there, and you don't want to be a victim of one of them. Make sure you’re buying from a brand or store you trust. And if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

View Savings As An Income
Remember the proverb "A penny saved is a penny earned". I like to think of money saved as income. When I save $10 at the grocery store, that $10 becomes gas money or coffee money. What you save, you ultimately earn.

Create and Stick To A Budget
The best way to make sure you’re saving money is to create a budget. If you don’t have one, it's difficult to track and follow your spending. Take everything into account from your mortgage, food shopping, car insurance, tax, dining out, clothing, etc. Then work out how much you should have left over each month. If you end up having less regularly, adjust your budget to match what you are actually saving, then try to increase it.

If you want to make sure you’ve got money for a rainy day, treat saving as a bill you have to pay each month. Just take a little cash out at the end of each month and put it in another account. That way, you’ll always have some money if you ever need it.

Evaluate Your Energy Saving Options
I try my best to conserve energy around the home. But I’m not great at it. I tend to leave the water running while I brush my teeth, and I often have the heat on a setting that’s far too high in the winter. And I’m a sucker for a long, hot shower. All those little things can add up to larger expenses. By making a few small cut backs, you can save some money. If it's an option where you live, look into switching electric companies. You’ll be saving cash without having to make major changes in your lifestyle.

Use Coupons And Vouchers
I am a dedicated coupon clipper. In addition to my Sunday newspaper, I look online for vouchers and coupons whenever I buy anything. There are blogs dedicated to providing you with the latest info on coupons, sales, and special promotions. There are websites that are updated with the latest and greatest deals. Check the small print before you sign up for any of these sites, and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting and under what conditions you’re getting it. Remember, coupons are only saving you money if you will actually use the products you are buying. Many people fall into the trap of using coupons for the sake of saving money with no intention of making good use of what they have purchased.

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