Every day it seems there’s something that you need to do that costs money. The good news is that there are so many ways to reduce the costs of your purchases and services with a little effort and (sometimes) muscle-power on your part.
Moving
Any move, even going a short distance, can cost a lot of money. Whether you decide to use a professional company like Allied movers or rent a truck and make the move on your own there are still ways to reduce the final cost. First, try to schedule the move during the offseason, between October and February, and during the week. This can save you hundreds or more. Additionally, opt to pack the boxes on your own and visit your local supermarket to acquire the boxes for free.
Car Repairs
Nobody likes to part with money to fix their vehicles. Unfortunately, they will require repairs from time to time, especially if you own an older vehicle. Thankfully, you can still save money on repairs by planning ahead. Pay attention to your vehicle. If you hear a funny noise or feel a vibration and know that somethings not quite right, take it in sooner rather than later to get it checked out. The longer you wait to have your car repaired the better chance you stand at receiving a higher bill. The reason for this is that usually when something goes wrong it starts out as a minor repair and if left unfixed for any length of time turns into a major repair.
Food Shopping
Food shopping for some people is done without thought. They simply pick up what they need and a few items they want from the same store weekly, pay for them and then head home. This is all fine and dandy if you don’t mind wasting your hard-earned money needlessly. However, if you want to spend less there are many ways to do so. First, forget the loyalty to one store. Instead, make a list of the things you need and then gather up the weekly flyers from all the local supermarkets to see who’s offering the best prices for the things you need. You may need to stop at several stores in a single day to acquire the savings, however, it’s well worth your time invested. To save even more, go to one of the many online sites like RedPlum or the Krazy Coupon Lady and print coupons for free. Many of these sites also have coupons for clothing and dining out too.
Ways to Save Money Around the Home
Believe it or not, there are literally hundreds of ways to save money each day, and many of them are easier than you might imagine. For starters, use your appliances like the washer, dryer, and dishwasher after peak hours, usually after 8 o’clock at night. When doing a load of laundry or dishes make sure that load is full. Upgrade your bathroom to include a low-flow shower head that also gives you the option of pausing the water while washing up. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. Additionally, unplug appliances and electronics at night before going to bed and turn your thermostat down a couple of degrees and your air conditioning up a couple of degrees during their peak seasons of use.
Spend Less Away From Home
Many people spend a lot of extra money each week going to work. They buy a coffee on the way to the office, buy lunch and then a snack or two. Instead, try making your coffee at home and purchasing a heavy-duty thermos that keeps it fresh and hot for up to 12 hours and brown bag your lunch, leaving Friday open as the day you treat yourself to lunch out. Just those few chances can save you hundreds of dollars in a single month.
Living a comfortable lifestyle doesn’t have to consume a large portion of your extra money. If you shop around, use coupons and make subtle, yet cost-effective changes, you can save a lot of money yearly that you can use for a vacation, a new car or something you’ve wanted for a long time.
