If you need to save money (and who doesn’t?) you can find some simple ways to do it – ways that won’t cause undue hardship or make you feel like you’re going without. In addition to finding easy sources for some quick cash, you can also follow the tips below to make your dollar stretch further without feeling the least deprived:
1. Turn your thermostat down or up just one degree.
Turn your thermostat up in the summer, and down in the winter by just a single degree. You probably won’t even notice the temperature difference, but you’ll save some significant money.
2. Unplug most appliances when you’re not using them.
Most appliances that don’t need to be plugged in permanently (microwaves, televisions, etc.) draw a low but continuous “phantom” amount of energy all the time, even when you think they are “off.” Unplugging them when not in use is one of the great simple ways to save money, since you won’t even notice the change.
3. Plan your energy usage.
If your utility company charges you more for usage during “peak” times, plan energy-intensive tasks like washing dishes or laundry for “off-peak” times.
4. Comparison shop.
Comparison shop before you buy anything to get the best price. The Internet makes it easy to figure out who’s got the best price for a particular item, so you can decide when and where to buy it.
5. Plan, make a list, and stick to it when you grocery shop.
Plan your meals ahead and then buy the ingredients for them to last the week. Make a list and stick to it when you grocery shop. Don’t go when you’re hungry, and don’t give in to impulse buys.
6. Make it and take it.
Start bringing your lunch from home to work if you don’t already. Similarly, don’t buy coffee at your local specialty coffee shop, and instead bring that from home, too.
7. Check in your closet before you buy new.
Organise your closet so that you know what you have and can put an outfit together quickly when you are in a rush. You may be surprised at which clothing items you already have if you take the time to sort through everything.
8. Reuse or repair.
It’s tempting to simply toss something that’s torn or broken and buy new, but not so fast. It’s quite possible that what’s broken can be easily fixed. Look into repairing it yourself or getting it repaired before you replace it to save money.
9. Walk, bike, or use public transportation instead of driving when you can – and keep those tires inflated.
You’ll save significant money on gasoline, get some exercise, and will feel good about the fact that you’re helping the environment — and it’s one of the simple ways to save money. If you must drive, make sure your car is in good repair and that your tires are properly inflated. It’s unsafe to drive with low tires and you’ll spend more on gasoline, too.
10. Get rid of subscriptions and other payments for things you don’t use.
If you thought that gym membership was a good idea once but now you’d rather spend some time on yoga and/or a walk around the neighbourhood instead, don’t keep paying for it or for other things you don’t use. This is among the easiest of the simple ways to save money, because all it requires is a little discipline to actually get the job done. When you don’t have these things anymore, you won’t miss them – because you never did anyway.
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