Finding easy ways to save money around the house is important for many reasons. For one, it can help you in reducing your debt. Any extra savings from reducing utility costs or selling unwanted items can automatically go towards lowering debt payments. Also, if you are not putting money back for an emergency, reducing costs or increasing your income can save you in the long run.
Moreover, actively seeking ways to free up some money can encourage a deeper, improved financial awareness and give you financial resourcefulness, leading to a better lifestyle and habits. Ultimately, it is a good practice to consistently run through your budget, spending habits, and loose-ins inside your home to properly get ahold of your finances. Check out our tips below to get some ideas.
Cheaper Curb Appeal. Designing a less expensive curb appeal can save you money by increasing the attractiveness of your home without having to spend a lot of money. Simple solutions repainting the front door instead of buying a new one, updating your house numbers or adding inexpensive shutters can increase your home’s curb appeal and value. You don’t have to overdo it for your home to look nice.
Make Your Own Wall Art. Making your own wall art can save money by adding creativity to your home décor without spending much money from one of the big box stores. You get some inexpensive canvas or frame from a hobby store or even Goodwill or create unique pieces using materials you already have. Reclaimed wood is a good choice as well. Pinterest is full of ideas for you to get inspiration.
Plant Perennials. Planting perennials is a great way to save money around your home. These types of flowers and plants come back each year, unlike annuals that need to be replanted every year. Perennials bloom for many years, which reduces the need for new plants and the associated costs of buying and planting them annually. They are also lower maintenance, making them a more cost-effective and convenient option.
ENERGY
Turn The Gas Water Heater Down. Lowering the temperature of your gas water heater can help you save money on your energy bills. Most manufacturers suggest setting the temperature between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is sufficient for your household needs. Lowering the temperature can minimize standby heat loss. Setting the temperature close to 120 degrees can also slow mineral buildup in your water heater and pipes.
Take Advantage Of Cheaper Energy At Night. Using cheaper energy at night can save you money on your energy bill. Many utility companies offer lower rates during off-peak hours. Running your appliances during those hours can reduce energy costs and save significant money.
Start Using Rechargeable Batteries. Using rechargeable batteries can save you money in the long run. While they may cost more upfront, they can be recharged and reused multiple times, eliminating the need to constantly buy disposable batteries. Over time, this can lead to significant savings and reduce waste.
Switch To Using Smart Lights. Using smart lights can save you money on your energy bill. They can be programmed to turn off when not in use, adjust their brightness based on natural light levels, and be controlled remotely. This reduces energy waste and saves you money in the long run.
DIY & HANDY
Hone Your DIY Skills. Honing your DIY skills around the house can save you money. You can tackle simple repairs yourself, avoiding hiring a professional. Additionally, you can save on the cost of labor and markups on materials, leading to significant savings over time.
Repurpose Items Instead Of Buying New. Repurposing items instead of buying new ones can save you money. By giving old items a new life, you can avoid the cost of purchasing new ones. Repurposing items is often an eco-friendly option, reducing waste and helping the environment.
Shop Around For Contractor Quotes. Shopping around contractor quotes can save you money on home improvement projects. You can compare prices and services by obtaining multiple quotes, helping you find the best deal. Additionally, you can negotiate prices and potentially save significant money.
Do Your Own Painting. Doing your own painting in your home can save you money on labor costs. Painting can be a simple and rewarding DIY project with some practice. By doing it yourself, you can save money on hiring a professional painter and potentially save hundreds of dollars.
Do Certain Repairs At Home Yourself. Doing certain repairs at home can save you money on the cost of hiring a professional. Simple repairs like fixing a leaky faucet, unclogging a drain, or replacing a light fixture can be done with a bit of research and the right tools, saving you money.
Rent Instead Of Buying Specialty Tools. Renting specialty tools instead of buying them can save you money. Specialty tools can be expensive and may only be needed for a single project. Renting them allows you to use the tool for a fraction of the cost and avoid the need to store it when not in use.
Don’t Put Off Repairing Dripping Faucets. Deciding on repairing dripping faucets can save you money on your water bill. A dripping faucet can waste a significant amount of water and result in higher water bills. Repairing the faucet quickly can prevent further water waste and save you money in the long run.
Don’t Put Off Doing Home Repairs. Not putting off home repairs can save you money in the long run. Ignoring minor repairs can lead to bigger and more expensive ones down the line. By addressing issues promptly, you can prevent further damage and avoid costly repairs in the future.
FINANCE
Make A Household Budget. Making a household budget can save you money by helping you track your expenses and identify areas where you can cut costs. By setting spending limits and prioritizing expenses, you can better manage your money and avoid overspending, leading to long-term savings.
Don’t Keep Up With The Joneses. Not keeping up with the Joneses can save you money. Trying to keep up with others’ spending habits can lead to overspending and financial stress. Focusing on your financial goals and priorities, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and save money in the long run.
FOOD
Eat Most All Of The Food In Your Pantry. Eating down the food in your pantry before buying new food can save you money. This reduces food waste and helps you use food that may have been forgotten. Additionally, it can lead to healthier meal options and save you money on grocery bills in the long run.
Do A Daily Audit Of Your Fridge. Doing a daily fridge audit can save you money on your grocery bill. By checking your fridge for expired or spoiled food, you can avoid waste and plan meals around what you already have. This can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the store and save money.
Make A Menu For Cooking At Home And Stick To It. Sticking to a menu at home can save you money on your grocery bill. By planning meals in advance, you can avoid impulsive purchases and make better use of ingredients. Additionally, meal planning can help eliminate food waste and save you money in the long run.
Eat More Produce As Opposed To Meat. Eating more produce and less meat can save you money on your grocery bill. Meat is often more expensive than fruits and vegetables, and reducing meat consumption can lead to healthier and more affordable meals. Additionally, plant-based proteins are often cheaper than meat alternatives.
Use Supermarket Weekly Circulars. Using supermarket weekly circulars can save you money on your grocery bill. You can plan meals around discounted items by checking circulars for sales and deals and saving money. Additionally, many circulars feature coupons or special offers, further reducing the cost of groceries.
Stop Buying Bottled Water. Not buying bottled water can save you money in the long run. Bottled water is often more expensive than tap water and creates unnecessary waste. By using a reusable water bottle and filtering tap water, you can save money on the cost of bottled water and reduce waste.
Cook Cheap Recipes At Home. Cooking cheap recipes can save you money on your grocery bill. Simple and affordable meals like soups, stews, and stir-fries can be made with inexpensive ingredients and stretched over several meals. Additionally, cooking at home is often cheaper and can save you money in the long run.
Use A Toaster Oven When Possible. Using a toaster oven can save you money on your energy bill. Toaster ovens use less energy than conventional ovens and can be used for small meals and snacks. Additionally, using a toaster oven can help you avoid the need to heat up a large conventional oven, further reducing energy costs.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Work Out For Free At Home. Working out for free can save you money on gym memberships and fitness classes. Activities like walking, running, and bodyweight exercises can be done at home or outdoors without expensive equipment or memberships. Free workout resources like YouTube videos and fitness apps are also widely available.
Make Your Own Breakfast. Making your own breakfast can save you money on food expenses. Breakfast foods like oatmeal, pancakes, and eggs can be made inexpensively at home and often require only a few ingredients. Additionally, avoiding breakfast restaurants can save you money in the long run.
Be Your Own Barista. Making your own coffee at home can save you money on coffee expenses. Specialty coffee drinks from coffee shops can be expensive, whereas making coffee at home is much cheaper. Additionally, investing in a quality coffee maker can save you money in the long run.
HOUSEWORK
Replace Your Toilet Or Modernize It. Fixing a faulty flush valve or replacing an old toilet with a new one that uses less water can help save money on your water bill. Reducing the amount of water used during each flush can reduce your monthly water consumption and lower your overall expenses. Over time, the savings can add up, making it a wise investment for any homeowner.
Go For An Extra Spin On Your Washing Machine. Doing an extra spin on your washing machine can save money by reducing moisture in your clothes. This means they will dry faster and require less time in the dryer, leading to lower energy bills.
Take Advantage Of Your Slow Cooker. Using a slow cooker can save money by allowing you to cook cheaper cuts of meat and dried beans, which are typically less expensive. You can also make some crock pot dump meals that you can cook while at work or in a reasonable amount of time. It also uses less energy than an oven or stovetop, reducing energy bills.
Freeze Almost Spoiled Fruits And Vegetables For Later. Freezing almost spoiled fruits and vegetables can save money by allowing you to extend your life and avoid waste. You can use them in smoothies, soups, stews, and other dishes, meaning fewer grocery store trips and less money spent on fresh produce.
Cut Back On Laundry Detergent Usage. Cutting back on laundry detergent can save money by reducing the product you use per load. Most people use more than necessary, which wastes detergent and causes gunk to build up in your washer.
Stop, Or Reduce Dryer Sheet Usage. Some cons of dryer sheets are that the coating on the sheets can affect or damage some fabrics, the fragrance can irritate sensitive skin, and you must continuously buy them. However, one good thing is that they can help prevent static cling. Wool and plastic dryer balls can be used as an alternative to reduce wrinkles and static and dry clothes quickly.
Purchase An External Lint Trapper To Trap Extra Lint. Using an external lint trapper to trap extra lint can save money by reducing the frequency of dryer vent cleaning and preventing clogs that can lead to increased energy consumption and potential fire hazards. By catching excess lint, the trapper also prolongs the dryer’s lifespan and helps it operate more efficiently. I bought a Lint Trap for my electric dryer (not intended for gas dryers), and it catches a large percentage of lint my dryer does not.
SHOPPING
Research The Cheapest Times To Purchase Big Ticket Items. Plotting out the cheapest time to buy big-ticket items in the year can save money by taking advantage of seasonal sales, clearance events, and promotional offers. By planning ahead, you can avoid impulse purchases and secure the best deals, potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Use Cash For Spending Instead Of Credit Cards. Using cash instead of a credit card can save you money in multiple ways: It helps you stick to a budget, avoid unnecessary spending, and avoid interest charges and fees associated with credit cards, which can add up over time.
Buy Certain Dollar Store Household Items. Shopping at dollar stores for some items can save you money because they offer a variety of products at a low cost. These products can include household cleaners, party supplies, and snacks. I buy snack containers, dish cleaning materials, and useful items for the home.
Buy Generic Items. Buying generic goods can save money in the long run because they are typically less expensive than name-brand items. While there may be some trade-offs in quality or aesthetics, many generic products perform just as well as their more expensive counterparts. For household items that are used frequently or have a short lifespan, such as cleaning supplies or kitchen utensils, opting for the generic version can result in significant cost savings without sacrificing functionality.
UTILITIES
Get Rid Of Your Land Line. Getting rid of your landline phone can save you money in the long run. With the advent of cell phones and internet-based communication options, maintaining a separate landline has become increasingly unnecessary. By eliminating the cost of a landline phone, you can reduce your monthly bills and save hundreds of dollars per year.
Turn the Thermostat Down While You’re Away. Turning down your thermostat while you’re away can save money on your energy bills. When you lower the temperature, your heating system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, which means it will use less energy.
