We all have our luxuries. I mean, let's face it, we are addicted to convenience and comforts in life. But that doesn't mean we can't give up a few things here and there.
Here are some easy ways to cut some of your expenses (and save a little money):
- Eat at home. No take-out. No fast food. Pack your lunch and make your dinner. There are some very simple, quick and low-cost recipes to make.
- Coffee at home. As difficult as it is, brew your coffee at home. I know it doesn't have that same creamy flavor as the gas station or your favorite coffee shop but there are ways to enhance the flavor to taste just as good. Here is a link to a great Iced coffee recipe.
- Online streaming. I don't have cable. I use Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. I have enough movies and TV shows to stay entertained well. There are kids shows for Isabella and Emily, TV shows for me, movies for Joe. All of this at a fraction of the cost of cable. Netflix and Hulu are about $8/month with features you can add on for a small price. If you get Amazon prime for around $100/year you get not only Instant Streaming but free shipping on Prime items and Prime deals. One site I have heard about but never personally tried is SlingTV (basically live TV on your computer). There are many options that are worth looking into to find what is best for you.
- Walk places. This only applies to some people considering others live in the boonies. If you live in a town or city, consider walking or carpooling. If you live further out in the country, this option maybe isn't for you. Walking and carpooling saves on gas as well as wear and tear on your vehicle.
- Turn off lights. Every time you leave the room, even to go potty, turn the light out.
- Goodwill. Salvation Army. Thrift stores. Sometimes you can find really good sales at the regular stores, also. Point is, cut back on your designer jeans.
- Sales, coupons, digital coupons. Exactly as I said. If you can find a really great sale AND a coupon for it, get it. Sometimes, at the Kroger's near by, they have a sale on top of a sale. For example, said product is already on sale for a dollar or two cheaper. Every few weeks they have a "Buy 5 save 5" or "Buy 6 save 3" where you buy so many of the sale items (which are brands throughout the entire store in different sections) and you get the sale price. Put it simple, I have bought boxes of noodles for less than 40 cents a piece. Pair this with a coupon if you have one and you can get some really great deals.
- E Cards. Cheaper than a Birthday card. Besides, anymore everyone says "Happy Birthday" on Facebook, anyways.
- Air dry clothes and dishes. During the nicer weather, consider hanging your clothes on a clothesline. dry your dishes in a drying rack. This saves the cost of using the dryer and the dishwasher for drying.
- Diy cleaning products. Simple. Very simple. Just about every cleaning recipe begins with water and vinegar. I use this cleaning solution for just about everything and costs SO much less than regular cleaning products.
- Energy saving bulbs. Its in the name. Energy saving bulbs.
- Rechargeable batteries. This one costs more to buy than regular batteries but will make up for it in the long run. We still have the battery chargers we bought several years ago. The batteries cost more than regular batteries but you can charge them afterwards and reuse them instead of throwing them away. All in all, I'd say it's a win.
- Don't let the water run. While you are brushing your teeth, doing the dishes, taking a shower; don't let the water continuously run. Okay, they suggest you turn the water off while you wash your hair but that is not going to happen here. I'm sorry, I love my showers too much for that but everything else I will do.
- Open the windows. Let some fresh air in. If it isn't too hot or too cold, it can save the cost of using the heating/AC. Not to mention, it just feels good.
- Use a fan or a heater. Do you know just how much energy you can save using a fan or plugging in a heater? Try it out.
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