Saving money requires planning and discipline. If you want to set aside funds for a rainy day, save up for a great vacation, or pay off bills to improve your credit, you’ll have to find ways to trim your budget. Everyday energy bills and other household costs can take a huge bite out of your paycheck, so revising your household spending habits is a great place to start. Here are five simple ways anyone can save on household expenses.
Do Laundry and Other Tasks During Low Peak Hours
On-peak hours are times during the day when most people in the community are using more electricity. For example, in the middle of the day when the temperature is high, more people are running their air conditioners. At dinnertime, more ovens and stoves are in use. The electricity you use during peak hours costs more than it would if you used it during off-peak or low peak hours. To save money, plan to wash and dry your clothes, run your dishwasher and do other tasks requiring electricity late in the evenings or on weekends.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
The sun provides free light for everyone, so why not use it? During the day, open your blinds and curtains to allow natural light into your home instead of turning on electric lights.
Bundle Your Cable and Internet Services
Cable, Internet and phone services usually cost more when you purchase them separately, so look for a bundled deal offered by a single company. Before you settle on a plan, shop around to see which local provider offers the best deal.
Pay Your Bills on Time
It might be temping to put off paying a few bills when your budget is tight, but you’ll end up paying more in interest and late fees in the long run. If possible, pay more than the minimum payment required on your credit card bills, and never allow utility bills to go unpaid. Reconnect fees are usually steep.
Skip the Bells and Whistles
Cut the excess from your monthly services. If you have a cell phone, you may not really need a house phone. Skip extras like caller ID unless they’re necessary. If you only use 10 GB a month, you don’t need an unlimited Internet plan. By weeding out what’s unnecessary, you can save money to improve your financial situation without reducing the quality of your lifestyle.
