Walking a financial tightrope is the norm for many households. Living from paycheck to paycheck and hoping that nothing sudden or expensive happens is usually how every month plays out…Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or you wish you had more money to play with each month, when it comes to cash, it’s fair to say that most of us would like a little more of it.
However, what many families don’t realise is that you don’t have to make any drastic financial changes to get to the end of the month, comfortably. Whether your working hours have been reduced, or you’ve gone from a two-income family to a singular breadwinner, whatever your circumstances, I’ve gathered a list of simple ways you can hold onto more of your money this month. Read on to find out more.
Switch to LED bulbs
You’ll know that your energy bills are one of the biggest drains on your monthly income, but when you change from traditional lighting to LED bulbs – like the neon ones available from ultraleds.co.uk – you’ll benefit from better lighting, stylish options, and lower energy bills. Because LED lights require less energy to run, over time they’ll cost you less. They also last longer than traditional lighting solutions, so you won’t need to pay for replacement bulbs every couple of months. A simple switch like this could certainly keep more of your money in your wallet. Therefore, try to make the transition to LED bulbs with the aid of a skilled electrician from a company like MZ Electric (https://mzelectric.com/electrical/service-installation/) or other similar firms. As people say, “a penny saved is a penny earned” and this is one way to go about it.
Stop buying and start selling
We all tend to buy stuff we don’t need. Or make purchases that seem like a good idea at the time, yet we never really use – we’re looking at you ice cream maker. So, instead of buying more goods, consider selling the ones you already have! All those kitchen gadgets you don’t need, clothes you no longer wear, games, books, accessories and electronics. Even old furniture! Anything you sell is a profit and you have plenty of online selling sites to choose from.
Look after your clothes better
Not all clothes are made to last, and kid’s clothes, in particular, can quickly look worn and tired. By looking after your clothes properly, following care instructions and learning how to repair your garments you can save yourself a bundle. If you do need new clothes, consider buying second hand online or even from charity shops – you’ll be amazed at what you can find!
Do not forget to schedule timely repairs for electrical appliances
If your older air conditioning system or refrigerator needs a significant repair, don’t put it off. Delaying repairs can lead to more severe issues or even cause the system to break down entirely, which could mean replacing it sooner than expected. Beyond major repairs, it’s also smart to check all electrical appliances in your home at least once a year. It is important to ensure that they work properly, and if not, reach out for Residential Electrical Services as soon as possible. Doing so can not only extend their lifespan but also help prevent unexpected increases in your electricity bill. Faulty appliances often consume extra power without you even noticing, leading to higher costs.
Ditch the services you don’t use
All those subscriptions, streaming services, magazines etc all add up. Especially if you’re not using them fully. Go through your services and ditch the ones you no longer use. Then get in touch with your remaining providers and ask for a cheaper deal. If they can’t offer you one, go elsewhere! Remember, you don’t owe them your loyalty.
Switch to energy-efficient resources
If you rely on energy sources that may have adverse effects on the environment, consider switching to green options. For instance, you can opt for solar-powered home appliances as opposed to using electrical ones. You could also consider working with a company like greensblueflame.com to implement alternative fueling options for a home HVAC system, furnace, and water heater. Using bioheat and propane can be a great way to save money on utility bills since these fuels could cost less than electricity and have a reduced carbon footprint. Delivery too is easily achieved with the help of these companies, so it’s nothing that you’ll need to worry about. If interested, you can discuss such solutions with a professional available at Snow’s Fuel Company or similar businesses to gain the necessary information, which can help you make up your mind.
And finally, cut back on your meat intake
Meat is one of the biggest expenses on your weekly grocery bill. By cutting back on your meat consumption and purchasing more veggies and other cupboard favourites such as rice, beans and other protein staples like lentils and chickpeas you’ll save more than you think and still enjoy a delicious meal!