Running a household can get incredibly expensive these days, especially if you have a few children and pets that you also need to pay for. Because of this, a lot of families struggle to pay their bills each month let alone go on days out and on a family holiday each year. If you’re struggling with money, and need to cut back here and there, then there are some really simple ways for you to save some cash around the house.
- Renegotiate Your Rent
Your rent is probably your largest bill, so it makes sense to start saving there. If your contract is up for renewal anytime soon, that would be the perfect time to bring up the cost of your rent and ask if there was any way that it could be lowered. Of course, this might not work, but if you get on with your landlord, and you explain that you’re struggling financially, they might be able to help you out.
- Write Shopping Lists
Impulse buying is the nemesis of saving. If you’re unsure of what you have to get while you’re out grocery shopping, it can be easy just to grab whatever’s there, or whatever’s on sale, even if you don’t really need it and probably won’t use it. To keep you on track, write a list before you go out and make sure that you stick to it. If you get something extra, really think about if you need it before you buy it.
- Shop Smart
You can usually get everyday things a lot cheaper if you just put some thought into when and where you’re going to buy them. For example, if you buy a specific brand of cereal, you might be able to buy it for half the price from a different supermarket. With seasonal items, like Christmas decorations and barbeques, it makes sense to wait until the season is over to buy them, as that’s when they usually go on sale.
- Buy Own Brand
Just because the cereal you buy has a big company’s name on the box, it doesn’t mean that it’s any better than the own brand versions that your supermarket makes. In fact, most own brand products are made by the same manufacturer as big brands, so you’re only really paying extra for a fancier box, which isn’t really worth the money.
- Get Pay-As-You-Go
These days mobile phones are far from a luxury item, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend quite as much money on one. You don’t have to have an expensive contract and an iPhone when there are basic phones on the market for under £20. With one of these phones and a pay-as-you-go sim card, you will save so much money, but will still be able to contact people and have people contact you while you’re out and about.
- Change Your Heater
Like with your boiler for gas central heating, most electric heaters need to be serviced at least once a year, but often more than that to keep them safe. If you pay to get yours serviced by a professional, this could cost you quite a bit, which might not be something that you can really afford to do. To cut costs, it makes sense to buy an electric heater that doesn’t need servicing, like the ones from Wärme. This saves you money, without risking your safety.
- Get The Paper
If you really want to save money, then coupons need to become your new best friend, and you should treat them as if they’re real money. You can often find coupons in newspapers and magazines, so it is a good idea to get a few cheap ones now and then, especially if you know they have a good coupon inside. Just make sure that you read them too, rather than just get the coupons, or they might not be worth the money.
- Sell Some Clutter
Although spring hasn’t quite sprung yet, now could be a great time for a proper clean and clear out of your home. While you’re cleaning and tidying, make a pile of things that you no longer need, want, or use. If there’s anything there of any value, you could sell it online. Selling local, using Facebook Markert, for example, will save you money for shipping, as you can get buyers to collect from you.
- DIY Or Don’t
There are lots of things in your home that you can easily do yourself, such as painting a wall or unblocking a toilet, so there is really no need to waste money on a professional, despite how convenient it may be. However, there are lots of other things that do require a professional, so don’t attempt to do any of these things yourself, or you could cost yourself more money than you save.
- Kick Unhealthy Habits
Eating large amounts of junk food, drinking excessively, and smoking aren’t just bad for your body, they’re also bad for your wallet. These habits are incredibly expensive, so use this money saving mission as an excuse to quit and get fit. If you need any help or advice, you can find loads online or can visit your GP.
- Quit the Gym
If you’re trying to get fit, the gym might not be the best place for it. Unless you’re going at least a few times a week, you very rarely get what you’re paying for, and are just wasting your money. Instead, cancel your membership and save up for some home gym equipment or a bike. You’re much more likely to use these things as they’re there in your home, and once you’ve got them, you won’t have to buy them again, which can save you hundreds over the years.
Cutting back usually seems like an impossible task, but it’s much easier than most assume if you just think outside of the box. There are plenty of ways to save, but if you’re still struggling and have money worries, then you may want to talk to a professional.
