5 TIPS TO SAVE MORE
With the New Year well under way, it won't be long
before we'll be counting down the days until spring. This
is the perfect time to start planning for things like
summer vacation or upcoming renovations around the
home.
This is also a great time to revisit the household budget
and identify any areas where we can save a few extra
dollars each month. Every little bit we save can be used
towards something else, such as topping up your RSSP
or taking the family on a memorable vacation.
Here are 5 tips for saving money around the home.
Turn Out The Lights
Turn off lights when they're not needed. Not just when
you leave a room, but also when there is enough natural
light that you don't really need them to be on. In addition,
put outdoor or porch lights on a timer.
Use Energy Efficient Bulbs
Energy saving bulbs can be big money savers. Some
people don't like these types of light. In this case, don't
use them in areas you spend a lot of time. Instead, use
them in the garage or porch. Every little bit helps.
Turn Down The Heat
The next couple of tips are really timely at this time of
year. If you're walking around your house like it's summer
in February, you're spending too much on heating. Turn
the thermostat down to a level everyone can cope with
comfortably while appropriately dressed.
Use a Space Heater
It can be far more cost effective to use a portable space
heater than to heat an entire room.
If it's just you reading a book in the living room, then use a space heater and maybe a blanket instead of cranking up the thermostat.
Use Sponges and Rags
For day-to-day cleaning or to wipe up spills, use sponges
and rags instead of paper towel. Not only are they
re-usable, it can save you quite a bit of money. Paper
towel is convenient, but perhaps too convenient, and it's
easy to use a lot of it if everyone reaches for it every
time there's a spill on the counter.
It's easy to think we'll save money by making a dramatic cut in our spending or a change to our lifestyle. The truth is, big changes can be difficult. Small, incremental changes to how we spend our money will have a tremendous long-term impact.
Try this experiment. Choose an area of your spending where you can make a small adjustment. Then track it over a few months. Not only can this be eye opening, but it can be very motivating.
