It’s no secret the cost of living is likely to continue increasing in the coming months. That doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to absorb the hit. Here are eight ways you can trim the fat from your budget and save money.
1- Get New Insurance Quotes
Insurance companies like to sneak in price increases when renewing policies hoping customers won’t notice. One trick to combat this is to get quotes for a new policy. Insurance providers will offer lower rates to new customers to get them to sign on. Thus, you can slash your premiums by a significant amount simply by applying for a new policy even when signing with the same company.
2- Switch Bank Accounts
Another place you can save money is at your bank. Switch to a fee-free checking account, and look for one that doesn’t charge overdraft fees if you find you’re overdrawing your account more often than you’d like. You can even make money by signing up for an account that pays interest. Be aware that these types of accounts usually require a minimum monthly balance or the bank will charge a fee.
3- Repair, Reuse, and Thrift
Before purchasing new items, check if you already own something you can reuse or repurpose. For instance, old t-shirts can be turned into rags, and gift bags you receive can be reused as presents for others. If you really need to buy something, shop thrift stores first to see if you can find what you need at a fraction of the cost.
4- Reduce Streaming Services
If you’re like most people, you’re probably paying for multiple streaming services you don’t need. Maybe you signed up to watch one show or take advantage of a free trial and never unsubscribed. List all the services you’re paying for, and eliminate the ones you’re not using. Find free alternatives for the remaining ones.
5- Bulk Buy Food and Supplies
Rice, beans, frozen vegetables, toilet paper, and many other goods are often cheaper when you purchase them in bulk at places like Costco and BJ’s. Not only will you save money at the point of purchase, but having these items in the home reduces the number of trips to the store, thus lowering the risk of spending money on impulse purchases.
6- Buy Direct from the Farm
Another way to save money on your food bill is to bypass grocery stores and farmer’s markets and purchase fruits and veggies directly from a local farm. Because there’s no middleman to account for, farmers can sell the produce at significantly reduced prices, which means big savings for you.
7- Reduce Energy Bills
Energy bills will take up a good portion of your budget, particularly if you live in an area with extreme weather. So, even small changes can add up to big savings. For instance, each degree you lower your thermostat in winter can shave 1 percent off your heating bill. Weatherizing your home and strategically closing off unused areas in the home can also help you save money.
8- Consider Downgrading Your Home
You may love living in a big house but how much of that space are you really using? Downgrading to something smaller will not only give your budget breathing room but typically requires less maintenance, letting you free up time and energy for other things.
Saving money can be challenging, particularly if this is a new journey for you. But with time and effort, you can reduce your costs so you end the month with more money in your pocket.
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