Are you looking to save a little money this year? Perhaps you need to save for an upcoming family vacation or you need some extra cash to pay off a household bill…whatever your reasons are, there are some really easy things you can do around your own home to save money.
Here are my 6 top tips on how to save money by making a few changes in your own household.
1. Laundry: When doing your laundry, wash your clothing in cold water. I switched to cold water and my clothing is just as clean if I had washed them in warm or hot water. To save on laundry detergent and to help our environment I switched to laundry soap nuts and a laundry wash ball. Both of these alternatives are cheaper than traditional laundry detergent and are earth friendly. In addition, only do laundry when you have full loads to wash.
2. Dishwashing: Cleaning your dishes, cookware and utensils in the dishwasher is quick and easy, however, it is also expensive. When you have the time, hand wash your items and watch your electric bill drop! If you have to use the dishwasher, use the air dry cycle.
3. Disposable Paper Products: A few years ago we quit purchasing paper towels, paper napkins, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, freezer bags, paper plates, etc. Instead, invest in cotton napkins, microfiber hand towels, bar rags and plastic reusable freezer containers. You can pick up these products for about $50.00 and save approximately $150 a year buy eliminating disposable products from your household budget.
4. Printed Media Publications: If you get home delivered newspapers and magazines, cancel them! You can read many of these publications online for free. Another alternative is to ask friends and family to save their print publications for you when they are done with them.
5. Video/ DVD Rentals: If you have memberships at local video stores or streaming, cancel them! You can purchase new DVD’s when they are on sale for less than $10.00 and then you can watch them over and over. If you feel the need to rent DVD’s, check out your public library. Our local library leases these out for $1.00 to $2.00 each and you can keep them for 10 days. One other alternative is to swap your movies with another family member or friend so that you have a constant supply of new movies to watch.
6. Shop Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops: When you need new clothing and/or household items, consider shopping at your local thrift store and consignment shops. A lot of people avoid these types of stores thinking that there is a “I am poor” stigma attached to those who shop resale stores. That is a myth! I know plenty of people who make $75,000+ a year who are frugal and shop resale stores! In this day and age, shopping thrift stores is cool!
As you can see, these six tips can save you money! If you find it hard to implement all six into your household right now, just choose one or two, then add more once your family adjusts to the changes.
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Reading your article, I think that we do pretty well. As far as the laundry is concerned, we use basement laundry room and it’s the same price for any temperature water – just pay by the load. I only do laundry once a week, with 1 colored load and 1 white load. As far as the dishwasher is concerned, it hasn’t worked in years, so I am the dishwasher. We don’t rent any DVDs. And I almost never shop for clothes – too frustrating in too many ways. We do get the newspaper delivered everyday but that’s about it!
I agree with all 6 tips as long as you are willing not to do with some items. The magazines i receive are free and I use my library a lot. I admit that I could get rid of my landline phone, but it was very useful during blackouts when there was no power to the cell, but the landline still worked!
Boy, this blog post is right up my alley. I do so many of these things already! I do not get the newspaper anymore-savings $150 dollars a year! I always wash my clothes in cold water! I hardly use disposable products because they are too expensive. I get movies at the Library and magazines, too, and I always shop at the Thrift store! I have found designer clothes at affordable prices!!
I agree strongly with all your points. I gave up magazines & newspapers several years ago. I read them at the library when I feel the need. Our library doesn’t even charge for checking out DVDs.
From not having both a landline and mobile to canceling cable for streaming, there are many hinges you can do. You just need to think about which items your family uses and would really miss. My daughter started washing in cold and dong some of our dishes by hand. Simple hangers can make a big impact. Not to mention shopping sales and couponing.