I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t like to save a bit of money and ease their budget just a bit. Perhaps you need to save for an upcoming family vacation or you want 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 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 last year 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, switch 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. Line dry your clothes when possible or run your dryer early in the morning or after 7 pm for energy savings.
2. Dishwashing: Cleaning your dishes, cookware and utensils in the dishwasher is quick and easy. However, it is also expensive to run the dishwasher daily. When you have the time or just a few dishes, hand wash your items and watch your electric bill drop! If you have to use the dishwasher, use the air dry cycle and only run it when full.
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 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 pay for 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. DVD Rentals: You all know that renting a movie for $1 is great until you forget to return it a few days in a row. Save your cash and look at online alternatives like a Roku, Hulu, Netflix and other online streaming movies that can go right to your TV now. One other alternative is to swap your DVDs 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 negative stigma attached to those who shop resale stores. But it is great to be frugal and shop resale stores!
As you can see these six tips can add up and 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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I already use most of these suggestions. I have not yet tried the soap nuts and perhaps I shall add this to my money saving acts.
Wow these are really some great money saving tips and ones I will follow. I am really interested in your laundry advice. What are soap nuts? I have never heard of those before.
I try to run a frugal household, and I already practice most of your tips. It’s good to be reminded, though, because it’s easy to slip back into wasteful habits. I use wool dryer balls instead of softener or dryer sheets, and I love them. I haven’t tried your suggestion of laundry soap nuts; I might just have to look into that one. Thanks!
Great tips and we all can use savings. Clipping coupons and watching sales help but there are ways to cut household, too. Love the idea of cold water. Many libraries now offer great opportunities for entertainment. DVD’s, cds, books, even internet and often downloadable books and music for you.
Love this post. I am always looking for tips on saving money. I really need to cut down on the paper products.
I like all these great tips. I do a lot of them. I read the paper online and get the ads delivered free to my door. I also wash my clothes in cold water, and have quit using paper products. I only run the dishwasher when it is full!
You sure are right about the dishwasher! We’ve gone from running it probably 3-4 times a week to just once and I have seen a real difference in my water bill. I have also been sure to pay close attention to not use the heat dry option to save on power.
I love thrift stores. I do the washing in cold water. No magazines for me (library always has them) and my library has all the DVDs I could ever watch (sometimes have to get on the reserve list for current ones).
Oh I saved some money today. I found the Kroger store online coupons (mine is Ralph’s) listed a free jar of Simple Truth organic creamy or crunchy peanut butter, just by loading the free coupon to your Ralph’s card. I love free food and I was totally out of peanut butter too!
It’s good until Aug 11 if anyone else wants to get the Kroger freebie.
Nice! I love those savings cards!
All great money saving ideas! Also, don’t drive out to the store for one thing unless it is urgent but wait until you have lots of errands to do to save on gasoline.