Even though this Christmas is just over two weeks away, there are numerous easy ways to cut your living expenses and use those savings for next Christmas. Following these tips can save you thousands in just one year.
Groceries
Plan out your meals per week; by creating a menu, you know precisely what items are needed and this will reduce your grocery bill by not buying lots of unnecessary extras. Your slow cooker, microwave, and toaster over can be your best friends for convenience, plus they use significantly less electricity than a conventional oven. Try to avoid purchasing sodas and kids’ fruit drinks because not only are they more expensive but they are also loaded with sugar and nearly 0% nutritional value. Consider buying paper goods, bread, etc in bulk at warehouse stores like Sam’s Club or Cosco’s.
Utilities
Keep your thermostat set below 74 degrees Fahrenheit for heat or above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for air conditioning, unless it’s extremely cold or hot outside. Also, keep in mind a fan only makes it feel cooler in a room because of the circulating air, so be sure to not leaving running when the room is unoccupied. Some local gas and oil distributors are offering programs which provide the opportunity to keep your price per gallon locked in and unaffected by the fluctuation and rapid inflation of prices. Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room and unplug some things when not in use: radios, printers, fax machines, electronics, space heaters, chargers, and most small appliances.
If possible, run your dishwasher no more than twice a week and use a clothes line rather than your dryer, during good weather.
Dining Out
Cut back on eating dinner out to no more than twice a month; once is even better. Make your own coffee, breakfast, and lunch rather than buying it out or visiting a vending machine. If you’re spending at least $6 each workday morning that unbelievably equals approximately $2,190 a year. Just think of the Christmas you could have simply by investing in a good coffee maker and toaster oven!
If you’re spending $10 per workday for lunch, snacks, and a drink then you’re blowing at least $2,700 a year. This would buy many gifts as well as a lot of deli meats and fresh fruits for lunches; this includes the kids’ lunches and dad’s too.
Entertainment
Wisely utilize your local library for DVDs, CDs, internet access, books on CD and MP3 players, plus books all for FREE.
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