How to Cut Living Expenses

Saving money is the province of most Americans, regardless of your income level. The more you earn, sometimes the greater the need to cut corners. And yet, no matter where you sit on the earning scale, becoming ever thriftier is just what it takes to help keep you in the black.

Here are a few ways to help you accomplish that goal and feel better about yourself at the same time:

1. Stick to a budget. Developing and adhering to a budget is great, but it’s not a “one and done” exercise. Rather, if you want to reap the rewards of all that effort, you need to practice budget control every day; make it a daily habit. Reconcile your budget with your bank account, and make sure every expense aligns.
2. Replace at least one standard thermostat with a programmable model. Yes, it costs money to do so, but the amount you save to heat and cool your home will repay you many times over.
3. Unplug all unused or seldomly used electrical devices in your home, because even though they may be off, they’re still drawing power. Have a second stove you use only for large gatherings? Unplug it until the next time it’s needed. You can also use timers to turn devices on and off at pre-set schedules.
4. Add window caulk and weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent conditioned air from escaping and outdoor air from entering. This one step can cut your heating and cooling costs up to 30% per year.
5. Take better care of you and your stuff. The single most important aspect of dental and medical care is regular check-ups. Preventing disease and other problems can help save a boatload of money. Same goes for your car and other motorized equipment. Even just changing the oil at regular intervals can protect engines from failing.
6. “I’ll have leftovers.” Try to make dinners that result in at least a day’s worth of leftovers. If you can get at least one lunch out of every dinner, you can cut your grocery bill by up to 30%.
7. Switch auto insurance companies. If you feel like your car insurance payment is a little high, then you’re probably right. So, don’t be afraid to shop around, because if you can even reduce your monthly payment by $10, you’ve just put an extra $120 per year in your pocket. Bundle your auto and homeowner’s insurance together, and you’ll save even more.

We’ve just scratched the surface with budget-cutting suggestions, but we’ll leave you with one more. Contact Connor Plumbing today to request a whole-house plumbing inspection, because the potential problems we spot now will be the repair costs – sometimes large – you escape down the road.