Sometimes you need to start counting your pennies. Whether you have your eye on a big-ticket luxury item or just want to curb your expenditures, saving money is possible. It’s just a matter of reviewing your spending habits and going without the things you don’t need or have little use for anymore. Here are five effective ways to save money on a tight budget.
Review and Curb Your Energy Use
Until that monthly bill arrives, it’s easy to forget how much energy you use. Electricity, gas, water, and other utilities can drain your savings if you’re not careful. Take time to review your energy use. Are you leaving the lights on even when you’re not in a room? Are your appliances slowly leeching electricity when not in use through clocks and other low-level background devices? Are your washer, dryer, and dishwasher only half full when you run them? Perform an audit to see where you can cut back on wasted energy.
Do It Yourself, Wherever You Can
Some problems require a professional’s touch, but not all of them. Calling an electrician, plumber, or other professional can be costly. You probably don’t know how to rewire your home and upgrade all the plumbing. However, you can still take care of leaky faucets and simple rewiring projects just by watching a YouTube video or buying a book on the subject. Don’t sell yourself short. You’d be surprised at what you can do on your own.
Cut Back on Subscriptions
It’s nice to have so many available entertainment options, but are you really getting the most out of all your magazines, streaming services, and other subscriptions? If the newspapers and magazines you subscribe to are piling up in an unread stack, stop the sub. Consider how often you watch a particular channel. If you haven’t viewed a show on it for some time, get rid of it. You can always resubscribe when you’re feeling more liquid.
Do Care and Repair, Don’t Replace
In a throwaway culture, we get into the bad habit of tossing things once they break down or seem slightly damaged. Help your clothes last longer by rotating what you wear, not over-washing them, and patching them up. Fix furniture and appliances when you can, using the internet for tips.
Replace the Drive
Your car burns up money every time you use it when you could take public transportation or ride a bike instead. Letting your car rest doesn’t just save on fuel; it also reduces wear and tear, which can eventually force you to replace it. Spread the “wealth” by starting a carpool with friends and coworkers. That way, you can all save more money and preserve your rides as well. Bicycling, walking, and running are good for your health and the environment’s health too!
Those are just five effective ways to save money on a tight budget. Saving money doesn’t have to hurt, except for when you pinch those pennies!
