If there’s 1 thing that this pandemic has done, it’s to (mostly) unite us all in a single desire to tighten our belts and do what we can do to financially survive. For some, this is more serious and we’ve heard the cry from households all across the country. The cry for decreased costs so that they can make ends meet. With this in mind, we’ve researched ways for you to save enormously on your household costs. Some will take a bit more thought, like moving to a smaller house, and others will involve being more careful with how you use your home, like only using your washing machine when you’ve got a full load.
Take a look at these cost-cutting ideas to see which will help you decrease costs at home.
Reduce your water bill
Turn the tap off while scrubbing your pearly whites, take shorter showers, switch dishwashers and washing machines on only when there’s a full load, and replace your garden’s thirstier plants with some exciting succulents and cacti.
Reduce your electricity bill
Choose energy-efficient light bulbs, turn lights off when not in use, unplug appliances to avoid power slowly draining away, and insulate your windows to cut down on heat radiation and avoid using your indoor heating.
Choose a cheaper streaming service
You could save 100s of Rands by opting for a cheaper TV alternative, like Netflix, Showmax, Hulu, etc.
Save on your grocery bill
Food is 1 of our biggest household expenses and we tend to waste a lot of it… Go to the grocery store armed with a list (1 that you stick to). Make your list based on some meal planning ideas so that you only buy what you need. You can also compare prices between generic and store brand items to ensure you stick to your budget.
Cut back on expensive cleaning products
There are shops selling bulk detergents or you can make your own cleaning products. For example, you can use vinegar and baking soda work as drain cleaner or lemon juice as a surface cleaner.
Reduce your internet bill
Like most things, if you shop around you’ll end up finding a better deal elsewhere. Take an hour or so to compare prices for a different internet provider.
Decrease your insurance costs
Look for an insurance provider whose products are geared towards saving you money, like a multiple car discount, decreasing car insurance premiums, and even a drastically cheaper ‘pay per k’ comprehensive car cover policy. All it takes is a bit of shopping around to find cover that’s way more affordable.
Shop second-hand
Yes, the obvious thing to do when you want to cut back on your household expenses is to just stop spending. But honestly, there are things that you need to buy for your home. Money needs to be spent and you can’t keep saying no all the time. Visit thrift shops or go online to use Facebook Market and Gumtree (or the like) to buy used furniture, appliances, and décor.
Downsize your living space
This is drastic, but it works if things have gone beyond the point of merely tightening the belt. If you want to save a lot of money, then consider moving into a smaller and more affordable home. You could even think about renting a room in your house to bring in some extra cash.
We hope these tips will help you make sense of your cents.
Posted in partnership with King Price Insurance
