How to Cut Back on Household Expenses
If you are finding yourself strapped for cash, it may be time to look at your regular household expenses. Often we are paying for items we aren’t even using, don’t need, or could use less of. So how can you cut back on your household expenses without feeling like you are giving everything up? Luckily, you can do this in just minutes a day. Look at these tips on how to cut back on household expenses in just 15 minutes, so you can free up some cash and find some relief from living paycheck to paycheck.
Turn off unused electronics.
It only takes a few minutes to go through the house and turn off any electronics not in use. This means lights, radios, or even plugged in appliances. By doing so you can significantly lower your monthly electric bills, plus your house will stay cooler in the warmer months.
Clip coupons for items you use.
Grab the Sunday paper and comb through the coupon section for coupons you can use. You don’t have to cut every single coupon, just clip out the ones you know you will use. Doing this each week can save you anywhere from an additional $10-$20 off your weekly grocery bill or any services you may need.
Negotiate a lower interest rate.
Credit card companies will often negotiate your interest rate as long as you have been timely with payments. Call and start the discussion. If they are hesitant, you can always tell them you are considering transferring your balance elsewhere. This typically helps them change their answer.
Call your cable company and negotiate a lower rate.
While most utility companies aren’t in the position to negotiate, cable and internet companies are. There are lots of cable and internet options out there, so it is always worth seeing what you can do with a phone call. Chances are they will lower your rate, offer additional channels for free, or even extend your trial rate. You can let them know you are considering a new carrier, which often helps with your negotiating as well.
Meal plan consistently
One of the best ways to save money each and every month is to meal plan. When you plan each meal, and create your grocery list off that plan, you will see much less food waste and eat at home more often.
Make a list of free things to do in your area.
Ask Facebook friends to name free things in the area for couples and children. This will help you accumulate a quick list you can consult instead of spending big bucks going out. You will be amazed at how many free activities are in your area, and having a go-to list on hand will help.
Use your library card.
Running into the library once a week for books, magazines, audio books, movies, and music can help you cut back on the costs of these items. There is no need to have magazine subscriptions, rent movies, or purchase music when all of these items are available to you for cheap or free.
Are you ready to cut back on household expenses? Consider these tips for how to cut back on household expenses in just 15 minutes, and see how easy it can be.
I’d love to hear your tips for quickly reducing household expenses. Let us know your tips in the comments!
Turn off unused lights, too. Lighting accounts for about 7% of the average household electric bill, and I am amazed how often my neighbors are lighting rooms all over their houses, even the basements, when I know only one person is home. Every time you are lighting a room you aren’t occupying, you’re basically paying double for the lighting you’re using. Light three rooms just for yourself, and that’s 3x, and so on.
Sell items you are not and never will use. Donate them if slightly used. someone else can save from your thoughtfulness.