Reduce family expenses with these top tips
Looking to save a little money this year? You’re not alone. 2020 hasn’t been kind to many of us. A lot of people have been made redundant and we’re all looking at ways to cut back.
While no one likes the thought of being a little more frugal, there are plenty of ways to reduce family expenses without drastically changing your lifestyle. Here are a few simple ways to save some pennies.
Change your bulbs
We all know how it feels to be floored by an electricity bill. Energy can be expensive, especially in a big household where you’ll all using laptops and tablets. However, you can save money by changing to energy saving lightbulbs, like GU10 spotlights. These offer a longer lifespan, which is better for your wallet.
Grow veggies
The family food shop can amount to a lot. So, why not start growing your own veggies in your back garden? It’s pretty simple. All you need is a good space that gets plenty of sun to turn into a vegetable patch. Not only will you be saving some money, but your family will be healthier eating veggies that aren’t grown in chemicals (and this chicken with rice and vegetables dish will be even more delicious!)
Re-use containers
It’s tempting to throw out any containers you get when you order a takeaway to avoid washing them. However, if you reuse these containers you’ll never need to buy your own! Reusable containers are better for the environment and they’ll encourage you to save more leftovers.
Start sewing
Once a pair of jeans or a jumper gets a hole in, you probably deem it useless. But it doesn’t have to be. If you have a nifty sewing kit, you can repair the item in no time. So, instead of popping to the shops to buy a replacement, you can keep your old favourites without feeling guilty.
Take a shower
The water bill can quickly add up in a large household, especially for those who like to unwind in a hot bath. However, taking a ten-minute shower instead of a long bath could save money. Make the shower even shorter (say 5 minutes) you’ll cut your water consumption by 22 thousand litres every year. So, save the baths for special occasions.
Switch off the lights
You probably grew up being told by your parents to switch lights off. And they weren’t wrong. Leaving lights on in rooms that aren’t needed will amp up your electricity bill pretty quickly. Get into good habits and encourage your family to switch off when they move around.
Make your own coffee
We all know how much more delicious a coffee is when it’s made outside the home. But, buying a coffee every day on the way to work quickly adds up, and you’ll find you’re spending at least £15 a week! So, buckle up and get your caffeine fix at home. Invest in a reusable coffee cup and take it on the way to avoid temptations.