Tuesday 1 August 2017

How To Fight Your Financial Dragons

Pay one bill, then two more take its place. To anyone on a tight budget trying to save money, bills are like mythical monsters that always demand payment or they will take away your livelihood. Fortunately, there are a number of weapons at your disposal to fight these financial dragons.
Save money on necessities
While you can tighten your budget on luxuries such as gym memberships and magazine subscriptions, the one thing you definitely can’t go without is food. The best thing you can do to keep your food bills low is to find ways to reduce the amount of waste you throw away each week. Fortunately, there are several more ways to reduce your food bill each week, including shopping for cheaper store brands, buying non-perishables items in bulk, or sticking to a shopping list. You can also save money on purchases by looking around for good deals in various supermarkets, or finding discounts online.
Cut down on energy consumption
Energy bills are the biggest drain on your savings besides rent or mortgage repayments. Although water, electricity, and an internet connection are necessities, that doesn’t mean you should let your providers rob you. The first thing you can do is check how much you’re currently paying, then find information on other providers to see if they will give you a better deal in the long run. Another solution is to go green. Start by switching to energy efficient LED bulbs, unplugging all appliances you’re not using, and insulating your home so you don’t need to turn up your thermostat as much. Doing these small things can reduce your energy consumption, saving you money on your bills each month and helping the environment.
DIY
Sometimes the best way to save money is by doing little things by yourself. When things break around the house, try doing your own home repairs; blocked sinks, leaky faucets, and holes in the wall should be easy enough for any novice to handle once they’ve consulted internet guides. Doing minor repairs yourself can keep your home in good condition for longer, putting off the need for a handyman. However, you should remember to call a professional if things appear to be above your level of expertise.
Transportation
With the price of gas constantly changing, your car is an unpredictable money pit, before you even factor in the monthly payments, parking spaces, and unexpected repairs. You can save money and still keep your car by only using it for long trips, such as family vacations. In the meantime, there are plenty of public transport options to suit your lifestyle. Monthly bus passes are more than worth their value if you take the bus to work every day. Carpooling with a colleague splits the cost of gas, and can reduce traffic if enough people get in on the scheme. Finally, if you’re going out for the night and don’t have a volunteer for designated driver, Uber can save you the trouble of waiting for a cab. 

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