Key tips you can implement to save money year-round
The home is where we spend most of our time, and spend large amount of our money – so if you’re looking to make savings it can be the best place to start. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can make small and large savings that all stack up in the end. Here are 10 tips to consider.
1. Secondary glazing
Rather than double glazing, which is a completely different pane of glass, secondary glazing involves another sheet placed over it. Usually acrylic, this sheet is hard wearing, still transparent, and both easy and quick to install. It can help to save you money on your heating bills, so consider investing in acrylic secondary glazing ahead of this coming winter.
2. A new boiler
Granted new boilers are not cheap, but over the long term they can save a lot of money. Newer boilers are more efficient, and many of them have smart technology allowing you to take even more granular control over how it operates. Certainly every new home needs an efficient boiler system.
3. Isolate the draughts
Draughts can be around your fireplace, around the bottoms of doors, and around windows and vents, even your letterbox – anywhere that lets cold air in and warm air out. Investing in some efficient draught protection can help keep the warm air in for longer.
4. Cycle your streaming subs
It seems everything is behind a streaming paywall these days – and if you have them all active together it can become expensive fast. Instead think about cycling your subscriptions. Have a couple active for a month, then swap to a different service before swapping back.
5. Keep the heat on low, for longer
Many make the mistake of putting the thermostat on high thinking it will heat quicker. Instead consider having your home heated to a lower temperature, but leaving it there. It’s more efficient to heat to 20 degrees all day, than to heat to 25 for a few hours then turn it off.
6. Leave your oven door open
After you’ve finished cooking, leaving your oven door open can help dissipate the heat further into the kitchen. You’ve paid for it, make the most of it! Though of course this tip should be used safely – be wary of children or pets who may be at risk of burning or damaging the stove.
7. Get creative with upcycling
Just because a product has ended one life, doesn’t mean it can’t be used again. Many products have a second life serving another purpose. Consider looking into common upcycling ideas to best put what you already have to use, rather than having to buy something new.
8. Don’t be loyal
Many companies depend on loyalty to gradually increase the price of rolling subscriptions. Car insurance is a prime example. When it comes time for renewal, research the market and don’t be afraid to tell the company you’ll leave. They will often match the better deal.
9. Make a meal plan
One of the easiest ways to spend more money on food is to follow your stomach. At the start of the week, you should plan the meals ahead and use recipes that can be frozen or stored if made in bulk – this is a great way to save money, and in many cases eat even healthier.
10. Write down your budget!
When it comes to budgeting the worst thing to do is keep it all in your head. Write down your budget calculations so you’re never in doubt of how much you’re spending, and how much is left.
