It’s a hot topic. Saving money. Especially over beers with your best mates. That’s why I’ve been taking notes.
Now, you may not think much about a beer-stained pad of paper. But, after reading these 7 tips, you may change your mind.
Have a beer or your favorite beverage while reading these ideas. It puts a new spin on saving money — in ways that won’t dent your lifestyle.
1. Be A Reader
I know. Reading books, blogs, and magazines might not seem so brilliant. But, you’ll get loads of ideas if you keep reading about where to save money.
Some stuff won’t seem like much. Cutting the cord for cable. Ditching buying supplies from the convenience store. I bet you’ll find more than a dozen tips you can use right away if you read 35 Simple Ways to Save Money Each Month.
2. Investigate Your Attic
This one is from Tom, my drinking buddy, and home improvement pro. He told me that by properly insulating the attic, a homeowner could save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill. That’s awesome, right?
If you’re looking into attic insulation installation, Tom suggests calling an insulation expert. Attic insulation is notoriously tricky and time-consuming. Also, the items removed can be nasty and filled with dangerous diseases. Leave it to the experts – but check out your attic. You could save a fortune on heating and cooling bills.
Much like the attic, a crawl space is often also raising your electric bill. It could not be ventilated properly, and lead to warmer air on the second floor. While you’ve got the experts crawling around the attic, have them check out the crawl space too.
According to Tom, you will find this radically helps your heating and cooling costs.
3. Be a Tea Drinker
Tea is a healthy beverage that is great cold, hot, and everything in between. I’ve been especially taken by green tea lately – as it’s known for boosting immunity and helping to burn fat.
When you make tea at home, you won’t stop by the local coffee shop for coffee, tea, and a pastry. In some places, this adds to big savings. This not only helps your wallet – it helps your belly. You won’t have the added fat, sugar, and calories that are calling from the sweets counter.
Trust me, this tip works to reduce in all the important ways.
4. Be A Home Chef
The boys at the bar are great at cooking. Seriously. My mates have used the last year of quarantine and lockdown to crank up their cooking skills. As we head towards summer and Barbeque season, they’re eager to show off their new skills.
When you’re cooking at home, you’ll save money. You won’t be tempted to go out to fancy dinners and pay a fortune for food that you’d cook better at home. Also, while you’re out – it’s natural to order appetizers, drinks, side dishes, and desserts. This blows your budget – and usually shows up as extra pounds on the scale.
Be a home chef. If you’re in a relationship, your partner or spouse will appreciate your effort. Plus, you’ll have plenty to share with your neighbors and friends.
5. Support Local Farmers
It’s almost summertime. In most communities, you’ll find local farms are opening up and seasonal produce is taking off. The amazing thing about summer is that it’s easy to save money, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and have delicious meals.
Plus, while you’re saving money, you’ll support local farmers and small food producers. This is good common sense – and good for your wallet too.
6. Eat Less Meat
While Barbeque season is starting, you’ll save a small fortune by eating less meat. Eating less meat is a major recommendation from the United Nations. It is a simple way to save money – and do the best thing for the planet.
If you’re looking for inspiration and meatless recipes, check out blogs on vegetarian and vegan cooking. We cut down on meat and easily shaved 30% off our grocery bill.
7. Drink Water
Water is the best beverage – after beer, that is. In my humble opinion, drinking water is the smart way to stay hydrated. It is usually free unless you’re buying a fancy bottle or bubbly brand. If you’re drinking water, you can count your savings by comparing how much you’d pay for a bottle or canned version of a sugary beverage. Ka-ching!
Let me know what frugal tips you’d add!
