We’re always on the lookout for ways to save money, especially after our bank balances have taken a hit over the festive period. Of course, there are the traditional ways of saving such as budgeting and setting aside a certain amount of funds each month. But, without overly restricting your leisure activities, what everyday changes can you make to spend less?
1. Spend less on your energy bill
Make small everyday changes to lower the cost of your energy bill.
Did you know that 4{9aec2f3753136e72632b4743edb3bd445b461a73e7aee1730978bb7c413976bd} of your energy bill is attributed to cooking? Work on lowering this if you can. Your oven stays warm for a long time after you’ve switched it off. Try turning it off 10 minutes before you’re finished cooking to save on energy.
Instead of turning your thermostat up during the colder months, layer up instead to save on pennies! Switching down by just one degree Celsius can save you £85 per year — it all adds up. When it comes to showering, cutting your shower time down to 5 minutes instead of 15 minutes can save you £98 per year — less singing and faster washing!
2. Storing food properly
When we’re packing food away in the fridge or freezer, we usually don’t think about how it’s stored. But, the way that you put away your goods can have an impact on your energy bill.
If you pack your freezer more tightly, this keeps more of the cold air in when you open the door. This means that the appliance doesn’t have to work as hard to lower the temperature again. The same applies to the refrigerator too — a full fridge requires less energy to stay cool than one that’s empty. If you’re struggling to pack your fridge or freezer full, filling it with newspaper can do the job.
3. Save money booking holidays
Even when we’re trying to save money, we all deserve a holiday now and then! The good news is that you can save money by following a few top tips the next time you book a vacation.
Try and fly out on a Friday if you can, this can save you 18{9aec2f3753136e72632b4743edb3bd445b461a73e7aee1730978bb7c413976bd} on your airfare compared to if you flew out on a Sunday. Taking into consideration the average cost of a flight and the fact that the average Brit goes on holiday three times a year, you could save £85 annually by following this top tip.
Be calculative about when you book your holiday too. You can save £36 per year by booking your trip on a Monday as flights are 5{9aec2f3753136e72632b4743edb3bd445b461a73e7aee1730978bb7c413976bd} cheaper.
Consider packing more economically too. You can save £144 per year by only taking hand luggage on your flights. Squeeze more into your suitcase by rolling clothes and packing garments in your shoes.
4. Meal prepping
Being prepared when it comes to grocery shopping and planning lunches for the week can help save on cash.
Even making a shopping list before you head to the supermarket can help. In fact, 60{9aec2f3753136e72632b4743edb3bd445b461a73e7aee1730978bb7c413976bd} of people who take a shopping list to the supermarket said it saves them money. It stops you buying things that you don’t necessarily need and helps you stick to your budget.
Create a meal plan for the week too. This means that you’re only buying what you need and don’t need to spend money on unexpected lunches out. Statistics have shown that you can save an impressive £1,300 per year by preparing lunch at home rather than eating out during the week.
5. Eco-conscious coffee drinking
There are a few ways that you can be eco-conscious about your coffee drinking while saving money.
First of all, you can start by making your coffee at home when you can. You can save £507 per year by making your coffee at home instead of buying one each day from a retailer. If you prefer coffee from the store, why not take your own cup? This is helping the environment and you can save £150 per year as many high street retailers now offer 50p off coffee when you present your own cup.
Make the small changes above and watch your pennies turn into pounds this year! For more saving tips, check out True Potential Investor’s Life Hacks interactive.