Best Tips to Save Money at Home
September is like a fresh start for most people, we had a great summer, ate a lot, slept a lot and spent a lot, but now it's time to get back into gear. The holiday season is just a few short months away and I know everyone could learn to save a little money before it does.
1. Conserve Energy and water
A friend of mine recently wrote an amazing blog all about conserving energy and water at home and seeing the savings in your pockets. So many times I look around my house and wonder why that light is on? Is the tv upstairs on? Who is using that? Check out her simple and easy tips to save while you are saving the environment as well.
2. Meal Plan
Some people love it and some just do not have the time. It is a great way to get what you need from the grocery store and waste less. I find when I get the kiddos involved there is usually less fight at dinner time since they know what is on the menu. (And they helped choose it)
Nifty Mom.com has some great free printable meal plans for you to get started
3. Make a Budget
Once again some people love budgets and some can live without. I find for myself before I try to create any kind of budget I track my spending for a week and that usually opens my eyes to where my money is really going to rather than where I think it is going to.
Steps to create a budget
Step 1: Note your net income. The first step in creating a budget is to identify the amount of money you have coming in.
Step 2: Track your spending.
Step 3: Set your goals.
Step 4: Make a plan.
Step 5: Adjust your habits if necessary.
Step 6: Keep checking in.
4, Make some important phone calls and shop around
Do you know how much you are spending on your phone bills? Tv? Internet? Credit Card interest? Bank fees? Insurance? Sometimes we get lazy and just pay something but that is what we have always done. It can help to call some of your companies and see if you are really getting the best deal and are you paying for what you actually need.
5. Stop Collecting and Start Selling
Instead of buying more things that you may not need, go through things and sell. Whether it be clothes, toys, home decor and more they are some great ways to sell online and in person.
Mom to mom sales - People pay for a table and bring their clothes to sell to other families. Most of the time you are in charge of your money, set up and clean up plus there may be rules on what you can sell.
Online facebook groups - Groups like https://www.facebook.com/groups/guelphmomsbuyandsell/ is a great way to sell gently used items if you have the patience for people picking things up.
Once Upon a Child - bring some of your gently used items to Once Upon a Child and they will pay you money either on the spot or shortly afterwards once they have gone through your items. Sometimes it is a good idea to call ahead and see if they are looking for anything specific
Hope you enjoyed some of our saving tips and we would love to hear how you like to save - join the conversation on our Facebook page - facebook.com/guelphmomsandco
