Saving money doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you take the time to pay attention. In fact, making a few simple adjustments in your daily/weekly routine can save you an easy grand by the end of the year. Here are five ways to do just that:

1. Cancel cable. It may be a nice perk to have those 500 channels, but is it actually a necessity? You’d have to spend every waking hour in front of the television in order to get your money’s worth- which is the last thing you want your family to do. If you can’t bring yourself to cancel your cable subscription altogether, at least cut back on the premium channels. Even though the cable company doesn’t advertise a “basic” option, they are legally required to provide one. Ask your sales representative for information- chances are you’ll save at least $50/month, or more if you bite the bullet and cancel altogether.

2. Eat more meals at home. Going out to eat can be so much more convenient, but it can also be so much more expensive. If you’re serious about saving your family money, eat more of your meals at home. The average price of a meal for a family four is $30- not including dessert and alcohol. Just cutting out one dinner out each week can save you $1500 this year alone!

3. Cancel your landline. Get rid of your home phone or cell phone- you don’t really need both. With free long distance and free nights and weekends, opting for a cell phone only plan may be the best option for your family, economically speaking. Many families take advantage of “family plans” that include up to four separate phone lines under the same coverage, allowing you to share minutes and messaging features. Many companies even offer free mobile to mobile communication as long as you have the same provider, making it cheaper than ever to keep in touch with friends and family. Making the change can save you more than $700/year!

4. Be energy conscious. Programming your thermostat to run two degrees cooler in the winter and two degrees warmer in the summer can save you over $1000 in electricity costs each year (on average). Rely on old fashioned heating and cooling devices like cold showers, fans, blankets, and fires to help compensate for the change in temperature.

5. Drive less. With the cost of gas skyrocketing, it has never been more expensive to drive a car. Start a carpool arrangement with other parents whose children attend the same schools, or opt into a vanpool through your workplace. Look into public transportation options like the bus, metro, or railway to commute to work. Whenever possible, walk to your destination or between shops while running errands. Even swapping your car for a bike on your morning commute can save you as much as $1000 a year!

Posted in Home Budget

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