Review your monthly expenses. There’s a good chance that food and energy bills are taking a big bite out of your budget. Fortunately, there are ways to lower these major household dues.
Tips on Saving on Energy Bills
Maybe you’re tired of hearing this, but we’ll say it again: Unplug appliances and electrical devices when you’re not using them. You see, electricity continuously flows when devices are plugged even if they’re unused. You’re basically throwing extra money for electricity.
If, no matter how hard you try, you still forget to unplug appliances, install timers and power strips instead. These are designed to automatically switch on or off your devices as well as eliminate phantom charges.
Another way to cut back on utility bills is air sealing your home. Regardless of the season, drafts make your appliances work harder and can cause your energy bills to shoot up. One example of this case is when your HVAC unit makes up for the loss of cool air in the summer and warm air during the winter.
The next tactic won’t just help you save on energy costs; it might completely eliminate them in the long run. Picture a life without worrying about utility bills! But before you enjoy that, you have to invest in residential solar panels for your Utah home first. Don’t let the initial cost scare you. Keep in mind that solar energy equipment will pay for itself within a few years.
Tips on Trimming Your Food Budget
A huge chunk of your income goes to food, from grocery shopping to eating out. Although it seems impossible, did you know that you can cut your food budget in half without compromising nutrition and taste? Yes, you don’t have to shell out big bucks to enjoy the meals you love.
The first hack to eat cheap but healthy is by cooking and packing your own food at home. When you’re preoccupied at work and too tired to cook at the end of the day, it’s easy to throw money for quick meals. Day after day, you eat out for lunch and dinner, without noticing you’re spending more than you’re supposed to on food. Imagine how much you can save if you prepare your own food.
Too busy to cook day in and day out? No problem. Prepare more servings than you can eat in one seating. Freeze the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. That way, you don’t have to spend time in the kitchen every day to cook for every meal. When you’re ready to kick your meal preparation up a notch, plan menus for the next two weeks.
You’ve put on your chef hat, why not try your hands at gardening as well? Another way to save dollars on food is by testing out your green thumbs and growing your own ingredients. It makes a lot of sense. After all, you don’t have to buy veggies, fruits, and herbs if you already have them in your backyard.
What’s fantastic in starting your own garden is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. Simply set aside tomato seeds and herbs cutting when you cook.
As you now know, there are tons of ways to lower your food and utility expenses. Some require a lifestyle change. Some need a bit of an investment. Whichever hack you choose to practice, it’s going to be worth it. Guaranteed.