Being a homeowner, as opposed to a renter, comes with a lot of responsibility. You have to worry about utilities like gas and energy bills, home repairs, and where to find low rates on insurance. Owning a home can be a great investment, but can also be a drain on your bank account if you are not careful and sensible with your finances. That being said, there are plenty of simple ways to reduce your costs by looking into things such as electric rates and grocery bills so you can save money. Below are just a few tips to get you started.
Electric Bill
With just a few easy switches and a closer look at your electric rates, you can start cutting down your energy bill. For instance, install energy-efficient lightbulbs like LED and CFL which last longer than regular incandescent bulbs. While these lightbulbs do cost more, you will save money in the long run because they use less energy. Also, unplug any electric devices (like chargers, tea kettles, coffee pots, toasters, and the like) when you’re not using them to save on your electric bill.
Another good idea to save money on electric bills is by using a clothesline or rack to dry your clothes instead of the dryer. A dryer may be convenient, but hanging your clothes outside can do a great job drying them while saving money.
Finally, look at the energy providers in your service area. Could you be saving money by switching to a different electric plan with lower electric rates? What is the average rate for your neighborhood? You can compare electricity by researching electric suppliers in your neighborhood and determining which company offers excellent service at the best rate. You might be paying a higher electric bill than you should be.
Car Insurance
From a car insurance policy and regular maintenance to gas costs — the money you spend on having a car can really add up. Aim to cut down on car costs with a few of these useful tips. First, try not to rush to your destination. Instead, utilize cruise control and keep your speed at 55 mph on the highway. This will help your gas mileage significantly. Secondly, change your air filters to help you save on gas. This should be done about every 10,000 to 12,500 miles.
While car insurance can be expensive, never forego having an insurance policy. Whether your car is being repaired or you are just using a rental car, make sure you’ve got some type of auto insurance. Repair services will be a lot more expensive without auto insurance, so always be prepared. And here’s a guide about temporary car insurance to help you better understand the benefits of short-term insurance. Remember, there are a lot of different car insurance companies out there, and they don’t always provide the same liability coverage. Compare insurance companies and look into how your driving record will impact your payments to make sure you’re going with the insurance company that gives you the full coverage policy and the best rates.
To help protect your car from theft or accidental dents or scratches, keep your car in the garage with the garage door closed. If you’re in need of a new garage door, garage door installation, or any garage door repair, seek out reliable technicians with years of experience to keep your car safe without impacting your bottom line too much. You can easily browse quality garage doors in Gresham, Oregon, and garage door services online to help you find the best value. Just like your home, you want to protect your car from damage, and a suitable garage door can do just that.
Buying Groceries
Food and supplies — while a necessity — can be costly. Reduce your grocery bill by buying items from generic brands when you don’t really have a preference. Buy seasonal produce that’s grown locally to your zip code. You’ll most likely get fresher fruits and vegetables at lower costs.
Cooling and Heating
Keeping your house cool during the summer and warm during the winter can increase your energy bills. Instead of constantly adjusting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts based upon your schedule.
Turn Off Cable
Nowadays, subscription programs like Netflix or Hulu offer plenty of entertainment for families at significantly cheaper costs than cable. However, if there are certain programs you want to watch but can’t get access to through online subscriptions, then try purchasing episodes through iTunes.
