6 Monthly Bills That Could Be Cheaper
Thursday, January 10, 2019, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
Saving money can be challenging for some people, but there are ways you can learn to save with minimal.
By starting to save now, your small amount of savings can add up to something substantial in the long run.
One way to save at home is to cut down on monthly bills.
Cut down on these six monthly bills by following a few simple steps.
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Electricity Bill
Cooling and heating are major contributors to your electricity bill. Invest in a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures when you’re asleep or away. The ideal home temperature should be between 70- and 78-degrees Fahrenheit to maximize energy efficiency.
Another way to reduce energy costs is to switch to energy efficient LED lights. These lights, especially ENERGY STAR products, use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
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Water Bill
Many people keep the hot water temperature higher than they actually need it to be, unnecessarily increasing their water and energy bills. The Department of Energy recommends lowering the temperature to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some other ways you can reduce your water bill each month:
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Fit aerators on faucets—This will mix more air in your water and reduce the speed at which it runs.
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While selecting a washing machine, choose one of the modern energy efficient options.
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Try reducing your showering time to less than 10 minutes.
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Product Insurance Bill
If you have insurance plans for your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and HVAC system, your monthly bills are bound to add up over time. Instead of paying for separate plans, consider investing in a home warranty that covers multiple appliances and systems within your home.
Typically, you can pay for a warranty upfront for the entire year or you can pay on a monthly basis. Compare multiple home warranty plans and contact insurance agents for warranty explanations if needed.
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Phone Bill
Reassess your phone bill. If your current plan offers more than you really need, switch to a cheaper package or a prepaid plan. Family plans are cheaper than individual plans, so if you are already on a family plan, it’s probably best to continue using it.
Besides phone plans, the phones themselves can also increase your monthly bill significantly. Instead of upgrading your phone every year, hold onto it as long as possible (even after you pay it off) to reduce phone bill costs.
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Food Bill
Food is another area where you can save a ton of money each month by slightly modifying your habits. Create a food budget and try to stick to it as best as you can.
Use coupons and bulk purchase discounts and get into the habit of cooking more meals at home to avoid high restaurant bills.
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Car Bill
When buying a vehicle, give some thought to its fuel efficiency credentials. This will help you save money on gas each month.
If you live in a bike-friendly area, replace some of your car trips with biking when convenient—this will also help you save on gas.
