The cost of living crisis has had a huge impact on us all, regardless of what our starting point was financially. It’s affected just about every person in every tax bracket, and the cost of everything has been absolutely soaring for some time now. For this reason its really important that we focus on keeping our finances under control. This will prevent us from getting in trouble financially and making sure we can at least still afford our most essential bills. Here are some of the ways you can go about keeping your money in check during this difficult time.
Evaluate Your Current Expenses
The best thing you can do to start off is do a really thorough assessment of your expenses. Take a look at your bank statements so you can understand where your money is going each month, some banking apps will split this down into categories for you so that you can easily see where your money is going at a glance. Identifying your spending patterns can help you pinpoint areas where you can cut back, hopefully without affecting your lifestyle too much. If you notice there are things like subscriptions you dont use enough for example you can immediately cancel those. If you spend way more on your morning coffee than you thought, you could look to switch to homemade.
Embrace Renewable Energy
Considering renewable energy sources like solar panels or community solar programs is a great idea- look into community solar customer acquisition. The upfront cost can seem high, but the long term savings on your electricity bills are so worth it. You’ll be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your impact on it, so making the switch not only saves you money but also helps protect our planet for the future too.
Reevaluate Your Insurance Policies
Insurance becomes a necessary expense as you become an adult and have responsbilities to protect your assets. This includes your health, your home, your pets, your possessions etc- but that doesn’t mean you can’t discover cost effective options. Take some time to shop around for insurance providers, comparing rates to make sure you get the best deal while still maintaining comprehensive coverage. Additionally, consider bundling multiple insurance policies with a single provider as it could lead to extra savings.
Get Rid of Cable
Traditional cable packages can be expensive, especially when you dont watch many of the channels that are included in the package. If you explore alternative options like streaming services or digital TV like Netflix and Amazon Prime these can give you access to quality entertainment without the hefty price tag.
Opt for Public Transportation
Transportation costs can take a significant toll on your budget, especially if you rely on a car for your daily commuting to work. Consider using public transport or carpooling with colleagues, you could even look into cycling to work if it’s feasible. These options not only reduce expenses but also contribute to a greener environment and if you cycle it will be great for your health too.
Cook at Home
Eating out all the time really takes a toll on your wallet. So, why not consider cooking at home more often? It’s a great way to save money and has some other fantastic perks too. By planning your meals in advance and buying groceries in bulk, you can see some serious savings. You’ll soon notice that the dishes you whip up in your own kitchen are not only easier on your budget but also much healthier and tastier. One great thing about cooking at home is having control over the ingredients. You get to choose what goes into your dishes, ensuring they are nutritious and well-balanced. And let’s not forget the joy of experimenting with different recipes! You can put your own twist on things and explore a whole range of flavours. If you’re concerned about time, try doing some meal prepping when you have a bit of free time. Making larger batches of meals and freezing them in individual servings can be a lifesaver on busy days. You’ll have a delicious and budget-friendly option ready to go whenever you need it.
Negotiate with Service Providers
When you’re dealing with your service providers like phone and internet, don’t be afraid to haggle a bit. You might be surprised by the promotional offers or discounts they have up their sleeves, which they might not automatically tell you about. These companies will always want to keep you as a satisfied customer so they may be more willing to work something out than you might think. When you call, be friendly and polite but also assertive and do be prepared to leave and switch somewhere else if they don’t offer a deal that fits within your budget.
