Memorial Day kicked off the summer season, and you’re probably getting excited to take a vacation. As you save up for that special trip, you may be inclined to tighten your budget in order to put a few dollars toward future goals. Check out this list of five easy ways to save money:
1. Make breakfast and coffee at home.
The effort of fixing coffee and breakfast at home is well worth the savings you can realize by not purchasing at Starbucks or the local coffee shop every morning. Quality coffee can be bought in bulk for a fraction of the price of an in-store brew. While you’re at it, trade in that breakfast sandwich for oatmeal, a quick, delicious and healthy alternative.
2. Turn the thermostat up when you leave for work.
Set your air conditioning at 78 to 80 when you leave for work, then turn it back to your normal temperature when you return. It is pointless to have your A/C system cooling a house that isn’t occupied.
3. Grow your own vegetables
Growing your own tomatoes, zucchini, and beans, and potatoes is inexpensive and fun. Visit your local gardening or home improvement store for tips on how you can start a backyard vegetable garden. Plus, there is nothing more satisfying than enjoying a meal knowing that you grew the ingredients.
4. Consider ditching traditional utilities
Consider how trading in your traditional landline in favor of exclusively relying on your cellphone would affect your life. It might be worth abandoning the phone company. Additionally, think about giving up cable television. Many shows can now be streamed on websites such as Hulu and Netflix, and most shows are available to rent inexpensively on iTunes.
5. Dry your clothes on a clothesline
This small way to save energy could make a difference on your electricity bill. The long-lost art of drying clothes on a clothesline will also bring your clothes back to you with a fresh outdoors smell. Both your wallet and the environment will thank you.
These are only a few of the many ways to save money around the house. What are your favorite penny-pinching tips? Let us know.