You may be feeling ‘sticker shock’ these days with the rise of costs of everything from gasoline to groceries. With back to school and the holidays, it may be a good idea to focus on saving money while cutting down on spending. This is especially important if you plan to purchase a home in the next year.
Here are some quick and easy money-saving ideas for you and your family. Please consult with a financial advisor if you have any questions.
Unsubscribe from services you no longer use including streaming services or smartphone applications that may charge monthly fees.
Get a library card. Your public library not only offers free books that you can check out and read but also free online services for eBooks and streaming.
Cook more meals at home. While grocery costs are rising, so are the food costs at restaurants. Try to cook more meals in your kitchen instead of going out to eat. You can also prepare and store many meals in your freezer in advance that you can later quickly reheat after soccer practice or homework.
Speaking of groceries, shop for store brands (also known as generic or private label brands) that are often cheaper than national brands. And don’t be afraid to shop around for the cheaper options with your coupons in hand.
Take advantage of rewards programs that offer discounts on food and groceries.
Research ways to cut energy costs inside your home. Washing clothes in cold water and installing a programmable thermostat can save you some money on your monthly energy bill.
If delivery is free, shop online. Having your goods delivered to your home will help cut down on gasoline. Plus, it also may help reduce so-called impulse purchases at the store.
Remember, saving a few cents or dollars will add up in the long run. Anything extra you may have left over after paying the bills should go into a savings account for emergencies.
Equal Housing Opportunity. Axia Home Loans is a registered tradename of Axia Financial, LLC. NMLS 27830.