It can get expensive just living everyday life, whether you’ve just moved out on your own or if you’re striving to keep the bills paid for your entire family. Paying the bills, shopping, and taking care of your home all add up, leaving little money for things that you like to do, such as going to the movies, eating out, doing fun things with your family or friends, or taking a much-needed vacation every now and then.
Luckily, there are some hacks that you can use to save some cash, which you can then use on the things you really need. The hacks listed here include some to use when you shop at your local store or online, to help cut your home energy bills, or to get great deals on items that you buy every day.
Read about these and other helpful life hacks to spend less money around your home, and you’ll be saving extra cash in no time.
1) Ask About Ways to Lower Costs
Most companies do not tell you about special promotions or offerings that can save you money, including utility companies. Be proactive when looking for savings by asking if there is a way you can lower your costs. You might even come across a great deal by asking.
Source:
123RF
2) Use Your Crock-Pot as a Humidifier
To cut down on dry air in your home during the winter, use an old crock-pot as a humidifier. Fill the slow cooker with water, set the temperature on low, and leave the lid off. While running the crock-pot in this fashion costs next to nothing, it does a lot to alleviate static, dry skin, and bloody noses, possibly saving money on personal care items.
Source:
HuffPost
3) Save Money by Using an Electric Teapot
Believe it or not, the most economical way to boil a small amount of water is by using an electric teapot. This is even when compared to using a microwave or the stovetop to boil water.
Source:
Epicurious
4) Insulate Your Outlets to Save Money
To stop heat loss in your home during the winter, consider installing foam insulating gaskets on your outlets. Fitting behind the actual outlet cover, the gaskets should put a stop to any air leaks around these areas, helping to insulate your home better.
Source:
Allstate
5) Get a Discounted Meal at a Culinary School
Culinary schools across the country train thousands of chefs each year. In order to try out their skills, many schools offer their chefs test kitchens in which to practice. Fortunately, for food lovers, these restaurants for these test kitchens also serve the public, but at a greatly discounted rate.
Source:
Cooking Quidnunc
6) Reuse Old Calendars
While it might seem a tad miserly, you can actually reuse old calendars in the future. Eventually, the months and days of a particular calendar year will repeat themselves in future years, with all days falling on the same days of the week. For more information on when you can reuse a specific calendar of a particular year, check out whencaniresuethiscalendar.com.
Source:
Trendy Post
7) Use Wool Balls to Save Money
Another option to fabric softener is to use wool balls made out of wool yarn stuffed inside a pair of panty hose. Fortunately, you can make your own wool balls to use in your dryer with a few simple items and this tutorial.
Source:
Pretty Little Knit Stitches
8) Forgo Rental Car Insurance
The next time you rent a car, reconsider getting the insurance that the rental company offers. If you have a personal insurance policy, then they might provide this coverage for free. Make sure this is the case before you forgo coverage though.
Source:
CBS News
9) Use Bubble Wrap on Your Windows in the Fall
To help insulate your home’s windows in the fall and winter, apply bubble wrap at the start of fall. Lightly mist the inside glass of the window using water. Next, apply a sheet of bubble wrap to the glass, bubble-side facing the glass. When the weather warms, the bubble wrap should come off easily.
Source:
Instructables
10) Weigh Bags of Produce When Shopping
The next time you shop, weigh the bags of pre-packaged produce before you buy them. The goal is to try to get more pound for your buck. Basically, the weight marked on the bag is only a minimum amount required by law. It doesn’t matter if the bag weighs more than this and means extra produce, for free, if it weighs more.
Source:
The Frugal Girl
11) Avoid Extended Service Plans
If possible, avoid getting the extended service plan on items you buy in-store, unless you know you will use them. Most of them offer coverage above and beyond what the manufacturer’s warranty does and are often not even used at all.
Source:
U.S. News & World Report
12) Carry Cash to Save Money
The next time you go out, put cash in your pocket to pay with as opposed to a credit or debit card. To make it even harder to spend money, only carry large bills, such as $50s and $100s, which are more troublesome to get change for.
Source:
Nerd Wallet
13) Save by Buying Store-Brand Products
Another way to save money while shopping is to opt for store-brand products. By buying store-brand goods, the average shopper can save up to 25 percent off of their regular grocery bill, according to Consumer Reports.
Source:
StoreBrands
14) Save on a Gym Membership
An easy way to save on your gym membership is to look for discounts and reimbursements through your health insurance plan. While benefits vary according to your particular insurer and plan, many will reimburse you up to a certain dollar amount per year.
Source:
WiseBread
15) Start a Yard Garden
Yard gardens are a growing trend among homeowners, reducing both lawn care costs and your overall food bill. Why not put your lawn to better use by planting crops that you can supplement your groceries with. Check out Food Not Lawns for more on this money-saving idea.
Source:
Colorado State University
16) Look for Discounted Gift Cards on Gift Card Exchange Sites
To find cheap gift cards (usually selling for less than the remaining value of the card) check online gift card exchange sites. You can find gift cards for a variety of different retailers, including Home Depot, Best Buy, and other popular locations.
Source:
Brad’s Deals
17) Test the Seals on Your Refrigerator
The seals on your refrigerator keep the cold air inside where it can cool your food. Eventually, though, these seals can wear out. When this happens, you need to replace them. To check to see if your seals are still good, close the door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If the dollar bill slips out, it is time to replace the seals.
Source:
The Golf Club
18) Sync Up Your Sleep Schedule
A great way to save on your electric bill is to go to bed when the sun goes down. In addition to saving you money, this idea (not so much a hack) ensures that you get enough rest at night, especially during the winter when the nights are longer.
Source:
RootsRated
19) Clean Underneath the Refrigerator
Another way to increase the efficiency of your refrigerator is to keep it clean and dust-free. So, make sure to regularly vacuum underneath and along the coils on the back. This keeps the refrigerator energy efficient and keeps your electric bill down.
Source:
Clark wholesale
20) Zip Your Pants Before Putting Them in the Wash
To save on the wear and tear of your clothing in the washing machine, make sure to zip up the zippers on all of your garments. Zippers are notorious for rubbing against and tearing any clothes they come into contact with while in the wash.
Source:
iFixit
21) Install a Rain Barrel
Rain barrels provide a great source of water for your lawn and garden. Before using this water-saving hack, make sure to check your local laws, as some states prohibit the amount of rain water you can store in this way.
Source:
TreePeople
22) Use Soap Instead of Shaving Cream
If you want to save money on shaving cream, use bar soap instead. Start by buying an old-fashioned bristle brush. Then shave some of the bar soap into a mug and work it into a lather. This should give you a close shave without the expense of shaving cream.
Source:
Soap Queen
23) Reduce Your Home’s Energy Costs by Planting Trees
Planting a few trees around your home can also save you money on your energy bill. Trees provide necessary shade during the summer and can also act as a wind barrier during the windy season. They can also reduce your home energy bill by up to 25 percent.
Source:
Rootwell
24) Increase the Life of Your Razor
To increase the life of your razors, try pushing the blades against your old jeans about a dozen times once the razor gets dull. This not only realigns the blades, but also sharpens them for additional use. Read here for more instructions.
Source:
Youtube Screenshot
25) DIY Cleaner
You can use this great, non-toxic DIY cleaning solution around your home. Mix citrus peels with equal parts white vinegar and boiling water in a heat-resistant glass container. Cover and allow it to sit for a week. Strain the mixture into a spray bottle for use.
Source:
Cholla Homes
26) Ask for Free Upgrades, But Only After Arrival
If you want a free upgrade on a hotel room or rental car, wait until after you arrive. Most of these upgrades are free, if available. Just make sure to get the level of service that you need, and then if you end up with a free upgrade, all the better.
Source:
Stuff
27) Clean Your Dryer Vent Regularly
Another money-saving hack is to regularly clean your dryer vent. Not only does this keep your dryer more energy efficient, it can also prevent fire from lint buildup. You should inspect and clean your dryer vent at least once a year, more if you have a large family.
Source:
TheDryerVentDoctor
28) Easy Grocery Bill Savings Hack
To limit the amount of groceries you purchase when going to the supermarket, carry your groceries as opposed to using a cart or basket. By carrying your items, you force yourself to get only the things you absolutely need and not those you had no intention of buying.
Source:
Nature Pro
29) Shop by Specific Product When Shopping Online
When you shop online, shop by the specific product and not the general product category. This allows you to focus on getting exactly what you need without being tempted to buy something you don’t really need on impulse.
Source:
Quora
30) Toner Saving Hack
To save on expensive toner ink, use these two hacks. First, change the text color to dark blue if you are out of black ink to get a few more copies out of your machine before needing to refill it. Second, switch the font you use in your Microsoft Word documents to Garamond. Garamond uses up to 30 percent less ink than other fonts.
Source:
Company folders
31) Prepare Your Own Shredded Carrots
In order to save cash, prepare your own products at home. Produce, such as carrots, cost more when you buy them already prepared at the store. Instead, buy whole produce and shred it once you get home at a fraction of the cost and in little time.
Source:
C&Z
32) Kool-Aid Leak Detector
A great way to check for leaks in your toilet is by using Kool-Aid mix. Simply pour it into the tank and look for any discoloration of the water in your bowl. This allows you to get this problem fixed before it costs you too much in wasted water.
Source:
Eurotek
33) Drink Water Before Every Meal
In order to save money on a meal at a restaurant (by getting a smaller dish), make sure to drink water before eating. Often your body mistakes thirst for hunger, essentially making your eyes bigger than your stomach. By drinking water beforehand, your body feels fuller.
Source:
Brita
34) Save Money With Apps
Another way to save cash is to use smartphone apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 with your grocery receipts. Just scan your receipts after you shop and earn back money. These savings can add up to a lot over time.
Source:
The Wall Street Journal
35) Purchase More Expensive Items at the End of the Month
Waiting until the end of the month to purchase big-ticket items can save you money. Most often, sales people are trying to meet their monthly quota of sales at the end of the month, so they are more likely to make you a deal to do so.
Source:
Productivityist
36) Cheap Swiffer Refills
Instead of replacing your Swiffer Jet Dry fluid with a Swiffer-brand refill when you run out, try this instead. Remove the cap from the fluid canister, and pour in a less-costly concentrated cleaner. Mix this with a little water, and you are good to go.
Source:
Everyday Cheapskate
37) Lower the Brightness of Your Monitor and TV Screens
By lowering the brightness on your computer monitor and TV screens, you can reduce power consumption by up to 40 percent. The default settings are not the best for this and are designed to make the screen look good in the store.
Source:
Gadget Hacks
38) Save Money by Using a Clothesline
Another great way to save money is to dry your clothes the old-fashioned way by hanging them on a clothesline. Drying your clothes by air saves you on your electric bill, since you don’t have to use a dryer. Plus your clothes last longer since they aren’t exposed to the wear and tear a dryer can cause.
Source:
Consumer Reports
39) Clear Your Browser History to Save Money
If you do a lot of online shopping, make sure to clear your browser history regularly. Many online retailers monitor the online browsing history of their customers and raise their prices based on this information. Also, when paying online, sign in as a guest or with a new account to get the lowest prices.
Source:
PC Magazine
40) Fill Your Prescriptions at Costco
If you are looking for good prices on prescription drugs, try looking at wholesalers Costco and Sam’s Club. The best part about getting your prescriptions at Costco is that you don’t even have to be a member to do so. The stores are required to sell federally regulated prescription drugs to everyone, not just members.
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Source:
Alere
While money can be tight when you live on your own, it doesn’t have to be. By spending it wisely, and using various life hacks, you can take care of your household and still have money left over. The next time you want to save money, use some of these hacks.