No one wants to lose money. In fact, everyone likes to save, right?
The problem is, there are so many ways to save, it's easy to get lost.
We tighten our belts in certain areas without thinking of other sources of interesting savings.
The upside, of course, is that with all these savings opportunities, there are bound to be some you've missed out on!
If you're trying to cut your monthly budget, here are the top 5 easy money saving tips:
In winter, the recommended temperature in the house is 19°C.
So if you are used to having a temperature above, try to reduce it to 19°C.
And when you've gotten used to that temperature, try lowering it a bit more.
Do the same if you had already set it to this level...
You can experiment like this to see how low you can decrease it.
Of course, don't spend the money you save on heating on polar gear...
The exact amount of savings will vary depending on the cost of heating, the size and energy efficiency of your home...
As well as the outside temperature!
It is estimated that you can save up to 7% per degree gained!
To save even more, lower the temperature to 16 or 13°C when you are away.
Also lower the temperature when you are warm under the duvet. Some even go up to 10°C.
Do you work outside during the day and sleep 8 hours a night? This trick can reduce your energy consumption for 16 hours a day.
If you go from 20 to 13°C, you will save 26% on your bill. That represents hundreds of euros, in just 1 or 2 years.
If you are at home during the day and need to heat...
You still save half by lowering the heating only at night. Not so bad, is it?
By the way, here is a received idea:
Believe that you will use as much energy to heat the cooled house as you will have saved by turning down the heating.
When you turn off the heating, it does not work while the temperature of the house drops.
You save enough energy to offset the energy used to heat the house.
In the end, it all balances out.
Clearly, you save as soon as you lower the temperature of the house. And the longer you leave the thermostat down, the more you save.
To discover: 3 Unstoppable Tips to Turn on the Heating Less in Winter.
Clothing expenses can be difficult to track.
Why ? Because in general, these are not purchases that are made once a week or once a month.
First, try to avoid big brands. You usually just pay for the name and the marketing.
And the clothes aren't always better than what you find in a lesser-known brand.
Do you think the indecent price of jeans, shoes and other designer clothes is really justified?
You can make huge savings with just a little effort.
Especially if you are a shopping addict!
Then sort your clothes and distinguish between those you wear regularly and those that never come out of the closet.
No matter how little money is spent on a garment, if it is not worn, it is wasted money.
Go for versatile clothes that can be worn for different occasions and go with other pieces you already own.
That way it's easier to create new combinations and new original sets.
Also try to plan your shopping in advance. Why buy winter clothes in November when they are more expensive “in season”?
Stores renew their stocks very quickly, so prefer the end of series if you want to save money.
You'll find incredible bargains on clothes that will be back in season in just a few months.
It requires snooping a bit in the stores, as these departments are not really highlighted, but it's worth it.
Imagine a 50 € jeans at the end of the series on sale at 75%. It will only cost you €15!
If you're into fashion, you can still save money by buying seasonal clothes.
Just go for a walk in the destocking stores (also called "Outlet") as well as the discount websites.
Many products are cheaper when purchased in large quantities.
Obviously, avoid items that go bad easily (fresh milk for example).
To store your bulk purchases, a cellar can do the trick as long as it is not too humid.
It is more difficult for those who live in apartments, but it is not impossible.
For example, you can fit out a wardrobe or buy (or even build yourself) a storage unit.
The best products to buy in bulk are paper-based ones.
For example, toilet paper, paper towels and printer paper that do not spoil and are easy to store.
You can also buy wholesale cleaning products, trash bags, soaps, shampoos and detergent...
Things you'll always need that won't expire.
Buying in bulk can save a lot of money, depending on the product.
Buying multi-box packs at the supermarket can save you 10%.
Don't forget that reducing the number of trips to the store also saves you the cost of transport!
Be careful though! There are bulk purchases that can turn out to be disastrous...
This batch of 500 DVDs to burn might have seemed like a good idea at the time...
Until they started gathering dust when everyone else got into hard drives.
To discover: 5 Products You Should Buy in Bulk to Save Money.
Coffee is a product for which the difference between the cost in the shop and that at home is exorbitant.
The cheapest coffee at Starbucks is around €2 for 250ml. And if you fancy a slightly less basic coffee, the price goes up to €4 or more.
If you buy a packet of coffee at home and prepare it yourself, it costs you between 50 cents and €1 for 400 ml.
It all depends on the strength and quality of your coffee.
Do you usually go to Starbucks (or another similar chain) every day?
Then the price of a coffee machine will quickly pay for itself!
Plus, you'll be able to make the coffee the way you like it, never having to wait in line again.
To discover: The Practical Guide To How To Make Any Type Of Coffee.
If you can use a bike for your daily commute, you'll save money in unexpected ways.
The most obvious:the gas you buy to get to work or run errands.
If you spend 40 liters per week, you save €60 thanks to your bike.
You can also eliminate expenses related to insurance and repairs.
Not to mention the price of the car itself, if you can completely do without it!
It's a tough step to take, but you'll save thousands of dollars each year.
Public transport is also an inexpensive way to get around. But the bike is still more advantageous.
Indeed, monthly subscriptions can cost from 30 to 60 € depending on the city where you live.
Another potential savings item if you switch to cycling is gym memberships. Why ? Because by riding a bike, you will get enough exercise to get in great shape :-)
And with a bit of luck, you may have a bike rental service in your city like the Vélib in Paris?
