There is no question that life in a big city can be costly. This is particularly noticeable when a bill flutters into the house, which is higher than expected. However, there are many ways to save hundreds of dollars every month with everyday life in the city.
From household management to grocery shopping, and leisure, here are some money saving tips to help you bring your account balance to stay the green light zone for the long term.
Compare Electricity and Gas Providers Regularly
The Internet hosts high-quality comparison sites for various electricity and gas providers. If you want to save money, take the time to visit relevant portals to find the optimal price solution for yourself. A real comparison is worthwhile! Such a comparison may be associated with a savings potential of up to 500 dollars a year!
Have Breakfast at Home
There is a great temptation for many of us to go to the bakery or a cafe in the morning before going to work to get a delicious breakfast. Yes, those warm croissants are tasty, but it is smarter to have breakfast at home - not only regarding financial benefits but also because too many carbs in the morning can leave you feeling more tired throughout the day.
Reduce Power Consumption
By gradually replacing the identified energy-guzzlers with more energy-efficient appliances, you save electricity (and money) and protect the environment. It pays to check the domestic appliances for their power consumption. For this purpose, there are power meters to buy or to borrow.
Image: Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York/Flickr
Use Public Transport
If you live in the big city, try to leave the car at home most of the time and only use it for special events, such as for grocery shopping, or weekend trips. Public transport networks are usually well developed in big cities. It saves money and nerves by using the subway, tram or bus.
Get a Health Credit Card
Accidents tend to happen unexpectedly in big cities, and if you do not have health insurance, you will find yourself with a hefty medical bill. However, you can manage your healthcare costs by using a Care Credit healthcare credit card. This is not your typical credit card but instead is designed to help you pay for your health and wellness in a manageable way. If you are considering this, learn your options and look online to get the right information.
Pay With Cash
Paying by cash saves you lots of money. This is because when paying by cash, we tend to think twice about whether we really need a particular item. This saves a lot of money over time. Research shows time and time again that card payments are more careless and therefore more expensive.
Create a Monthly Spending Budget
A self-imposed monthly spending plan that declares how much money is available, for what purpose per week or month also makes it easy to save money. So start by using budgeting apps to plan your spending each month.
Use Discount Cards
Many stores offer their customers free discount cards. With such a card, you can receive regular discounts on purchases. Points cards are just as good, as once added, the points can save you a good amount of money on your next purchase.
Get Cashback
Cashback portals on the Internet are undoubtedly one of the most modern ways to save money. Some platforms partner with a variety of online stores. For each purchase, you can receive a small refund which will be a percentage of the total cost.
Shop at Discounted Grocery Stores
It is a persistent and equally false rumor that discounted food stores are worse than the products that are sold in conventional supermarkets. Fruits and vegetables, as well as other food items in discount stores, are equally as good, but considerably cheaper to have.
Shop for Clothes at Outlets
If you love having all the latest trends in your close, then designer outlet stores are for you. These shops offer clothing and shoes from well-known brands at discounted rates. Try to avoid spending large sums of money unnecessarily on clothes, as this is an area of spending that you can easily cut back on.
Drink Tap Water
Compatible, healthy and virtually free - these are the properties of tap water. However, it is only recommended for people who live in a new building. In old buildings, the quality of the water often not as drinkable due to rust on the pipes.
Prepare Snacks at Home
It makes sense to prepare your work snacks at home and take it to the office. The reasons are the same as at the bakery breakfast. Although most businesses offer a canteen or at least a snack vending machine, the hefty costs argue against using it.
Always Cook With the Lid On
When cooking at home without a lid, a lot of water vapor and heat escapes. Also, the cooking process takes considerably longer. Therefore, it is advisable to cover the pot or pan while heating the ingredients.
Another tip that helps to save energy while cooking and thus save money is to turn off the stove early. Even after the stove has been turned off, it still radiates about twenty minutes of extra minutes heat. In this respect, there is nothing against switching off the furnace at an early stage and using the residual heat for the meal. Also, boiling water with the kettle saves time and money.
Cook Less
When it comes to preparing meals, the most money can be saved if the stove is off altogether. Instead, opt for healthier meals such as cold salads made from fresh ingredients, which can be cooked quickly. They are both delicious and healthy, especially in spring and summer.
Use a Dishwasher
There is a general agreement that washing dishes in the dishwasher causes fewer costs than washing dishes by hand. This is because the machine uses less water. First fully load the machine and then activate it. Otherwise, the money saving effect is quickly gone.
Take a Shower Instead of a Bath
It is not wrong to treat yourself to a beautiful, hot bath now and then for some physical relaxation. In general, however, the shower should get first preference, as it costs significantly less.
Use LED Bulbs Instead of Halogen
At the same brightness, one LED lamp consumes about 80 to 85 percent less energy than the halogen bulb. Although the purchase of an LED bulb is more expensive, it also lasts much longer than a Halogen bulb.
Wash Clothes at 40 Degrees Celsius
More heat consumes more energy. Therefore, it is recommended to wash your laundry at 40 degrees Celsius. Only socks and bed linen, as well as very sweaty clothes, should be washed at 60 degrees Celsius for hygienic reasons.
