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Lockdown has affected so many people, in so many ways. Physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. Some of us may have been focusing on saving money. Others might have been focusing on getting fitter and exercising more regularly. And for some, our sole focus was simply getting through the day. Wherever you fall, know that it’s okay. We don’t get a guidebook on how to deal with a global pandemic, after all.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
But with so many people on furlough and not receiving the full 100% of their income, freelancers who’s workload dropped dramatically within the first few months after lockdown (my April was shocking!) and some people losing their jobs completely, going forward, a lot of us are going to want to be saving some money to try and counter-act that period where income was much lower (or barely existent) than normal.
We’re halfway through the year and before we know it, Christmas will be upon us again. Although I have a pretty good money mindset myself, thanks to the Manifestation Babe podcasts, I’m not ignorant and understand that so many people struggle. Have struggled. And are still struggling due to this COVID situation that nobody could have predicted would get so bad.
So with Christmas just around the corner (lols) and Winter like, next week, it’s time to focus on saving those pennies and what better place to start than your own home? Here are 13 home saving tips to help you boost your bank account again:
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Monitor your heating usage
When the weather starts to get chiller, one of the best ways you can save money at home is by monitoring your heating usage. Consider whether you REALLY need the heating on or whether an extra jumper will suffice. Do you turn it off when you go out? Or when you go to sleep?
Switch to LED lighting where possible
This is easy enough to do at Christmas as there are so many possible LED light options available which not only save a TON of energy and are better for the environment but also save you money – which is what you want! But you can also switch to LED lighting such as lightbulbs and lamps for any room in the house!
Get rid of unnecessary subscriptions
This includes streaming services, magazine subscriptions, beauty boxes that you don’t really need or anything else that’s coming in on a monthly basis. Be ruthless and really consider whether you need so this thing or whether it’s just burning a hole in your pocket.
Shop second hand for clothes
Since starting my sustainable fashion journey, I’m doing most of my shopping second hand and I’m finding some absolute BARGAINS. Remember, you don’t need new clothes all the time – it’s not necessary. But if/when you do, consider second hand first. Not only will it save you money but it’ll also help the environment!
Buy supermarket own brand
You know what, most of the time, I can’t tell the difference anyway. There’s nothing wrong or shameful about supermarket own brand products. They taste just as good 99% of the time and if it’s basic ingredients of things that are going to be thrown together anyway, why not? This is a great way to save some cash at home.
Shop for Christmas in the sales
Yes, it’s only June and yes, I’m talking about Christmas. But as this post is saving money AFTER lockdown, Christmas will be upon us quicker than we can jingle our bells. I’m all about shopping early to avoid doing everything in one bulk. And as you have PLENTY of time to do your Christmas shopping, utilize all the sales you can (and don’t forget to check sites like Raise to see if there are any coupons or codes you can use to save even more on your online purchases)!
Make lists and stick to them
Especially with food shopping. We all know how difficult it is when you’re wandering around the aisles and everything looks so good and you’re just aimlessly throwing things in your basket. Well… don’t. Write a specific list and stick to you. You’ll know exactly how much you’ll be spending AND it’ll encourage against food waste.
Use survey sites and money saving apps
Survey sites have allowed me to earn some extra cash quite a few times a year and I wrote a post here about 3 survey sites I’d recommend! I’ve also been recently loving Shoppix – an app that pays you in rewards for uploading your receipts and TopCashBack, which pays you cash back for purchases you were going to make anyway. Ker-ching!
As well as survey sites and money saving apps, you might also want to check out something like sams club, which offers exceptional wholesale values on a huge range of products.
Sell unwanted things
Instead of just leaving them to pile up a great way to save money and make extra money is by getting rid of things you already have. Ebay and Depop are great for clothes, the Facebook marketplace for any larger items and even consider doing a boot sale for unwanted bits and bobs!
Shop around for insurances
We have a lot of different insurance policies on a lot of different things and it can be TOO EASY to keep our current plans just because they’re easy and reliable. But they might not be the best value and you might be spending more than necessary. So definitely do a bit of insurance shopping the next time one is up for renewal!
Save the lose change
One thing I’ve learnt this year, particularly from the Manifestation Babe podcasts is to RESPECT MONEY. Whether that’s £100, £10, £1 or 1p. Whatever the amount, it all adds up and it all deserves respect. So instead of throwing out those pennies or not putting much thought into them, make sure you’re saving every last one.
Ditch the gym membership
If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s that we don’t need that gym membership and we can workout just as effectively and efficiently at home, if we have the right tools to do so! I love to workout at home using Holly Dolke’s YouTube channel and Yoga With Adriene for some amazing free Yoga videos.
Use the library
An super duper easy way to save money on books. As an avid book reader and book lover, I know how much it costs when you go on a book binge. Especially when the books are so beautiful that you just want them all. But instead of buying more clutter on something you MIGHT only read once, utilize your local library instead.
How are you saving money for the rest of the year? Do you have any of your own tips to add to this list?
