When living on one income every penny counts and there are many things you can do to save some money and stretch your paycheck. There are tricks to do around the house to save you money. Many of these tips and tricks have been done but there are some you may not have thought about. Here we will go through some of these tips and tricks for saving money while living on one paycheck.
Use cold water to do your laundry. It’s a myth that you need to wash in hot water to really get your clothes clean. While there are laundry detergents now which are specifically for use in cold water, any detergent will work fine with cold water and your clothes will be just as germ free and clean as they would were you using hot water. If possible, forgo doing smaller loads of laundry and, instead, do your laundry less frequently but in larger loads as this will save time, money, water and electricity. Both of these tips will help you cut down on your electric bill, which in turn will save you money while living on one paycheck.
Put a towel in your dryer with your load of clothes as it will absorb extra moisture from your clothing therefore decreasing drying time by roughly 10%. Hanging your clothes on a clothes line to dry instead of using your dryer will save money and, as a bonus, your clothing will smell nice and fresh.
This next money saving tip is for soda lovers. To help you break your expensive and unhealthy soda habit drink a glass of water before grabbing a soda. You may find that after the glass of water you no longer feel the need for a soda. Getting soda out of your diet can save you hundreds each year and it’s healthier for you.
Checking the tire pressure in your car’s tires is also a good, money saving tip. Keeping your tires filled to their recommended pressure will improve gas mileage and extend the life of your tires. You can find air pressure gauges that can fit into your glove compartment or your gas tank cover so that you can check the tire pressure anytime you fill up your tank.
Replace your old thermostat with a programmable model. This tip for heating and cooling your home will help you save 20% a month on either your gas or electric bill. Thermostats are fairly easy to install and even easier to program for your desired comfort or absence.
If your electric bill is still high, consider an energy audit of your home. They are usually free through your local electric company and are recommended, especially for older homes. An energy audit will show you where your home is losing energy and ways you can conserve more energy, such as closing the blinds against hot summer sun. You will also receive recommendations to improve energy efficiency and cost estimates for the recommended work.