22 Money Saving Hacks You Need

Money-Saving Hacks To Consider:

1. Examine your phone bill and notice what you’re actually paying for. This can be a great way to save money. In the past, I have found charges that didn`t make sense and didn`t belong there. I also found things I was being charged for that I did not need. For example, extensive long-distance plans, internet usage, etc.) Understanding exactly what you are paying for can be eye-opening and help you see where to save money. This is a great money-saving hack to ponder!

 2. Cable is another area that you can change/cancel to save money. This money-saving hack can save you a ton! And, with all the streaming services available for a significantly lower price than traditional cable, why not plunge into the no-cable life?

Canceling cable is a popular money-saving hack that can help you save significant money each year. Here are some reasons why canceling cable can be an effective money-saving strategy:

• Lower monthly bills: Cable bills can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of premium channels and add-ons. Canceling cable can significantly lower your monthly bills, freeing up more money for other expenses or savings. Hello, money-saving hacks that actually save you money!

• Access to streaming services: With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, you can still enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies without a cable subscription. These services are often much cheaper than cable and offer a wider range of content.

• More control over what you watch: With cable, you’re often limited to the channels and programming offered by your provider. With streaming services, you have more control over what you watch and can choose from a wider range of options.

• Flexibility: With streaming services, you can watch your favorite shows and movies on multiple devices, including your phone, tablet, or smart TV. This gives you more flexibility and convenience than traditional cable TV.

• No contracts or equipment fees: Many cable providers require you to sign a contract and charge fees for equipment such as cable boxes and remote controls. With streaming services, there are no contracts or equipment fees, making it a more affordable and flexible option.

You can look into different plans and service providers or cut it out of your budget completely.

4. Another area to save money in is hydro/heat. Making it a habit to turn lights off that you don`t need on and unplugging appliances when they are not being used are simple ways to cut costs. You can also lower your thermostat even just 1-2 degrees and use an extra blanket to see a difference in your heating costs.

Reducing electric costs during the winter can be a challenge, but there are several steps you can take to help lower your electricity bills. Here are some tips:

• Lower your thermostat: Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can significantly reduce your heating costs. Aim for a temperature of around 68°F during the day and lower it further at night or when you’re away from home.

• Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save money by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule. Set it to lower the temperature when you’re sleeping or away from home, and raise it when you’re awake and at home.

• Seal air leaks: Air leaks around doors, windows, and other areas can allow cold air to enter your home, causing your heating system to work harder. Seal these leaks with weather stripping or caulking to keep your home warmer and more energy-efficient.

• Use natural sunlight: Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in natural sunlight, which can help warm your home and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

• Use a space heater: If you spend most of your time in one room, consider using a space heater instead of heating the entire house. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and never leave a space heater unattended.

• Insulate your home: Insulating your home can help prevent heat from escaping, keeping your home warmer and reducing your heating costs.

 5. Collect rainwater from eavestroughs to use to water your lawn and gardens. 

Collecting rainwater to water your garden can reduce water bills and conserve resources. Here are some tips for collecting and using rainwater:

• Set up a rain barrel: A rain barrel is a large container that collects rainwater from your roof. You can buy pre-made rain barrels or make your own with a large plastic or metal container. (I recommend this rain barrel.)

• Position the rain barrel under a downspout: To collect the most rainwater, position the rain barrel under a downspout that carries water from your roof.

• Use a screen to filter debris: Use a screen to cover the top of your rain barrel to prevent debris and insects from getting inside. (I found a rain barrel screen for you guys. Click the screen word to visit.)

• Use the collected rainwater to water your garden: Use a watering can or hose to water your plants with the collected rainwater. The water collected from rain barrels is typically free of chemicals and minerals found in tap water, which can benefit plants.

• Be mindful of rainfall patterns: Depending on where you live, rainfall patterns may be inconsistent. Be mindful of the weather and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

• Cover your rain barrel during dry spells: Covering your rain barrel during dry spells can prevent evaporation and keep your stored water clean.

Doing this can save you money on your water bill.

Eliminating air drafts in a home is important in improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. Here are some reasons why:

• Improved comfort: Drafts can make a home feel uncomfortable and cold, even when the heating system runs. Eliminating drafts can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout the home, making it more comfortable to live in.

• Reduced energy costs: Drafts can allow warm air to escape from a home, so the heating system must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Eliminating drafts can help reduce energy costs by allowing the heating system to work more efficiently.

• Improved indoor air quality: Drafts can allow outdoor air to enter a home, bringing with it allergens, pollutants, and other contaminants.

7. Shop around for insurance to find the best rate.

8. Borrow books, movies, and music from the library instead of buying them.

9. Use public transportation or carpool instead of driving alone to save on gas and maintenance costs. (Unfortunately, this money-saving hack isn’t ideal for everyone. Personally, where we live, there isn’t even public transportation!) Public transportation or carpooling can offer several benefits for individuals and the environment. One of the most significant advantages is that it can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, improving overall air quality and reducing transportation’s carbon footprint. Additionally, public transportation can save individuals money on fuel, maintenance, and parking costs, while carpooling can reduce fuel expenses and vehicle wear and tear. By sharing rides, individuals can also reduce their stress levels, as they are not solely responsible for driving. Finally, using public transportation or carpooling can provide opportunities for socialization, networking, and meeting new people, making the commute more enjoyable and fulfilling.

10. Buy in bulk for items you use frequently

11. Cut back on alcohol and dining out to save money.

12. Use cashback apps like Ibotta or Rakuten when making purchases. 

Here is a list of popular cashback apps:

• Ibotta
• Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
• Honey
• Fetch Rewards
• Dosh
• Swagbucks
• Shopkick
• Drop
• Receipt Hog
• TopCashback
• Checkout 51
• Coupons.com
• BeFrugal
• MyPoints
• ShopAtHome.

13. Buy IN-SEASON produce is another way to save on groceries. When you buy IN-SEASON, they tend to be less expensive. In Canada, in-season produce in October includes cranberries, apples, pears, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin, potatoes, and much more. Buying in-season produce means purchasing fruits and vegetables currently being harvested and readily available at local markets and grocery stores. When produce is in season, it is typically fresher, more flavorful, and less expensive than when it is out of season and has to be imported from other regions or countries. This is because in-season produce requires less transportation and storage time and is usually produced in larger quantities, making it easier for farmers to sell it at a lower cost. Buying in-season produce not only supports local farmers but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Additionally, in-season produce is often more nutritious since it can ripen naturally and is typically harvested at the peak of its nutritional value.

Doing this can help you narrow doing which expenses can be eliminated. For example, magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, box subscriptions, etc.

If you are paying for depositing cheques every month, which is not a feature you need, then maybe look into changing account types. From my experience some account packages charge for e-transfers, deposits, withdrawals, etc. Ensure you aren`t paying for a whole bunch of features you never use.

16. Be cautious of all the extra coffees you purchase as well. All those small expenses add up, and they can lead to a total that is very surprising.

17. Couponing. Though I`ve never gotten into couponing, I`ve read and heard that many people save a ton of money doing this. It`s been on my list of things to learn for a long time. 

Here’s a list of where to find coupons:

18. Shopping second-hand can save you money too. Shopping second-hand is a great way to save money on clothing, furniture, and other household items. One of the best money-saving hacks for shopping second-hand is to be patient and persistent. Don’t expect to find exactly what you’re looking for on your first trip to the thrift store or consignment shop. Instead, visit these stores regularly to browse their changing inventory and be open to unexpected finds. Additionally, try to shop out of season or during sales to get even better deals. Finally, consider trading or swapping items with friends or participating in online marketplaces to get gently used items for free or at a lower cost. By implementing these money-saving hacks, you can enjoy the thrill of finding a great bargain while keeping your budget intact. You can often find clothes, toys, books, etc. This is better for your wallet and for the world.

Making money is hard, and keeping it is even harder. Life costs a lot of money, and there are so many hidden expenses that we forget about. and it constantly feels like you can`t get ahead, or at least that`s how it feels for me. I`ve made plenty of mistakes, and I`ve learned so much. These are just a few tips I`ve picked up along the way. What are your best money-saving hacks?

Love always, natasha