As we know, the costs of everyday life are increasing by the second.
Gas prices are going up, water and electricity bills, even the usual grocery run is turning out to be a costly experience for some. Quite a number of us are still working from home because of the Covid 19 pandemic, which does not help our monthly utility bills at all.
Working from home has many advantages, such as working more flexible hours, making your own coffee, eating whenever you like, and having the freedom to stand up and stretch your legs whenever you feel like taking a break.
Photo by Peter Olexa from Pexels
Although working from home is fantastic in its own way, have you noticed how your utility bills have skyrocketed? Instead of using the company you work for water, lights, and all-round electricity, you are now using your own, which of course, you have to pay for.
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Your monthly utility bills don't have to cost an arm and a leg.
How, you may ask? Simply keeping a close eye on your expenses and using the money you saved to make some significant home improvements will undoubtedly help save you more money in the long run.
Here are a few important home improvements to consider
Energy Efficiency Is Everything!
Research has shown that in 2020, the average price per kilowatt-hour for the residential US is trending higher than ever.
The two fastest ways to improve your power bill are investing in energy-efficient lightbulbs or unplugging electronics and appliances when they're not in use.
Energy-efficient light bulbs not only use about 25%-80% less energy than regular incandescents, but they can also last up to 3-25 times longer. As a result, they save you money on electricity bills, and you don't have to replace them as often.
Photo by Rodolfo Clix from Pexels
Did you know, even when you press the "off" button on your appliances, they do not switch entirely off? Instead, the device goes into idle mode until you press the "on" button again. So, therefore, they technically stay on and keep using energy. Think of a microwave or coffee machine that keeps the time; how can it if it does not have electricity to keep it going?
The average homeowner can save anywhere between $100 and $200 each year by unplugging unused appliances such as
Kitchen appliances
Dishwasher
Microwave
Washing Machine
Dryer
Television
Another great way of saving money on energy is by investing in a couple of smart saving energy strips. Smart saving energy strips are able to detect when a device is on standby mode, cut the power off for the device, and save energy.
Every Drop Counts!
Be sure to check your plumbing.
What uses the most water and wastes it?
Your toilet! The toilet is responsible for up to 25% use of water in your home.
Thus, it is imperative to check if your toilet still runs after you flush it; if so, call an expert today to fix it.
Also, consider replacing your toilet with a more energy-saving fixture for the long run. Older toilets waste gallons of water with every flush by using more water, thus causing your monthly water bill to increase significantly.
By upgrading your plumbing fixtures to the latest and greatest energy-saving fixtures, you will be surprised by how much your water bill decreases.
Make sure you get the best in the business, have your plumbing fixtures inspected, and where there is a dripping faucet, leaking toilet, or your garbage disposal needs a replacement, don't delay the problem, https://www.cathedralplumbingtx.com/ will have them fixed today!
You can also save on your monthly water bill by using less water, of course.
Here are a few ways that you can save
Check for leaking pipes
Take shorter showers
Don't let the tap run while brushing your teeth
Install a low flow showerhead
Take a shower instead of a bath
Minimize watering the garden
Only run full loads of laundry (remember to unplug it afterward)
Don't pre-rinse dishes
Try to reuse as much water as possible
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
When it comes to food, shop smart!
By working from home, you tend to eat more as your kitchen and pantry are available 24 hour hours a day. Now, this is great as you don't have to work on an empty stomach, but it can be quite a strain on your pocket every month.
Let us take two adults and two kids as an example. On average, one individual adult spends up to $315.90 a month on groceries. Now, imagine you have a whole family of four to feed. For two adults, you are looking at about $631.80, and the kids, well, we all know they need a more variety of foods as they are going through their growth phases. But for this example, let's count the two kids as one adult.
Ladies and gentlemen, you are looking at a whopping $947.70 per month on food alone, and that's just the bare minimum!
Now, we're not saying you should take the food out of your kids' mouths. There are great alternative ways of saving a bit more money every month by shopping savvy.
Consider these tips on how to save you money on food
Instead of eating out, rather cook meals at home
Don't reach for the branded goods; buy store brands instead
Check your mail and save the coupons
When there is a sale, stock up!
Think of your wallet before buying with your eyes
If possible, leave the kids at home with Gran or have your other half watch them when you go and do grocery shopping. The reason being, kids tend to want and need everything they can get their little hands-on in the store. Of course, as parents, we don't always have the heart to say "no."
Our last and most important tip, do not go shopping on an empty stomach, ever!
If so, your inner kid will wake up, and you'll also want everything your hands can touch!
