With capitalism holding so many of the cards in today’s modern society, existing without playing the game of spending huge amounts of money can be tough. Essentially, everything has a price, and having to shell out masses every month just to survive can be a disheartening and scary experience. On the other hand, it is possible to save cash here and there to amass some savings or just generally decrease your bills; and there are a few, simple steps that you can take in order to start seeing changes in no time at all. So, if you want to know more about what you can do to live in the modern age for less, read on to discover some of the best top tips that can aid you in saving some cash today!
Switch your energy provider
One of the largest bills that you have to fork out for every month is for energy; especially during the winter months when you use more heat and light due to short, cold days. It can be really tricky to afford the power you need. However, this may be due to the fact that you’re with the wrong provider – these days, there are so many different companies from which to choose. The prices and deals for each will vary, but usually when you make the effort to switch to a new provider, you’re given some kind of voucher or discount to switch. A quick search online will allow you to compare the prices of each, and help you to make a decision as to whether it’s worth changing.
Reduce your food bill
The amount the average household spends of food is always increasing yet often, so is the amount of waste they create. Many people find themselves in a situation where they throw considerable amounts of produce away, as short shelf lives and lack of time or need for the item can have a huge impact. It can be hard to reduce waste, especially if you’re in a one or two person household, as many food items come in large quantities that you simply cannot consume on your own.
Luckily, there are several things that you can do in order to save money rather than effectively put it into the trash. For example, buying food in bulk in dried form will allow you to soak and serve the specific portion you need, whilst the rest keeps for several months more than its fresh counterpart. If you can only buy certain things such vegetables like spinach in large quantities, you have two choices: you can either make a larger amount of the dish and freeze it for later consumption, or alternatively freeze the fresh produce on its own. Freezing food is one of the oldest methods of preservation and sometimes despite it being the 21st century, ancient and traditional methods prove themselves to be the best solution.
Save money on your phone plans
It’s likely that you’re reading this article on a smart phone, or that you have one tucked safely inside your pocket or somewhere close by. The amount of money that you pay for your device each month can vary depending on its model and plan, but often this price can burn a hole straight through your bank balance. Big brands try to draw you in with what seem like a good deal, but with a little research you can find the true bargains, just by putting in some extra effort. Rather than forking out a fixed price for 12 or 24 months in order to own your device, it can be much cheaper to attend an auction or visit an online market site to find a second-hand or factory refurbished version – for a fraction of the cost.
Spend some time browsing to find a phone that’s in perfect working order, and make a lesser offer to the seller to see whether you can save even more. Once you’ve invested in a new smart phone, find a sim that gives you all the necessary data, calls and texts that you require each month. SMARTY SIM is a great example of a bargain data package that gives you a considerable amount of internet data for a very respectable price, and this cost is minuscule in comparison to what you might have to pay with a big brand alternative.
Say no to fast fashion
Many fashion houses release new lines of clothing every single week, and this process is known throughout the world as fast fashion for the speed at which the products are designed and manufactured, as well as the use and wear that you manage to get from the item. Buying into this industry could see you spending thousands every year on new outfits trying to stay on trend and up to date, and this has a devastating effect on the environment whilst likely encouraging some form of unethical labour. Rather than falling into this trap, buying a small wardrobe’s worth of well-made, durable clothing that actually suits your true style from independent shops, flea markets and charity shops can be a really great option. It’s common to find an item of vintage clothing which was manufactured over two decades ago, yet is has a lot of wear in it. Investing in such an item will be a real benefit to your wardrobe, and the small price you pay might even be funding a really great cause if you got it from a charity shop.
Living in the modern age can cost such a large amount of money, yet the opportunities to earn this much are few and far between. Adjusting your spending habits can have a dramatic effect on how much you have to shell out, and hopefully flip your situation from having too much month at the end of your money to building some savings or creating a greater disposable income. Start by identifying whether you might benefit from changing energy supplier, and try out some of our tips on saving money on your food and fashion bills whilst also reducing waste.
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