*This is a collaborative post
Running a household and all the expenses that go with it can be incredibly challenging. For many families, there doesn’t seem to be a day that goes by without a bill popping through the letter box. Whether it’s council tax, water rates, gas and electricity or your Netflix subscription, you must have the finances behind you to cover all household bills.
We could all do with an extra bit of cash at the end of the month, so if you’re struggling to get by and have any worries about your finances, here are some tips that could potentially save you cash that you can put to better use.
Track Your Income and Outgoings
The best place to start when it comes to saving money is by tracking your income and outgoings. If you aren’t in control of your finances, you may not be aware of how much cash you’re left with once everything is paid out. When you see your transactions on paper, this can make everything feel more real, meaning you may spot any unnecessary expenses that you could do without. There are budgeting apps you can download onto your smartphone that can help you manage your money better and make the pennies go further.
Go Secondhand
When raising a young family, there are all sorts of expenses to take into account. Keeping your child clothed goes without saying. However, they don’t need to be dressed in designer gear for this. If you live in a town or city, you’re sure to have charity shops nearby that sell secondhand clothing that are as good as new. You can also pick up a few bargains yourself that will be a fraction of the original price tag. Remember, there are millions of parents that have been in your shoes before, with many donating children’s clothing to those who need it. Once you start to see the benefits of shopping secondhand, you won’t go back!
Reduce Water Usage
We all have baths and showers to keep ourselves clean. However, what you may not be aware of is how much water you’re using. If you have a partner and children in the home, your water usage all adds up. While you’re unable to switch water supplier, there are things you can do to cut back on bills, such as avoiding baths and sticking to showers only, or switching to a more efficient showerhead. You can also install a water meter for free that will let you keep a close eye on your consumption. Even brushing your teeth and leaving the tap on for the duration is wasting water, so making minor changes can yield big results.
Re-evaluate Your Insurance
Whether it’s health, travel, or home insurance, it may be time to search for a new policy. The linked website lets you compare home insurance providers, which could save you money. With a range of providers to search through, this gives you the chance to compare quotes and check exactly what you need. You might find that you have been paying over the odds for the last few years.
Buy in Bulk
As a parent, it’s your job to ensure your child’s plate is packed with plenty of vitamins and nutrients. When it comes to providing healthy meals for your kids, having the time to whip them up may be difficult. Instead of having regular takeaways which cost a small fortune, you can buy goods in bulk and batch cook meals. When you’re next at the supermarket, sticking with own branded products can also save you a great deal of money.
Ditch the Car
For many families, the car is a lifeline that they can’t live without. Whether it’s ferrying the kids to school, performing daily errands, or getting to and from work, you may rely on your car more than you need to.
But if you are within walking distance of amenities, leaving your car at home and getting some steps in will save you money on petrol. Upping your step count and getting exercise in will also benefit your health. If you have multiple vehicles, it may be time to become a one-car family. While there will be some compromises you and your partner will have to make, try and think about all the money you could save.
Speak to Loved Ones
Raising a family and keeping everyone happy can be hard work if you don’t have the money behind you. What you need to remember is that all your loved ones will have been in the same position as you at one point, so asking friends and family for tips and advice can be a great way to save cash.
If you’re the type of person who buries their head in the sand when it comes to money, there are lots of things you can do which can help you save money on your household expenses.