During times of crisis, many of us look for ways to cut costs and save money wherever we can. However, making our money go further is more critical than ever. You can make many small changes to your daily routine that can add up to significant savings over time. This blog post will share tips on cutting costs throughout the current living crisis without sacrificing your quality of life.
Food, Shopping & Cooking
One of the most significant areas where we can save money is food shopping and cooking. Here are some tips to help you save money:
Invest in an air fryer
These handy kitchen gadgets can cut down cooking time by over 50% and are perfect for cooking healthier meals. To reduce cooking time, consider using chicken, lamb or turkey steaks instead of whole joints.
Invest in a slow cooker
These kitchen appliances are perfect for batch-cooking hearty meals that can be saved into portions for another day. You can also use beans or lentils to bulk out slow-cooked meals and make them go further.
Shop later in the day
If you head to the store later in the day and browse the reduced aisle, you might be pleasantly surprised at the excellent deals you can find. Some food items can be easily stored in the freezer for future use. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and stretch your grocery budget further.
Shop at discount retailers like Aldi or Lidl
Cheaper retailers such as Aldi or Lidl often have some of the most competitive prices for groceries and other household necessities. This is a great way to save money on shopping without sacrificing quality.
Keep your oven doors clean
Keep your oven door clean to minimise the urge to open it, and check on the food frequently. When you open the oven door, heat is lost, and the oven needs to reheat to reach the desired temperature again. So keeping the oven door clean and avoiding unnecessary openings can help conserve energy and save money on your energy bills.
Keeping Warm
As energy prices continue to rise, many of us are worried about turning the heating on, even though the temperatures have been below freezing. Here are some tips to help you stay warm and save money on your energy bills:
Draftproof all windows and doors
To prevent cold drafts from entering your home, draft-proof all windows and doors are recommended. A simple way to achieve this is using old bed linen or towels to line your window sills. This can help block gaps and stop cold air from entering your living space, making it more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Close your curtains
Closing your curtains before the temperature drops in the evening can help to prevent cold air from entering your living space and keep the heat inside, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Buy thermals
This type of clothing is designed to help regulate body temperature, keeping you warm and comfortable even in colder weather.
Use hot water bottles
Prepare hot water bottles 30 minutes before bed to stop the shock of getting into a cold bed.
Invest in a heated throw or blanket
Using these alternatives instead of relying solely on the radiator during colder months can help you save money on energy bills.
Turn down the thermostat
To save on energy costs, set your thermostat to a warm temperature between 18-21 degrees Celsius and avoid turning it on and off frequently, as it takes longer to warm up a cold room or house. In addition, bleeding your radiators regularly helps to circulate the heat.
Switch off your appliances
Make sure to completely turn off your appliances, such as kettles and TVs, instead of leaving them on standby mode, as this can cost up to £65 per year.
Turn off the lights
Switch off the lights when you leave the room to save energy and reduce your electricity bill.
Upgrade light bulbs to LED
LED bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and can save up to £25 annually on energy bills.
Clean your light bulbs
They will shine brighter, reducing the need for additional light sources in a room.
Laundry and cleaning
Finally, when it comes to doing your laundry, there are a few things you can do to save money:
Cut dishwasher tablets in half
You may not need a whole tablet for a single wash.
Laundry pod
Only use one laundry pod per cycle.
Washing up liquid
Get the most out of your toiletries and household products by cutting open their packaging and scraping out every last bit. This can save you money by ensuring you use every drop rather than throwing away excess that you couldn’t reach.
Invest in air racks
Consider using air racks instead of a tumble dryer. This will save money on energy bills and preserve the quality of your clothes. You can finish drying them off with a quick blast of heat to remove creases. This will also reduce the need for ironing and keep your clothes feeling fresher for longer.
By following these tips, you can cut costs throughout the current living crisis without sacrificing your quality of life. There are many ways to save money without compromising your comfort, from investing in energy-efficient appliances to making small changes to your daily habits.
If you or someone you know could benefit from extra help around the home, Eximius can help. Get in touch, and we can have a chat about your needs.