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There are lots of ideas for saving money around the house and there might be something here to help you – so read on if you want to save money!!!
ENERGY SAVING
One of the main ways of saving money in the house is to save energy and here are a few ways to do just that without really noticing any difference to your lifestyle.
Just boil the amount of water you need in your kettle, don’t boil a kettle full for one cup of tea.
Use the microwave instead of the cooker when it’s appropriate.
Only use the washing machine when you have a full load unless you have a special setting on the machine to do smaller loads using the correct amount of water and detergent.
Have thermostats fitted to your radiators, that way you can have cooler temperatures in rooms not in constant use.
Turn the heating off or down when you can. you don’t need the heating on if your keeping warm doing the housework for example. consider putting on a jumper rather than turning up the heating.
Use energy saving lightbulbs wherever possible.
Don’t leave the TV and video on standby.
Use a slow cooker. it only takes the same energy as a lightbulb and the slow cooking method means you can buy cheaper cuts of meat.
Put aluminium foil behind your radiators to reflect the heat back into the room.
Line your curtains and close them when it gets dark to keep the heat in the room.
Make sure your loft is well insulated.
Have cavity wall insulation put in the space between your outside walls.
Tt is amazing just how much difference a bit of thought can make to your energy bills. i use almost all of the ideas that i have just mentioned and don’t notice any lowering of my standard of living just a lowering of my energy bills!
INSURANCE
Review your household insurance regularly to make sure that it is up to date and covers any new purchases you have made. This is especially relevant today with all the new technology – computers, cameras, video recorders etc.
MAKING MONEY
There are also a few ideas relating to the house in general which will actually generate new income rather than just reducing your outgoings.
Recycle your aluminium drinks cans and aluminium foil. Recycling firms make weekly collections from pre arranged sites where you exchange your cans for cash.
If you’ve got some bits and pieces to get rid of consider taking part in a car boot sale. The tables are usually £6 a time and what you might think of as junk might be what someone else has been looking everywhere for. If you do one of the indoor sales you don’t even need to have a car. Pack your small light items into a few strong carrier bags and go on the bus! Be prepared to haggle over prices and be careful not to sell anything valuable for next to nothing.
Most supermarkets have a board for anyone one to advertise items for sale. These are usually free of charge and can be very lucrative. A word of advice – don’t put your house number on the card, you don’t want to advertise to any would be burglars exactly where the items are.
Most local newspapers offer free advertisements if the items you’re selling are less than £100. The best thing to do about a contact is to just put your telephone number.
Use your artistic talents to make things either to sell or to give as presents.
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