When trying to save money and sticking to a budget are your top priorities, it can be difficult when you’re single. While living alone brings more independence, a big disadvantage is that there’s no one to share the bills with. It’s up to you and you alone when those bills are due.
Being single or living alone presents some unique financial planning challenges. Since you’re the only one earning income and still have bills to pay, you need to be sure that you’re making smart money decisions. We will share some tips on how to save money while living alone.
Tips:
- Save on heating bills – Adjusting your thermostat is one way to save money on utility bills. Always remember to turn the heat down when you are not home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, leave yourself a note to remember this.
- Prepare meals yourself – Cooking your meals at home can save you a lot of money. Think about how much a burger and fries would cost you at your neighborhood restaurant. Then add in a drink, tax, and tip for the server. That’s a lot of money when all is said and done for just a burger and fries that you could have made at home.
- Find a roommate or housemate – Consider splitting the rent or mortgage and the utilities with a roommate. It could be a friend that needs a place to stay, a family member or you could advertise online to find a roommate. If there is another person living there, they can help split the costs with you.
- Car expenses and gas – To save money on the high price of gas, consider carpooling to work or using public transportation. You can also cut transportation-related expenses by raising your insurance deductible or switching to liability-only car insurance. You can also ride a bike or walk if you are close to your desired destination.
- Look for freebies – Free samples (freebies) are great for many reasons. A terrific source for free samples is the Walmart website. They have a special free sample page where 3-4 freebies are typically featured each week. This will also help in trying out new items before buying them. It’s tough when you buy a new product and then realize you don’t like it or can’t use it.
- Buy used instead of new – Everyone likes to buy new products, but there is a big money-saving potential in buying used items. Standard necessities such as cars, clothes, pots and pans, electric appliances, computers, and household tools, etc. if bought second hand; can save you large amounts of money.
- Coupons are your friends – Even though most things are digital these days, good old-fashioned coupon cutting can still save you a lot of money. Sign up for your local grocery store’s rewards program, look at the mailers and flyers in your mailbox, find coupons online, and print them out. Whichever way you decide to find and use coupons, make it a priority, and you’ll save money in the long run.
Start saving money today, and it should help lighten the load of living alone. Always remember that little things add up and cutting down on costs is not as difficult as it may seem. If you need help with creating a budget or you’re in over your head with debt, contact us today. Advantage Credit Counseling Service can help you with your financial future. The best time to start is right now!
