5 Easiest Things You Can Do to Save Money

While we're always looking for ways to save money, we also don't want to give up the things we find enjoyable. Luckily, there are several extremely easy steps you can take to save money that won't impact your life too much. 

1. Use Your Library Card 

Library Dust off that library card you signed up for and then never used by taking advantage of all the free offerings at your local library. We all know we can borrow a book from the library instead of buying it, but you can also borrow the latest edition of popular magazines. Many libraries also offer DVDs you can borrow so you don't have to spend money for a subscription service or rent them online. 

2. Switch to CFL or LED Bulbs

If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your lamps, you're wasting money and energy. While a CFL bulb costs about a dollar more than a traditional light bulb, it and uses about 70 percent less energy. However, CFLs have a small amount mercury, and they take a while to get bright. While LED bulbs are more expensive, their prices are coming down. Today, many retailers sell these bulbs for $8 or less. While you might have to spend more upfront, LED bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours and use even less energy than a CFL bulb. 

3. Keep Your Tires Inflated 

For every two pounds per square inch (psi) of air pressure below the recommended level in your tires, you end up losing one percent on your gas mileage. Unfortunately, most people have their car tires anywhere from five to 10 psi below the recommended level and don't even realize it. By just inflating their tires, they could improve their gas mileage by up to five percent, thereby saving money. Simply check the sticker on the inside of your driver's side door to see the recommend tire pressure for your car, and use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires every few weeks. 

4. Avoid Bad Cooking Habits 

If you're constantly lifting the lid to peek at your food while you're cooking it, you're letting heat escape. This warms up your kitchen and reduces your cooking efficiency. When you're cooking, also make sure that you're using the right cookware for the job. Use a pot or pan just big enough to hold the food, and place it on the smallest burner possible. If you can see part of the burner sticking out from the edges of your pot, you're letting excess heat escape and wasting energy. 

5. Buy Staple Items in Bulk 

Buying in bulk is a great way to save money as long as you're buying the right items. Never buy perishable items in bulk because they might spoil or go stale before you have a change to use them. Instead, items like soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and dry pasta are all items worth buying in bulk. If you're looking for simple ways to save money without changing your lifestyle, try out the above tips and see how little changes can grant significant savings.


Image via Flickr by Manchester Library https://www.flickr.com/photos/manchesterlibrary/7944820484/sizes/m/