Every twelve months the calendar flips over into a new year and with that flip come a lot of promises to ourselves about the lives we’re going to lead now that we have a fresh start. We vow that we’re going to eat better, exercise more, get financially fit, improve our relationships, etc.
This year what we think you should do is, instead of promising yourself a massive lifestyle overhaul, you work on several smaller components of your larger goals. For example, switching out a carb for a vegetable in each meal instead of revamping your diet. Going for a walk each evening instead of joining a gym. And, instead of a total financial overhaul, you simply work on spending less.
One of the best ways to reduce your spending in 2016 is to cut back on how much you spend for utilities. Here are some tips for how to do that:
Fine Tune Your Utility Bills
If you live in a deregulated market, the new year is a great time to shop around for better deals for your electricity, gas, etc. Most states and provinces within deregulated markets have a few sites that you can use to compare and contrast rates and plans. Click here for an example of one that we found.
Even if your market is still regulated, you might be able to find some savings. Go over your bills and double check every single charge to make sure that it is legit. Utility companies often overcharge or even double charge their customers. Talk to each provider about lowering your fees, etc.
Cut the Cable
Thanks to the internet and the fact that you can find pretty much any program you want to watch online, there is no need for you to buy a cable package anymore. Instead, spring for a couple of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu and buy season passes for the current shows you just have to keep current on via Amazon or iTunes. We promise this will be cheaper than spending a ton of money on extensive cable packages, DVRs, etc.
Ditch the Landline
It’s 2016. Why do you still have a landline? That is money that you could be putting into savings or toward your debt. Most people keep their landlines for emergencies and to help them find their cell phones when they can’t remember where they left them. Guess what: most landlines now run on VOIP technology so when the power goes out, so will your house phone. Guess what else: you can get a secondary number for free from Google Voice and call your cell phone from your computer when you’ve misplaced it.
Reduce Your Power Consumption
Your other resolutions will likely help with this. For example, that walk you go on each evening? That’s time you’re not spending at home gobbling up electricity. Eating fresh and raw veggies (that you grow yourself, preferably) instead of carbs reduces the amount of power or gas you need for cooking. There are dozens of ways for you to reduce the amount of electricity and gas your house consumes over the course of the year.
Reduce Your Water Consumption
Yes, we all love long and hot showers, especially in the winter when everything is so cold. Do your best to limit these showers to 5-10 minutes, tops. You’ll use less water and you’ll add some time back in to your busy schedule. Better still, start taking military showers–where you run the water to dampen your skin and hair, then turn it off while you soap up and shampoo, then turn the water back on to rinse it all off.
Use grey water instead of municipal water whenever possible. Grey water is water that you collect during showers, while doing the dishes, and in containers when it rains. Some people even hook barrels up to their gutter systems to maximize their grey water supply.
There are tons of ways to cut back on what you spend in 2016. Start here with the tips we’ve listed and then get creative. You’ll be amazed at how many savings there are to be had!
