Everyday Hacks to Save money at home

Saving money doesn’t always require big sacrifices or major lifestyle changes. Sometimes, the small, everyday actions can add up to significant savings over time. Here are some simple hacks that can help you save money by making the most of what you already have and reducing waste.

Make the Most of What You Already Have

Cut Open Tubes and Bottles—When it seems like your tube of toothpaste, lotion, or other product is empty, don’t be too quick to toss it. Cut the tube or bottle open with scissors, and you’ll often find enough product for several more uses.

Embrace DIY Cleaning Products—You can make effective, natural cleaning products at home with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. A mixture of vinegar and water works wonders on windows and mirrors, while baking soda can be used as a gentle scrub for sinks and countertops.

DIY Personal Care Products—Many personal care products, like scrubs, face masks, and hair treatments, can be made at home with simple ingredients. A mixture of sugar and coconut oil makes an excellent exfoliating scrub, while honey and yogurt can be combined for a moisturizing face mask.

Use A Little Less of Everything—We often use more product than we actually need, whether it’s shampoo, detergent, or dish soap. Try cutting back and see if you still get the same results. Using a little less laundry detergent per load or diluting dish soap with water can make these products last longer.

Kitchen Strategies that Save

Plan Your Meals and Shop with a List—Before heading to the store, plan your meals for the week and make a shopping list based on what you need. Stick to the list to avoid buying items you don’t need. Planning meals also helps reduce food waste, since you will likely use up ingredients before they spoil.

Cook in Bulk and Freeze—Cooking in bulk can save time and money. When you cook a large batch of a meal, freeze individual portions for later use. This reduces the temptation to order takeout on busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Avoid Disposable Items—Disposable items like paper plates, plastic cutlery, and single-use cleaning wipes are convenient, but costly over time. Invest in reusable alternatives instead. Cloth napkins, metal cutlery, and washable plates may require a bit more effort, but they’ll save you money in the long run.

Use Cloth Instead of Paper Towels—Paper towels are convenient but expensive over time. Switch to reusable clothes for tasks like wiping down counters or cleaning up spills. Old t-shirts or towels can be cut into rags that are perfect for this purpose. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also reduce waste.

Repurpose and Upcycle—Before throwing something out, think about whether it can be repurposed or upcycled. Glass jars can be cleaned and used for storage, old furniture can be refreshed with a coat of paint, and even empty cans can be transformed into planters.

Turn Off Appliances and Lights When Not in Use—It sounds simple, but many people leave lights on in rooms they’re not using, or appliances plugged in that draw power even when they’re off. Get into the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room and unplugging devices like phone chargers, coffee makers, and televisions when they’re not in use.

These simple hacks can help you stretch your dollars further without sacrificing comfort or convenience. By adopting a mindset of resourcefulness and making the most of what you have, you can save money every day and create a more sustainable household.

If you are looking for some help on managing your money or would like to learn more about financial products and services available from Town & Country FCU, reach out to one of our member service representative by emailing us at info@tcfcu.com, calling 800-649-3495 or book a consultation here.