Mum’s Know Best

Mum’s Know Best 2

Nowadays it seems like everybody is pinching their pennies. Fortunately there are plenty of ways to make your monthly paycheck go a further without seriously cutting down to the bare minimum. Here are some clever ways you can help your family save money each month.

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Paint Your Roof

By painting your roof with a light colour, you can save as much as 20% on your air conditioning. Since light colours do not absorb heat, there is less need to run the air conditioner in the summer, which cuts down significantly on your energy needs.

Try Vegetarian Meals

Vegetables, beans, legumes and fruit are all cheaper than even the cheapest cuts of meat. In addition, research shows that people who make an effort to limit their consumption of animal products can not only save money, but are also healthier in the long run. Numerous studies have linked a meat-heavy diet to heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Not only that, but our love of meaty cuisine is causing serious damage to the environment through greenhouse gasses and water use.

Shop Quickly (and Not on an Empty Stomach)

While we’re on the subject of food, you should find ways to make trips to the supermarket as cost-effective as possible. Oftentimes, we spend a little too much time browsing through the aisles and picking up unnecessary items that quickly deplete our budget. Instead, try to bracket your supermarket ventures between errands so that you only have a limited amount of time. Also, avoid visiting the store while you are hungry, which can also lead to unnecessary junk food purchases!

The Freezer Is Your Friend

Another way to save on your grocery bill is to prepare meals in bulk, eat some, and then freeze the leftovers. Frozen food still retains its freshness and nutrients, and that way you won’t be stuck eating the same casserole for a straight week. You can even freeze individual portions that you can take for lunch every day, thereby avoiding having to eat out.

Get Creative with Coupons

While there’s nothing wrong with old-fashioned coupon-clipping, it can become kind of boring. Plus, you’re at the mercy of what your supermarket is offering for that particular week. Instead, supplement your clippings with other sources of coupons, discounts and promotions. There are many places online, like Groupon and Living Social, that offer different ways to save that can get you discounts from local retailers, restaurants, bars and activities. You may even be able to find large discounts online for luxury goods like designer clothing, perfume and cosmetics, either through the store sites themselves like New Look or using voucher codes online  (click here). Because who said you can’t treat yourself sometimes?

What are some other ways you save each month? Sound off in the comments below!

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