6 Ways to Save Money This Winter
Winter can be an expensive time of year. If you want to save your dollars and cents this season, follow these six tips:
1. Prepare for Emergencies
Winter emergencies will cost you. A little bit of preparation can help you avoid paying some steep bills. To prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting, insulate them. To keep your car from getting stuck in the snow, put together a DIY emergency car kit with a shovel, road flare and box of kitty litter. Having a small emergency fund will also come in handy, just in case something goes wrong.
If you don’t have an emergency fund, you should still have a back-up plan ready. Consider getting a Line of Credit through CreditFresh to use as a safety net for any winter emergencies, both big and small. You can apply for this line of credit online. If you get approved, you may be able to draw funds from your account within a business day. So, you may have some help getting through a tough situation.
2. Caulk Your Windows
Heating your home can cost a lot of money. If you want to shrink those energy bills during the coldest time of year, you should learn how to caulk your windows to seal up any gaps where the frigid outdoor air can push its way inside. This will lower your energy costs.
3. Weatherstrip Your Doors
Windows aren’t the only spots that can let in cold drafts. Your exterior doors can do the same thing. After caulking your window gaps, you should weatherstrip your doors and add door sweeps on the bottom.
4. Replace Your Furnace Filter
Another quick way that you can save money this winter is to replace your furnace filter. Your furnace will run more efficiently with a clean filter — this means lower energy costs for you. If your furnace has a built-in filter, you don’t need an upgrade. Just clean out the dust and build-up and put it back where it belongs.
5. Plan Ahead for the Holidays
If you have a bad habit of waiting for the last minute to do your holiday shopping, you should try your best to break it this year. Planning ahead will stop you from overspending and going on hectic shopping sprees. It will help you avoid price mark-ups and rush delivery fees. You can save yourself lots of money.
Take your time to look at good deals from online retailers. Save on shipping fees — you can wait a week or two to get the delivery. You could also take this time to make DIY Christmas gifts that will impress your friends and family without costing you an arm and a leg.
6. Cook More Often
Making homecooked meals instead of ordering out is a simple way to save money. On the chilliest days, you should toss on an apron and follow a hearty chili recipe or a homemade chicken noodle soup recipe. These seasonal favorites will keep you — and your wallet — nice and full.
The snow isn’t falling just yet, but you should still get started on these tips. Prepare for emergencies. Insulate your home. Browse for online deals. Look up recipes. It’s better to start now because winter is coming.
