11 Easy Ways I Save Big Money at Home -And You Can Too!

Let’s face it, saving money at home can sometimes feel like squeezing water from a stone, right? But believe it or not, a few small changes can actually make a big difference to your wallet.

I’ve found 11 simple ways to cut costs around the house that have worked wonders for me, and I bet they can do the same for you.

From getting smart with your thermostat settings to rethinking your garden plants, these tips are all about making the most of what you have without feeling the pinch.

Shop at Aldi

Think Walmart has the lowest prices? Aldi might surprise you. Switching my shopping to Aldi slashed my grocery bill by about $70 a week. And it’s not just about savings—Aldi has awesome quality too, especially with their organic and grass-fed meat selections. So, you’re not only saving cash but also eating better. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your wellness.

Unplug to Save Up

You know how we sometimes leave things plugged in, thinking it’s not a big deal? Well, those idle gadgets can sneakily inflate your electric bill. Devices continue to draw power even when turned off, a sneaky cost known as “phantom load.”

Make it a habit to flick off the lights as you leave a room and pull the plug on appliances that aren’t in use. Hooking everything up to a power strip makes it super easy to cut off power to multiple devices at once—just flip one switch.

Master Meal Planning

Eating out might be easy, but it sure does put a dent in your budget. If you’re looking to save some cash, consider meal planning and cooking at home. Not only is it healthier, but the savings are impressive too.

For instance, feeding my family on restaurant meals every day costs about $75, but when we cook at home, it’s roughly $30 daily. Try batch cooking and getting creative with leftovers to stretch your meals further and waste less.

Boost Your Home’s Efficiency with Insulation

Keeping your home snug isn’t just about comfort—it’s about cost-effectiveness too. Take some time to check for drafts around your doors and windows and seal them up with weatherstripping or caulk. This might not be a weekly chore, but doing a yearly check-up, especially before the colder or hotter months hit, can make a big difference in your heating and cooling bills.

Consider beefing up the insulation in your attic or basement to lock in more savings. These upgrades can be upfront investments that pay off in lower energy costs down the road.

Switch to Homemade Cleaners

Imagine slashing your cleaning budget without compromising on sparkle. Many store-bought cleaners primarily use ingredients like baking soda and vinegar—stuff you probably already have at home. Making your own cleaning solutions isn’t just a money-saver; it also reduces the number of chemicals in your living space.

Ditch the Dryer Sheets

Think about this: a box of dryer sheets can set you back about $10 for 240 loads, while a set of four wool dryer balls costs around $11 and lasts for up to 1,000 loads each.

If you’re looking to cut costs, switching to dryer balls is a no-brainer. Plus, if you’re not too fussy about static, you could even skip both options.

Shorten Your Showers

We all love a long, hot shower, but they can really run up your water bill. Try setting a timer for just five minutes next time you hop in. Want to make it fun? Queue up your favorite song or a podcast and challenge yourself to finish up before it ends.

Embrace Low-Flow Fixtures

Imagine saving up to 2,700 gallons of water a year with just one simple change: switching to a low-flow showerhead. Installing these fixtures can reduce your household water consumption by 40% or more.

Not only does this mean lower water bills, but it’s also a step forward in making your home more environmentally friendly. Think of it as a win for your wallet and the planet.

Smart Thermostat Tricks

Let’s talk about keeping your house cozy without blasting your heating or cooling costs. By simply adjusting your thermostat down by 7 to 10 degrees while you’re out for the day or snoozing, you can save up to 10% a year.

Keep it comfy at around 68 degrees when you’re up and about, and drop it lower when you’re not. It’s pretty much a “set it and forget it” method that helps you save without sacrificing comfort.

Perennial Power

Annual plants are like those flashy one-season wonders—gorgeous but gone too fast. Why not invest in perennials instead? They come back every year, which means your initial investment keeps paying off.

You get the perk of continuous beauty in your garden without the annual dent in your wallet. It’s a savvy move for anyone looking to add long-term charm to their home with less effort and expense.

Get Savvy with Leftovers

Eating leftovers doesn’t have to feel like a chore. I was never a fan until I ditched the microwave for the stove. Trust me, it makes a difference—leftovers taste like you’ve just cooked them.

So, next time you’re about to toss out that extra serving, remember it’s not just saving food, it’s saving money. Reheating the right way can turn last night’s dinner into today’s tasty lunch without the “leftover” taste.