Ways to Reduce Costs At Home

If your resolution was to start saving more money, this is a good time to check your progress! Savings accounts grow with steady deposits and good fiscal habits. Here are some suggestions for reducing costs at home. Paired with automatic money transfers or debit card round up, your dollars saved could mean big in the long run.

1. Audit Your Energy Bill. If you haven’t read your energy bill in a while, you may have cost savings available. Some providers give comparisons on your month to month consumption versus previous years and other dwellings. Can’t find it on your paper bill? Try your online account for additional information. If your home is consuming more energy than comparable accounts, it is time to assess your home including plugged in appliances, energy vampires (items that consume when not in use), and your light switch habits.
2. Assess Your Plumbing. A small drip may seem insignificant, but a single faucet dripping 3 times a minute can add over 100 gallons a year to your water bill. Fixing a dripping faucet is an easy do-it-yourself task with a big payoff. If you suspect your faucets might be leaking, leave a dish underneath and see what accumulates. Don’t forget to check under your sink for any evidence of water damage too.
3. Set an Errand Day. If you leave multiple times a week to run errands, try setting a single day a week to accomplish all your trips. Stringing stops together can also help reduce your fuel costs. According to the U.S. Department of energy, several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer, multipurpose trip covering the same distance.
4. Consider Electronic Payments. Mailing a check with a stamp could be costing you additional money. Some companies charge you for receiving paper bills too! Find cost savings by switching your accounts to electronic payment through your financial institution’s online bill pay, or by switching to e-statements (hint: Evergreen Credit Union provides FREE Bill Pay). Make sure to set alerts and reminders for your first few bills after making the switch.
5. Repair and Reuse. Can you think of something in your house that is just hanging on it? Mending your favorite shirt before it rips or taking a second to tighten loose screws can stop irreparable damage before it occurs. Find a tool set and take an afternoon to check your appliances, pots and pans, and items such as brooms or shoe rack.

If you need somewhere to save, Evergreen Credit Union has the resources to help. We have Savings Accounts including Seed Savings, Seedling Savings Club for those 12 and under, and Adventure Savings sub shares. Enable your checking account for Debit Card Roundup and enjoy seeing your savings grow with every purchase. Call (920) 729-2999 or stop by to discuss your account options. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara, Calumet, or Winnebago counties in Wisconsin.

*Evergreen Credit Union information valid as of 5/10/21. Terms and availability may vary by financial and utility providers. Please consult your financial institution for eligibility and rates.