The warm summer days are gradually over, the days are getting shorter and colder. After a lot has been experienced in summer, the wallet can feel a little easier. But the expenses don’t just stop. How can money be saved most clever in autumn?
A budget book
In order to have enough financial means for heating, food and gifts in the cold season – after all, it doesn’t take long until Christmas – it is important to get an overview of your own finances. A budget book is particularly suitable for this purpose, as the German consumer center reports in a contribution. Income and expenses are documented in a budget book. Regular income should first be recorded, for example, money for the birthday should not be listed. Subsequently, fixed expenses should be written down, for example rent, insurance or contracts. If the income is not sufficient to cover these fixed costs, insurance and subscriptions should be checked again and, if necessary, canceled. It is then important to document changing expenses so that in the end you can take stock of each month. If there is something left in the end of every month, the money can be used as a reserve. Appropriate templates can even be found on the Internet.
Eyes open while shopping
If you now find that the expenses can be reduced or even need to be reduced, there are some helpful tips. If different types of shopping are divided, you can save in various areas.
When eating, for example, it is worth eating less than it is eating, but cooking at home. But not only that saves money, but also where you buy the food is important. Food is often much cheaper for discounters than in other supermarkets. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are also cheaper than exotic food. In order to be able to save ultimate, coupons should also be used and discount campaigns should be observed, according to the Frankfurter Rundschau.
The fashion world can also be economical – if you know how. Second-hand clothes are particularly popular to save money. These can be purchased in specific clothing stores or at flea markets and in online shops. This not only protects your wallet, but also the environment. In addition to second-hand clothing, it can also be helpful to shop contrary to the season. Summer outfits are particularly reduced and can be bought at a smaller price. This also applies to almost all products, because garden scissors and Co. are also particularly cheap at the break of the season.
And a little hint on the side: The skiing holiday is significantly cheaper before Christmas than in January or February, according to the magazine.
Gas, electricity and water
It should also be noted that heating should also be expensive this winter. For this reason, you should already prepare for it. In addition to heating the right way, only rooms should be heated in which it is absolutely necessary. In order not to heat for nothing, there should also be no train in your own four walls – seals should be renewed in case of doubt. A thermostat on the heating can also help to set the right temperature.
In addition to the heating, electricity and water can also be saved. Devices such as the washing machine even combine both elements, so they should be filled regularly and clothing is usually washed at 40 degrees. The dryer should also be filled habitually, according to the magazine. Devices that are not used regularly should be switched off completely. Beware of standby mode, because in this the devices still consume electricity. Finally, if possible, you should do without the bathtub and rather take a shower instead, according to a contribution by Merkur. In addition to time, you also save money here.
Editor finance.net