Wise homeowners across the nation have found creative ways to slash their expenses during the pandemic. They are saving more money than ever before by making just a few easy tweaks to their home and spending habits. Most of the changes that they’re making take just a few minutes too!
We gathered together the top ways that homeowners are saving, and found that millions could save up to $1000 per month.
1. Homeowners, This Benefit Can Save You $1000s Each Year
Homeowners are rushing to claim their $271/month benefit from the government before the program expires. If you owe more than $100,000 on your mortgage, you might qualify for this program to reduce mortgage payments. You can use this 60-second quiz to see if you qualify to claim up to $271/month ($3,252 per year)*.
2. This Simple Credit Score “Trick” Could Save You Thousands Per Year
Did you know your credit score could be costing you thousands of dollars a year? It’s true! If your scores are below 720, you’re almost definitely paying $1,000, $5,000… even $14,000 more than you should be each year – in interest and fees. But there’s one thing you can do that takes only a few minutes, and it’s completely free. Credit Sesame is currently giving anybody who wants it free credit score access!
Simply enter your email here to unlock the free offer. Along with finding out exactly where you stand, you’ll get helpful tips that will begin improving your score and putting all that “lost” money back in your pocket.
3. Curb Your Thermostat Abuse Habits
Most US homeowners love their HVAC a little too much. During the summer, your house might feel like an ice box. The winters are most likely nice and toasty too! Did you know that an adjustment by a couple of degrees can make a huge difference?
It’s estimated that a combination of adjusting by a couple of degrees and scheduling your thermostat can have a 3%-10% impact on your monthly energy bill. Some energy companies like Xcel Energy in Colorado will even discount your bill for cutting back during peak hours.
4. Use This Little Device to Slash Your Electric Bill
It is no secret that the price of electricity is steadily increasing each year, but smart homeowners are using this Nikola-Tesla-inspired technology to save hundreds to thousands of dollars every year on their electric bills. All you need to do is plug the tiny device into the power outlet closest to your breaker box, and the unit will get to work and start shaving money off your power bill. At first we thought it sounded too good to be true, but we tested it ourselves, and it works!
You can check it out here.
5. Cut the Crazy Cable Packages
Internet prices keep going down, but your TV subscription prices keep adding up. Between taxes and equipment rentals, that $60 TV subscription through cable or satellite can turn into $100-$200 in extras. Instead, figure out what you love to watch and build the package that you actually want.
Cutting the cord with live TV can be easier than you think, even if you’re a sports fanatic!
- Our Top Picks: Hulu TV, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, fubuTV and Sling.
6. Use Credit Cards to Make Money – Not Lose It!
Credit cards can be an awesome resource for earning money for bills that you already pay. If you’re in trouble with debt, you can skip this step for now. However, if you want to start earning money for your monthly expenses like insurance, utilities, gas for your car, or more, then this might be a great strategy for you.
Start by finding credit cards that provide 1%-5% cash back rewards. You can also find these with low rates and 0% APR for the first 12 months (helpful for business owners). New cardholders typically get a bonus for spending $1,000 to $3,000 in the first 90 days. These bonuses can equal up to $500. Not bad for just paying your bills on time!
7. Veterans, Use This Quiz to Check for $42,000 in Housing Benefits
Did you know that most Veterans and their families don’t use or even know about their housing benefits? The lifetime value of these benefits adds up to $42,000 for most. If you or an immediate family member have ever served, you might qualify for these benefits (which can be used multiple times).
There are a variety of ways that a VA loan can help our heroes and their families save. Checking eligibility is free, and only takes 60 seconds.
Find Out if You Qualify for Free on USMilitary.com
Bonus: Embrace the Grocery Store
One of the easiest ways to save hundreds of dollars each month is to pack your lunches or eat at home. Millions of consumers waste money by not packing a lunch for work. Taking leftovers, meal prepping before the week begins, or simply packing a sandwich can make a massive difference in your bank account.
Of course you still need to make time for fun and date nights. Commit to limiting your nights out or candle lit dinners out to once a week or even once a month. Get a little creative with your significant other and have a special night in.
What other ways do you save money each month as a homeowner? Let us know in the comments!
*$271/month Savings Calculation: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/03/as-mortgage-rates-plunge-millions-more-homeowners-can-benefit-from-refinancing.html