3 Tips for Saving Money On Housing Costs
For most people, their housing costs are the largest expense in their monthly budget. And while you might feel like there’s nothing you can do to reduce the amount you’re spending on rent or a mortgage and your monthly utility or other housing bills, you might be surprised to find that the costs for all these things is more in your control than you might realize. So to help those looking to lower their costs in these areas, here are three tips for saving money on housing costs.
Get Outside The City
Although many people find the city life to be appealing, unless you’re making a decent amount of money, many people also find city life to be too expensive. So if you feel like you’re spending a lot of money in something very little, one thing you can do is try getting a bit outside the city. According to Emmie Martin, a contributor to CNBC.com, rent if often much cheaper as you move outside of the big city. Additionally, you can also find housing that will give you more space than you would have gotten in the city as well. While you may have more of a commute, you could save yourself a lot of money if you’re able to use public transportation or bike to work or school.
Negotiate On Everything
Something that may have never crossed your mind regarding your monthly housing costs is negotiating. While many people are comfortable negotiating for things like cars or homes, Paul Sisolak, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, shares that you might as well try to negotiate on all your bills. This includes things like your rent and your utilities. While this may seem like a stretch to you, the worst they can tell you is that they won’t negotiate with you. But if they’re willing to wiggle a little, you’ve just saved yourself some money.
Use Less Energy
To lower some of your energy bills on your own, you may want to try creating some habits that will allow you and your family to use less energy on a regular basis. To do this, Trent Hamm, a contributor to The Simple Dollar, suggests doing things like installing LED light bulbs, getting a smart thermostat, unplugging electronics when not in use, putting better insulation in your home, and opting for more efficient appliances. By making some of these changes, you could see a big difference in the amount of energy you’re using each month, which will then reduce your total energy bills as well.
If you’re interested in saving on some of your housing costs each month, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do just that.
