Managing Money: Don't get left out in the cold
-By Darren Smith
Managing money can sometimes feel like a tug of war. It takes constant effort and focus to get results. The one thing many households have in common is that we are all open to ways to save a few dollars.
For many, one of the larger expenses to manage is energy costs. I think back to my own experiences growing up and the things that have been passed down from parents and grandparents. Whilst technology and devices have changed, many of the actions are timeless.
Here are some useful tips that may help you save on energy costs:
Manage the environment that you live in
Set your heating thermostat to a consistent 18 – 20 degrees
Focus heating in the areas where you spend time and shut doors in unused rooms
Close curtains to maintain heat within an area
Use natural light to your advantage
Install and use energy efficient devices
Consider devices that provide heating and cooling options
Set your services to maximise off peak periods
Seal gaps in doorways and consider double-glazed windows to insulate
Turn off appliances and devices when not using them
Manage yourself
Wear warmer clothes
Have a blanket handy
Hug loved ones or pets more often
Move more often (do some gentle exercise)
Have a hot water bottle handy
Have a warm drink
Manage your service providers
Use comparison services and consider switching
Ask your providers for their best offer and ways to save
Check your bill regularly
Consider the benefit of bundled services
Pay on time to get a discount
Understand whether you can get discounts through memberships
Understand if you qualify for some concessions/rebates (i.e. lower income earners)
Below are some useful websites which can further assist:
It is not about doing all of these actions at once but rather selecting from these what works for your personal situation. Each small step can make a difference.