How to Save Money When Expecting Your First Baby

Babies are not cheap, and if you’re expecting, you probably already know this. There are so many facets and costs that add up, but they’re the sort of thing that you need to spend money on to keep your baby safe, healthy, and loved. That said, there are smart ways you can cut costs while still providing for your child. Take a look below to see how to save money when expecting your first baby.

Money-Saving Ways to Spend Less on Car Repairs

In parts and labor expenses, auto repairs can end up costing car owners thousands of dollars each year. According to Liberty Mutual, most households spend an average of $817 on vehicle repairs annually. This number can increase greatly for those who own older vehicles, which may experience more significant issues such as blown motors or failed transmissions that can cost thousands of dollars to repair—that’s a serious unexpected dent in your bank account. If frequent or expensive vehicle maintenance is draining your wallet, consider trying out these money-saving ways to spend less on car repairs.

Alternatives to College After High School

There is a lot of pressure on young people today to go to college. They frequently hear that college is the only way they can hope to have a fulfilling life full of opportunity and financial stability. That may have been true 40 years ago, but a college degree is not what it once was. Many graduates are finding that they are leaving college with massive amounts of student loan debt for a field of study that they can’t find a job in. For many young adults, college is out of reach because they don’t have the money, the grades in high school, or the desire to go. There is nothing wrong with not going to college—it’s not for everyone, and there is money to be made without a college degree. Here are four alternatives to college after high school for those that choose not to attend.

Ways to Save Money on A/C This Summer

As the weather begins to warm up around the country, many people are venturing out for walks to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining social distance to comply with shelter-in-place orders. As the orders creep from spring into summer, chances are most families will be spending more time in their homes than they typically do during the summer due to event cancelations and the uncertainty of when public places will reopen. One costly issue that arises in many households is keeping the home comfortable and cool during harsh summer heat. Check out this guide to some ways to save money on A/C this summer.

Ways to Save Money Around the House

The recent pandemic has left many businesses shuttered and even more people out of work. Money is getting tighter all the time, and many American households are having to shrink their budgets. With the economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus, times are tough, and every dollar must stretch a little further. There are some small ways to save money around the house that will help ease the burden. These are common-sense solutions to a problem that is affecting a lot of people.

Turn off the Lights

Every light that is on is costing you money. When you leave a room, turn the lights off and save some cash. The electric bill is far from the largest one that most have to pay, but it’s a consistent one. Start changing habits and saving. Any appliance, lamp, or electronic device that is plugged into the wall is costing money too. If you aren’t using the toaster or blender, unplug it. The savings are small, but they will add up.

Make Your Own Repairs

When you want to make some improvements to your home, do them yourself. Not everything is so complicated that you have to “call someone.” There are lots of things that the average person can do to increase the value of a home and make it look nicer. If you have reservations about doing home improvements, take a look on YouTube and find a video to help. Call a friend who knows more than you to lend a hand as well.

Mow the Lawn

There was a time not too long ago when everyone mowed their own lawn. Landscaping services were for the super rich or super old. Nowadays it seems that no one mows their grass. Save the monthly expense and do it yourself. Used and refurbished lawnmowers are available almost everywhere. Find one you can afford, and get to work. The additional exercise might make that gym membership unnecessary, leading to even more savings.

Open the Windows

When the temperature starts to rise, instead of turning on the air conditioner immediately, open the windows. Energy consumption is one of the biggest expenses in most homes. Let some fresh air in the house and let the calm breeze wash over you. Even if you only turn it off for one day a week, that will lessen your energy bills.

Cook Some Meals

One last way to save money around the house involves a daily need: food. Food is a huge expense, especially for families. Instead of going out or ordering in all the time, start cooking meals at home. Delivery services are expensive, especially when you could just as easily go get it yourself. For the amount of money you spend on one order, you could buy food for a week to cook and eat at home.

Easy Ways to Save Money on Entertainment

Regardless of what’s going on in the world, we all want to find entertainment at a fair price. Unfortunately, right now our entertainment options are limited. However, that doesn’t mean we're stuck having to spend an astronomical amount of money for entertainment. Continue reading for some easy ways to save money on entertainment.