With the advancement of technology there are more and more ways to save money around the household, whether by using energy saving appliances, bundling services and researching phone deals, or reducing your water consumption. And for those who are debating whether or not working from home might be another way to cut back on costs, there are plenty of ways that today’s tech tools can keep your business functioning efficiently from any location. Here are just five great tips that will help you save money and time in your household.
With the advancement of technology there are more and more ways to save money around the household, whether by using energy saving appliances, bundling services and researching phone deals, or reducing your water consumption. And for those who are debating whether or not working from home might be another way to cut back on costs, there are plenty of ways that today’s tech tools can keep your business functioning efficiently from any location. Here are just five great tips that will help you save money and time in your household.
1. Consider the cost of commuting
No matter where you live, whether it’s in the countryside of the United Kingdom or in a bustling metropolitan capital like New York City, the cost of commuting is one thing that never goes away. It is easy to measure the amount of money that is lost in commuting by adding up bills for gasoline, vehicle maintenance, public transportation passes, but another important commodity that you lose during every commute is time. By working from home you not only eliminate your commuting expenses, but also you also free-up time to either devote to your work or to increase your leisure hours. Working from home will also allow you to claim certain home bills on your tax returns, such as Internet, and phone (be sure to research your deductibles before claiming them).
2. Look for the best phone deals
The smartphone is one of the most important business tools around today, providing users with an ability to keep in contact with customers and fellow employees, share information remotely, and even to monitor and supervise automated machines such as production lines. If you’re choosing to work from home a smartphone is a must, but be sure to research what company will provide you the best contract or deal and service for your region. Depending on what country you live in you can research dead zones and strength of signal by visiting individual company websites, or independent regulators such as Ofcom.
3. Bundle your home services
Many telecommunications companies offer bundling options for services such as a home-phone (landline), broadband Internet, cable or satellite television, and cellular/mobile phones. There are usually a variety of different options that can vary in terms of Internet speed, data plan, and TV channels. Research what plan works best for both your personal home life and your business.
4. Change your light bulbs
This might seem like a small or irrelevant cost-cutting move, but the more time you decide to spend at home, the more you will be using electricity. By making the switch from your standard incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) you will not only find you use less electricity, but that you replace light bulbs less often, as they tend to last for years as opposed to months. If you find it too expensive to replace all your home fixtures at once, then consider replacing them one at a time as your current bulbs burn out.
5. Install a programmable thermostat
Constantly adjusting your heating and/or air conditioning unit to get your household temperature just right is not only a hassle, but it also uses up excessive amounts of energy. By installing a programmable thermostat in your house you can save time and money, while ensuring that your household stays at a comfortable temperature throughout the day and night. This becomes increasingly useful when you’re hard at work, as it reduces interruptions and increases productivity. To save extra money, try keeping your household at a lower temperature, and throw on a sweater as opposed to turning up the heat.
Taking note of these simple steps you will not only find that working at home saves you money, but that it makes your days more enjoyable.
Images by ollesvensson and SOZIALHELDEN, used under Creative Commons license
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