Whether you’re living alone or with a couple of roommates, money is still an important thing to look out for, even though you have somebody to share paying the rent with. When living independently, there are so many factors you should think about before making this big decision. If you’ve already done it, then congratulations.
It’s exciting and scary at the same time, and most of all, it takes a lot of responsibility. If you need help with how you should budget and save money, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some money-saving tips while living independently.
- Know Which Apartment Size Is Ideal for You
If you decide to live alone, a studio apartment can be cheaper. Having a bedroom is great, but renting a smaller place is just right if you prioritize saving money. You can’t afford to rent an apartment with bedrooms alone. Plus, the smaller your home, the less time and effort you need to clean and maintain it.
- Learn How to Cook
Before you decided to live independently, you should already have thought about this part. Cooking at home does not only make you save money, but it also lets you eat healthier. Instant foods and takeouts are just for days when you’re too tired to do something else after a hard day’s work. You can find a lot of sources to learn in this day and age, so you have no excuse. Learning how to cook is just a fundamental factor in living responsibly.
- Switch to Cheaper Brands
For groceries, cleaning products, and medicines, it doesn’t hurt to consider buying cheaper brands. Generic brands can be just as good as branded ones these days. If a high-quality and less affordable product is necessary, you can always find ways to strategize your budget. You should know which ones to prioritize.
Making your own natural cleaning products and trying home tricks and remedies is one way to lessen your cost. It’s less toxic and much cheaper. You should first consult your doctor before switching to more affordable meds since brands may contain ingredients others don’t have. Buy your groceries in bulk, so you don’t have to go back to the store for a while. Sticking to your grocery list for what you need saves you from spending on things you don’t.
- Try a Minimalist Interior
Since you’re most likely to live in a smaller space, having less furniture in your home makes you save money and save space as well. Plus, the house is much easier to clean if you have only a few things in them.
Of course, you don’t have to buy brand-new furniture unless it’s absolutely necessary. Ask your friends and relatives if they have pieces of furniture that they’re no longer using and still durable and valuable.
- Set Aside Time and Money for Regular Home Maintenance
Here’s the thing: the more you maintain things, the less money you have to spend on possible repairs. Know how often you should maintain the facilities you have in your home, such as your air conditioning, appliances, and plumbing. It would help if you also learned how to recognize early damage and do DIY repairs.
Get help from professionals once you’ve noticed something’s wrong and don’t know how to fix it. While you can fix a loose pipe under the sink, slow draining for quite a while can lead to further and costly damage. Contact a plumber for you might need drain cleaning services. A time like this is when you need the money you set aside, especially if your landlord doesn’t address home maintenance and repair problems as soon as possible.
- Grow Your Own Herbs
Even if you have a tiny space in your apartment, you can always make way for container gardening. Plant herbs that are quick to grow and most often used when you’re cooking, such as chives, parsley, mint, basil, and scallions. You will definitely thank yourself. Seeing them grow also makes you feel a slight sense of achievement.
- Invite Company Over
The older we get, the fewer people we can genuinely trust and stay in touch with. Instead of eating out with your friends, invite them over to your apartment. Going out can lead you to temptation, and you might end up spending more money than planned. You can cook for them, and you can ask them to buy drinks. You shouldn’t have to spend money alone.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to fear the costs of living independently because there is always a way to turn things around. If things get too difficult, it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to be stuck in challenging situations and let pride get in the way. Living independently is supposed to be a fulfilling event in your life. You’ll only know you’re ready once you do it.
Meta title: Smart Independent Living: 7 Tips on Saving Money
Meta desc: Living differently from what you were used to doesn’t always have to be scary. A sense of responsibility and the desire to do this keep you going. Deciding to live away from your parents is an achievement itself, more so when you do it. A foremost aspect of it is spending your money responsibly.