Nanny to Mommy

It is always a good idea to save money in the home where you can. However, have you taken the time to identify those aspects of housekeeping where you waste money the most? In many cases, food is one of those areas, and according to Futurity, US households waste $1,866 worth of food annually. Below are other things that could be digging a hole through your pocket.

There are many instances where people sign up for an app or service offering a free trial, only to forget to cancel it when it ends. US consumer analysts say this strategy has become an effective marketing line for many companies. Many people get billed at least once before they remember to cancel the subscription. Therefore, it's advisable to pay attention when offering billing details and remember to unsubscribe later. If you think you'll forget to cancel, you can set a reminder on your phone a day before the free trial ends. That way, you will avoid losing money.

Another option is finding stores with lower prices like Food 4 Less, that offer great deals on groceries at affordable prices. It's important to be mindful of where you shop and take advantage of any potential savings.

Going grocery shopping with a list and a budget is an excellent way to save and live within your means. But you can save even more with a grocery store gift card, coupons, or discount codes. You will have to research and work to reap the benefits, though. For example, planning your meals for the week, month, etc., will help you know what discounts to look out for. You can look for digital fliers or sites that scour the internet for these reductions. You can also find out the discount policies for the stores you shop for the best deals possible. Also, try not to buy things just because they are on sale unless you need them. Otherwise, you would waste the discounts you get. 

How often do you use your gym membership? Do you make enough time to watch your favorite movies and shows on Netflix every day? How about streaming apps and all the other subscriptions that seem to have gone under the radar? Unfortunately, because these are connected to your bank account, the deductions are made before you realize it. If you find yourself guilty of this, reviewing all past subscriptions would be best. First, if you use these memberships and subscriptions less than 15 days a month, they may not be worth paying for.

It is understandable if you have your loyalties to a specific brand name. However, have you considered how much that has recently been costing you? With a little observation, you will notice that the same items under generic consumer brands cost way less than you’re currently spending.

The exciting part is that these generic products do not compromise quality or standards. Their main purpose is to keep prices down and to help shoppers save money. If it helps, you may want to start a gradual transition to generic consumer products to see how much money you saved. Another great option is to shop locally.