How to save big this month

 

Growing up, many Germans would take a step back and save some money in January. It was and still is the month when insurance policies are renewed and people are just fed up with eating so much over the Christmas holidays. This last month, I’ve kept an eye on my expenses and there are so many ways to save in this big city. Here are my favourite tips to help you save this month:

Rent

Rent is often the biggest expense and potentially an easy way to save big times.

The good news is: Rent is going down in a number of areas within the city. When I received my rent renewal letter today, I smiled like a Cheshire Cat! It’s proof of what local newspapers were reporting.

If your lease is up for renewal soon, consider moving provided it saves you time and money. There’s no point moving to a cheaper location if you in return spend hours driving everywhere, despite petrol being cheap here.

If you currently have your chiller included in your rent, but moving into a home without this included, how much will you pay?

As you are considering other, cheaper homes, keep in mind the cost for moving and any deposits. You probably only want to move if you can save after having paid for the removal, repainting, purchasing any appliances, etc.

Utilities

Combined with your rent is your housing fee. Moving into a cheaper home will also have an impact on your housing fee and decrease it.

If you don’t have your chiller included in your rent and constantly leave the AC on, consider turning it off or increase the heat to reduce your overall utilities bill. Each degree higher can save up to 9% of your cooling costs!

Turn lights off in areas you don’t use.

Run your dishwasher and washing machine when it’s full. If you have modern appliances, you can also run half loads with an economic cycle.

Ask your landlord to install a water efficient shower and water saving fixtures for your toilet.

Food

Meal planning is a great way to reduce food waste and make last minute decisions which your scales and your wallet regret shortly afterwards.

Online orders like from Kibsons are not only time saving as they deliver to your home, they also provide cost effective options for your fresh food and veg.

Take little snacks to your office. You can pack little Ziploc bags with almonds, walnuts or mixed nuts. They last in an office drawer and can be your mid-afternoon life saver.

Eating out

A friend working in the hospitality industry once told me: “There’s no need to pay full price in this city.” You can go out and enjoy yourself while saving. Whether you use an Entertainer, Time Out or Guzzle voucher, there are plenty of 2-4-1 vouchers. Sites like Groupon let you buy discounted meals, buffets or drinks.

With so many new restaurants opening up, competition is fierce and many restaurants have special promotions. Sign up to newsletters of the restaurants you frequent or would like to try out.

Use loyalty cards in your favourite places.

Cable TV

How much TV do you really watch? With your late nights in the office, social engagements in the evening and fun filled weekends, do you still have time to watch TV?

Consider taking only the basic TV package or, if you want to save some more, cancel your TV.

Since Netflix has arrived here, there are legal options to stream your favourite shows from abroad.

Having received another invite for a baptism abroad and expecting my first visitors for the year shortly, I’ll take it easy over the next few weeks. I’ve loved how focusing on my January expenses showed me so many new ways of enjoying life in the city and spending a lot more quality time with my friends. For me, it’s no longer about saving only but looking at a new way of life in this busy place!

What are your saving goals? Share them with us!

Until next time,
Agni

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