BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Hindsight is 2020, and you might be realizing you spent too much money in 2019. Here are 7 ways to save, according to yourpennysaver.com.
7 Eyewitness News sat down with Noelle Carter, the President/CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling Service in Buffalo to get tips on how to achieve those saving goals.
1. Cutting out expensive coffee
Aside from buying a coffee maker, experts recommend buying a coffee gift card for the month, and not reloading it.
2. Cancel unused subscriptions
Shows you watch might overlap on multiple sites. Many subscription services also have student deals.
3. Reevaluate how you buy groceries
Make a list every time you go shopping, and plan out your meals for the week. Carter said don't necessarily go to the same store out of habit, there might be cheaper options.
"There's a huge difference between buying fresh fruits and vegetables sometimes at a traditional store versus a discount store," Carter said.
4. Use energy efficient light bulbs
The initial cost of LED light bulbs might be more, but they can last more than a decade.
5. Solar Panels
They're costly to install, but could be worth it for some homes. There's a 26 percent federal tax credit for panels installed this year.
6. Grilling
Breaking out the grill when it's nice out could also save energy in your home.
"Especially in the summer because you're not turning on your oven, making your house hot, especially if you have air conditioning," Carter said.
7. Reevaluate insurance policies
Don't take any insurance policy for granted, and when it comes to car insurance there are many online driving courses you can take to reduce your insurance.
"If you don't reevaluate every year, every couple of years, you definitely could be wasting your money," said Carter.
Carter said the biggest tip of all is make a budget.
"A lot of times you don't know where to save money if you don't know where you're wasting money," said Carter.
