How to save more and spend less this Autumn
As autumn creeps in and winter is on the horizon, often the heating gets cranked up and we fuel ourselves with delicious food to stay warm. Often, this makes the autumn season one of the most expensive times of the year for household spending, so here are some simple tips to save money this autumn and winter before the festive season arrives.
Shop seasonally
One of the best ways to save money through the colder months is shopping seasonally. Relying on imported food can be expensive, especially in autumn when fresh food travels thousands of miles to land on our shelves. Planning your meals around locally grown produce can save a whole lot of money, as well as being far more environmentally friendly. If you’re a fruit fan, try buying more apples and pears over autumn and staying away from exotic fruits flown in from far-flung destinations.
Batch cook ahead
Another food-related tip, but one that will save both time and money. With energy prices soaring, reducing the amount of time you spend heating up your oven will have a positive effect on your utility bills, so try cooking large batches of food and freezing the leftovers. Not only will you use less energy by cooking more infrequently, but you’ll avoid the dreaded food waste that seems to happen week in, week out. Pop some portions of your meals into the freezer and you’ll be so glad to have some delicious food a few minutes away when you’re cold and tired (and tempted to order in a delivery).
Keep your home warm
It’s not the most glamorous tip, yet it’s practical through and through. As the days and nights get colder, rather than relying on central heating to warm up your home, start by wrapping up and wearing layers. Heating homes takes a huge amount of energy and with price increases, the cost could soar this autumn for many homes. Try to keep windows shut, remembering to close them if you do need some fresh air before you head out. Insulation can also help out, so check whether your home has room for improvement on that front.