Wintertime often comes with additional expenses that can add up quickly if you're not paying attention. With these simple money-saving tips, you can stay on top of your winter spending and saving.
Heating bill
Many thermostats can be programed to different temperatures throughout the day and night. Take advantage of this, and you can save some serious money on your heating bills.
Making a budget is a great way to stay on top of your finances.
Try your hand at CU Money Sense's听budget tools for and .
For example, talk to your roommates and set the thermostat lower when you're out of the house and at nighttime (break out those sweatshirts). You can also set it to warm the house up听before you wake up for the day, so it's nice and warm!听
Use Colorado's sunny days to your advantage: Open the shades during the day to warm up the house听and close them at night to keep the heat in. Ceiling fans can also help you out. If you reverse your听fans' spin听from counterclockwise to clockwise, you'll听create an upward draft that pulls and circulates the warm air back down through the room.
For more tips,听check with the Environment Center about their Eco-Visits service听that听can help you save energy, water and money. Plus,听you get a free pizza if you have them stop by for a home visit.
Transportation
In wintertime, cars often need extra washer fluid, warm-up times in the morning听and even a good set of snow tires. Cars also get worse gas mileage in the winter months.
Consider driving the car sparingly in the winter and rely more on public transport. Your wallet will thank you! If you do choose to drive, and aren't used to driving in winter conditions, .
Food
If you live off campus, grocery bills can be a large expense in all seasons. You can save money by cooking healthy meals that can听last you most of the week. One way to do that is by cooking with a slow cooker,听which is both ideal for the winter (warm meal) and ideal for saving money (bulk food prep).
Check out these tips and resources for eating healthy on a budget:
- CU Money Sense: 8 ways to eat right on a budget
- Ralphie's Cooking Basics: Broaden your menu while learning cooking techniques
- Free on-campus nutrition consultation
Stay healthy
The winter is cold and flu season. By keeping healthy, you can avoid missing classes and trips to the drugstore or doctor. It's not too late to get your flu shot, and it's free! Be sure to get exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep鈥攁 tall order for someone in college, but essential for your well-being.
See these resources for staying healthy:
Stressed about your finances? For all-things financial-related, from budgeting and saving to taxes and debt, is here to talk money with CU students.
