Winter is a season that brings its own special charm, along with unique expenses and challenges. From heating bills to cold and flu season, from rainy commutes to cozy evenings at home, this time of year calls for a bit of extra planning. The good news? With some smart preparation and a few practical adjustments, you can enjoy a warm, safe, and budget-friendly winter. Here are some tips to help you navigate the season without breaking the bank.
Heating
Make sure heating devices are placed in the center of the room and near interior walls rather than exterior walls. Do you have a tiled roof? Ensure the insulation material between the tiles and your home is intact and in good condition. And remember, never leave a space heater running in a room unattended.
Here Comes the Rain Again
Winter arrives, and along with the scent of rain comes quite a few risks.
Prepare your vehicle for winter: check that your tires are in good condition, wipers are wiping, brakes are braking, and lights are shining. Each of these, and all of them together, can make the difference between smooth driving and, heaven forbid, an unpleasant road incident. Be sure to clean your car windows from the outside and just as importantly from the inside. Buildup of dirt and condensation on the windshield increases blur and limits visibility. Ensure that tire pressure is adjusted to match your vehicle’s weight load to increase safety and save on fuel. Drive slowly and safely, it will save lives and money.
Stock Your Medicine Cabinet Wisely
Go through your medicine cabinet and check what you used last winter that’s now finished, what you bought but didn’t use, and what’s already expired. Most of us live near a pharmacy, so leave the inventory to the pharmacists and keep only what you need at home.
Need to purchase medication or restock supplies? Remember that over-the-counter medications are often significantly cheaper at pharmacy chains or generic brands. Compare between different brands, you might discover that despite price differences, the products are essentially the same.
Do you believe in natural support? When it comes to vitamins and supplements, shop around and compare prices between retailers to find the best value.
Tea for Two and Two for Tea
Winter is cold, and there’s nothing like a hot drink to send energy through your whole body. What a shame that kettles also love energy to help water become hot. Maintain your kettle or water heater and clean the mineral deposits from the heating elements. Boil the amount of water appropriate for the number of hot drinks you’re planning to make. Need boiling water for pasta or cooking? Remember that large quantities of water are better boiled on the stovetop, it builds patience alongside savings on your bills.
Wishing us all a healthy, thrifty, and warm winter!
