Three Simple Ways to Save Money This Winter

Whether you are saving up for a fun trip when the warmer seasons return, planning for a home renovation project, or just want to save a few bucks, winter offers many opportunities for saving money. In fact, with just three simple tips, you can put more money back into your pocket.

1. Stay Healthy

Getting sick costs money that most people aren't prepared to spend, and if you're careful you won't have to. Between doctor visit co-pays, medications, and time off from work, catching a cold is uncomfortable in more ways than one. You can save money by taking extra good care of yourself and staying healthy.

• Bundle Up – Keep warm and dry this winter by protecting yourself against the elements. You won't avoid germs and viruses with a coat, but you can keep your body and immune system strong so you can fight off potential illnesses.
• Wash Your Hands – To help yourself stay germ free and avoid illness, wash your hands often. The simple act of washing your hands, especially before you eat, after you use the restroom, and after coming in contact with multiple people, will help keep you healthy.
• Immune Boosts – Never underestimate the power of eating healthy and getting some exercise every day. Simply living healthy boosts your immune system to prevent illnesses. If you are worried your diet isn't healthy enough, or for just a little extra support, supplement with immune-boosting vitamins and herbs.  One of my favorite alternative way to kick a cold in the butt is oregano oil.  I also get my daily dose of Vitamin C with Emergen-C, which is also great when you're traveling.

2. Have Fun WITHOUT Overspending

Recreation is another money drainer, but there is plenty to do during the winter that costs very little or nothing.

• Inside Fun – When it comes to family time, you can't go wrong with old movies and board games. Not only are you spending more time together, but it costs very little.   If we run out of ideas for movies to watch Netflix always has a large selection of new and old movies as well as tv shows to watch.
• Outside Fun – Take advantage of the snowy weather when you can. Bundle up and head outdoors for some good old-fashioned fun like sledding and snowball fights. Time will fly, you will all be laughing, and when it's time to come in you can warm up with a hot cup of delicious cocoa.

3. Go Green and Save Energy

Winter is a prime time to consider how much money you could save on energy costs.

• Window Treatments – To save money on heating, as well as to keep your home toasty warm, pay some attention to your windows. Invest a few dollars in simple insulation films, and hang curtains to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
• Insulate – Insulate not only your windows, but also around air vents and especially around your attic space. A huge percentage of energy loss occurs through your attic and roof.
• Watch That Thermostat – Keeping your thermostat just a couple degrees cooler in the winter can save you a bunch of money on heating costs. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat will help you keep an eye on keeping a comfortable temperature in your home without having to adjust it.  We keep our home cooler at night while we're all sleeping and the temperature turns up just before we get out of bed.  Putting on a sweater during the day before you think of turning up the heat is also a great alternative.

I hope these three basic tips give you a few ideas to save money this winter.  Have you seen the 52-week savings challenge?  You might find it a fun way to help save a few extra dollars over the course of a year that can help towards holiday fun, building a rainy day fund or even on holiday expense next year.

Making a few simple changes can help you save big in the long term.

What do you do to save money during the winter?

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