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- Money Saver: Yoghurt, Dishwasher, Hotels & Laptops
Money Saver: Yoghurt, Dishwasher, Hotels & Laptops
Money Saver Saving $1,835 – $3,460/ year
Food: DIY Yoghurt
Saving $500 - $660 / year
Most people spend $45 to $55 a month on yogurt (FRED), which adds up to about $500 a year. But you can make your yogurt at home with little to no special equipment. Easier than you think! All you need is milk and a bit of store-bought yogurt. The process is simple—heat the milk, mix in the starter, and let it sit in a warm spot for a few hours. That’s it! The step-by-step guide to walk you through is in the link below.
Homemade yogurt isn’t just about saving money—it’s healthier too (probiotics like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, which improve digestive health). Store-bought yogurt often contains added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Make it yourself, you control what goes in. Plus, it’s packed with natural probiotics.
Bonus? Customize it however you like! Instead of buying flavored yogurts, add fresh fruit, honey, nuts, or granola when you eat. This way, you get the goodness without any additives!
Links - How to Make Yogurt at Home.
Home & Utilities: Use Dishwasher
Saving $35 - $50 / year
Washing dishes by hand might seem like the better option, but dishwashers are far more efficient. Hand washing can use up to 4X more water than a modern dishwasher. If you have an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher, it’s even less.
A good dishwasher also cuts down on energy costs, it only uses about 270 kWh annually, costing around $35 per year. In total, you could save about $48 per year—$20 on water costs and $28 on electricity—just by switching to a dishwasher for all your dishwashing needs.
To maximize savings, always run full loads and use the eco-mode if available. So if you have a dishwasher, use it for all your dishes—it’s better for your wallet and the planet!
Travel & Transport: Call Hotels
Saving $1000 - $2000 / year
If you book hotels through third-party travel sites, you could be spending more than necessary. These sites charge hotels 15% to 30% in fees, and many hotels pass those costs onto travelers.
By calling your hotel and booking directly, you can often find lower rates, exclusive discounts, and perks like free breakfast or parking. Some hotels also offer price-matching guarantees, if you see a lower rate elsewhere.
If a family spends $5,000 per year on travel (link), these strategies could save $1,000 to $2,000 annually. The key is booking smart and planning to keep more money in your pocket while still enjoying great trips.
Technology: Refurbished Laptop
Saving $300 - $750 / year
Buying refurbished laptops is an easy no-brainer to save money without sacrificing quality. The same model that costs full price brand-new can often be 30-50% cheaper when refurbished. That means a $300 to $750 savings per laptop. Refurbished devices undergo rigorous testing and come with warranties, so you’re still getting a reliable machine at a fraction of the cost.
Look for laptops that are 6 months to 2 years old for the best balance of performance and price. These models will still have modern specs but come at a steep discount. Authorized refurbished laptops are sold directly from manufacturers like Apple, Dell, or Lenovo, as they each have dedicated refurbished stores where devices are tested and certified. You can check them out here:
Apple Certified Refurbished: Apple Refurbished Store
Dell Refurbished: Dell Outlet
Always check warranty coverage and return policies to ensure you're protected.
If you try even a couple of these tips, you could save around $1,835 – $3,460 a year.
Simple moves, big savings
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