Winter is here and at this time of the year, a few specific bills tend to go up. Anything from electricity to medical bills – which can make it tricky to budget.  Since it’s National Savings Month, we’ve put together some useful tips to help you make it through the cold season without breaking the bank.

1. Have a hearty meal on budget – What better way to save during winter than preparing extra food and freezing some of it for future meals? You can also try a weekly leftovers night. Take turns in the family to see who can whip up the most interesting budget-friendly meal. There are easy, delicious recipes online that can save you some bucks. Pinterest has loads of winter meals for a tight budget.
   
   
   
2. Shrink those bills – Air-drying your hair and using the dishwasher less can cut a big chunk out of your power bill each month. It might take just a little longer but it’s worth it. You can also try not to use the tumble dryer and hang your clothes on the line to dry.
   
   
   
3. Keep warm for less – Postpone switching on your heater as much as possible. Keep your feet happy, use a hot water bottle while watching your favourite movie or reading a good book. And to keep your whole body warm, wear anextra layer of clothing or curl up in a warm blanket if your house doesn’t get much sunlight during the day.
   
   
   
4. Power off – Electronics use up more energy in sleep mode. Always turn off electricity-eating devices at night. If you’re not sure which appliances chow your electricity when you’re sleeping take a look here.
   
   
   
5. Keep the heat inside – If your home is not insulated, most of the heat is lost through the roof, which can make  your house colder. Insulation helps improve energy efficiency in your home and keep the heat inside – it also helps keep it cooler in summer. Two for one, how cool is that? Learn more about insulation here.
   
   
   
6. Buy generics –  Save cash – buy generic brands. They’re often just as good and may even be better than original products. Most companies that make name brands manufacture generics too.
   
   
   
7. Be a bit stingy –  It’s the little things that count.Look for ways to use less water in your everyday activities. When doing a load of laundry, adjust your washing machine to use the lowest water setting. Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or when washing dishes by hand. You’ll be surprised how much this will actually help you save.
   
   
   
8. Check for leaks – Hidden water leaks can result in high water bills and nobody wants to pay for something they’re not even using. If you notice a spike in your water bill, check your water metre before bedtime and first thing in the morning. If the numbers have changed, get a plumber to check it out.
   
   
   
9. Double-check your bills – Sometimes,utility companies make mistakes when billing. If you’re not used to checking your statements and bills, you could end up paying extra fees. Keep track of your utility bills and follow up if the numbers don’t add up.
   
   
   
10. Keep all doors closed – Keep the room you spend most of your time in warm.Close any unused rooms to avoid heating places you don’t use as much.

Try these helpful tips and see what best works for you – they might just be your one-way ticket to saving this winter!