Look, nobody wants to waste money, but it happens, especially when you’re all excited about your new place. Whether you just got your keys or you’ve been settled in for a bit, here are some spending traps to watch out for.
Slow down on the home makeover dreams. I get it! You’re watching HGTV and want that picture-perfect home now. But here’s the thing: live in your space for a while before you drop serious cash on furniture or commit to big renovations. Give it about a year to really understand how you use each room. You’ll make way better choices (and save a ton of money) if you’re not rushing to fill every corner. Plus, you’ll end up with a home that actually feels like you.
Try doing it yourself first. Got a lawn now? More bathrooms to clean? Before you hire someone, see if you can handle it yourself. We’re talking hundreds of dollars saved every month. Same goes for simple repairs, YouTube is your friend! Tons of home improvement sites have step-by-step guides, and stores like Home Depot offer free workshops. You’d be surprised what you can figure out on your own.
Rethink your old routines. That daily coffee shop run? Monthly cable bill? Now’s the perfect time for a reset. Maybe you’ve got counter space for a coffee maker now, it’ll pay for itself in weeks. And with all the streaming options out there, you can probably ditch cable and save big. While you’re at it, check that gym membership you never use and those takeout menus you’re always using.
Skip the extended warranties. When you’re buying appliances, the sales pitch for extended warranties sounds great. But honestly? If something breaks, it often costs less to just fix it than what you paid for the warranty. Plus, your credit card might already give you an extra year of coverage. If you really want protection, consider a home warranty that covers everything for one annual fee.
Shop around for insurance. Don’t just go with your old renter’s insurance company out of habit. Get quotes from a few places and really compare what’s covered. And hey, bundling your home and auto insurance usually gets you a discount, so ask about that.
Get an energy audit. Your home could be costing you hundreds every year through wasted energy, and you wouldn’t even know it. An energy audit will show you exactly where you’re losing money.
Bottom line? Homeownership comes with enough surprise expenses already, so keep some savings cushioned for emergencies and be smart about where your money goes.
And remember, I’m still here for you! Questions about your home? Need help thinking through a decision? Just reach out. Your home is probably your biggest investment, and I’m your real estate resource whenever you need me.
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