Hey Urban Housewives! Here we are with a new guest writer, Anne Jacobs. Anne’s an urban girl living out in Philadelphia. Here she shares some great tips on saving money in the city.
Living in the city gives you easy access to most of the items that you want or need. While living in the urban center can be very convenient, it can be quite expensive as well. However, if you reside in a city, it doesn’t mean you have to pay a leg or an arm for everything. Here are some money saving tips for city residents that if applied, can assist you in saving some money.
Enjoy Free Activities
You can enjoy some free activities instead of spending so much money going into a movie or play. There are several free things that can be done in large cities that you can benefit from. Many organizations host free performances, activities and gatherings for people in the region to take part in. You can take a walk on the walking trail, go to the park or engage in any of the other free activities available in most cities.
Use Public Transportation
Among the finest ways of saving money is to use public transport. If there is an excellent public transportation system in your area, you can get to almost all places you want without having to pay for a car. Owning a car in an urban area can be very expensive. In addition to paying for maintenance and gas on your vehicle, you will also have to regularly pay for parking. Using a bus can get you around for cheap and it is often quite faster than driving.
Use Public Libraries
Most large cities have big public libraries that you can benefit from for free. Getting a library card will give you a chance to check out books, computer software programs, DVDs, and audio books among other things. Besides, you can check out e-books in many public libraries. This way, you are able to get a good number of the items you require for entertainment uses without spending a dime. You just have to ensure that you get the items back ahead of the due date.
Find a Roommate
It is relatively easy to get a roommate in most cities. Putting out a classified ad stating that you urgently need a roommate can help. Whether you are looking for a place to move into or for someone to move in with you, this will make the whole process easy. Getting a roommate helps you cut your expenses substantially.
Shop Online
Going out to shop can be costly for city dwellers. You will have to pay for transportation costs as well as the high prices associated with most city retailers. By shopping online, you are able to get what you want and have it delivered to your door step without even having to pay sales tax. Sales tax savings alone can help you save quite a good amount of money, in many cases.
Urbanites can make some decent savings by following the above tips. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of urban life without too much strain on the pocket.