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Cost Saving Tips For Homeowners

There are few things in life that compare to the sense of pride and accomplishment experienced from owning a home. While being a great sense of comfort, homes are among our biggest and most stressful financial investments.

Costs of home ownership such as mortgage payments, taxes and insurance are unavoidable however, smart consumers know where to find the best cost-saving options to help lighten the financial load. The following are tips to help homeowners get the best for their home - for less.

Big isn't always best – Don't assume that large companies offer the best deals. When shopping for services like long distance and natural gas, small companies often provide lower prices with better service.

Hunt for off-season promotions – Booking services or purchasing items during the off-season can net sizable discounts while keeping long waiting periods associated with peak times to a minimum. For example, purchase an air conditioner in February rather than waiting for the first hot spell in June or have your furnace serviced and stock up on oil for heating during the warmer weather when it's cheaper! (Also see -> Seasonal sales: when to buy everything month by month.)

Bulk up – When shopping for household items, buy in bulk. Bulk prices are lower than individually packaged items. Also, buying bulk items usually means fewer trips to the store, saving time and gas. Watch for good sales and then stock up on paper goods, cleaners and other items that store well and are always needed. For perishable food items, think about investing in a deep freezer. Over time, it will more than pay for itself as you save big on deeply discounted meat and frozen foods at warehouse stores such as Costco, Sam's Club or BJs.(Also see -> How to shop at factory clothing outlets.)

Look into energy-efficient options – For long-term savings, invest in energy-efficient appliances to help trim monthly utility bills. Saving a few extra dollars per month adds up over time. The average family household can save up to $400 per year on utility bills just by switching to energy-efficient appliances. (Also see -> 50 ways to save on home energy bills.)

also see -> How To Save Money on Electricity | Home Insulation Guides