Owning a home is a big responsibility. It’s common for most first-time homebuyers to question if they can really afford it. For many, it boils down to “needs vs. wants.” Here are two ways you can pinch some pennies without drastically altering your lifestyle.
Go Digital
When was the last time you checked your cable bill? Most people don’t realize how much they are paying per month. If you don’t watch much TV, it might be best to cancel your cable subscription and opt for cheaper alternatives like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and or Hulu. Be honest...do you really need hundreds of TV channels?
The same goes for your newspaper subscription. Getting an online subscription is usually cheaper. However, most news sources offer free articles. If you really want to be frugal, you should see if your employer orders the newspaper. If so, you can read it for free at work.
Buying by Bulk
When it comes to items you use frequently, buying by bulk is one of the easiest ways to save money. For example, say you are on the instant ramen diet since you just bought a house. Rather than buying a few instant ramens every week at your local supermarket, it’ll probably be cheaper to buy them by bulk at Costco or Sam’s Club. The same would apply for toilet paper, paper towels, and other items you always use.
Another benefit of joining Costco or Sam’s Club: The gas is cheaper than other gas stations. You’ll quickly see how much you are saving every time you fill up your car.
Conclusion
Home prices continue to rise on Oahu. Inventory is still low and interest rates are rising. Real estate is not getting cheaper in Hawaii. If want to be a homeowner, you might have to make a few financial sacrifices.
-RO