Gas/Electricity: How to manage the main bills when you live alone for the first time

Home sweet home: living alone, for many people, is synonymous with freedom. However, maintaining your home also means having more bills to pay. Know How to manage the main bills when you live alone for the first time. Check it out!

Rent or installment

The main expense of those who live alone is the rent or the benefit, for those who finance the home. Because these payments are fixed and take up a significant part of the budget, you need to be prepared to pay them.

Leave the money for these accounts every month and pay them once you receive your salary. Then you will be free to manage the remaining money with the other expenses. If you need help organizing your finances, GuiaBolso can help you map all your spending, set goals for each one, and track your performance throughout the month.

Electricity/gas/water

These three accounts are fixed expenses, need to be paid every month, but may vary in value. The light bill is usually the highest of the three, so try to save money by removing electronic equipment from the outlets when they are not in use, replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescents, reducing power in the shower and using the washing machine less.

As for gas, if you are going to live alone at home, you will have to pay for your cylinder or use the piped gas system if it is available. To reduce the count and also prevent accidents, always make sure to use new, leak-free stoves and close the log when not cooking.

The water bill is usually divided among all the condominium owners. There are more modern buildings that feature individual collection. If you live at home, the water bill is solely your responsibility. To save money, shorten the time in the shower, use the washing machine for quicker functions and only when you collect enough clothes. You can also install more economical downloads, which offer the option using a smaller flow of water.

Internet and Cable TV

As several internet operators are also cable television providers, these accounts can come together in one package. Our tip is to buy only what you need: opt for the cheapest plan within your usage habits and pay attention to the terms of the contract, which usually offer lower prices or higher connection speeds only in the first few months. Search and compare between different carriers.

House maintenance

Keeping a house costs money. In addition to food expenses, you will also have to purchase cleaning and hygiene products. Create monthly spend targets for variable costs (supermarket for example) and deploy them to weekly goals. That makes it easier for you to know how much you can devote to the week’s purchases. Do not forget, however, that you have other expenses necessary for your day-to-day maintenance, such as health, food, education, and transportation.

Furniture and household appliances

Keep in mind that if you are moving to live alone in an unfurnished residence, you will need to spend on such equipment. Our most important tip is to research hard before buying. The internet can be an ally: use search sites to compare prices and negotiate discounts. Take advantage of lower prices that usually come just after holidays (Christmas and Mother’s Day, for example).