3 Ideas in helping you pay off student loans
Once you’re out of school, it can be challenging to pay off your debt, especially if you still have an entry-level job. But by making some things around the home yourself, you can watch your savings add up. Even if you aren’t a craftsman, there are several simple projects you can do around the house. You might be surprised at how much money you can save by switching to DIY products around your home. However, there are also other ways you can pay off your debt faster. For example, using a budget can help you track every dollar of your expenses. That way, you may be able to pay more than the minimum each month. Personal Finance Geeks shares that another way you can pay off your debt faster and save money is by consolidating your student loans. That just means you take out a new loan to pay off the existing and you can often get lower interest rates with more favorable terms by doing this.
Household Products
It might seem counterintuitive, but you usually have to pay more for items that don’t have as many chemicals. Laundry detergent is one of those things. The good news is you can make your own simple detergent with borax, washing soda, and shaved bar soap. To make it smell good, try adding some essential oil. You can try a combination of either peppermint and orange or lemon and lavender.
Cleaning sprays are another thing to easily make at home. Commercial cleaning sprays often have harsh chemicals in them. To make your own, combine one cup of water with one and a half cups of vinegar. Add the essential oils of your choice. If you have school-age kids, they may have lost ice packs in their lunches in the past. If this happens regularly, consider making your own inexpensive packs. Soak a sponge in water and place it in a plastic bag. Once you freeze it, you’ll have an ice pack that your children can use for school lunches.
Make Some of Your Own Food
If you have kids, making dessert is a fun project to do with them. Because yogurt is a fermented food, it is high in nutrients. And you get to control how much sugar goes into it, if any. You just need milk and a yogurt starter, along with equipment like glass jars. Another thing you can easily make yourself is a homemade latte. Coffee can be an expensive habit, costing several dollars for each cup. You likely have most of the ingredients and equipment at home to DIY. As long as you have hot water, milk, coffee grounds, and a sweetener, you’re set.
Beauty Products
A simple body scrub is easy to make with sugar, olive oil, and the juice from half a lemon. It can help smooth rough spots and leave your skin feeling smooth. If you purchased the same product in the store, it would cost you more money. Using natural items from your pantry can also save dollars. For example, coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer, makeup remover, and more.
Do you have any other ideas?