This is How to Save Money While Working From Home

The first step in figuring out how to save money is to know what you’re spending your money on in the first place. Take some time to review your expenses: now that you work from home, they will most likely be quite different from back when you still went to the office every day. Then draw up a budget so you know what you can spend where, and see where you can save.

If you work from home, Canada can help you save money with special tax breaks. You might not save a huge amount, but every bit you can save helps, right? Speak to a reputable tax consultant about what exactly you can claim for: expenses like office equipment, stationery and even the electric bill might qualify. And remember to keep those receipts: not having them is one of the most common tax mistakes Canadians make.

Since you probably have an internet package anyway, make Wi-Fi calls when possible, instead of using your cellphone. If you’ve been avoiding Skype or Zoom because you don’t feel like combing your hair, remember that these internet calling services also allow you to make calls without video: it’s just like a phone call but without the expense.

When it comes to online jobs Canada has plenty of options now. However, with online jobs a fast and reliable internet connection is indispensable. You can save money by choosing the package that suits your needs. If you’re going to spend most of the day on Zoom calls, you’ll obviously need more data and you shouldn’t cut corners to try and save money with the cheapest option. However, if you’re not going to use the internet for much more than email, you can avoid expensive data charges and get away with a more basic package.

Of course you know that the best workspace is one that is quiet, private and comfortable but did you know that it can also save you money? In winter, you definitely want a south-facing room to work in, since there will be more natural light and warmth from the sun. If you don’t have the kind of set-up that you can move quickly and easily, make sure that the room you choose for your home office also has windows that can open, since you’ll need this in summer. The clever use of window treatments – opening them when you want warmth and closing them when you want to cool things – can help you save money on energy too.

The power bill is one of the things Canadians spend the most money on each year but you don’t have to let your energy consumption soar just because you’re working from home now. Most laptops, desktop monitors and cellphones have energy-saving settings. Use these. Change them so that sleep mode will kick in sooner when you’re not using the device. Dimming the display will save energy too and is much more gentle on your eyes.

Another way to save energy is to not keep your devices plugged in all the time. They have batteries, after all. In general, you should unplug your laptop or phone when the battery reaches about 80% and then plug in again when the battery power drops below 40%. This will not only save you energy but can prolong your battery’s lifespan too.

Now that you’re working from home, you’re saving money – and your sanity – by not having to commute further than a couple of steps every day. It also means that your daily routine looks very different. Put on a sweater and turn the heat down a couple of degrees. Also try to resist the temptation for longer showers or turn your water heater down a bit. This will make a dent in your hydro bill at the end of the month.

With work from home jobs in Canada, the weather may make you want to have hot drinks handy during your work day. If you have a vacuum-insulated flask, you only need to switch on the kettle or coffee maker in the morning, prepare enough for the day and pour it into your flask. This way, you’ll have your cuppa on hand whenever you want it instead of having to use more energy by switching on appliances multiple times a day. If you prefer cold drinks, the flask will keep your water cool and you won't be opening and closing the fridge door all day long.

Work from home jobs mean that you get to cut out your commute, which in turn gives you more time to prepare lunch. But let’s face it: it’s so much more convenient to just get take-out, especially when they deliver right to your doorstep. However, it’s also a big drain on your budget. A slow cooker is one of those items that will save you hundreds of dollars over time and it’s super convenient for preparing lunch too: just chuck the ingredients into the pot before you start working and forget about it until lunchtime, when you’ll have a warm meal ready and waiting. Yum!