11 Ways to Save Hundreds While Working At Home

Guest post by Stephanie Lynch

For many people, working at home is a convenience, but it’s also not without it’s financial perks. Whether an employee or home business owner chooses to work at home, or it is a requirement, here are at least 11 ways a person can save money. In fact, jobs outside the home can be so expensive, some people are able to live better on less by working at home.

The following is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but a start to give you an idea of how much money can be saved.

1) Gasoline Savings

Working at home means the car stays parked, and, as a result, it doesn’t burn gasoline. The amount of money saved depends on how far an employee would drive to work. These savings can really add up as two trips a day for well over 200 days a year burns a considerable amount of gasoline.

2) Automobile Maintenance Savings

When a person drives an automobile twice a day to work, sooner or later there will be maintenance expenses. This may be as simple as an oil change or more costly expenses such as replacing the tires. Preventing wear and tear on a vehicle could add up to the hundreds, if not thousands in savings over just a few years.

3) Automobile Depreciation Savings

The more an automobile is driven, the less valuable it becomes. The number of miles on a car is a factor in determining resale or trade-in value. The more miles, the greater the value depreciates.  By working at home, you can reduce your driving significantly. Instead of driving 1,000 miles a month, you may only drive 200 to 300, reducing the mileage on your car by thousands.

4) Lunch Savings

Paying for lunch at work costs more than eating at home. It is possible to pack a lunch for work, but that requires time and planning. Not only can you save money eating lunch at home, but it’s easier to make more nutritious decisions about what you eat as well.

5) Snack Breaks and Coffee Savings

This seems like small savings, but buying items from vending machines, or contributing to office coffee funds add up. Save a dollar a day, and there is over $200 at the end of the year. If you’re visiting the local java joint five days a week buying a coffee and a goodie, you’re likely spending nearly $50 a week. By eliminating that expense by making coffee and treats at home, you can save over $2,400 a year.

6) Time Savings

Working at home can save you at least an hour a day. Think about it for a second:  You have to wake up, shower, get ready for work, eat breakfast, and sit in traffic.  When working at home, you can be at your desk within 5 minutes and no dress clothes will be required. That means more time making money.

7) Health Savings

A person who stays home avoids exposure to germs, which in turn, means a lower chance of visiting the doctor.  While you won’t be “germ proof,” you don’t have to worry about your co-worker coughing or spread their germs everywhere. Further, working at home means you can more easily meal plan for healthier snack and lunch choices, plus eek out time during the day to exercise. The healthier you are, the less you have to go to the doctor and spend money on medical treatments. Finally, working at home can reduce stress from commuting, demanding bosses, and difficult colleagues.

8) Employee Gatherings Savings

Oftentimes, office workers have to participate in cover dish meals and secret friend present exchanges for birthdays and other occasions. These small expenditures add up over time.

9) Work Clothes Savings

Work clothes alone could save you hundreds of dollars.  Gone are pantyhose and ties, and other work-related clothes, except for those few occasions you have to meet clients.

10) Dry Cleaning Savings

Work clothes must be kept clean, and since most professional clothes can’t be thrown in the washer, you have to take it to the dry cleaner.  Taking 3 to 5 items to the cleaners each week can add up to over $600 a year.

11) Tax Benefits Savings

There are tax benefits that may or not apply depending on your business. Many workers are able to take significant tax deductions on their home office and other expenses incurred working at home such as Internet service (something you’re probably paying for now but not getting a deduction from). Talk with a professional accountant to see how much you could save with your tax return.

Author Bio: Stephanie Lynch is from Howmuchisit.org – the Internet’s largest cost-helping database.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her children and hiking the local mountains in Central Arizona.