January and February is a perfect time to stock up on items that could help you save money for the rest of the year. For retirees, grabbing some items early can mean locking in lower expenses, fewer replacements and less financial strain for the rest of the year.
Here are five purchases retirees can make in January and February that could continue to save them money long after winter is over.
Smart Thermostat
- Price: $129.99
Heating and cooling costs are one of the biggest ongoing expenses for retirees, especially those spending more time at home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually. Over time, that adds up to hundreds of dollars in savings, far more than the upfront cost of buying a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat like the Nest Thermostat helps reduce wasted energy by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re sleeping or away, even if you forget to do it yourself.
Read More: 5 Sam’s Club Items Under $35 That Smart Seniors Should Stock Up On for Winter
Check Out: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
LED Light Bulbs
- Price: $27.15
Inefficient bulbs can raise your electric bills month after month. So if you haven’t already, swap out old incandescent bulbs for LEDs so you can cut down your energy costs with almost zero effort. These LED light bulbs at Home Depot use 80% less energy compared with a standard incandescent light bulb and are also mercury-free.
“I recently got these LED lights to replace some older lights that are 50 watts, and the new ones are only 7 watts and should save a good amount of electricity since I am replacing 8 lights in my man cave. Not only will they save money in the long run, but they also run cooler to the touch,” a satisfied customer said.
Door Draft Stopper
- Price: $7.99 (regularly $14.99)
Drafts around doors are a major source of wasted energy, especially in older homes. A simple draft stopper can help keep warm air inside during winter and hot air out during summer, without having to do expensive renovations.
This specific door draft stopper from Walmart can be used on interior and exterior doors, and it’s fast and easy to install.
Reusable Kitchen Storage
- Price: $54.99
Food waste is a major expense for many retirees who live alone. If you cook a lot, consider getting reusable storage to extend the life of your leftovers and reduce unnecessary grocery trips.
This Rubbermaid Brilliance glass food storage set from Target comes with clear plastic lids that have a 100% airtight, leak-proof seal and secure latches to make reheating and storing easy. They also have built-in vents under the latches that allow steam to escape, so you can microwave food without removing the lid.
Emergency Repair Kit
- Price: $35.79
Small household issues can turn into expensive problems if you just ignore them. So if you don’t already have a basic repair kit, consider getting one so you can handle small fixes yourself instead of paying for service calls.
This 39-piece tool set from Walmart comes with all the tools you need for most small repairs, from a hammer, pliers and screwdrivers to a tape measure and much more. Plus, the tools are all heat-treated and chrome-plated to resist corrosion.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Purchases Retirees Can Make in January and February To Save Money All Year
