Tips for Saving Money on Your Household Bills
Saving money on household bills begins with the household budget. Do you have one? If not, now is the time to prepare one. Does the one you have save you money? If not, now is the time to re-visit it and make the necessary changes.
Here are some tips to help you save money on your household bills:
* Become more energy efficient. This includes replacing all light bulbs with energy-efficient ones.
* Use energy-efficient appliances, including the air conditioner. Clear the air filter regularly.
* Unplug all appliances when not in use, and shut down the computer instead of keeping it in sleep mode.
* Keep the refrigerator thermostat to the recommended temp.
* Lower the home thermostat at night, and ensure your home has been thoroughly winterized.
* Wash only a full load of laundry, using cold water.
* Take shorter showers – preferably less than five minutes.
* Purchase store-brand groceries. When on sale, buy in bulk.
* Buy clothes at a consignment shop or a thrift store.
* Instead of buying books, CDs, or DVDs, go to your local library or join any one of the trading or swapping sites online.
* At the end of each day, have the entire family put their loose change into a jug or large gallon-sized container.
* Prepare a family budget that you can stick to. Get the entire family involved.
* Complete all errands in one trip.
* Walk whenever you can to save money on gas.
* Bring lunch to work. Make lunches for the kids to bring to school.
* Curtail eating out.
* Unsubscribe from magazines.
* Perform manicures and pedicures at home.
* Cut up all credit cards except one; only use that one for emergencies.
