7 Tips to Cut Household Expenses
In any era of financial concerns and economic strains, everyone looks for ways to save a dime and stretch a dollar. And there are ways that you can cut expenses around your home in order to keep more green in your wallet.
1. Reduce Your Electricity and Gas Consumption
Today’s consumers rely greatly on electricity and gas to stay comfortable. In the winter months, thermostats are set high to stay warm; in the summer, air conditioners may run constantly from the first warm day that produces a slight amount of perspiration. Changing the way you use electricity or gas to manage the temperature in your home could save quite a bit of money.
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees (Fahrenheit) and your air conditioner (if separate from the heat) to 79 degrees (Fahrenheit) or higher. To stay warm in the winter use blankets and wear warmer clothing.
- To stay cool in the summer months, manipulate the flow of air through your home by opening or closing certain windows and using fans. Buy a dehumidifier to dry out the air.
- Close the blinds to cool your home. Closing the blinds or curtains will reduce the amount of heat that radiates into your home.
- Turn off your lights when not in the room and unplug any appliances like televisions and computers. Plugged in appliances, which have lights glowing, still use electricity even if they are turned “off.” When you are not using these items, unplugging them saves money.
2. Reduce Your Water Consumption
Water is often wasted when doing simple tasks such as washing dishes or brushing your teeth. When brushing your teeth, for example, turn off the water when actually brushing. Also, try to take shorter showers. Try using a timer to help get in and out sooner. Another great water saver is reducing outside watering from daily to two or three times a week.
3. Choose a Cell Phone or a Landline
Reviewing your need for having both a cell phone and landline could help you shave dollars off your monthly expenses. Keep only the phone that is used the most. Take into consideration your long distance usage as well. For instance, many cell phone carriers include long distance in the monthly minutes.
Meanwhile, landline companies often charge extra. If you make frequent or lengthy long distance calls, you may want to consider dropping your landline's long distance carrier and instead use your cell phone for those calls.
4. Plan Your Meals
Planning meals for the week will help you to save some money on your grocery bill. Making a list of all the ingredients that you need when you go to the supermarket will cut back on the extra items that find their way into your cart.
5. Review Your True Need for Cable or Satellite Channels
Satellite television or cable is a luxury and not a necessity. Some of the programs on the hundred plus channels may be interesting but they are not necessary. This is especially true in today’s world of internet program simulcasting. (Programs air online as they are shown on television.) For some free TV whenever you want it, visit websites like www.hulu.com and www.fancast.com as well as those for your favorite network.
6. Try Not to Live Beyond Your Means by Using Credit Cards
It is easy to fall into the credit card trap. Credit cards offer the chance to buy those unneeded items and pay for them with small payments each month. However, the interest charges and annual fees added to those original costs take quite some time to pay off. Imagine paying for that tank of gas for the next five years.
Instead, keep those credit cards paid off each month, and use them only when needed. Close all unnecessary credit accounts to avoid temptation.
7. Use Coupons Whenever Possible
There are hundreds of coupons available on thousands of items. Saving small amounts of money here and there adds up to great savings. Coupons are available on grocery items as well as clothing and personal items; they are also available for services such as carpet cleaning, tax preparation, and many others.
Cutting back on your household expenses is not difficult once you review your expenses and your necessities. If you create a plan and stick to it, you can save yourself a bundle of cash and stress.
