30+ Easy Ways to
Save Money and Lower Bills
This page is dedicated to helping you
save money easily and quickly!
Tips to Save Money on:
Power - Phone - Water - Home - Car - Insurance - Cleaning - Food - Commuting
Save on Your Power Usage
Turn off lights when you leave a room.
Either hang your clothes to dry (cheapest) or dry clothes until slightly damp. Your clothes will last longer and you will save energy. Also, a gas dryer is usually less expensive to run.
Use energy efficient light bulbs such as compact florescent bulbs where possible
When buying new appliances compare the energy usage. This can make a huge difference in lifetime cost of the appliance.
Avoid electric heating where possible -- it is usually much more expensive than other forms of heating.
Attic fans lower temperatures significantly in the summer. Many times, this allows one to eliminate or reduce air conditioning costs substantially.
Either use awnings or close shades in rooms one isn't using during the day in the summer.
Insulation makes a HUGE difference in A/C and heating costs.
Simply caulking windows and doors can help with drafts and A/C and heating costs.
Depending on your area it might be worthwhile to replace your single glazed windows with double glazed. Consult an expert first to see if this is worthwhile for you.
Check out the PG&E website for more energy saving tips.
Save on Phone calls
Know your Long Distance Plan and make phone calls accordingly. If you have a cell phone (who doesn't?) then know your cell plan. Those minutes you use beyond the basic allotment are expensive.
Use FREE calling cards - this works great for traveling! You can get almost 4 hours of free phone time by applying for these free offers. Just make sure yoiu don't spend more on the free offers than you save with the phone card.
Hunt for a better rate. The one we use is kissld.com. I love telling the ATT&T tele-marketers that we're paying only 3 cents per minute.
Save on Water Use
Turn off the water while brushing teeth and shaving.
Place a glass jar in your toilet tank (let it fill with water). This reduces the amount of water you use per flush. Some toilets use a dual flush system. Hit the level and you get a minimal flush, which only drains abouit half the tank. Hold the lever down and you get a real flush.
Wash dishes in a sink full of soapy water rather than washing the dishes individually. The dishes soak making them easier to clean -- allowing you to use less water. Also saves over dishwasher use.
Water outside plants at night or early morning, especially in hot areas. The water will soak in the soil rather than be evaporated as quickly.
Use drought resistant plants - they don't need to be watered as much. A green lawn uses a LOT of water.
Wash only full loads of laundry.
Fix any dripping faucets/shower heads and any other leaks.
Use a water saving shower head.
In the Home:
Wear a sweater (or blanket) and lower the thermostat in the winter.
Close doors when not using them. If you have central heat or air conditioning - only heat/ac rooms that are being used.
Put a water heater blanket on your water heater.
If you have an electric hot water heater, consider putting it on a timer. Often you don't need hot water when you are away from the house for long periods (such as work) or asleep. Remember that it usually takes 30-60 minutes to warm the water hot enough.
Some water heaters don't use a tank, they heat the water on demand.
In the Car:
Try to do multiple errands on the same trip.
Carpool when possible.
Keep your car tires properly inflated.
Keep your car well tuned.
Get information by phone first: ie. know directions, know if store has what you want, etc.
If possible, drive in non-rush hour traffic.
Drive a consistent speed as you often use less gas that way.
Don't buy a gas sipping car unless you're already buying. If you replace your current car for a gas sipper you'll find that your gas savngs don't come close to making up the new car cost.
Insurance
Many people are OVER insured or UNDER insured. Review your current policies to see what you have first, then match it to what your needs are. These needs also change as life goes on, so keep that in mind. .
See if you can get a non-smoker discount, academic discount, or a marriage discount if your status has changed since you were first insured.
Cleaning
Take off shoes inside.
Buy neutral colors for carpeting/furniture as they don't show dirt/stains as much.
Wear clothes more than one day when possible.
Use vinegar water to clean windows, appliances and floors as it is much cheaper.
Wash clothes by hand instead of using the dry cleaner where possible.
Food & Entertainment
Make your own food (instead of eating out) as often as possible. Eating out is remarkably expensive, fattening, and not as good for you as home cooking.
When eating out (there is something to be said for someone ELSE doing the dishes) see if coupons are available.
When eating out, take the leftovers home.
Save leftovers in reusable containers.
Make your own lunch and bring it to work.
Pack a picnic basket when going out on a family outing
Free museums (many museums have a free day a month)
Walk in the park
Playing board games or doing puzzles
Visiting the library/reading books
Free concerts (often listed in the sunday paper)
Volunteer at the SPCA, homeless shelter or religious organization
Stargazing (with borrowed book from library)
The Commute
Are you paying more than you need for your commute? Often there are many ways of getting somewhere. Here are several ideas on how to reduce costs.
* Public transportion: Compare bus, train, and other forms of public transpport that are available in your area.
* Van Pool: Vanpools are organized carpools where a company always drives. These can be very cost effective.
* Work from Home: Some compaines will let people work from home one or more days a week.
* Alternate Work Week: Some companies let you work 4 longer days rather than 5 days.
* Car Pools: Sharing rides often saves on tolls and driving costs. If you can share with someone from the same workplace this can be a real money saver.
* Bicycling/Walking: This is usually the cheapest way. Often one needs to combine this with public transportation if one lives far away from work.
* Finding Less Expensive Parking: Often if you are willing to walk 2 or 3 extra blocks in the city, parking prices are reduced. Do some comparison shopping.
* Partial Public Transport: I found that when I commute saturdays, by driving to a different train station I save commute charges and 40 minutes a day. Investigate other altenatives
Take a look at our financial page for several tax saving tips
Start a home-based business and get major tax deductions. Here's an article by an IRS trainer which will get your mind working.
Search the big G for more money saving tips:
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