How to Save Money in Today's Economy

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By Civita Dyer
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Simple Saving Strategies

Are you like most of us, worrying about the economy, sky rocketing gas prices and the cost of living? Unfortunately, these are things that we have to think about today. Over the past year, especially, we have seen the prices of everyday items skyrocket. Read on for some helpful tips that can help you learn to save money. They are surprisingly simple. We can easily overlook them; but they can have a big impact on our budget.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Start with your electric bill. At night, turn down your home thermostat 1 to 5 degrees lower than your daytime setting. Sleep in long pajamas and add extra blankets to your beds. Not only will this help lower your heating costs, cooler air also helps you sleep more comfortably. If you have young children or elderly people in your home, make sure they sleep in warm clothing to avoid getting chilled. Keep doors closed to the rooms you don’t use regularly during the day.
Step 2

Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Make sure the washer and dryer are full to conserve energy.
Step 3

Clean the lint filter on your dryer after each use. This keeps your dryer working properly.
Step 4

Make the most of your lighting. Using energy efficient bulbs reduces electricity use around 75 percent. Plus, they last longer! Install dimmer switches in all rooms. You can dim your lights lower in the day time when all you need is a soft glow. If you use night lights, use only ones that turn off automatically in daylight.
Step 5

Monitor your family’s spending habits. Sit down and calculate the total family income. Next, list all bills with an approximate due date. Then, write an amount that can be your mad money. Try to put some in checking for unexpected expenses and a little savings for your future. Having everything in black and white may help you curb impulse buys!
Step 6

Cut your grocery bill by comparison shopping. When shopping for your groceries, compare the store brand with the name brand you usually buy. Most often, there is little or no difference in the quality. But there is usually a substantial difference in the price.
Step 7

Use coupons. Anytime you can find a coupon for a product that you use, clip it and take it along on your next shopping trip. Some stores even offer double or triple coupon days once a month. Find out if your local store offers this service. If not, suggest that they start.
Step 8

Eat before you shop! This may not sound very helpful; but it works! Shopping while hungry always makes you buy more junk food and spur-of-the-moment items.
Step 9

Lower your gas costs on your auto by not speeding. The faster you drive, the more your gas mileage decreases. Use the cruise control when possible. Also, change your oil regularly. Clean oil reduces friction and helps improve fuel economy.
Step 10

Check your tires. Make sure they are inflated according to your owner’s manual and are aligned correctly. This can increase gas mileage between 1 and 3 percent.
Step 11

Carpool if you have friends going in the same direction or at least combine your trips so you don't have to drive as often. Walk or ride a bike, if possible.

These tips are simple suggestions that, when put into use, can be quite effective at helping to save money. The main step in saving money and cutting household bills is to set a budget and stick to it!