Widespread economic problems can bring people together and teaches everyone that saving money on everyday expenses is as easy as learning about the things they consume. Saving electricity, learning to budget, finding new things to do and coming closer together with family is a beginning step, but a large start to helping the economy and the environment.
Electricity Budgeting Tricks
Setting the thermostat of central air conditioning units to 79ºF or using window air conditioning units will save money. Window air conditioning units can use 3 to 6 times less energy than a central air conditioning system that is working at its most efficient. Central air units need to be maintained regularly and the ducts checked for leaks. If the system isn't checked periodically, cold air could be leaking out and air conditioning efficiency will be greatly decreased. Energy Star states on their website and in their informational Duct Sealing brochure, "about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts."
The use of ceiling fans is also an energy efficient solution. Ceiling fans use very little energy, approximately as much energy as a 100 watt bulb, and keep the air circulating throughout the house which prevents hot air pockets from building up.
Replacing light bulbs with CFL lights will also have a large impact on electricity bills. A 60 watt incandescent bulb can be replaced with a bulb that uses only 13 watts but illuminates just as brightly. This is a savings of 47 watts per bulb. When this is multiplied by the number of lightbulbs in the average house, the savings really adds up. The bulbs are a little more expensive than incandescent bulbs when purchased separately, but they can be bought in multi-paks of 18 at home improvement stores for about $1.35 ea.
Recording and Refining Spending to Save Money
The best way to find out where less money can be spent is by recording the money being spent and reviewing it. By making a list of everything that money is spent on for one week, the budget conscious person can then have an accurate report of what money goes out and where he may be able to save money. Sometimes just seeing that he spends $20 a week on morning coffee is enough to spur him to brew it at home.
Saving Money on Electric With Less TV Brings More Family Time
Spending less time watching TV and more time reading and playing games will not only save on electricity by not using the TV or cable box but it helps to bring the family closer together. As a bonus, it might even help some families realize that they don't need all those premium cable channels, saving even more money with smaller cable bills.
Libraries are a Multi-Purpose Money Saver
Spending money on new books, CD's and DVD's is expensive. Most libraries now have DVD's, CD's, games and audio books as well as thousands of books. Family fun night can be prefaced with a trip to the library choosing something to read, watch, listen to or play.
Budgeting Family Cell Phone Plans
Cell phone plans should be periodically checked to be sure that the family is on the best budgeted plan for their usage. The cell phone companies do not necessarily tell their customers when they could be saving money using a different plan unless asked to do so. If consumers call and request it, they can compare rates and make any suggestions for less expensive service.
Another thing to consider might be prepaid services that have unlimited monthly service such as MetroPCS or Cricket. These companies have service in many of the metropolitan and suburban areas with low monthly unlimited prepaid phone service plans that can include unlimited text messaging and voice mail as well as internet access.
Growing Vegetables to Save Money and Grow the Family Budget
A great way to save money on groceries is to grow vegetables at home. It is a fun and educational family project that can be done in the backyard, along the side of the house or in containers on the balcony of an apartment. Container gardens are fast becoming a "growing" trend among those who want to regulate what goes into the fertilizer and treatments of their vegetables.
Limit the Expense of Eating Out by Using Quick and Easy Recipes
With such a fast-paced lifestyle, many people have turned to picking up something for dinner on the way home from work. This is costly and can be much less nutritional than cooking at home. There are a wealth of recipes on the internet at sites like Allrecipes.com that have hundreds of 15 - 30 minute meals that are nutritious, quick and easy to prepare.
Putting Credit Cards on a Freeze Saves Money
Too many people rely on their credit cards as a way to pay for much more than they should. Many of them are learning the truth about credit cards and are putting them away, paying them down and using them only for emergencies. The US Federal Trade Commission has gathered a great deal of information regarding getting out of credit card debt at their website and has tips and contact information to help consumers.
Spending less money and spending more time trying to simplify will prove to be a very satisfying experience in the long run. Living simply helps financially, emotionally and has the added advantage of being good for the environment as well by using less and wasting less.
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