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Spending Leaks: How to Save Hundreds, One Dollar at a Time
Most of us give in to
temptation from time to time. Whether its buying on impulse, choosing
name brands rather than generic, taking a taxi instead of a bus,
or splurging on an expensive meal, indulging is fun and even healthy
in moderation.
But watch out. Not enough
attention paid to the small purchases will result in big money lost.
The path to savings (for things that you really do want) is paved
with pennies. It starts with awareness. Each time you make a purchase,
consider the cost. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Brown bag
your lunch. $7 per day totals $140 a month
- Substitute
water for juice. A family of four can save over $500
a year by cutting just one glass of juice per person per day.
- "Health"
bars run about $2 apiece, and are often no more than glorified
candy bars. Switch to a banana and whole-wheat bagel for
half the price.
- Use coupons
at grocery stores and buy house brands instead of name brands
whenever possible.
- Prepare
meals in advance and freeze them to avoid the temptation
of ordering pizza at the end of a long workday. Cooking at home
will make your food budget go much further.
- Throw pocket
change in a jar and cash it in when it's full.
- Review
your phone bill and drop unnecessary services
like Caller ID and Call Forwarding.
- Cut your
cable television down to basic.
- Hand wash
instead of dry cleaning.
Chances are
you can spot - then stop - spending leaks simply by paying
closer attention to everyday expenses.
Ideas for lowering
energy bills:
Tips from Progress
Energy:
- Switch to fluorescent
bulbs for areas of constant use, such as the kitchen.
- Turn off all small
electrical equipment, such as radios, turntables, VCRs or TVs
when not in use.
- Keep lamps and fixtures
clean. Dirt can significantly reduce light output.
- Turn off the lights
when leaving an empty room.
- Close the damper
when the fireplace is not in use.
- If your furnace
or air conditioner is over 10 years old, consider replacing it
with an energy-efficient heat pump.
- To increase your
heating and cooling system efficiency, replace system filters
monthly. Do not block registers and return vents with furniture
or drapes.
- During the summer
months, set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting.
- Use your microwave
or countertop appliances for cooking instead of your stove or
oven.
Tips from PSNC
Energy:
- Keep your heating
and air conditioning system filters clean.
- Don't heat or cool
unused space in your home. Close registers in extra rooms or cover
them (be sure to use nonflammable material) if they are not adjustable.
However, do not close more than 20 percent of the registers in
your home. This might interfere with the operation of the central
heating/cooling system. Do not block return air vents.
- Try to keep closet
doors shut. Clothes or stored items don't need to be heated or
cooled.
- Summer Tip-
Turn your thermostat up. For every degree you turn your thermostat
higher, you reduce your cooling costs. (A 78° setting uses
35 percent less energy than a 70° setting.)
- Summer Tip-
Block exterior heat. Plant trees and shrubs to shade outside windows
and walls.
- Winter Tip-
Set thermostats on 68 degrees in homes without heat pumps.
Set thermostats five to 10 degrees lower during sleeping hours.
Each degree the thermostat is lowered may reduce heating costs
by up to five percent.
- Winter Tip-
Open shades and drapes on sunny winter days to help warm the house.
Keep curtains and shades closed at night or on cloudy days to
help reduce the amount of heat that escapes.
- Winter Tip-
Lower the water heater thermostat setting to 120 degrees, but
be aware that some dishwashers may require a setting of 140 degrees
to operate. Check the owner's manual before changing the thermostat
setting.
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