Easy Money Saving Tips for Today's Economy

Whether or not you make $20,000 a year or a six figure income every one wants to save money. Especially these days, due to the economic crisis saving money has become paramount. Bills, children and those unexpected expenses can easily become overwhelming and we might feel that it is impossible to put anything into savings or worse pay our bills month to month. We examine our bills and every penny that we spend and can not find away that we can make a difference, and it continues to be a downward slope from there.

This may be your life, or maybe you can just some costs on the luxuries that you enjoy. The first step is to recognize it, because you can not fix what you do not acknowledge. The second step is to take action.

Here are some useful tips to cut cost without making major life changes:

Install surge protector - Sure we turn of the television when we go to bed at night, but simply because it is plugged into the wall it is drawing power, which in turn will cost money on your electric bill. That is just the television, think of all the other appliances that are plugged in around your house. Unplug the coffee pot from the wall after your morning coffee, or toaster, blender, you get the idea. For big items like your televisions, stereo, computer, plug them into a surge protector, when you go to bed or off to work for the day, turn the switch to off to cut off complete energy supply. You will truly be surprised how much money you will save on your energy bill.

Heat/Air-conditioning-Just turning it down by 2 degrees when you go to bed or off to work will save you tons of money. Turn it down by 5-10 degrees when you are off to work, and this little thing can add up to big savings.

Blinds-Common sense, open them in the winter to allow the sun to warm your house vice the heater. In the summer close you blinds to reflect the suns rays to keep your house cooler.
Appliances-If you need a new refrigerator, dish washer, washer whatever it might be, invest in an energy efficient one. If it is not time to get a new appliance, install energy saver light bulbs, they cost more but will greatly reduce your monthly bill.

Keep the change-Put a change bucket on your kitchen counter and next to the washing machine. Turn the change in for cash; I usually rack up about $50 in change a month.
Meal Planning-Plan out you weekly meals before you will go shopping. Not only will you save money at the grocery store by only buying what you need, you will also save money on fast food. If you know there is something to made when you get home, you are less likely to hit the local fast food drive-thru.

Put a timer on the shower-My kids always linger in the shower. I now give them a 10 minute shower time. I put a kitchen timer in their bathroom, they soap up first and then play, when the timer goes off it is time to get out. This tip has greatly reduced my water bill.

Bulk you plans-First look at your bills. How often do you use those 400 channels or movie package you subscribe to, if the answer is rarely get rid of them. If you have a ton of extras on your phone service that you do not use, say goodbye to those as well. A lot of companies offer package deals, I have my cable, phone and internet bundled together on one bill for a savings of $150 a month.

The point is if you just look there are hundreds of ways to cut costs, to help you save for a rainy day or an emergency fund or just be able to pay your bills each month. Acknowledge the problem and fix it, which is all we truly can do.

Here is to your savings!

Source: Ezine Articles