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Written by admin on August 14, 2008
Do you sit down to pay the bills every month and wonder how in the world you are spending so much? You are not alone, this is a common scenario for many people from all walks of life. The good news is there are a few things you can do to cut your monthly bills down, and live more frugally without depriving yourself.
Frugal Tips to Reduce Your Utility Bills
Utility companies are in fierce competition with each other these days, so use it to your advantage by comparing prices for the best savings. You certainly don’t have to stick with a supplier you are not happy with so go with the one with the best rates you can find.
Dryers use a lot of electricity or gas which means higher bills for you. Try hanging your clothes to dry. Nothing smells like laundry that’s been line dried outdoors. You can put your clothes in the dryer when they are still slightly damp for 10 minutes or so to remove any wrinkles. This is not only more frugal but will help some of your clothes last longer as well.
Your parent’s were right, turning off the lights when you are not using them will save you electricity. When you’re just relaxing try lighting candles instead, this will save money and create a nice atmosphere. Choose soy wax candles for cleaner burning and follow all safety precautions.
Set your thermostats a couple of degrees lower in the winter and a couple of degrees higher in the summer for a big savings on your utility bills. If it’s cool in your house don’t just automatically turn the heat higher. You can easily put on an extra sweater, a pair of socks or use an extra blanket instead.
Purchase energy efficient appliances. When you need to replace your old refrigerator for example, models with the freezer on the bottom are the most frugal choice, followed by the freezer on top and lastly side by side models use the most electricity. A front loading washer uses less energy and water than a top loading model. New models are now more frugal than older models.
Frugal Tips to Reduce Your Water Bill
Reduce water use to lower your water bill. Try to take showers instead of baths. Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth. Collect rain water and use it to water your plants. Keep your faucets in good repair making sure they aren’t dripping. Use a bowl full of water when doing the dishes instead of leaving the tap running.
Don’t use your washing machine or dishwasher when it’s only half full. Also, try adjusting the temperature settings to see if a lower temperature will do the job just as well as the pricier higher one. Turn off the heat dry cycle on your dishwasher and let your dishes air dry.
Wash your laundry in cold water, in most cases your clothes will come just as clean. Look for a detergent that works in cold water to save on your utility bill. You don’t need the extra rinse for most laundry either.
Investing in a good water filtering system can save you money over buying expensive bottled water. It will also help you save money by making your appliances last longer due to lower lime scale buildup in hard water areas. You can even use less detergent when washing laundry or using the dishwasher.
More Frugal Living Tips
Don’t buy disposable products. Try to cut back on your shopping bills by not buying disposable items such as paper towels, use a clean dish cloth instead. Try to reuse your aluminum foil or sandwich bags or better yet buy reusable plastic containers that you can wash and use over and over again.
Serve home cooked meals. It’s more frugal to prepare meals at home than to eat out in a restaurant, or serve take out food. Pack a lunch from home rather than eat out, order take out or eat in the cafeteria and it can be healthier too. To go beverages and fancy gourmet coffees are expensive so filling your travel mug at home will save you money.
Plan your weekly menus around sale priced meats, staples and produce. Meat purchased on sale can be frozen for use later. Look for local vegetables and fruits in season as they are often lower priced.
When planning your menus think of meals that are both nutritious but frugal. Casseroles, stews and pasta dishes can be quite inexpensive and also easy to prepare. Live even more frugal by including one or two vegetarian meals in your weekly menu plan.
Leave your vehicle at home and save on gas. If possible try to walk, you can also consider taking the bus, riding a bike or carpooling. Keep your vehicle in good repair so it will run more efficiently. Check the tire pressure as it effects fuel economy. When filling up your vehicle, shop around for the most competitive prices.
By following these simple tips, you can make a significant dent on your monthly bills. The small things you do will really do add up, living frugal is a great habit to get into. Not only will you save money but you will also be contributing towards a healthier environment for your children and grandchildren to enjoy.
