In today’s economy, it is more important then ever to save every way you can. Reducing your utility expenses may be in an important step in order to make ends meet. By tweaking a few small areas, you will be surprised at how much you can save.
One way to cut your expenses is to reduce your current cable television package – or cut it out all together. With the internet these days, you can catch most of your regular shows online through www.hulu.com or on the specific tv channel website. Also, think about renting movies through RedBox which is a dollar a night – or even better – borrow videos from friends.
If you aren’t ready to cut your cable completely, contact your cable subscriber and ask about specials or deals. Ask about bundling your services for a discount if you subscribe to other services that company offers.
Next, take a look at your telephone bill. Do you really need your landline? These days, it seems like more people are relying on their cell phone as their main contact number. If you can live on your cell phone alone, cancel your landline and you’ll save an average of $450 a year.
If you can not cancel your landline, look into using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Phone). With a VoiP service, you use your computer’s broadband connection to make phone calls. Most VoIP packages cost less then traditional landlines.
You also should take a look at your electricity and heating. Look into getting a free home energy audit from you gas and/or electric company. You can also use an online tool like Energy Guide’s Home Analyzer to examine your energy use to get ideas on how to save on your electric and gas bill. You may also want to shop for a better deal on heat and electricity if multiple carriers are available in your area. Companies can now compete for your business in many states, so check out some of your local companies to save some cash.
Other ways of saving on energy are:
- Buy Energy Star Appliances
- Install a Programmable Thermostat to help regulate your house’s temperature. If you have a set schedule, you can program different temperatures for different times of the day accordingly.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. This is a proven way to reduce your home energy bill
- Install energy saving windows.
- Unplug appliances and electronics. They drain electricity even when turned off.
- Wear clothes a couple of times before washing to save money on energy and water usage, as well as detergent.
- Dry your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in your home.
- Lower your water heater temperature. Keeping the temperature too high can increase your electric bill fast.
- Remember to turn off lights when you leave the room!
- Remember to turn off the TV, radio, computer when you leave the room.
If you focus on implementing these cost saving tips, you will find that you will save hundreds in your budget!
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