Or, don't buy today what you don't need right now, and keep the change (and the bills) in your wallet instead.
2 Buy products in bulk.
When you do need something, buy the largest size for the best price.
3 Clip or print coupons.
Note: for this one to work, you actually have to bring them with you and use them.
4 Choose dual-purpose cleaners.
By tackling myriad surfaces, you need fewer products.
5 Choose energy-efficient light bulbs.
They'll burn cleaner, long (saving money on your energy bill next month) and brighter.
6 Choose laundry products with extras, or `boosters', such as bleach already included.
What's the difference in the boosters various products include, and which do you need for your laundry? Find out here with
cleaning products defined.
7 Fill stored suitcases, duffel bags and trunks with out-of-season clothes.
You don't need to pay for storage units when you can make the most of what you're already paying for at home. Better still: by paring down what you can, you'll see all the options you really do have - meaning less cash for new clothes.
8 Use baskets and ceramic mugs as catchalls for odds and ends instead of buying organizing accessories.
It's the reduce and reuse principle at work here. Added benefit: these items often have more character than the fancier variety you'll find at organizing stores.
9 Turn off lights when you're the last to leave the room.
And make sure the rest of the family understands this energy-bill savings trick, too.
10 Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in winter; raise it to 78 degrees F (26C) in summer.
Keep a comfy sweatshirt or sweater handy in winter; cool shorts and tanks for summer. You'll remain comfortable, and your energy bill will chill, too.
11 Lower your water heater's setting to 120 degrees F (49C).
The lowered temperature is safer for younger family members and older visitors who might be scaled by unexpected hotter temperatures.
12 Use your microwave instead of the conventional oven for reheating.
Cooktops require more energy to operate.
13 Choose the smallest pan for the job.
You'll use less energy and get dinner on quicker as a reward.
14 Turn off electric burners shortly before the end of allotted cooking time.
So yes, you can cook up energy savings and dinner at the same time.
15 Preheat your oven only if the recipe you're using calls for it.
Why pay for energy you're not utilizing?
16 Use a pressure cooker when you're making soups and stews.
These more efficient cookers will help further lower your energy bills each month.
17 Cover water that you've set to boil.
It boils quicker this way - and you'll be using less energy.
18 Run appliances at night or on weekends when rates are lower.
This one's a biggie - if you can do it nights and weekends, it's worth the effort to avoid daytime high energy costs
19 Select the cold rinse for your laundry.
You don't need warm or hot water for the rinse cycle - warm or hot helps the detergent do its job in the wash cycle, but has no affect when it comes to rinsing. Since you don't need it - don't choose it.
20 Use your dishwasher's Light Wash cycle for lightly soiled dishes.
You'll save anywhere from 5- to 15 minutes time and energy.
21 Choose the dishwasher's Cool Dry setting instead of Hot Dry.
Either setting will get them dry - the latter will do so cheaper.
Mom, can I have a ____? It will eventually happen - if it hasn't already. Here's how to choose
an easy-maintenance pet
based on your child's age.
Sleepover Survival Guide
"Mom, can I have a sleepover?" These words strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere. Here's the lowdown on what you need to know
if the sleepover
is at your house.
