Buy Store Brand Instead of Brand Name

Sometimes brand matters and sometimes it makes no difference at all.  Decide which items you have to have purchased as brand name and then save on the rest by purchasing store brand.  I prefer my toothpaste, baby formula, and spicy jalapeño refried beans to be name brand... just to name a few.  (For some reason the store brand spicy jalapeño beans are to spicy for me!  ...I know random item choice!)

I found a fun calculator at this site.  I entered my age, projected retirement age, and projected age I will live to (as if I know!)  I then choose simple canned fruit.  Brand name is usually around $1.50 per can, store brand around $.99 per can.I typed in that I purchase this item 8 times per month.  I pressed calculate....and up came the lifetime savings!  $2,790.72!  It then will go so far as to calculate the amount saved if the savings were put into an interest bearing account, and it gave me this nice summary: "If you were to permanently switch from the $1.50 product to the $0.99 product, and then invested the resulting monthly savings in an investment that earned 3.0% per year, between now and age 65, you would then be able to withdraw $18.43 from your investment each month...for the rest of your life!"  Try the calculator yourself.

Blanket Versus Heater

I don't know about you, but there is nothing better than snuggling up in a nice warm blanket on a cool day.  In fact, I will open my windows on winter nights just so I can throw an extra blanket on the bed!  I get it....I know you can't always slump around the house with a  blanket wrapped around you, but how about a nice comfy sweatshirt!  Why not save a few extra dollars a month by dropping the thermostat down a few degree and throwing on a sweater.  Sounds like a plan to me...talk about easy money :)  I ran across these gorgeous scarves.  Don't they look so comfy and incredibly chic!  You can find this collection at Tickled Pink Knits .

Cell Phone Versus Home Phone

Do you need both?  If you don't get cell reception at your home it may be safer and more convenient to keep both a home and cell phone.  However, if cell recreation at your home is good, why not get rid of your home phone.  Savings without a home phone will be equal or exceed $30!  If you must keep both, there are some tips at reducing the monthly costs.

• Reduce the rate plan to a lower number of included minutes.  Change you ways and use the cell phone and use it only for important things that fall within the limits of your monthly cap.
• Don't use a smart phone or delete the data package from your cell phone.  Some companies charge $15 to $20 for monthly data packages.  If you have a smart phone with wireless Internet access you can still use it in areas with wireless coverage without using a data plan.
• Use home phone services such as Vonage which give you many perks plus long distance calling with one low monthly cost.
•    

Cancel Cable and use Your Computer- Tunner Box, Netflix, and Hulu

We just recently did this at home and saved a BUNCH on expensive cable costs.  This is what we did:

• Placed desktop TV tower in the entertainment console under the TV screen and hooked the TV up to the computer tower using the same cord that normally hooked up to the Computer monitor.  Can you tell I have no techno lingo.
• Obtain a TV tuner box (around $35) and hook it up to the computer tower and an antenna.  Some tuner boxes come with a small antenna, but I hooked it up to the cable plug in the wall and hooked the other end of the cable cord to a large antenna in my attic :)
• The TV tuner card allows you to watch TV (with some HDTV channels) on your TV through your computer.  They also allow you to record, fast forward, rewind TV, and schedule recording of programs. 
• Additionally, with the computer as your TV you can get a basic Netflix package and watch the "watch instantly" movies, watch Hulu movies, You Tube, or even surf the web.

Use Warm or Cold Water in Wash

Imagine the amount of energy you'll save if you wash more loads with warm or cool water.  Some things don't need to be scorched to come clean.  Remember that the dryer heat does wonders to kill bacteria and odors.  Even then....there are things that can be hung to dry for the extra money savings!  While searching the web for some cute signs for the laundry rooms walls I stumbled across this...isn't it cute!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66414231/wash-dry-fold-repeat?ref=sr_list_35&ga_search_query=laundry&ga_search_type=handmade

Don't Overdraft Bank Accounts

At $25 to $35 dollars each these fees can add up quickly and can often happen back to back.  Be aware of what your balances are and check the balance often.  Many accounts allow you to set limits on the account and to e-mail, call,or text when the balance is outside the limits. 

Use Warm or Cold Water in Wash

...after all it will help them retain color longer.

Saving Money with Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

You don't have to replace all you light bulbs at once. Try replacing your existing light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs as they burn out and you will spread the upfront cost out over the year.  Here are a few facts about energy efficient light bulbs:

• They can save $40 in costs over the lifetime of the bulb.
• They use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer (which means fewer bulb changes....especially nice for high ceilings!)
• They produce 75% less energy so they are safer to operate and can cut a little energy in home cooling costs.

Help the environment and save energy by purchasing one of these items made out of incandescent light bulbs.  Aren't these clever.  She has many other items worth taking a look at!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60211144/light-bulb-lichen-terrarium-great-for

Or maybe this:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62838548/painted-recycled-light-bulb-ornament?ref=sr_list_30&ga_search_query=painted%2Blight%2Bbulb&ga_search_type=handmade

Seal Windows and Doors

When you make sure your doors and windows are somewhat airtight you are ensuring that you are not wasting money on heating and cooling.  You can get information on sealing and caulking windows and doors at any home improvement store.  It's a very simple DIY project that almost anyone can feel comfortable tackling.


Don't forget the area under the doors, especially if they lead to the exterior.  Try using decorative door draft blocks like these found at http://www.etsy.com/listing/66424837/draft-stopper-cornflower-blue-leaves ...aren't these just great!

Turn Water off Between Uses

In the next day pay attention to how long you leave the water running while not in use.  When you are brushing your teeth, scrubbing dirty hand or nails, washing your face, or maybe between dishes while rinsing dinner dishes.  We all know we are most guilty of leaving the water running while soaping up in the shower....what a waste!  We waste gallons of water every day in this way.