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Book I: Taking Charge of Your Finances
Ask if your local utility company offers free energy audits. You can find
out where your house is losing energy and what you can do to make
your home more energy efficient. The utility may also offer rebate pro-
grams that can lower the cost of your energy improvements, or you may
qualify for a low-interest/no-interest home energy loan to finance expen-
sive improvements like installing a more energy-efficient heating and
cooling system.
Find out if your utility offers an energy-saving program. For example,
some power companies will automatically shut off your household appli-
ances during peak use hours each day.
Replace your commode with one that uses less water. Also replace old
showerheads with new low-flow heads.
Make your home more energy efficient by caulking, using weather strip-
ping, and adding insulation, all of which are relatively easy do-it-yourself
projects.
Use fans, not air conditioning, to cool your home.
Hang up your clothes to dry. Not only is using a dryer expensive, but all
that hot air makes your clothes wear out faster.
If you have to replace your washing machine, get one that loads from
the front instead of the top. You'll reduce your energy use by as much as
50 percent and save on water, too.
Take showers, not baths, and limit the length of your showers.
Replace old-fashioned light bulbs with the new ultraefficient fluorescent
bulbs.
Never run a dishwasher that is only half full.
Fix leaky faucets.
Eating for less
One of the easiest expenses to reduce is the amount you spend on food.
Reducing your grocery bill may mean eating more homemade foods and
fewer prepackaged items, which has some added bonuses: You'll be eating
healthier, and you'll probably shed a pound or two!
Plan your meals for the coming week based on your budget, and go to
the grocery store with a list of the items you need. Buy them and noth-
ing more.
Minimize your trips to the grocery store. The more trips you make, the
more you're apt to spend. Also, never shop when you are hungry. You're
more apt to load your cart with items you really don't need.
