25 ways to save...

1. Change light bulbs to CFL bulbs to save money
2. Use Heat and Air Conditioning sparingly
3. Using sunlight instead of lights in the house as much as possible
4. Unplug items that aren't in use, especially the tv set at night
5. Keep razorblades dry and clean so that they last longer
6. Write checks for over the amount instead of using an ATM with fees
7. Use plastic containers to store left over food for eating later
8. Turn off all lights when not in a room
9. Leave the car at home at least one day out of the week
10. Borrow books/videos from the library instead of buying them
11. Use coupons and check grocery circulars to get the best deals
12. Cook meals at home, cutting back on eating out
13. Take lunch to work
14. Watch movies at home instead of in the theater
15. Wash clothes every 10+ days
16. Wash clothes in cold water to save on heat
17. Every 6-12 months, verify I am getting the best deal on insurance & credit card rates
18. Cut out all subscriptions to magazines
19. Buy foods in bulk or when items are on clearance and save in pantry & freezer
20. Pick up money from the ground and from vending machines, save in a coin jar
21. Round up in check book and place excess in savings at end of the month
22. Go to free events around town - Zoo, art museum, etc.
23. Put raises or bonuses in savings or apply towards debt
24. Do research online for best value for money on medium to large priced items
25. When I go out to eat, make sure I bring half of the food home for a nice lunch for work the next day!

From Frugal For Life

32 more websites with 25 ways to save:

• MBHunter spills the beans on his Twenty-Five ways to save money
• In Maggie’s Madcap life, she still has 25 ways she saves money
• Chuck pulls together his top 25 ways to save money
• Deb’s living the life with 25 ways she saves money
• Hammy from ‘down under', lets loose his warrior spirit and finds 25 ways to save
• David tightens his belt and runs down the 25 ways he saves, until he finds a job
• Ariane lists 25 neat ways she saves money and simplifies her day
• Tiredbuthappy takes a look at her 25 ways to save money
• Meredith gathers her valuable ways to save money
• Jane surprises herself and finds out she has 25 ways she saves money
• Thrifty Mommy takes on the challenge to find her own 25 ways she saves money
• Jennifer gets ahead by trying some of her 25 ways to save money
• Jenn presses forward and jots down her frugal ways to save money
• Angela bytes on the idea to jot down her 25 ways to save money
• The Queen of Carrots stretches her vegetable to comes up with 25 ways she saves money.
• Susan has some Fruitful savings by listing 25 ways she saves
• Busy Blogger got to work on 25 ways to save money as well
• Sharon shows us her royal 25 habits for saving money
• Prince of Thrift posts his Frugal 25 Ways to Save Money
• The Family CEO manages a gathering of 25 Things I Do to Save Money
• Golbguru’s money, matter and musings bring out the 25 Things We Do To Save Money
• Mrs Hoppes is saving resources and still finding 25 Ways to Save Money
• Poor Statue is convinced she has fun with her 25 ways I save money
• Mister Jens has simple frugality in mind as he finds 25 ways to save money
• Janice edits her 25 ways to save at the Okefenokee book club
• Patrick has cash, money and life on the mind as he jots down his 25 Ways to Save Money
• Randall handles his credit withdrawal by going through the 25 ways he saves money
• LuluGal lists her 25 ways (full list)
• FrugalTrader journeys through his 25 ways of saving money
• Amanda found 25 ways to increase her value and money savings
• Jacob has his 25 ways to save money for his early retirement extreme
• Emily gathers the bits and pieces on ways to save money

Ways to save...

1. Stop buying books and magazines and start using the library instead!
2. Don't buy cleaning products and instead invest in vinegar and baking soda [see the Down To Earth blog for tips]
3. Only wash clothes that are dirty, don't wash simply because you've used them
4. Hang your clothes to dry
5. Shower instead of bath and put a timer on
6. Swap childcare with friends
7. Eat vegetarian meals 3 nights a week - eating less meat is certainly greener!
8. Set yourself no spending days begin with 2 a week for the first month then add in another!
9. Use low energy light bulbs
10. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
11. Turn off all lights in empty rooms
12. Put a sweater and socks on so you can keep the heat lower.
13. Turn down the water temperature.
14. Pack snacks
15. Practice freezer cooking once a month so you have frugal meals handy!
16. Don't use things that are disposable like water bottles
17. Stop buying paper towels
18. Plan a weekly menu
19. Have breakfast for dinner once a week
20. Only shop once a week maximum
21. Try to buy direct from local farms and co-ops
22. Limit or ditch the cell phone
23. Schedule a long walk each weekend (great frugal family activity)
24. Pick your own - in some areas apples are still available!
25. Use what is available free - does your gym have showers and shampoo you can use instead of showering at home?
26. Wash your clothes at lower temperatures
27. Establish a change jar
28. Set yourself no driving days - if you need your car for work, nominate one day at the weekend where you aren't allowed to use it.
29. Set yourself the goal that if you could walk somewhere within 30 minutes you shouldn't take your car.
30. Write down everything you eat.
31. Write down everything you buy
32. Cancel the newspaper subscription
33. Don't eat out. Maybe challenge yourself and see if you can not eat out at all between now and the holidays!
34. Nominate one night a week to be soup night
35. Commit to cutting your grocery bill by at least 10% [I cut mine by 75%]
36. Stop buying soda, juice and alcohol
37. Ditch the cigarettes
38. Have a movie night at home.
39. Rent movies from the library - in most countries that means they are free.
40. See if you can get what you need for free by making use of local adds and enquiring if friends or family are looking to get rid of what you need.
41. Join a book group - usually a free way to have a night out.
42. Turn off all electrical equipment
43. Get back to nature [photographing squirrels is free, green & fun!]
44. Make your own shampoo
45. If you want to purchase something, make yourself wait 48 hours and examine whether you need it or want it.
46. See if what you need you can purchase second hand
47. Wait to do dishes until there is a full load [by hand or machine!]
48. Watch your portion sizes
49. Be your own beauty therapist
50. Ask for the necessities for holiday gifts

These ideas are all out there, but I love when someone pulls them all together into one. I post so others can read and I can have a place to return to in the future.

5 easy steps...

here is a very helpful video from you tube...


Want to make your home more energy efficient, but don't know where to start? Take these five easy first steps to make you and your wallet feel better.

Energy Circle TV

I found this after looking for ways to save on my electric bill. Our December bill seems to always be the highest bill of the year. So I am trying to determine more ways to cut back...vampires! I must get a handle on the vampires.