Our latest article, "15 No-Brainer Ways to Save Money Around the House" was just published by the San Diego Union-Tribune yesterday in the real estate section. We just wanted to share in case you missed it!
You may have heard a few of these ideas before, but are you actually implementing them? Doing so can save you thousands of dollars a year—with minimal effort!
· Turn off your heater or air conditioner when you leave the house. It’s San Diego folks, nothing will freeze over.
· Use compact fluorescent bulbs. Experts say they last ten times longer than regular lights! · When washing clothes, use the cold-water wash cycle, and the coolest dryer setting you can. Only run the washing machine—and the dishwasher—when they are FULL.
· If you have a fireplace, make sure you’re keeping the damper closed when you’re not using it.
· No more expensive bottled water! Invest in a handy water purifier instead, such as the Brita water purifier pitcher. Buy a stainless steel water bottle and refill it throughout the day.
· Become an expert at in-home entertaining. Studies have shown that people spend more than $2000 a year on entertainment spending. Instead of going out to eat, invite friends over for dinner. Or better yet, host a potluck!
· Go veggie. If you can do three meatless days a week, you could save $25 a week, which equals $100 a month. That’s $1,200 a year, folks. Hooray for beans!
· Brown-bag lunches…well, at least a few times a week. Not only will you save money, but you’ll probably eat healthier and lose weight.
· If you must go out, make it lunch instead of dinner. The lunch portions aren’t usually much smaller, but they’re a heck of a lot cheaper!
· …And always use dining coupons! Save coupons from the paper each week—or take advantage of those priceless coupon books mailed to your house like the Downtown Coupon book. Or check out www.sdreader.com and click on “coupons” for bargains galore!
· Turn off your heater or air conditioner when you leave the house. It’s San Diego folks, nothing will freeze over.
· Use compact fluorescent bulbs. Experts say they last ten times longer than regular lights! · When washing clothes, use the cold-water wash cycle, and the coolest dryer setting you can. Only run the washing machine—and the dishwasher—when they are FULL.
· If you have a fireplace, make sure you’re keeping the damper closed when you’re not using it.
· No more expensive bottled water! Invest in a handy water purifier instead, such as the Brita water purifier pitcher. Buy a stainless steel water bottle and refill it throughout the day.
· Become an expert at in-home entertaining. Studies have shown that people spend more than $2000 a year on entertainment spending. Instead of going out to eat, invite friends over for dinner. Or better yet, host a potluck!
· Go veggie. If you can do three meatless days a week, you could save $25 a week, which equals $100 a month. That’s $1,200 a year, folks. Hooray for beans!
· Brown-bag lunches…well, at least a few times a week. Not only will you save money, but you’ll probably eat healthier and lose weight.
· If you must go out, make it lunch instead of dinner. The lunch portions aren’t usually much smaller, but they’re a heck of a lot cheaper!
· …And always use dining coupons! Save coupons from the paper each week—or take advantage of those priceless coupon books mailed to your house like the Downtown Coupon book. Or check out www.sdreader.com and click on “coupons” for bargains galore!
-Save those grocery store coupons from the mail. You know the “junk mail” you throw away every day? Well, it’s actually teeming with bargains! Check out the sales at Albertsons and Vons—and bulk up on items when they are on sale.
· Haggle. You’d be amazed at who will drop their prices, fees and interest rates: airlines, hotels, credit card companies, computer/appliance/rug salespeople.
Never pay full price. If you must shop, discover the online world of discount websites. Our favorites include Ebay and Overstock.com. Craigslist and Half.com are also great sources for lightly used goods—and new items too!
· Haggle. You’d be amazed at who will drop their prices, fees and interest rates: airlines, hotels, credit card companies, computer/appliance/rug salespeople.
Never pay full price. If you must shop, discover the online world of discount websites. Our favorites include Ebay and Overstock.com. Craigslist and Half.com are also great sources for lightly used goods—and new items too!
-Keep minimum funds in your checking account. Keep the bulk of your funds in your savings account where it will earn more interest. Call your bank and shop for the best rates.
Use rewards credit cards. If you’re going to charge it…might as well get something back, right? If you can discipline yourself to pay off your card each month, thereby avoiding any interest payments, you can score airline miles and other great perks!
Use rewards credit cards. If you’re going to charge it…might as well get something back, right? If you can discipline yourself to pay off your card each month, thereby avoiding any interest payments, you can score airline miles and other great perks!
We hope you’ve found these ideas helpful. Happy saving!
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