1) Unplug it-- Did you know that electronics use energy when they are plugged in, even if you aren't using them? Well, they do! A few months back when my electric bill came in at over $300, I decided to do something about it. I got this idea from the "Oprah Winfrey" show, just from watching the previews and it made a lot of sense. I went around and unplugged everything we weren't using and really got on my kids about turning off lights. Now as soon as we are done with the TV or computer, it gets unplugged. My electric bill went down about $50 a month!
2) Lower it- If you turn the heat or the air conditioner down just a a degree or two, it will make a difference in your utility bills and you really won't even notice the difference in temperature. If you do, just wear a sweater or a lighter shirt, depending on which season it is. And whenever possible, use nature's air conditioner and open the windows! I love the spring and the fall when my windows can be open all day and the temperature is nice and moderate. You are also helping the environment by conserving natural resources.
3) Clip it-Use coupons! Don't tell me you don't have time! It takes only a few seconds to clip coupons and only a few minutes more to look through the circular before you go to the store. And whenever possible, sign up for coupons online. I got eight boxes of Special K Red Berry Cereal (my daughter's favorite) for $4 because they were on sale and I had coupons. Thats $.50 cents a box for name brand cereal! On average, I save anywhere between $50 to $100 a week with coupons. (Not counting free ones I win and/or get for review-just cents off coupons)
4) Buy Generic- It really doesn't taste any different. If its not on sale and I don't have a coupon, I always go with generic. Sometimes the generic is cheaper even if you do have a coupon. Always compare prices before you pick and get which ever one is cheapest. I have a family of five and never spend more than $100 a week on groceries (and I usually leave with 2 carts filled). You can do it too if you just take a few extra minutes to compare prices instead of grabbing the first thing you see.
5) Shop 2nd Hand - Kids outgrow clothes so quickly. Why not try to find some good deals in second hand stores? I went to the Thrift Store yesterday and got a whole bag of clothes, most of which still had tags, for $30. Half of my back to school shopping is done. In my area we also have a second hand boutique that buys and sells fancy clothes. Their prices are a little higher than the thrift store, but still less than department stores. I also sell them my kids clothes when they outgrow them. They only take the best, but its still nice to get something back. Its also a great way to reduce and reuse for a greener planet!
6) Trade It - Do your kids have toys, board games, DVDs, books and video games that they are tired of? Instead of just tossing them in a bag for good will, talk to your friends who have kids. They are probably in the same predicament. Get a little group together and have a swapping party. The kids came trade their games and toys. They will all feel like they have something new. This can work for parents too with books and jewelry, handbags, clothes (if you're the same size) and even furniture.
7) Enjoy Nature- Not everything fun has to cost money. Find out what you can do for free in you area. Go for nature walks, go camping, and see what kind of events your local community is hosting. Your kids just want to spend time with you. They won't care if its a walk in the woods or a $50 night out at the movies.
8) Use Less - You really don't have to use as much as directions tell you on most household products. You can use half the amount of laundry detergent or half the dishwasher liquid and things will still be just as clean. You can also reuse your dryer sheets several times before you throw them away. Try to use only half sheet of paper towels or even better, use a regular hand towel. Its not just about being cheap, its also creating less waste!
9) Drink Filtered Water - We have a rule in my house that we only get juice or milk at mealtime. The rest of the day, the kids have to drink water. And not bottled water. Why would I pay for something I can get for free? Tap water is fine to drink. Just get a good filter. You'll save money and create less waste. Plus its less calories and has no sugar!
10) Use your Imagination- Nothing is more fun than what you can create. Use pillow and blankets to turn your living room into a camp ground. Pretend you backyard in an African Safari. Create a scavenger hunt where your kids neat to find things like a red leaf and a round pebble, etc. Tell them about fairies and have them look for them in the flowers. This kind of pretend play encourages your child's creativity and they will enjoy playing pretend with you more than any amusement park.
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