Save money while at home
Between the economic recession and the upcoming holidays, everyone is strapped for cash. But there are a few little things you can do in your everyday life to save a few bucks. And some of them are just a good idea.
Decrease your water bill
San Diego’s water rates will be increasing in January, so you should be conserving every drop. Try the old-school trick of putting a brick or a gallon milk jug full of water into the tank of your toilet to use less water every time you flush. Use the conserve mode on your showerhead. And, most importantly, stop leaks and repair them as soon as possible, because every day a leak continues can waste hundreds of gallons of water — gallons that you pay for.
Decrease your electricity and gas bills
If you haven’t replaced all the bulbs in your house with the energy-efficient green bulbs, now’s the time. Turn down the temperature on your water heater because that’s the biggest source of your gas bill. But, most importantly, turn off electronics such as your radio, Xbox and TV instead of leaving them running continuously. Yes, that includes your computer and not just the monitor. You’ll be surprised how much your electric bill plummets.
Use public transportation
People hate this one, especially because of the current low gas prices. But driving everywhere is often a significant chunk of your monthly budget. Public transportation is relatively cheap and is a great way to “go green” as well. You can really work that student ID card too, because most public transit offers discounted student fare. Every semester, Metropolitan Transit System allows students to buy a card that permits them unlimited rides on the trolley and buses.
Invest in cheap alternative entertainment
Eating out and going to the movies is a great escape, but it’s also expensive. Try cooking new dishes at home with what’s on sale at the local supermarket, and if movies are a staple of your existence, sign up for a subscription service such as Netflix to get unlimited rentals. You can even stream over the Internet or pull out the Monopoly set you haven’t used for years. Better yet, visit the library — where you can also rent movies and music cheaply.
Give homemade gifts for the holidays
Most people like homemade gifts better anyway. Knit a scarf, make a quilt or pillow from Salvation Army scraps, or make treats and snacks. Put together a photo album. If it comes down to it, everyone likes pie. Putting a personal touch on a small present is also a good way to give a great gift without straining your purse strings.
Read the priginal version of this feature online here.
