Pftt..let me count the ways!
Electric Bill:
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Our last bill was only $109, for our 3 story house, and that was with running the hot tub 6 times last month (otherwise I keep the temp at 55 degrees).
I keep the house temp at 66/67 degrees and wear lounge pants, slippers, and a hoody to keep extra warm.
*Unplug Microwave, Coffee Pot, Toaster, TV's (unless we're using them at the moment).
*Changed light bulbs in the house to energy efficient bulbs
*Everything is on power strips and we turn them off at night before bed
A key thing to remember is "If it's plugged in, it's using power..even if it's on Standby."
Groceries:
I clip coupons and match'em up with things that are on sale. I then make a 7 day dinner list and get only what I need. This has saved us at least 50% per trip on groceries (you wouldn't believe the stuff you will buy when you're hungry and shopping for food! lol)
Cell Phone:
We changed our cell plans (and got new phones for free another 2 yr contract).
Our cell phone bill went from $120, to $63 (for both my phone & the husbands phone combined).
Cable:
We downgraded our cable, but we of course kept the high-speed cable internet.
Our bill was $150'ish, now it's $99/month (cable & net combined) AND we signed a contract for 1 yr that locked us in at that rate because the cable was 1 week away from raising prices, so that's why we signed a contract.
Freecycle.org
I now ask for things on Freecycle that I want/need. I have recieved a brand new treadmill totally free, a desk brand new, and all kinds of misc. new or like-new items.
I also look on Craigslist and Ebay for anything that we want to buy. If we can't get it for at least 50% off the original price, we don't buy it.
Also, we cleaned out our basement and sold about 20 or so items on Craigslist that we didn't need anymore.
That brought us in about $400 in extra cash last month.
(Ladies, you'll like this next one..)
Instead of buying all kinds of cleaning products, I just use a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alchohol and water in a spray bottle to clean just about any surface (mirrors, chrome, countertops, door knobs, etc). It also kills germs which is a nice bonus for the flu season. ;)
I've also learned that the Dollar Store can be your best friend for little items like foil and whatnot.
It's amazing how much you can save by making a few changes in your life.
