While the economy here in the United States continues to get worse, and inflation seems to hit high record levels every time you look at the statics, it is getting harder and harder for the average person to make ends meet every day. People are being forced to get creative in their budgeting.
As one our founding fathers Benjamin Franklin once said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” This simple but wise philosophy is a strategy we can all apply. With that in mind, I decided to come up with this resource of methods to help you save on your bills. Sure, there’s plenty of information out there but chances are you’ve heard the same things over and over. These ideas involve thinking outside the box for some options you might never have even considered. So, without further delay, here goes.
Methods to save on electricity
Many people do not realize that when a device is plugged into a wall outlet, it drains electricity whether or not it is in use and turned on. This includes lamps, small appliances and especially things like DVD or Blu-Ray players. Simply unplugging things rather than just shutting them off can make a difference in your bill.
Another option is to use solar power. No, I’m not talking about investing crazy amounts to install those ugly panels on your home. You can buy a small solar charger online for under $20 that you can use to charge devices like your phone or tablet. These items contribute a ton to your electricity bill especially if you leave them in after your product is completely charged.
An alternative to this is to time your charging so as to be able to use electricity from another source. For example, if you can charge your device at work, or while sitting in the waiting room at a doctor’s office instead of at home, that can be a big deal.
If you have a room that gets a lot of natural light at some point throughout the day then simply avoid turning on the lights. I have several rooms that look like they are fully lit up during the morning and afternoon requiring no additional electricity.
Methods to save on household products
Toilet paper can be very expensive. If you get the cheap stuff, it might cause irritation or even rash. Two easy ways to minimize the cost are to use a bidet or go before you shower.
When I say use a bidet, I don’t mean to buy or have installed one of those contraptions you’ll find in restrooms across Europe and Asia. What I mean is you get yourself a “travel bidet” or portable version which you can probably score for less than $10. It is basically a squeeze bottle with a long nozzle and may very well be more hygienic than regular toilet paper. Considering all you need is a small amount to dry off after use, this will save a lot of toilet paper.
As for other times, you can save on things like paper napkins, silverware and sugar or jelly by simply asking for extra when you do find it financially doable to eat out. For example, if you normally use 2 creamer packets in your coffee, ask for 5 packets at the drive through. Same goes for sugar or sweetener. You can stockpile the rest. You can also ask for extra napkins. And if a takeout place offers you utensils or paper plates, always take them. When samples are available, see if you can take one for each member of your household.
A last word about cell phones
Many people have crazy high cell phone bills. One way to almost completely eliminate them is to ditch your current carrier and simply sign up for a free Internet-based phone number through a source like TextNow. These will feed off of your Wi-Fi while at home and in any place with public access. If you want something what doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi, simply upgrade to a plan that will cost you as little as $9.99 per month. No way your current provider can get close to that.
About the Creator
Jason A
Writer, photographer and graphic design enthusiast with a professional background in journalism, poetry, e-books, model photography, portrait photography, arts education and more.
3 conditions I see as a Sutton Coldfield Physiotherapist
In my role as a physiotherapist at Ebrook Clinic in Sutton Coldfield, I encounter a diverse range of health conditions reflective of our community's varied needs. From sports injuries to chronic pain management, each patient at Ebrook presents a unique case, requiring personalised care. This dynamic clinic setting enriches my professional experience and underscores the importance of adapting my skills to meet the evolving needs of our vibrant community. Here are three prevalent conditions that I frequently address:
By Chris Evans3 days ago in Lifehack
Planting Yaupons for a Thriving Garden:
Title: Cultivating Yaupon Holly: A Guide to Thriving Gardens Introduction: In the world of gardening, few plants offer the versatility, resilience, and beauty of the Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria). Native to North America, this evergreen shrub has long been cherished for its ornamental value, wildlife benefits, and cultural significance. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, incorporating Yaupon Holly into your garden can elevate its appeal while supporting local ecosystems. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cultivating Yaupon Holly and provide practical tips for ensuring its thriving growth.
By Kavya Organic Garden4 days ago in Lifehack
Comments (2)
I think that energy conservation is a fantastic topic to bring attention to as it is not only personally beneficial, but has a positive impact on the environment if done correctly. A few things in your article I would like to draw attention to though are: - While the economy has its struggles, it has been on a positive trajectory (lower inflation, lower unemployment) since peaking in April / June. So we are heading in the right direction, not setting new "negative" records. - The cost to charge certain electronics (like cell phones) is less than $1 a year for most people even if we fully drain and charge daily. I know, that seems surprising but it's true if you look at the cost of a kWh of electricity and phone battery capacity. So the return in investment of a solar charger really isn't there. I love solar power, but in this case it's not the best solution. - While charging on someone else's dime (work, school, etc), or taking extra condiments, saves you money - it is at the cost of others. And eventually, will roll back to either you or employees of that company. - One major omission is changing the temperature on your thermostat. Changing the temperature by 2 degrees would save more in a month than the other recommendations combined in a year. It is also a net saving in energy for everyone, with no added gadgetry, so good for the environment. One of the best, basic changes to save money on energy. Overall, great article. I hope you welcome the comments as we can all strive to do more, save more, conserve more and be better stewards of our plant through energy conservation!
Really a very good blog. I learned a lot of unknown things, very good and important blog, thank you very much for the knowledge.