by Heather Tripp

Created on: May 21, 2009   Last Updated: January 08, 2011

A comprehensive list of easy, helpful ideas that can save you money, keeping your cash where it belongs- in your pocket!

1.) If you enjoy reading, get your books from the library instead of buying them. The library offers hundreds, if not thousands, of free books on numerous topics. You will find something that you like, and won't have to spend a penny on them.

2.) We all watch t.v., but do you really watch all 500 channels? Odds are, you have channels you don't even know about. Review your bill, and then call your cable company to find out about a smaller channel package. You can find one that includes the channels your family does watch, and save some money on the bill.

3.) If you are spending $5 a day for lunch, by bringing your lunch with you just two times a week, you can save yourself $40 a month. And in todays world, lunch doesn't always cost $5, so try it yourself to see just how much you can save!

4.) Laundry is a never ending task. If you are washing your laundry in warm, or hot water, you are spending needlessly on your water bill. It is not the temperature of the water that cleans the clothing, but the laundry detergent. So switch your washer's setting to cold water only. You'd be amazed at what this can save you a month.

5.) As easy as it sounds, and I'm sure you've heard it a hundred times, turn off the lights! If you aren't in the room, who are you leaving the light on for? It only takes a second to turn off, and a second to turn back on. And those seconds can save big on your electric bill!

6.) Do you have any idea how much electricity your dryer can use? Set up a cheap clothesline and vow to skip the dryer for one month. You will be shocked at the drop your electric bill will take!

7.) During the winter reduce your heating cost by setting your heater to 68 degrees instead of 70. This two degree difference can save you alot on your monthly bill. To save even more, try reducing the heat to 65, and using a small space heater in the main room of your home, such as the livingroom.

8.) Unplug your phone chargers, coffe pots, and other small appliances. Even when they aren't in use, these things can still draw electricity, and therefore raise your electric bill. Try unplugging them after every use, and you are sure to see a drop in the bill at the end of the month.

9.) Check your tires! Yes, it seems crazy, but if your tires don't have the right amount of air pressure, your vehicle can burn more gas. Keeping your tires inflated properly not only reduces your gas bill, but keeps you safer too.

10.) When you go to the grocery store hungry, absolutely everything there will look good. And you will end up buying alot more than what you actually need. Instead, eat something before you go, and you will have a much easier time sticking to your list.

Learn more about this author, Heather Tripp.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.