Important Tips For Money Saving

Finding the cost of living is going up and up? Despite the current economic conditions it is still expensive to cover all your household needs. If you have not sat down and looked at how your money is being spent then you may find lots of little things you see an insignificant are adding up and costing more than you think. Check out these ideas to help keep your costs down.

* Create a household budget - Work out how much money is coming in and how much is going out and then work out where you can cut back each month.

* Cancel your cable TV - Do you need the top level cable package or could you manage with a basic package or just with free telivision? Over a year cable TV charges can really add up and you will soon get used to not having it. It's possible you may even be able to keep some channels at no charge with a combined phone line package.

* Switch utility providers - Are you getting the best deal on your gas, electric, phone, broadband and cell phone? Shop around and you may be able to save hundreds of dollars each year by moving to the best offer.

* Go eco - Get more environmentally friendly and save money by switching to low energy light bulbs and fitting water saving shower heads to save water. Make sure you switch lights off when you're not in the room and turn off electrical items such as the TV fully rather than leaving them on standby which drains power. If you don't have any then you should consider insulation for your house to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter which will reduce your air-con or heating bills.

* Leave the car at home - When making a short journey near home boost your fitness and save money by cycling or walking. Think twice before you jump in the car to travel to the local store, do you need to use the car?

* Sell your junk - Have a big clear out of your house and sell all those items cluttering up your cupboards and storage space. For newer items that you simply don't use then try putting them on Ebay to find the items a better home. For all the smaller or less valuable items you have stuffed in cupboards and storage why not hold a garage sale.

* Take your own lunch to work and make your own coffee - Buying a coffee on the way into work or grabbing something quick at lunch while working may not seem like a big cost but it adds up over time. If you spend $3 each workday on a coffee and $6 on lunch it would add up to over $2,000 per year. Taking your own food and drink would cost only a fraction.

There are obviously lots of other ways to save money but these will get you started. On their own each thing may not sound like much but the thing to remember is that together they all add up. By the time these changes add up together you can save thousands per year.