According to the United States Department of energy, the average household spends about $1,300 on electricity annually. This is a lot of money and things such as the weather; the types of lights used and the frequent use of appliances are the deciding factors.
Can anything be done to make this go down? The answer is yes. By reading these tips, the money saved can be used for other expenses.
1. The weather surely gets hot in the summer. It could go up to 90 degrees or higher and the only way to stay cool is using an air conditioner. People should use curtains and shades to reduce the effort of this appliance in cooling the room under these hot conditions.
The doors and windows in the house must also be closed so the air doesn’t go out enabling it to circulate in the designated area. The filters of this household appliance should be cleaned every 3 months to keep it in good condition.
2. The wattage of the bulbs determines how much electricity is consumed. These should be checked because there are some brands available that are just as bright as others that don’t use a lot of power.
3. If there is no one in the room, the lights and other appliances such as the computer must be turned off. This can help prevent overloads or short circuits from happening that may start a fire in the home.
4. Many households have washers and dryers. If the practice is to do the laundry every other day, perhaps doing this twice a week when the load is full is advisable. This can also save some money when paying for gallons of water used during the month.
5. The refrigerator and freezer should be defrosted and cleaned every 2 weeks. This prevents the ice from getting too thick which may cause this machine to break down.
6. People have to cook in order to eat. The person can try using range top burners instead of ovens that use up a lot of electricity.
7. People who live in cold climates need a heater to warm the home. A blanket can be use to wrap around it to lessen the power used inside and while taking a shower.
There are many things that people pay for when owning a home. The homeowner can monitor the electric bills the few past months and see if the steps taken has shown improvements when the next one arrives.
Selasa, 07 Oktober 2008
Tips On How To Save Money While Traveling
You can enjoy your travels without having to spend more than what you can afford. Besides, traveling doesn't have to be very expensive, especially if you are miles away from home. Doing so can put a great impact on your finances and can drain your money even before you are scheduled to fly back home.
Here are some economical tips to keep you on track and enjoy your travel with more money in your pocket.
1. Try to make a budget first
Before you start your travel or after arriving at your destination, it is best to have a good budget with you. Try to set a budget for the week. In this way, you get to keep your expenses and finances tightly intact. For instance, if your budget for the week is only $100, try to stick to it.
Without a budget, you will be tempted to buy this and that.
2. Have a map
To save more money on your transportation expenses, always have a map with you. In this way, you can anticipate the best and the most economical way to your destination. You get to avoid taking cabs or special trips just to get to your destination.
3. Bring your own gadgets
To save more while traveling, it is best that you have brought every gadget or item that you will need. In this way, you can cut back on the cost of having to rent some of the gadgets that you might use.
For example, try to bring your own camera instead of getting your pictures taken by a local photographer. With a good camera, you can take pictures you want without having to worry about extra charges.
4. Do your homework
Before you head to your destination, it is best that you know something about the place. This will allow you to steer clear from unnecessary spending while on travel. Places may differ depending on the area’s pattern of living.
For example, if the place you are about to visit has a luxurious type of living, it is best to keep track of your expenses to save more money. Try not to spend on things that aren't necessary to avoid going overboard on your budget.
Things like these can be very helpful to save more money even if you travel to places were the standard of living is expensive. It only takes a smart traveler to do so.
Here are some economical tips to keep you on track and enjoy your travel with more money in your pocket.
1. Try to make a budget first
Before you start your travel or after arriving at your destination, it is best to have a good budget with you. Try to set a budget for the week. In this way, you get to keep your expenses and finances tightly intact. For instance, if your budget for the week is only $100, try to stick to it.
Without a budget, you will be tempted to buy this and that.
2. Have a map
To save more money on your transportation expenses, always have a map with you. In this way, you can anticipate the best and the most economical way to your destination. You get to avoid taking cabs or special trips just to get to your destination.
3. Bring your own gadgets
To save more while traveling, it is best that you have brought every gadget or item that you will need. In this way, you can cut back on the cost of having to rent some of the gadgets that you might use.
For example, try to bring your own camera instead of getting your pictures taken by a local photographer. With a good camera, you can take pictures you want without having to worry about extra charges.
4. Do your homework
Before you head to your destination, it is best that you know something about the place. This will allow you to steer clear from unnecessary spending while on travel. Places may differ depending on the area’s pattern of living.
For example, if the place you are about to visit has a luxurious type of living, it is best to keep track of your expenses to save more money. Try not to spend on things that aren't necessary to avoid going overboard on your budget.
Things like these can be very helpful to save more money even if you travel to places were the standard of living is expensive. It only takes a smart traveler to do so.
The Cost-Effective Ways To Bigger Savings When Times Are Tight
Statistical reports prove that Americans are in love with plastics. Consumers know it more as credit cards. In fact, nearly 81% of the American households have at least one credit card. They find these plastics as the most convenient tool for shopping and paying utility bills.
The credit cards make payments and expenses so convenient that the average credit card balance that American consumers have amounts to $8,000. That is, indeed, a great amount of debt.
So if you want to avoid debts and save more on your credit card bills, try to cut back on your expenses and follow the rules on how to save on credit cards.
Here’s how:
1. Choose the best credit card
Not all credit cards are created equal. There is a particular credit card that will suit your needs. Getting this type of card will provide you the rewards, services, and interest rates that will suit your needs.
For instance, if you want convenient shopping but can't afford to go the extra mile in shopping expenses, it is best to get a credit card that can offer you with reasonable credit limits. In this way, you will not be tempted to max out your card and accumulate debts you simply can't afford to pay.
2. Go for the lowest interest rate
If you think you can't pay your credit card bills on time but are willing to pay your balances in another period, it is best to get a credit card with lower interest rates.
Consumers may not be aware of this, but one of the reasons why debts are getting higher is based on the interest rates. The actual balances are made worse through interest rate charges.
3. Choose the reward credit cards that suits your lifestyle
Don't get a credit card just because it can provide you with several rewards. Not all rewards are worth your time and money.
For instance, a flyer’s rewards credit card may not be functional if you aren't a frequent traveler. But if you are, getting a flyer’s reward credit card can give you discounts as well as points that can be converted into tickets. This will be savings considering the prices of airline tickets nowadays.
4. Keep a record of all your expenses
In credit cards, convenience is the name of the game. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that you neglect your responsibilities. One of which is to keep a record of all your expenses.
In this way, you will be able to identify which purchases weren't necessary at all. So the next time around, you will know what to avoid.
5. Do not keep balances
Never let your balances stay on your credit card bill statements for long. This means that if you have accrued balances for the month, try to pay them immediately.
Paying your minimum balance only won't do you any good. In fact, this might trigger further debts. Besides, interest rates only apply whenever you have balances. And interest rates are additional expenses for you. If you pay your balances monthly, you won't be charged with interest rates, so you get more savings.
6. Be wary on cash advances
If it isn't an emergency, never take cash advances on your credit card. Financial experts say that cash advances reap higher interest rates compared to the ones that you have on your credit card purchases, which is, by nature, soaring as well.
Combination of these two will definitely bring you to debt problems. Besides, cash advances don't take on certain periods, so that means the charges will take place instantly. That would be very hard if you aren't prepared to pay off your balance immediately.
7. Ask for a lower rate
If you have been an obedient customer and pay your bill on time, it wouldn't hurt you to call your bank or your credit card issuer and ask for a lower rate.
Surveys show that nearly 55% of those who participated in the survey were reported to have trimmed down their interest rates simply by requesting their bank or their credit card companies to act accordingly.
With lower interest rates, you can definitely save more especially if you are the type of credit card holder who doesn't get to pay the balances on time.
All of these things are catered to help you cut back your expenses and save more on your credit cards. These things have been proven effective. It is now up to you if you will heed this advice or not.
Just remember, your actions will always tell you the kind of life you want to live, so better make good choices and start saving now.
The credit cards make payments and expenses so convenient that the average credit card balance that American consumers have amounts to $8,000. That is, indeed, a great amount of debt.
So if you want to avoid debts and save more on your credit card bills, try to cut back on your expenses and follow the rules on how to save on credit cards.
Here’s how:
1. Choose the best credit card
Not all credit cards are created equal. There is a particular credit card that will suit your needs. Getting this type of card will provide you the rewards, services, and interest rates that will suit your needs.
For instance, if you want convenient shopping but can't afford to go the extra mile in shopping expenses, it is best to get a credit card that can offer you with reasonable credit limits. In this way, you will not be tempted to max out your card and accumulate debts you simply can't afford to pay.
2. Go for the lowest interest rate
If you think you can't pay your credit card bills on time but are willing to pay your balances in another period, it is best to get a credit card with lower interest rates.
Consumers may not be aware of this, but one of the reasons why debts are getting higher is based on the interest rates. The actual balances are made worse through interest rate charges.
3. Choose the reward credit cards that suits your lifestyle
Don't get a credit card just because it can provide you with several rewards. Not all rewards are worth your time and money.
For instance, a flyer’s rewards credit card may not be functional if you aren't a frequent traveler. But if you are, getting a flyer’s reward credit card can give you discounts as well as points that can be converted into tickets. This will be savings considering the prices of airline tickets nowadays.
4. Keep a record of all your expenses
In credit cards, convenience is the name of the game. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that you neglect your responsibilities. One of which is to keep a record of all your expenses.
In this way, you will be able to identify which purchases weren't necessary at all. So the next time around, you will know what to avoid.
5. Do not keep balances
Never let your balances stay on your credit card bill statements for long. This means that if you have accrued balances for the month, try to pay them immediately.
Paying your minimum balance only won't do you any good. In fact, this might trigger further debts. Besides, interest rates only apply whenever you have balances. And interest rates are additional expenses for you. If you pay your balances monthly, you won't be charged with interest rates, so you get more savings.
6. Be wary on cash advances
If it isn't an emergency, never take cash advances on your credit card. Financial experts say that cash advances reap higher interest rates compared to the ones that you have on your credit card purchases, which is, by nature, soaring as well.
Combination of these two will definitely bring you to debt problems. Besides, cash advances don't take on certain periods, so that means the charges will take place instantly. That would be very hard if you aren't prepared to pay off your balance immediately.
7. Ask for a lower rate
If you have been an obedient customer and pay your bill on time, it wouldn't hurt you to call your bank or your credit card issuer and ask for a lower rate.
Surveys show that nearly 55% of those who participated in the survey were reported to have trimmed down their interest rates simply by requesting their bank or their credit card companies to act accordingly.
With lower interest rates, you can definitely save more especially if you are the type of credit card holder who doesn't get to pay the balances on time.
All of these things are catered to help you cut back your expenses and save more on your credit cards. These things have been proven effective. It is now up to you if you will heed this advice or not.
Just remember, your actions will always tell you the kind of life you want to live, so better make good choices and start saving now.
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