Reducing Your Housing Cost

It's amazing how the little things can add up to big savings in your home.  Here is a list of a few that can cut down on cost and save you money.

Caulk - Around every window, door and seem of your house.  Yes it takes a little effort, but it saves an amazing amount of money.

Insulate - Even if it means buying 1 roll of insulation per pay day and rolling it out in the attic.  This helps keep the warm air in in winter and cold air in during the summer months.

Attic Fans - Helps the hot air to escape during the summer.  The are usually cheaper to buy and install or have installed during the winter.

Weather Stripping- Make sure your doors do not have gaps around the sills.  Put weather stripping to seal them.  I've done this so you can't tell me it's too hard.

Lights - Turn them off when they are not being used.  Replace them as needed.

Ceiling Fans - I have fans in every room.  The reverse for Winter/Summer months.

Water - Make sure there is not any water escaping anywhere in your home.  Also buy the outside jackets now.  This way if it does freeze, you have them ready to put on.  If it does not freeze, you have them for next year, when they will undoubtedly cost more.

Phone / Cable / Internet - Do you really need all of those channels?  Is there a cheaper package?  Is is cheaper to get them bundled?  Compare.  Also, do you really need cable in each and every room?  You know each additional box cost $10 per month.

Children's Rooms - Does your child really need a TV in their bedroom?  Do you know what they are watching?  This not only destroys family time.  It also lead to social isolation.

Cell Phone - Have you compared your plan lately?  I get unlimited talk time, internet, and texting all for $54 per month.  If I want an extra line it would be $10 more.  No contract.

Groceries - Do you plan your meals?  see here.   Do you use a list?  Do you use coupons?  Do you look online to see what is on sale?  If not - shame on you!  This is one of the easiest ways to save money.  It takes a little effort - but once you're in the habit you should never go back to wasteful spending.

Transportation - Do you have your car regularly maintained?  Oil changes every 3.000-5.000 miles?  Coolant checked?  Injectors checked?  Check your air filter? Keep your tires properly inflated and change them when needed?  Do you run your car with premium gas at least once a month or add in an octane booster to help clean your engine?  If not, you should start.  Also, check your transmission fluid and brake fluid.  Have your brakes checked at least once a year.