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Living on Less, tips to save money
University of Missouri Extension
"Everyone can make simple life changes that can have a lasting outcome on your financial situation. By following some simple housing tips, you can save a substantial amount of money over time," says Doug Scotten, a Family Financial Education Specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
Here are a few housing tips to help you save money:
| * | Simplify your possessions -- Fewer items means less to maintain, clean, and repair. |
| * | Check the classifieds -- This is a great way to save money on big ticket items like washing machines, driers, and televisions. |
| * | Refinish furniture -- You can give existing furniture a new look or pick up bargains at yard sales and make them look new. |
| * | Cut down cleaning costs -- Buy all in one cleaners. This means less money spent on cleaning supplies. |
| * | Maintain your home -- Minor repairs are far less costly than major repairs. Make repairs when you first notice the problem. |
| * | Install a water saving shower head -- This will reduce your water expense. |
| * | Take short showers -- Your utility bill will be reduced by using less hot water. |
| * | Open your windows -- During periods of nice weather, open the window instead of using the air conditioner. This will reduce utility expenses as well. |
| * | Service your furnace -- Change the filter on a regular basis, which will make it operate more efficiently. Service it yearly to keep it in good working order. |
| * | Stop watering your lawn -- It wastes both water and your money. |
| * | Try energy-saving measures -- An example is placing plastic sheeting over single pane windows during winter months. This will reduce heating costs. |
| * | Contact your utility company and have an expert inspect the insulation in your home to be sure you have an adequate amount. Insulation provides year long savings, both during summer and winter months. |
| * | Turn off lights -- When you are not in a room, turn off the lights. |
| * | Adjust your thermostat during hot weather and cold weather -- For every degree adjusted, you can save 1 percent to 3 percent on heating and cooling costs. |
| * | Turn down the hot water heater -- A setting of 110 degrees F to 120 degrees F is adequate if you do not have a dishwasher. If you do have a dishwasher, 140 degrees F is recommended. |
The housing tips referenced are expanded on in the University of Missouri Extension publication, "Money Management: Living on Less," GH3600, available online at http://extension.missouri.edu.
For more information on issues related to home finances, contact Doug Scotten at University of Missouri Extension, Vernon County, located at 100 West Cherry, Suite 2, Nevada, MO 64772. Telephone (417)448-2560 or email at scottend@missouri.edu.