I've cut down on automobile expenses -- mainly gas, as I don't have any car loans. This last tank of gas has lasted three weeks, and I still have almost a half of a tank left. I think I can probably make it last a month with no problem. I realized a lot of "running" was just for repair stuff. Like when the dryer stopped running, DH will go to the store for a $5 part to fix it, then we'll head out on our regular "errand night." Now, I just keep a list of errands that need to be run, keep it by the refrigerator and every time we "need something," we just run through the whole list.
I've been contributing the maximum to may 401k/403b since I started working (matched by our employers). This has really added up. I'm going to try to start adding to our Roth IRAs.
We've cut down on our electricity/as by 25% from the first year we moved in. The biggest savings in the gas has been by insulating (a very old leaky house) and installing a timer for the furnace. We've also always used fluorescent bulbs - brighter and not needing to be replaced as often. I swear every incandescent bulb in this house stoppped working within a few months of having moved in. We replaced with fluorescent and haven't touched them since (4 years ago). At this point, I can't think of any ways save any more on utilities without spending a lot of money.
When I started our garden, we mainly got cuttings from people and I picked up a few plants that I liked. Out of the ones that survived, I've divided them over the years and now have a garden full of color I love.
The Good Money Habits
December 12th, 2006 at 08:59 pm
December 12th, 2006 at 09:09 pm 1165957754
December 12th, 2006 at 09:12 pm 1165957953
December 13th, 2006 at 04:08 am 1165982936
December 14th, 2006 at 05:00 pm 1166115653
a. we have gas so it's not too bad.. I'm more concerned about heating expenses. Getting a new furnace would REALLY help, but that's too much money for us now
b. When water is heated then allowed to cool, especially repeatedly it becomes a bacteria breeding ground. I am sure some will agree/disagree with this as to safety, but just not something I feel willing to compromise for.