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REDUCE SPENDING:
HOUSING/ENERGY
- Consider less expensive housing. As a rule-of-thumb, do not pay more than 30% of net income for housing.
- Carry replacement value insurance on the house and contents. Increase your deductible to reduce premium costs.
- Learn to do minor home repairs. Keep everything operating well to avoid major repairs. File copies of appliance operating manuals in one central location.
- Set thermostat for 68 degrees in winter, 78 degrees in summer. If you can do without air conditioning, shut it off.
- Have your local utility company conduct an audit to identify areas of waste. Weatherproof windows and doors.
- Go on the budget plan for electric and gas bills.
- Have appliances checked for efficiency (utility companies usually do this for free).
- Keep one phone and give up call waiting, answering service etc. Time long distance calls with an egg timer. Use basic phone service.
- Have the phone company block 986 and 900 numbers.
- Save water by air drying dishes: turn off dishwasher after final rinse and open the door.
- Check your fireplace damper; heat and air conditioning can escape up the chimney. Keep the damper closed except when the fire is burning. Install a glass fireplace door.
- Defrost refrigerator and freezer frequently. An ice build up over an inch will cause the motor to run more.
- Clean dryer lint trap after each use.
- Turn off hot water heater when your house will be empty for a day or two. Keep it set at 120 degrees.
- Choose light colors for roofing and walls, dark curtains to keep sun out in summer.
- Change furnace filter every month.
- Try to use your range rather than your oven. Save even more when you use your microwave, toaster oven or crockpot. Turn range burners off before allotted cooking time; retained heat will cook items.
- Check for water leaks in toilets by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak. Replace worn washers to prevent dripping faucets.
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Getting Started 
