How to Save Money on Household Expenses...And Still Buy the Things You Need

The subject of how to save money has become a real challenge as we grapple with a sluggish and sinking economy.

With gasoline prices nearing the five-dollar mark, grocery prices rising almost every day and health care costs soaring off the charts, it's no wonder so many people are striving just to pay the rent.

Of course there's not much you can do about rising prices, but there are are plenty ways you can save money and hold your expenses to a minimum.

Here are 10 tips that will help you cut costs in several areas of your monthly budget.

How to Save Money on Gasoline
Use cruise control if you have it. This helps smooth out quick and unintended accelerations that cause your car to use more fuel.

Don't fill up when prices are high. Wait until the price goes down to fill up your car. You’re signaling to the oil companies that you’re more than willing to pay their ridiculously high prices for gas.

Use synthetic oil. Studies show synthetic oil gives you better gas mileage by helping your engine run smoother.

Check your air filter at every oil change. A clogged air filter can cost you big bucks in gas efficiency by working your engine harder, causing it to use more fuel.

Park in the shade to keep your car cool. Gas evaporates right out of your tank faster when you park in the sun. Roll down your window slightly to allow air to circulate throughout your car.Click here for more gas-saving tips.

How to Save Money on Dental Care-- Without Buying Insurance
If you currently don't have dental insurance and you're having to pay full price for your dental work, you should consider a dental discount plan. These plans are not insurance and you have to pay the entire cost, but with a dental plan you could save up to 80% off your bill.

If you choose the right company you could pay as little as $20 per month for a plan that includes your entire household. That price also includes vision, pharmacy and chiropractic.

The best part about these plans is that they accept pre-existing conditions, there's no age limit, no waiting period and they include orthodontics and cosmetic procedures.

If you would like to know about a specific discount dental plan that includes all the above features and more--one that I use-- click here to contact me.

How to Save Money on Health Care
Like the dental plans I mentioned above, you can save a substantial amount of money with discount health plans. They work along the same principal as dental plans. In this case, the physician who participates in the plan agrees with the company to give you a discount on his services.

You simply present your discount card at the time of your visit for an instant savings. The savings percent varies from plan to plan. For more about discount health plans click here.

Car Rental
If you've rented a car, you know that most rental companies try to get you to buy extra insurance protection. Before you sign on the dotted line and cough up your hard-earned cash, check with your insurance company and find out if you're already covered on your regular policy.

Car rental rates vary from company to company, so make sure you compare prices and take advantage of any special offers and membership discounts they might be offering.

Electric Bill
You can save $100 or more a year by enrolling in a load management program with your electric company. Call your electric company and ask if they offer this program and for more information on how to save money on your electric bill.

Ask your electric company if they offer a home energy audit. Some companies offer this service for free, while others charge a small feel. This could save you hundreds of dollars off your annual electric bill. Click here for 21 more ways to save money on your electric bill.

Auto Repair
To save money and avoid paying for unnecessary auto repairs, find a skilled, honest mechanic before you need repairs. Make sure your mechanic is certified and has done work for someone you know. And make sure he communicates well with you about your costs and repair options. Click here to save more money on auto repairs.

Buying Used Cars
Before you buy a used car always check the price the dealer or individual is asking against the bluebook price. You can get the bluebook price online or by calling your bank or credit union.

Before signing the contract have your mechanic check out the car. Next to your home, a car is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make, so take the time to check it out and avoid being another rip-off statistic.

If possible, purchase your car from someone you know and trust. They're more likely to tell you what's wrong with the car and give you a better "deal."

Groceries
You've probably noticed that the increase in the price of gasoline has brought with it an increase in grocery prices. For more important tips on how to save money at the grocery store, click here.

Water
Water your yard in the morning. The best time for outdoor watering is in the morning. This reduces water consumption and waste and promotes a healthy lawn. Morning air is cooler, so you lose less water to evaporation than during the middle of the day. If you water in the evening, you run the risk of promoting fungus and bacterial disease in your plants, flowers and garden.

Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints and you could save up to 20 gallons per day for every leak you fix.

Don't run the water hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of soapy water and rinse with the hose after you finish washing. This could save you 150 gallons of water each time.

Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors. This could save you 500 to 800 gallons of water a month.

Don't leave the water running when you rinse, if you wash dishes by hand. If you have a double sink, fill one side with rinse water. If you only have a single sink, use a spray device or short bursts of water instead of letting the water run. This could save you 200 to 500 gallons of water per month.

Use the least amount of detergent possible when washing dishes by hand. This minimizes rinse water needed and could save you 50 to 150 gallons per month. For more household tips to conserve water and save money click here.

Mike Griffith

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