Times are tight financially and seem to only be getting tighter. There are some ways you can cut your household expenses to help make ends meet. Use these tips to help cut your expenditures:

Utilities Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home spends about $1,900 annually on energy costs. Appliances and lighting account for 34% of this.
• To save energy costs, reduce wattage of bulbs in home lighting by changing to compact fluorescents. Turn off lights, TV and appliances when not in use.

• Wash clothes only when you have a full load or change the setting to fit the load size. Wash dishes in the dishwasher when you have full loads and use the "energy saver" cycles.

• Use fans rather than air conditioning when possible. If using air conditioning, set the thermostat at a higher temperature and use ceiling fans to help circulate the air.

• Change your furnace filter regularly. Set the furnace temperature lower in the colder months. For every degree adjusted, you can save one percent on heating and cooling costs. Always make sure your systems are properly maintained.

• Seal cracks and holes around windows, switches, doors and electrical outlets as they can leak air into or out of the house. Check for open fireplace dampers. Close off unused rooms and turn off the heat or air-conditioning in those rooms.

Housing Pointers

• Maintain your home. Don’t neglect minor repairs and let them become major ones!

• Rent, share or borrow household equipment that is infrequently used.

• Evaluate your financial and housing situation. It is recommended that you not spend more than one-third of your monthly expenses on housing costs. If you are living beyond your means, can you find a less costly place to reside?