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These days, it’s getting more and more expensive to run a household due to the rising cost of goods and utilities. You can also add to that the current troubled state of the economy. This makes it crucial for all of us that we learn some practical tips to save on our household expenses. You need not go to the extent of eating canned goods and ramen every day, though. Here are some simple tips that could save you and your family a lot of money:

  • Invest in low-flow water faucets.

To do the dishes or wash our faces, we don’t really need faucets that have the strength flow of a fire hydrant. By replacing your regular faucets with the low-flow kind, you can reduce your water bill by up to 60 percent. These faucets might cost quite a bit of money, but you certainly won’t regret the investment.

  • Switch to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

 

If your electric bills are consistently high every month, it might be time to make the switch from your traditional incandescent light bulbs to CFLs. The latter can help you reduce the energy you consume by up to 75 percent. They consume power in a more efficient manner than traditional bulbs and last longer than them.

  • Remember to unplug.

If you are in the habit of keeping your electronic devices and appliances plugged up even when they’re not in use, you need to stop this wasteful habit right away. Electronics still eat up precious energy even when they are powered off or not in use, and you end up paying higher on your electric bill than what you’re actually consuming.

  • Seal up doors and windows.

This simple trick can help you save up to 20 percent in your household’s cooling and heating costs. Examine the doors and windows of your home to check for openings through which drafts can come in and seal them up using weatherstrips, window shades, caulk, and plastic film kits.

  • Filter your own water.

Bottled water is one of a household’s highest expenses. You can cut down this major expense by purchasing a water filter to purify the water that comes from your tap. You can save thousands of dollars just by using tap water and filtering it yourself.

  • Store your own water.

You can use up what is a natural resource—rainwater—and store it in containers like those sold by Rain Water Tanks.  You can use the water you’ve stored for watering your plants, flushing your toilets, or as a backup water supply.

  • Seek out free veterinarian clinics.

If your household keeps a pet, one of the priorities on your list of expenses might be their medical bills. You can save on this by scheduling their annual health checkups and vaccinations at a time when the local vets in your neighborhood hold a free clinic, which some of them normally do once or twice a year.

  • Shop for a home insurance policy.

If you own a house and you still don’t have a home insurance policy, you’re selling yourself short as a homeowner. What happens if your home catches fire or gets flooded in a storm or wrecked by a tornado? When these calamities happens, you want to make sure you can get back on your feet right away at little to no cost. The right insurance plan can make this happen for you.

When it comes to cost-saving practices, you need to be smart and consider what kind of changes or adjustments are feasible to make and are suitable for your family. Educate yourself about the many other ways you can save money not only in your household but also in other areas of your life.