Helpful Tips

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• At Home

  •	Do simple home and car repairs yourself.
  •	Lower the temperature in your house at night during the winter (raise the temperature in the summer).
  •	Turn lights off when you leave a room.
  •	Conserve water (turn off water when brushing your teeth).
  •	Use average billing for utilities and pay bills on time.
  •	Control your use of credit cards.
  •	Stop all optional services on your telephone.
  •	Shop at pawnshops for great deals.
  •	Pay your bills on time to avoid late fees, extra finance charges, and the costs of a bad credit rating.
  •	Make gifts instead of buying them.
  •	If you are incurring return check fees, evaluate your need for a checking account; shop around for free or low-cost checking.

• Meals and Groceries

  •	Pack a lunch to take to school or work instead of eating out.
  •	Cut down on meals away from home.
  •	Do more cooking from scratch.
  •	Use leftovers (and plan for leftovers) in soups and casseroles.
  •	Limit food shopping to once a week; the fewer trips to the grocery store the better.
  •	Use coupons for items you buy regularly.
  •	Make a grocery list and stick to it to prevent impulse buying.
  •	Buy only what you need–don't buy things just because they are on sale.
  •	Buy store brand products.

• Transportation

  •	Consider moving closer to work, if that's an option.
  •	Use public transportation.
  •	Drive small cars that cost less to operate.

• Health, Recreation and Personal Care

  •	Develop good health habits.
  •	Avoid tobacco, alcohol or addictive drugs.
  •	Study to improve your qualifications for the job you hold and let your boss know that you are interested in additional training.
  •	Investigate government or church operated child care; or share child care responsibilities with a friend or neighbor.
  •	Plan family activities that are inexpensive such as picnics and playing in the park.
  •	Eliminate cable television.
  •	Get movies from the public library instead of renting them.
  •	Use direct deposit. You will be less likely to spend money if it goes straight into your account.
  •	Carry only small amounts of cash in your wallet so you won't spend it.
  •	Organize laundry so that a minimum number of loads is run.
  •	Buy clothing that does not need ironing or dry cleaning.
  •	Use immunization clinics.