Saving for the Average Person

In this article each week I try my best to bring you money saving tips and techniques that you can really use. I try all my ideas first so I KNOW they work. But this past week I noticed that while "I" am implementing tons of money saving ideas into my day, my family is not on the same page.

For instance my husband does not see the need to turn of lights or unplug appliances that he is not using. It drives me and him nuts that I have to go behind him and turn things off.

Turning off surge protectors that I have through out the house drives my husband nuts too. An example would be our TV in the living room. We have a large TV, VCR, DVD player, Tivo/satellite box connected to one surge protector. For the past 3 weeks or so I have started turning the surge protector off at night and turning it back on in the morning.

My husband did not notice this at all until one day when he came home while I was out and tried to turn the TV on.(I forgot to flip the switch that day) He thought a fuse had blown and was checking every one when I got home. I waited a few more minutes to tell him the surge protector was off *snicker*

My husband thought I had gone to far with the penny pinching at that point. But I told him to give me until the next electric bill came. Then I would prove that turning off the TV and computer at night would save more than a few pennies.

Well the bill came a few days ago and was even better than I had hoped it would be! Our bill went from $57 last month to $46 this month! (reminder: our bill as over a $100 a month a few years ago before I unplugged an old fridge, and switched to fluorescent bulbs)AND I unplug everything that is not being used: toaster, chargers, extension cords, water cooler etc.

$46 for a 2000 square foot, 2 story and basement, house! Can you imagine how low you can get YOUR electric bill in a smaller house or apartment?

BY the way my husband says he is no longer going to argue about my conservation methods!

So the moral of my story is talk to you family about helping YOU to conserve energy in your home. Explain why you are doing it...to save money, help the planet, etc. Be prepared for some resistance from the kids...they think everything grows on trees and will always be there. But with gentle reminders and maybe a few rewards for helping to conserve energy(ice cream run with the extra 20 bucks saved off your bill?) everyone will get on the conservation train!

Mandi G. money correspondent for gather.com

Mandi Lives in Alaska(formerly northern IL. Someone moved the state when she wasn't looking)

Comments: 15

B F. Jan 8, 2009, 10:22am EST

Wow-the proof is there huh!?!?!

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DesertDarlene L. Jan 8, 2009, 10:29am EST

Wow. But, part of the problem with turning off VCRs, etc, is that I have to set the clock again every time I turn them back on and I need the clocks.

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Charles Temm JR Jan 8, 2009, 10:34am EST

Good info, LOL-my ex, son, and wife all call me a penny pincher for doing similar things. In summer I turn of the AC until the evening and in winter the heat (unless we get a major cold snap then I urn it to 50 degrees or so). It all helps as you say though I am no newar as successful as you in cutting electrical costs!

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Elle L. Jan 8, 2009, 10:50am EST

That is a good point, you never really realize how much electricity you use until you go with out it for a billing cycle.

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Rebecca [Future Teacher] Jan 8, 2009, 11:57am EST

Very good points. I always unplug my appliances that don't need to stay plugged in like my coffee maker, toaster, video games, tv etc. They do absorb a lot of electricity even when they're plugged in but off. Oh...and sometimes it can be a fire hazard

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Dagmara H. Jan 8, 2009, 12:59pm EST

wow, thanks a lot. I will have to try this

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Doc, in the middle, holding on... Curmudgeon esq. Jan 8, 2009, 8:46pm EST

living alone I don't have those problems.. but I THINK the cats watch Jerry Springer when I am gone/

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Karen M. Jan 8, 2009, 8:49pm EST

Great article...thanks!

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Tammy F. Jan 9, 2009, 5:56am EST

Thanks for this article. I am currently experiencing the same resistance from my family. I am trying to pay off all of my small bills this year while also trying to save some cash to put my oldest son through college beginning in August. He and my husband are the ones offering the most resistance. I have been telling them for months if it kills us all I am going to get some of our bills paid off. I believe my biggest problem is the fact that I am the only person in our home that actually ever sees our bills. My husband has no clue as to what we pay out each month. The only bill he ever sees is the water bill and that is because it is so ridiculously high I always show it to him. He will now see the electric and gas bill each month as well. I have started unplugging things at night as well. We will see how well it works.

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Karen G. Jan 9, 2009, 4:06pm EST

I need to to do more turning off and unplugging. Our bill is quite a bit higher than I would like it to be.

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Tammy F. Jan 18, 2009, 8:42am EST

I have just started unplugging everything that is not being used. I am anxiously awaiting the next electric bill. I am going tomorrow to purchase a blanket (cover) for the hot water heater that is located in our basement. I hope that will make a difference as well. My electricity and my gas bill have each gone up over $100 in the past month. I have got to do something about it now and get it under control. Thanks for your tips.

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Gisela S. Jan 18, 2009, 4:22pm EST

Wait....you moved to ALASKA?????? I've been gone too long!

We are dynamic elec pinchers in the summer, when the A/C is a bonafide necessity living in the desert. I tend to fall off the wagon a bit in the winter though.

Thanks for reminding me what a difference good habits can make.

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