Ways to save the dough...

I have been trying to figure a way out of having to spend so much
money on gas and also simplifying our budget. It's easier said than
done, especially on our budget. Let's just say we are Trust the Lord
to be our provider. But. That does not mean we don't have to be good
stewards of what we have. We watch our pennies. We aren't perfect, but
seeing as this is gonna have to become a way of life, we are working
on perfecting it.

So... here are my thoughts and what we have done....

1. Plan out meals and by as much as possible in one trip. this works
best if you sit down and plan out what you and your family are eating
at least two weeks out. Include extras. Trust me... You always need
extras. Plan it so you can use Mondays left overs in Tuesdays
dinner... that way you get more bang for the buck.

2. If you have a grill, cook outside. With the temperatures up (at
least this week) it is more economical to cook outside. For us it is
cheaper to grill our dinner than to cook it in the kitchen, and it
keeps the house cooler. Plus, most husbands love to grill.. some wives
too... LOL In Tennessee it's $18 approx to get a refill on your
propane tank If you aren't in the "city" this is cheaper than going
out to eat just in gas alone.

3. Dry your clothing out on a clothes line. You save electricity or
gas from not running the dryer and your clothes get the fresh sun
dried feeling about them. Just make sure power lines aren't over where
you intend to put it... The birds could be brutal. :-)

4. Using your heating and cooling unit less is better. It is suggested
that in the winter your thermostat be set at 68 for heat and in the
summer your thermostat be set at 78 for cooling. If you have ceiling
fans it makes it easier to bear in the summer. If the heat is too
much, then obviously make it so you can tolerate it.

5. See if your local phone company has a basic package. AT&T has their
basic line at $13.30 plus tax. It beats the trumped up charges for
having extras that most of us don't even use.

6. Check with your utilities if they have a levelized billing plan or
a budget billing plan. That way you pay the same every month and if
you see it's going to balloon you can pay extra before the 12th month
is due. Typically the budget billing has 11 months at the same charge
then the 12th month is the difference in cost.

7. Turn it off! If you aren't currently using it turn it off. Turn
your lights out and unplug your appliances including your cell phone
charger. Even when not in use they use some energy.

8. Wash your laundry in cold water when possible. It saves the water
heater from having to heat the water.

9. Grow your own veggies! They taste better home grown and most of the
time you end up with more than enough.

10. Consolidate. If you need to drive into town or run to the store,
wait and take care of as many things as possible at the same time.

11. Buy stamps. Mail your utility bills in or pay online. Saves gas and time.

12. Stay home and get closer with the kids. They will complain at
first but when you start having fun and bonding they will enjoy it.
When was the last time you played a game of tag?

Hope these tips are helpful! Do you have any tips? Let me know and I
will add them.

--
Faith Johnson
www.ParentsForChrist.com ~ Christian Parenting
www.HeavenInOurHearts.com ~ Our Family Site
www.HeavenInOurHearts.com/benji ~ Benji's Broken Heart

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be
the peace of thy children. Isaiah 54:13