Prices of fuel along with our daily necessities are rising. It is becoming that more difficult for us to pay the utility bills on time. How are you managing your finances to pay the utility bills? Share the ways that you have devised to pay your utility bills on time.
Sub: #1 posted on Mon, 08/04/2008 - 02:46
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Sub: #2 posted on Mon, 08/04/2008 - 06:50
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Sub: #3 posted on Mon, 08/04/2008 - 08:09
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Made a list of all the weeks errands and try to make only a few trips to save on gas
Set our thermostat higher and closed off rooms we don't use. We also caulked around windows and doors since we live in an older house.
Bought a pull-down window blind for our front window outside, to keep out the West sun
Cut out going to the show, and even renting movies for a while. We got together with some friends and now we all share each others movies. This has saved us rental fees.
We don't water our lawn now. The heat has burned alot of it up anyhow and alot of it will come back. I do occasionally water my shrubs and roses so I won't have to buy new ones.
We cut out bottled water. Bought a pitcher that has a filter on it and we keep it in the fridge. I bought some insulated bottle-type things that we fill up when we go anywhere.
We quit going out to eat. I can buy 2 roasts and make three meals off them easliy. I have roast, carrots and potatoes one night. I shred up the rest of the roast and make hot beef sandwiches some other night and then one night I use the veggies for another dish. I make a list and stick to it at the grocery, and only allow so much time in the store to keep from impulse and looking at other things I may just pick up.
These are only a few of the ways we have been cutting down so we can pay our electric and other utilites. Our electric for this month was over $550.00, so we have to cut back. Oh yeah, the reason we aren't paying the over five hundred on electric is that I also got us on the average payments each month, as well as some of our other utilites. This way I have an idea what I will pay each month.
Sub: #4 posted on Mon, 08/04/2008 - 09:18
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Sub: #5 posted on Mon, 08/04/2008 - 09:31
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First, I sat down with my husband and explained our financial situation with him thoroughly. The other adults in the home need to be fully aware so they can more clearly understand the situation.
Second, we both sat down with my daughter and explained WHY we need to conserve, and that she is just as much a part of saving money and resources as we are. The little things like turning the lights out when leaving a room, keeping the door shut when the AC is running, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, not washing clothes unless they are dirty, et cetera. Explain which utilities are expensive and which are more economical. Maybe the stove takes longer but costs less than the microwave? Does the thermostadt REALLY have to be 70 degrees? Does the computer and TV ALWAYS have to be on? Unplug appliances. Wash laundry before going to bed, or first thing in the morning. So much can be with conservation, being frugal, and doing without rather than causing yourselves a bigger problem down the road.
Once all of the members of the household are on board with the goals, you can make a game of comparing last years utilities with this years, and working on making each months or years bill being less expensive, or at least having less usage than the prior month and year.
Paying down my credit cards now will free up an emergency fund if the time comes and we simply HAVE to use that available credit to cover bills. But that is a last resort.
Actively answering paid surveys online is another "easy and free" way to earn a few dollars here and there. And posting on DebtCC of course!
Sub: #6 posted on Mon, 08/04/2008 - 12:14
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Sub: #7 posted on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 03:07
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Then I started shopping at the dicount grocery store. Aldi has been a life saver. I cut my bill by more than half by doing my shopping there. The only thing I purhcase elsewhere is some of the fresh veggies and some of the meat.
I got set up on a budget plan with the electric company and make sure my son turns off all his lights before we go anywhere and shut down the computer when I'm not using it. Looking at what you need as opposed to what you want has been helpful too. We've cut back on many extras.
Simplicity is the key to happiness. Instead of "vegging out" in front of the tv, we play card or board games, take walks, and read stories together. Many of these changes have not only helped cut my bills, but helped me lose weight too!!! :D
Sub: #8 posted on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 03:55
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Sub: #9 posted on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 10:27
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Sub: #10 posted on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 14:04
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