Here is how you can slash your monthly bills.
Are your monthly bills too high? In these tough times consumers are tightening their belts and giving up what were once thought of as necessities. Here are some of the things you can easily live without to lower your monthly bills.
Slash Monthly Bills By Giving Up Cable Or Paid Satellite TV
You can live without cable, even if you have kids. Check your local library for free movies on DVD and garage sales for VHS movies on tape for pennies each. In most cities there are many over the air channels that are free. If your TV is older you may need a converter box. These allow older analog TV’s to pick up new digital over the air broadcasts. You may need an outside antenna, depending on where your local transmitters are located. Another option is to try a FTA or free to air satellite dish. FTA dishes pick up free satellite channels and have no monthly fees, ever. Free to air dishes are very popular in the rest of the world but have only recently begun to become popular in the United States. With a free to air dish costing less than $300 you can pick up literally hundreds of channels from around the world. For more on free to air dishes see: How To Get Free Satellite TV
Slash Monthly Bills By Cutting Electricity Use
One of the cheapest ways you can slash your electricity bill is to use a programmable thermostat and also lower your thermostat in winter and raise the temperature in summer. You can stay comfortable in winter by wearing warm shoes and a warm shirt and in summer you can use box fans and ceiling fans to make your home seem cooler. Using weather stripping around doors and windows is a cheap way to reduce energy use. Replacing your incandescent bulbs is another. Keep air conditioner filters clean and make sure your heater or air conditioner has an annual checkup for efficiency. Turn down your hot water heater and use cold-water detergent to wash clothes.
Shop Warehouse Grocery Stores To Slash Your Monthly Budget
Shop discount stores like Costco for the foods that your family eats. Bigger portions cost less and you can buy large sizes and then re-package food into smaller containers. Check for coupons and offers. Warehouse grocery stores can tempt you to spend more so be sure to buy only what you need.
Get Rid Of Broadband To Slash Your Monthly Budget
You may have to use dial up Internet service until you get back on your feet. You can save as much as 2/3 by using dial up. Also, to pick up free Internet consider a long range USB type wireless card and outside antenna. These can often pick up unencrypted WiFi and community wireless Internet. You may also be able to share wireless broadband Internet with your neighbor for half of their monthly bill. For how to get free broadband Internet by using outdoor antennas see. How To Pick Up Free WiFi With Long Range Antennas
To slash your monthly budget you should keep track of how you spend each dime. Write down a list of your monthly expenses, even the very small ones. Cut out anything you can live without, such as magazine subscriptions and premium phone features like call waiting. Find cheaper sources for things like haircuts, dentistry, car repair, etc.
Use Family As A Resource To Slash Monthly Bills
You may be able to save on things like meat by going in with family. Check for a local butcher for bulk meat prices. Barter or pay your family or friends for services that they can perform. For example, you might trade lawn mowing for plumbing services from a friend or family member who is a plumber.
For more ways to cut your monthly budget see: More Ways To Slash Your Monthly Bills
