this wasn't in the plan |but life is still pretty good

It seems that every list I read of ways to save money starts with things like "cancel your cable", "eat at home more often", or "drive less". But what happens if you are already doing those things and still want to trim your expenses? Sometimes your normal expenses just don't leave any room for eliminating. There are still things you can do, of course, but you probably won't see any dramatic savings like you would if you had a gym membership you could cut out. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Saving just a few dollars here and there can add up over time.

Utilities

• You probably already keep your thermostat high in the summer and low in the winter, but consider adjusting it just a degree or two. Try and take advantage of cool, breezy mornings or evenings and open windows (while the a/c is off, of course). If you don't have a programmable thermostat, consider buying one and see if your electric company offers any rebates for doing so.


• Even if you do just pay for basic cable, you may be able to get rid of that. David at My Two Dollars put together a great list of alternatives to cable.


• Are you getting the best prices possible? I recently switched to Qwest's price for life guarantee, which did mean I had to agree to a two year contract, but my monthly bill is less than it was before we committed.


• Put up a clothesline in the backyard and try line drying just a few loads of laundry a week.

• When planning your menu, throw in at least one meatless meal a week, or at least make many meals where meat isn't the main dish (for example, spaghetti with a meat sauce).


• Drink more water and less juice, milk, and soda.


• Make your own cleaning supplies. Lynnae at Being Frugal has a great list of basic homemade products.

• Combining errands can be difficult with young ones in tow because they can only handle so much and everything always seems to take twice as long. I often send my husband on quick trips during his lunch break, or maybe I'll have him stop by the store on his way home from work. Always be on the lookout for ways to combine errands and you'll find them.


• Challenge yourself to go longer between fill ups. If you regularly fill up every week, try and go eight days. Things always pop up that you can't avoid, but you'll be surprised at how much just being aware of how long it's been since your last fill up can help you conserve your gas.


• Being home all day with my kids can get tiresome. This summer I'm really trying to focus on doing things closer to home. Whereas we used to hang out at the mall a lot in the play area, now I try and visit playgrounds closer to home, take advantage of our backyard, or invite some friends over.