Go green cut costs
Utility costs are not set in stone, even if you can't change how much the utility company charges you. The following is a look at how going green can help you cut costs and thus save monthly in order to be able to put more toward your cash reserve:
Some changes do require investments that will pay over time, such as new energy-efficient air conditioners or windows. But many practices, big and small, have no up-front costs and can still save you money.
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The first thing you should do in order to become more energy efficient is to call your local utility company and ask for a free energy audit. They will be able to recommend improvements and ways to reduce your costs. Sometimes they do not offer this service for free, but many times they do. If they do not offer the service for free, ask about the cost. If it could save you 20-30% of your energy bill each month, freeing that money up to go to your cash reserve, it would be worth it.
Some of the areas in your home where you can generally become more energy efficient are as follows:
Thermostat: use a programable thermostat so that you are not wasting energy heating or cooling a home when you are not in it.
Disconnect electronics when they are not in use to avoid phantom electricity costs.
Use high-efficiency light bulbs, such as compact fluorescents. Typically, compact fluorescent lights will cost you 75 percent less to run and last 10 times as long.
Get annual checkups and check all filters for HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) to ensure you're not wasting money and energy.
Windows: Replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones is said to be able to reduce your heating and cooling costs up to 50%. Yes, new windows require an upfront investment, but if you intend to replace them anyway, or are building new, be sure to get energy star rated windows for the best possible reduction in energy costs.
Appliances: If you were to purchase Energy Star appliances, research has shown that you can cut their operating costs by as much as 30%. This is a nice chunk of change that can be put directly into your cash reserve.
Insulation: The better insulated your house is the better chance you have of keeping it cool or hot with less energy. The government is also offering rebates and programs to encourage people to add insulation to their homes and get more energy efficient.
If your monthly utilities cost you around $100, and you go green, and save yourself the average 30%, you can then put that $30 into your cash reserve.
